#STUDENTFARMER - JANUARY 2020 by STUDENT FARMER

THE ENTERTAINMENT EDITION

JANUARY 2020

JAN 2020

NATIONAL FARMERS’ UNION PRESENTS

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AREAS Music, film, festivals and entertainment brought to you by farmers

GETTING IN

Tips for new entrants getting into farming

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WHAT’S YOUR BEEF?

University students put meat back on the menu

02/01/2020 10:48:04

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PAM ASTUDIO YN LLYSFASI? • Defnyddiwch ein cyfleuster llaethdy sy’n werth miliynau • Arhoswch yn ein llety ar y safle • Mae gennym ystod eang o gyrsiau ar gyfer pob lefel • Gweithiwch gyda’n fflyd helaeth o gerbydau, tractorau, peiriannau ac offer y tir modern

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WHY STUDY AT LLYSFASI? • Use our multi million pound dairy facility • Stay in our on-site accommodation • We have a wide range of courses to suit all levels • Work with our extensive fleet of modern vehicles, tractors, field machinery and equipment Rydym yn gweithio gyda chyflogwyr byd-eang We work with global employers

WWW.CAMBRIA.AC.UK | 0300 30 30 007 18/12/2019 09:41:14

#CONTENTS

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NETFLIX AND TILL LORD MAYOR’S SHOW THE MUSIC MAN FROM NOT-SO-FAR AWAY YOUNG FARMERS FESTIVAL OPEN FARM SUNDAY STORIES WHAT IS NET ZERO, ANYWAY? HOW CAN YOU SAVE THE PLANET? TEACHING THE EDUCATORS ABOUT BEEF THE RED SHEPHERDESS ON STARTING OUT FARMING WITH YOUR MIND FOOD ETHICS AND ETHICAL FOOD GET YOUR TENANCY, GET YOUR FARM NEW SCIENTIST LIVE WITH THE NFU GRADUATE PROGRAMME COOK BRITISH FOR FOUR, FOR JUST £20 PLAYING FOOTSIE WITH NEW WALKERS PLANTING TREES

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

PUBLISHED BY: NFU, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ FILLED WITH WORDS BY: Huw Hopkins, Orla McIlduff, Tom Sales, Sioned Davies, Anna Hunt, Abi Reader, Jo Travis, Gethin Johnson, Katie Smith, JJ Macleod, Poppy Burrough DESIGNED BY: John Cottle TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT: Alan Brown alan.brown@nfu.org.uk CONTACT: studentfarmer@nfu.org.uk /StudentFarmer @studentfarmer @studentfarmer

When looking through a list of movies for this edition of #StudentFarmer, I was surprised at how many scary films are based out in the countryside: Children Of The Corn, 1922, In The Tall Grass and even A Country Wedding depict the isolated location of the farm as creepy places, when in fact they are probably full of welcoming families. This is why we wanted to highlight some of the good TV and movies we’ve come across – as well as music and other entertainment – to highlight the positive ways in which farming can entertain you. We have put our Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors to work since introducing them in the September issue of the magazine. In the following pages, you will read their thoughts on achieving net-zero in agriculture by 2040, representing the NFU at New Scientist Live and the Lord Mayor’s Show, as well as feeding a large house on £20 using British ingredients. As the year 2020 kicks off, it’s typically a time when we all set targets, make resolutions and plan to lose weight – that Christmas dinner still brings back glorious memories, though, right? But the NFU is doubling down on work it started in previous years, especially around looking after your mental health and staying safe on farm. With suicide being one of the leading causes of death for young men and the rate increasing for young women, as well as agriculture being the most dangerous industry to work in, at #StudentFarmer magazine, we want to help you look after yourself. While the coming months are still dark and people can feel low, we have put together some advice on staying positive. You can read The Red Shepherdess Hannah Jackson offer some tips on this, and some advice on breaking into the industry as well. Happy New Year to you all! Huw Hopkins Editor, #StudentFarmer January 2020

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02/01/2020 13:58:20

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18/12/2019 09:53:40

#NETFLIXANDTILL

NETFLIX AND TILL

Pop-up cinemas on farm are all the rage, so #StudentFarmer took a look at some of the best ag-based shows and films

armers are always looking at new ways to be innovative with their land and Warwick Royden, a director of Skylight Cinema, believes the British public’s love of the outdoors and sociable nature has contributed to the rise in popularity of outdoor cinema events. He said: “Farmers have the space to run such events. They often have the parking, plus some perfect backdrops for providing the paying public with unforgettable experiences. “If you’ve got the right offering, people will travel, but whatever you do, marketing is vital. There’s no point investing time and money into an enterprise if you’re not going to promote it. “Customer expectations are very high these days – and people are very conscious of how they spend their money – so whatever you do, you’ve got to be on top of your game,” added Warwick. If you can’t turn your farm into an outdoor cinema at the moment, fear not, there is still plenty of good farm-based content on Netflix to enjoy a cosy night in during the winter months.

The Biggest Little Farm

Peter and the Farm

The Ranch

I Bought A Farm

This is a bright, colourful documentary and an inspirational story of a couple who want to leave city living behind and create a farmed utopia that supports its own ecosystem. There are ups and downs, and John and Molly Chester face extreme weather, wildfires and other challenges. However, the heartwarming tale of someone who just wanted to cook with the best products possible, and a couple making a promise to their dog, is inspirational for aspirational farmers.

This raw documentary from 2018 follows the bizarre character of Peter Dunning. After three wives and four children have left him and the farm, he becomes a drunkard and a loner who has a love-hate relationship with the land he works. It shows the struggles of mental health and has a handful of light-hearted moments, but also shows the gruelling realities of being a farmer. Fascinating and thought-provoking, but not for the feint-hearted.

A pretty solid cast – including Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliot (a legendary actor from A Star Is Born, The Big Lebowski and Road House) as well as Danny Masterson from That 70s Show, and Jack Bauer’s daughter in 24 Elisha Cuthbert – make up the story about a failing American football player who returns home to the family ranch, despite his and his family’s reluctance. This sometimes funny and occasionally heartfelt sitcom is actually pretty good and has had a decent run.

Coming soon to Amazon Prime, Jeremy Clarkson takes one small step away from cars and one giant leap into British farming. Having acquired 1,000 acres in Oxfordshire, the NFU has been working with the Grand Tour presenter to help him traverse the countryside while he tries to “make thousands of tonnes of beer and bread, and vegetable oil and lamb chops and jumpers”. He might not be everyone’s favourite person, but Clarkson makes entertaining television.

January 2020

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02/01/2020 13:55:17

#LORDMAYORSSHOW

FARMING ON THE ‘PERFECT PLATFORM’

FOOD FROM THE NFU FLOAT MADE 5,000 MEALS FOR CHARITY

The Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme hit the streets of London to promote the importance of food and farming at the Lord Mayor’s Show

armers took to the City of London for the Lord Mayor’s Show to showcase the best of British food that they produce. This year’s procession featured a Massey Ferguson towing a British farmers market stall, stocked full of fresh, seasonal produce including apples and pears, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, cabbages and carrots as well as cereals, bread, cheeses and milk. The food from the stall was later donated to the City Harvest charity, which supports 300 organisations across London, providing meals to vulnerable people including homeless shelters for the elderly and refuges for women experiencing violence. NFU Vice-President Stuart Roberts said: “We are pleased to be able to support the Worshipful Company of Farmers for the sixth year. At the heart of our entry is great

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British food, and it is more important than ever that the general public get behind the nation’s food producers. The parade provides us with a perfect platform to share our enthusiasm for food and farming with the thousands of visitors on the streets of London and the millions watching on television and to encourage them to back British farming. “The 10 young farmer ambassadors representing the NFU all share my passion – playing a vital role in producing

JJ MCLEOD

It was a real privilege to represent the British farming industry at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London. The show provided us with a great opportunity to showcase the best of British by pulling a flat bed trailer transformed into a market stall, which was filled with British produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, a range of dairy products and a selection of packaged products. The trailer was a real spectacle, pulled by a Massey Ferguson tractor that tied in our headline message for consumers to back British farming by looking for the Red Tractor logo when out shopping. My personal highlight of the day was being able to engage with the public, and the support from the crowd for our float was incredibly positive as we walked along the route. As the show concluded, we packed up the produce from the float into a van, which was then donated to City Harvest London for distribution food to those who need it most. This wrapped up a fantastic day that I will look back upon very fondly.

January 2020

02/01/2020 10:48:42

#LORDMAYORSSHOW POPPY BURROUGH

The Surrey Docks Farm comprises a range of animals from goats and cows, to geese and bees. It was great to see how they taught all the local community where their food came from in a sustainable and educational manner. They interact with people of all ages and host school visits and training projects for adults with learning disabilities. For a 2.2-acre site, they squeeze a lot in. We had a great meal hosted by Massey Ferguson, where we got to meet some of their team, as well as the Master, Senior Warden and the Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, who would be on parade with us the next day. Saturday bought an ideal sunny morning, ready for a busy day ahead. The Massey 8740s was dressed as a market stall, stocked with an impressive range of British food. The smaller Massey was set for the Lady Mayoress to lead the parade with, a first for the 804-year tradition. The whole Worshipful Company of Farmers display was incredible, and it showed the huge range of food that British farmers produce to more than a quarter-of-a-million people. There was such a positive reaction from the people on the streets. There was a great amount of interaction with the public, who loved giving high fives and cheering for British farming. As a team, we shared the message of Back British Farming. I would definitely say that the Lord Mayor’s Show is hands down one of the best things I’ve taken part of since being involved, and there is no better people to spend the weekend with.

“THEY INTERACT WITH PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND HOST SCHOOL VISITS AND TRAINING PROJECTS FOR ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES” safe, traceable and affordable food.” Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers David Bolton said: “The Lord Mayor’s Show is a brilliant way to celebrate all that is good about British industries and we’re proud to represent farming to the thousands who attend. Massey Ferguson’s Lindsay Haddon said the company was “especially proud” to have the Lady Mayoress lead the parade driving one of its tractors. The London-based Surrey Docks Farm joined the parade after the NFU visited it one day before. Its manager, Gemma Hooper, said: “The Surrey Docks Farm has a long-standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers and is thrilled to be invited to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show.”

January 2020

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02/01/2020 10:48:52

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#LANDOFSONG

LAND OF SONG

From touring the world with a band to releasing his first solo album, Welsh farmer Tom Jenkins tells Huw Hopkins how important farming has been to his music career

om Jenkins rode a wave of success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, which saw his band Straight Lines play stages alongside Motorhead, The Automatic and Frank Turner while releasing two albums on Xtra Mile Recordings and performing at the likes of the Hammersmith Apollo, SXSW in the United States, and numerous festivals around the UK. He said: “Things didn’t work out but it never stopped me making music.” When the volume was being turned down on his music career, Tom took some time out to work abroad before settling down.

“THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS A BIT LIKE FARMING... THERE’S A LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY.” He said: “I started writing the album around 2015. I was working in New Zealand, shearing and shepherding on merino stations. I thought, ‘I probably don’t need to play guitar again’, but I was in the middle of nowhere, so I went and bought one. My girlfriend was back home in Wales, and it was hard holding together the relationship. There’s a few songs inspired by my life out there, some representing Pontypridd in Wales, and Tom Jones, it was all good fun.”

BACK ON FARM

Tom returned to Wales and got back to work. He now farms 520 acres with his father, running 900 ewes – Texel ram over Welsh mule – along with 45 suckler cows with calf, and the duo have turned 40 acres into woodland and another field into a solar and wildlife habitat to do their bit in achieving net zero. He said: “We’re in daunting times, but it’s also exciting to see where it’s going to go. Farming is a challenge. You might have to rebuild your whole structure. My grandfather bought this farm in the 1930s or 1940s, so I’m only the third generation, and my father’s doubled the size of the farm. When it’s my turn, I want to keep that going. I’m not going to pack it in. It’s about sustaining what we’ve got.”

He has a similar approach to other potential problems facing the industry – “There’s obviously a big vegan movement but the reality of life and what’s posted on the internet are two different things” – including the biggest one of all. Tom said: “With Brexit, there’s a level of uncertainty, but my dad and I have made the decision to keep pushing on, we don’t want to drop on the numbers. We were talking about lambing outdoors, because lambing 700 ewes indoors in March has high costs and high input with bedding and feeding. We thought about investing in and improving the pasture, so we can lamb outside and reduce the costs, but we’ll see how it goes. We’re looking to cut our costs down in terms of fertiliser and feed, and farm more efficiently in case the subsidy is cut considerably, which could happen. “I think it’s a weird time to be in farming, but people who farm the land are resilient. You have to take pride in that. It’s a way of life.”

Lines. He said: “It has to be as enjoyable as possible. It can’t be too serious. This has been a really great, fun project. I got back to the UK and had all these songs but didn’t do anything for a few years. “My friend Elijah Ford is a producer, who has toured with The Killers and worked with Ryan Bingham, and produced some really big albums. So he spearheaded it all, even though he was 4,000 miles away in the States.” The importance of playing for fun has been instilled in Tom since he was young, and he has farming to thank: “I was involved with the Young Farmers’ Club and it was a good foundation in my life to give me the confidence to do things. I really enjoyed the stock judging side of things, and that’s when I played my first ever gig with young farmers. It was a good laugh when you got to hang out with the local group. I’ve been to some big festivals in my life but I think the Royal Welsh is probably the wildest place.”

A WAY OF LIFE

It has been a busy few years for Tom since he returned from New Zealand. He has set up a shearing business and personally handles 7,000 sheep each summer. The album was put together during the quieter months but this busy way of working is not entirely different to his more successful years – “we’d play a festival and I’d drive back and shear 200 sheep the next day”. Running a solo project can be a little more stressful, but when Tom is working with a backing band, his priorities remain the same as when he was with Straight

Listen to Tom’s albums on Spotify •

2 019 Tom Jenkins, Misery In Comfort

•

2 012 Straight Lines, Freaks Like Us

•

2 010 Straight Lines, Persistence In This Game

January 2020

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#FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL SZN

The Wurzels will appear at the first ever young farmer-dedicated

festival this summer, and tickets are available now

o musical act in the history of all music ever has captured the hearts and minds of the farming community like one group. And that is why The Wurzels were the first group that the Young Farmers Festival wanted to sign as a headline act for the event’s opening day. Between 19-21 June, the Offchurch Bury Estate in Leamington Spa will host three stages, a Wolf Run, a rugby pitch, as well as a trading and shopping area, plus camping and great food and drink. It will be the first time a music festival has catered directly to young farmers, and is putting on quite the line-up of acts. Performers from rural communities and YFC constituencies have been approached, and the likes of Spilt Milk Society, The Good Water, The Singing Farmer, as well as DJ Pasty and DJ Paul O’Brien will offer something for everyone’s musical tastes. On top of that, the Island Paradise Stage on Saturday night will also have a 80s-90s Cheese fancy dress theme. The Main Stage and the Urban Escape Stage will also be packed with acts, totalling 60 performances throughout the three days.

you prefer and you will also be able to camp for one night. The full weekend ticket means you can roam as you please throughout. Weekend tickets cost £150, while YFC members will benefit from a £25 discount, with a percentage going to your local YFC group. Friday tickets are £40 while Saturday and Sunday are £80 each. There will be several bars around the arena to purchase alcohol and soft drinks, but you will also be able to bring your own refreshments to the campsite and there will be free, clean drinking water

available all weekend. The food will be handpicked by Farmers Weekly, which is organising the festival, and the magazine will ensure all products are affordable, and most importantly, tasty! There will also be showers and toilets, as well as welfare and medical tents open 24 hours each day. To secure your tickets, visit www.fwi.co.uk/ms/events/youngfarmers-festival/tickets/

TICKETS

A single-day ticket will give you full access to the main arena for the day and evening

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January 2020

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18/12/2019 09:54:22

#OPENFARMSUNDAY

STORY TIME ON FARM NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chairman Abi Reader believes in the power of opening up your farm and telling stories as a way of entertainment – with no better time than Open Farm Sunday

f I had £1 every time a farmer said to me that we’ve become disconnected from the public, I’d have a cow stuffed with cash. So why aren’t we doing something about it? We have a responsibility to support our industry. We need to stop the misunderstandings, the myths and the untruths. It’s easy to ask why, especially as there are a number of people who can tell stories on our behalf, but, really, the best ones come from us. That’s because they come from the heart. It’s about creating that good vibe around farming. It’s about positive association. What matters is when they are in a supermarket or a restaurant and they will look for a British or a local logo – because they visited a farm, just like yours.

“PEOPLE WHO COME ARE NOT FARMERS. THEY LIVE IN CITIES OR SUBURBS AND EVEN SEEING BIG FIELDS AND CROPS GROWING IS A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE FOR THEM” We have hosted LEAF Open Farm Sunday several times, but it was quite frightening opening our gates on that first occasion – what would we say? But people who come are not farmers. They live in cities or suburbs and even seeing big fields and crops growing is a whole new experience for them. People will love your stories. Our old stone barn prompts stories about our

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family and the history, and between the barn, the calving yard and baby calves, in just a few square metres alone we can fill 20 minutes, and more if there are plenty of questions. Arm yourself with props – smelly silage, cow cake, or a loaf of bread – they give you something to talk about, and don’t be worried about what to say as you are talking about something you know well. But here’s a tip: watch the jargon. After my first time, I think people went home thinking my cows had birthday cake. It’s not always natural for farmers to

put themselves out there but people are generally positive. The LEAF ticketing service means you can control numbers via online booking – so it could be for as few as 20 people but you may change the thinking or habits of visitors – all for the price of hiring a portable toilet. Six months after our first time, I was on a train to London and two children asked if I was the ‘cow lady’. Their mother said that they’d been to the farm and had a fantastic time that, and from that day on, her kids always made her buy British food. It was at that point I realised how important LEAF Open Farm Sunday is.

Each year, 1,000s of people look to NFU members for entertainment at Open Farm Sunday. It takes place in June and sees farms all over the UK welcome the general public. The NFU supplies resource packs to Farmer & Grower members taking part ahead of the event, but Student & Young Farmer members can do their bit by encouraging their employers, colleges or universities to get involved in 2020. NFU Vice-President Stuart Roberts said: “When farmers engage with the Set up interactive stations where the public, people can see for themselves public can handle farming produce the care and attention to detail that goes into producing quality nutritious food and the high levels of animal welfare that can be seen on UK farms. At the same time people can see how we manage soils, water and habitats for wildlife. Having opened my farm on a number of occasions, I can only say I find the experience very positive and powerful.” More than 360 farms opened up their gates to the general public last year, making it one of the most popular Open Farm Sundays since it began in 2006.

January 2020

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#NETZERO

YOUNG FARMERS BUY IN TO NET ZERO

The UK Next Generation Conference showed how future farmers can tackle climate change

he farmers of the future will hold a vital role in reducing the effects of climate change. And an NFU event proved that with fresh thinking and the right support they can rise to the challenge. Of more than 60 young farmers from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland brought together by the NFU for a UK Next Generation Conference, only 35% went into the conference believing agriculture could reach net zero. However, after animated discussions and workshops that explored ideas to reach the NFU’s 2040 target, just 9% believed achieving net zero wasn’t possible. The NFU’s Climate Change Adviser Ceris Jones highlighted three pillars to reach carbon neutrality: productivity, carbon storage and renewables. She tasked the group with preparing a Net Zero Roadmap for their own business, and said: “Everyone is starting in a different place and has different challenges to overcome. This is a national aspiration, not an expectation on every farmer. Businesses need to be challenged and it’s up to the next generation to lead the way.” NFU President Minette Batters told the conference: “We should all be looking at making our farms more efficient. I am

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Workshops discussed how young farmers can help meet the NFU’s net zero targets going to continue to benchmark to hold my business accountable. Am I investing enough? Am I being efficient enough? “At a time when 16-year-old Greta Thurnberg is being welcomed to the UN Climate Summit and marches and protests are going on around the world, the spotlight is on farming, and especially the next generation, to be ambitious when coming up with solutions.” Most delegates cited funding as the major barrier to achieving net zero, but they listed a variety of measurements to reach the target, including renewable

energy, benchmarking, carbon storage, and having a ‘productive revolution’. The conference took place one day after the UN Climate Summit, and followed the NFU’s publication of its Net Zero Report. The organisation also produced an environment report last year to look at the different ways farming contributes to looking after Britain’s countryside. With this range of information shared, the delegates left the NFU feeling more optimistic about the reducing their impact on climate change and more hopeful for the future of British farming.

January 2020

02/01/2020 10:49:20

#NETZERO

WhatsApp with net zero? The NFU’s Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors discuss net zero targets How do you guys feel about reaching net zero in farming by 2040? Do you think it’s possible?

George Biss Yes, I do. If not entirely, I think we can make a huge difference. It would be a challenge, but we’re too far down the line of climate change for it to be easy. Wales may already be net zero? But the South East might not be, and even though balancing each other out might be a lovely idea, individuals within the industry have to champion it at their own level.

Georgina Barratt I agree. It’s a massive challenge but you’ve got to try and get there, even if you don’t, it’s still an improvement on where we are.

Dan Wells I also think it would take an industry-wide approach to get anywhere near achieving it. If there’s 10% at the bottom not willing to change, then that’s going to have an impact. It will also require a huge chance in practice, which I’m sure will carry on being met with negativity down the line. I think it needs incentivising.

Harry Madin There are big changes going on around us, but it’s doing more hard than good. Government bodies and the local water board are reducing sheep numbers by up to 40% in some areas. For one of the most carbon neutral sectors, it’s unfair that we are being forced to reduce flock sizes that cannot be replaced. What else can be reduced in terms of carbon while still contributing the same amount into the economy? Agricultural production might sometimes be a second thought.

Gethin Johnson If we don’t meet the target by a set date, with all the initiatives and projects in place, even if it was a small amount each year, the marginal gains will add up over the years

Sioned Davies Climate change is the biggest threat to our generation, so we’re going to have to be ambitious, even if by 2040 we have just started with developing genetics, surely that’s better than sitting back and doing nothing?

Poppy Burrough If machinery legislation keeps being updated, I don’t see why we can’t get closer to net zero. Stage 5 machines will bring a big decrease, but you have to think about how long it’ll take new tractors to get into circulation – not every farmer is going to buy a new machine. Just because manufacturers meet legislation doesn’t mean farmers have to, especially the old school boys with machines puffing a load of black smoke but new technology and ideas are always around the corner. If they can manufacture electric teletruks and diggers, why not look at bigger vehicles and other renewable sources? The most dangerous phrase in our language is “that’s the we’ve always done it”.

JJ Macleod There will have to be an greater focus on renewable energy that won’t sit well due to an increasing population needing food. GM crops and vertical farming are likely to have to come into affect. Farmers will need an incentive.

Sophie Thornton In the livestock sector, the work on breeds and emphasis on EBVs, such as using Aberfield Tups for replacement ewes or increasing the feed conversion ratio already contribute to achieving net zero. I don’t see why we can’t.

January 2020

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#EDUCATION

AN EDUCATION, NOT A LECTURE

Taking meat off the menu? Not on our watch! Representatives from top universities heard how the UK livestock industry can contribute to sustainable, healthy and climate-friendly diets. Features Editor Orla McIlduff reports

ith recent reports that several highprofile universities have removed beef and lamb from their campus menus in a bid to reduce their carbon footprints, the NFU held a summit to challenge ‘simplistic’ climate assumptions. The NFU is determined to demonstrate that these bans don’t take into consideration where and how the meat is produced, and are, therefore, too generalised an approach. A climate-friendly livestock seminar, chaired by NFU President Minette Batters, allowed experts from universities and the food industry have their say on the environmental impact of British meat production. Minette said: “The world is crying out for a leader in sustainable food production and British farmers are ready

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to take this opportunity. We are already producing some of the most climatefriendly beef and lamb in the world, with our beef production currently 2.5 times more efficient than the global average. What’s more, our farmers are working towards net zero across the whole of British agriculture. “As this event has made clear, food sustainability is a complex issue. We need to consider the wider implications of our diets, look at the nuances of the metrics used to determine climate and environmental impact, and question the sourcing of all of our food, not just our meat products. For universities, the question they should be asking is not whether they should be serving meat or not, but where has it been produced, and to what environmental and animal welfare standards?”

BEHIND THE SCIENCE

Experts from the University of Oxford and Rothamsted Institute shared their views on climate friendly meat production. And Dr Michelle Cain, a science and policy research associate at the University of Oxford, explained about the science that drives global warming. She said: “Livestock farming is a source and a sink of emissions and this means we can do something about it. But there are lots of pieces to the puzzle about how we’re going to limit emissions.” She emphasised that methane and carbon dioxide cannot be treated in the same way. To limit global warming, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide must be reduced to net zero, while methane should decline but doesn’t need to reach net zero. Professor Michael Lee, the head of sustainable agriculture sciences at Rothamstead Research Institute, said: “We haven’t been great to our planet. But we need to be careful when we use global averages... and think about how the food is produced, where it’s produced and the type of production system. Also, we need to count the nutritional quality. A kilogram of beef is not the same as a kilogram of peas. “It’s extremely complex, especially when you’re looking at substituting plant-based food for livestock-based foods.”

A STUDENT’S VIEW From Georgina Barratt

NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Georgina Barratt attended the event. Following an undergraduate degree in agriculture, she is now a PhD student at the University of Nottingham, where she recently contacted the university Vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West and urged her to accept the NFU’s invitation. Georgina said: “I strongly believe that university representatives at the highest levels should understand the global picture when it comes to achieving net zero and the standards of UK livestock production. I want to feel that this institution, at which I have spent six years, listens to and values scientific evidence when it comes to affordable, nutritious and climate friendly catering on its campuses.”

January 2020

02/01/2020 10:49:45

#EDUCATION

“THE WORLD IS CRYING OUT FOR A LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION AND BRITISH FARMERS ARE READY TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY. SUSTAINABILITY IS A COMPLEX ISSUE” Minette Batters, NFU President

ON THE FARM

James Evans from Shropshire farms beef and sheep on 900 acres and explained how, due to a request from a new landlord, he recently changed his system to organic and does a lot of regenerative agriculture. He said: “I did a lot of research and travelled around, and had a mind-shift. We now farm from the soil up. I feel proud to be farming in a way that’s part of the solution to climate change. “What I would say to all educational establishments here is do question the food you’re buying. British food is produced to among the highest standards in the world.”

ETHICS, SCIENCE AND PEOPLE

British Nutrition Foundation Director General Professor Judy Buttriss believes in a nutritionally balanced diet. She said at the conference: “Healthy eating is much more than sugar and calorie intake. We’re getting more than a quarter of our iron, almost half our calcium and more than half our zinc from animal-derived foods. If people are taking the decision to take those things out of their diet, it is possible to put together a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, but you need to get a bit more information.” NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Dan Wells said: “Within the public sphere there’s actually relatively little knowledge about the environmental and nutritional benefits of the production of red meat. “It was great to see universities so

“IT’S GREAT TO SEE FARMERS WORKING WITH THE LAND TO PRODUCE MEAT AND DOING IT REALLY WELL – INCREASING BIODIVERSITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY, AS WELL AS THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THEIR COWS”

Dr Ellie Atkins, lecturer of Biological Sciences at Staffordshire University

receptive and wanting to “IT WAS GREAT TO SEE be better informed so they UNIVERSITIES SO RECEPTIVE can make the right choices AND WANTING TO BE BETTER for them when it comes to INFORMED SO THEY CAN MAKE their food, and pass on this THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR THEM knowledge to their students.” WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR FOOD, Dr Ellie Atkins, a lecturer AND PASS ON THIS KNOWLEDGE of Biological Sciences at TO THEIR STUDENTS” Staffordshire University, Dan Wells said: “As someone who NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador educates students on sustainable food, managing land and biodiversity, it was really bolder and more conversations. I think interesting to hear an array of experts we’ve kept sustainable production in a box share their knowledge and views. and if we’re going to live sustainably, we “It’s great to see farmers working with have to connect the dots. the land to produce meat and doing “It’s going to be challenging, but it’s in it really well – increasing biodiversity, each and every one of our interests. The productivity and profitability, as well as points that our speakers made about an the health and welfare of their cows. The integrated system, science, innovation and event has reinforced my view that we can technology mean we’re going to change have livestock farming here in Britain, we things up. And I think if we all try and can encourage biodiversity and we can source British, we can make a difference produce sustainable food. We know British on a world stage.” meat is produced to high environmental and animal welfare standards, we just need WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? to keep championing these.” Since the conference, the University of NFU President Minette Batters East Anglia has reversed its decision to concluded by saying: “Climate change is ban beef. Students said that it was “wrong the challenge of our time. We have set and undemocratic” to have made the out to be the most sustainable producers decision without consulting the rest of the in the world. There is a real opportunity university or holding a referendum. here because the world is crying out for However, the NFU was disappointed to sustainable production.” learn a levy would still be added to “We’ve learned today that this is any beef products sold on the complex issue. My constant focus is, ‘how university's campuses. do I do better?’ And what I’m so excited about is, through the lens of climate Has your uni banned beef change, we have the opportunity to do products? Let us know what it differently and we as farmers have the you've been doing to promote British opportunity to be the solution. livestock farming on campus by “I hope this will be the start of bigger, tweeting @studentfarmer January 2020

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18/12/2019 09:55:06

#NEWENTRANTS

he repetitive squawking of a peacock wakes you up. You pull off the paper thin blanket and fold it up in to the hard couch, which creates enough room to pull out the drawers for a pair of fresh, cold socks that you mother washed over the weekend. But now, you are back in your caravan, 150 miles north of the warm bed at your parents’ house, and that bloody peacock is still squawking.

This was the life Hannah Jackson led for nine months when she first started farming seven years ago. She grew up in Wirral, a densely populated part of Liverpool, but loved animals more than anything and was due to study a Masters in Marine Biology before deciding land-based creatures were the way to go. She said: “I gave myself a year to really get into the industry, and I thought ‘if I can’t do it in a year, it’ll be tricky after that’, because I was working for free for the first nine months – the bank account took a hit.

“FARMING IS SUCH A TIGHT COMMUNITY. YOU ASK FOR HELP, MANY HANDS WILL REACH OUT TO YOU, BUT TRYING TO BREAK INTO THAT COMMUNITY IN THE FIRST PLACE IS REALLY HARD.” “I’d never worked on a commercial farm before and I was telling people that I wanted to be taken seriously. I just kind of expected to walk in and everything to be OK, but farming is such a tight community. You ask for help, many hands will reach out to you, but trying to break into that community in the first place is really hard.” Persistence paid off. Hannah swapped work for board and lodgings, travelled all over the county and beyond, learned to breed, shear and handle, and also learned how to manage flocks using dogs. She said: “The guy that took me on, David Scrimgeour, was the most patient farmer in the world. I was in the way for ages until I learned how to act around a farm animal, but he taught me how to train dogs, and got me my first dog for my 21st birthday. Fraser has been my best pal ever since.” Fraser is a cheeky border collie who loves attention. As soon as he and Hannah have passed the farm gate, he’s itching to

SEEING RED

Breaking into the industry from the outside needs a certain level of determination, and the Red Shepherdess Hannah Jackson has it in droves get out among the sheep, and every now and then, he would inch closer to them without instruction and even round one or two strays from the North England Mule/ Herdwick flock. But he has so much love for Hannah. She said: “There’s been so many times when he’s known more than me in the field and he’s helped me through stuff. He’s definitely more than a working dog.” With 21,000 followers on Instagram and 25,000 on Twitter under the name Red Shepherdess, Hannah can be considered an influencer, and the likes of Ridgeline and CanAm support her appropriately. But

she recently bolstered her following after appearing on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins. She said: “It was the first year that girls could go on it, and I was so stubborn that I thought ‘if I’m going to do it, it’s going to be this year’. I didn’t want to be in the second group of girls.” As a 27-year-old woman in the macho world of livestock farming on the Cumbrian hills, she has faced criticism, but her parents’ background in behavioural technology has helped her prepare. The unnecessary pressure comes from outside the industry, when activists and misogynists take aim, but last year, January 2020

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#NEWENTRANTS

HANNAH’S TOP TIPS TO BREAK INTO FARMING:

Hannah appeared on local ITV news on her quad bike, with Fraser unsafely on the back, and she wasn’t wearing a helmet. This is when farmers called her out. She said: “When there are so many people who have followed your journey, you have a responsibility for the rest of the industry. People are watching and noticing, and I should be representing what farming is, and pushing the way forward for better health and safety on farms. It is a lot of responsibility, but it just comes with the territory. When I didn’t have my helmet on, I got so much response back for it, it was my wake up call to start playing by the rules more and start using common sense and being a role model. “I’ve rolled a quad bike before. It knocks you massively. We put our seatbelt on, we put our helmet on when we’re on a motorbike. When I go skiing, I wouldn’t dream of not wearing one. It should be as simple as that. It’s just our ignorance as an industry that we should wear it. “When the NFU launched the campaign it was something I definitely wanted to get behind, and be proud to push it. It’s something we all need to shift – the

•

Get experience on all different farms. Most farms a mixed these days and will want you to do a little bit of tractor work. You'll also need to be comfortable working with cattle and a lot of jobs are adding some arable into the mix. You need experience in all of those things.

•

Social media is amazing to help you network and meet people. Try to see how different farming systems work all over the country.

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Don’t settle on one farm. Move around different farms. Do contracting, or move on every few years. Work with different sheep, on lowland or highland farms to expand your knowledge.

•

As farmers, we can get so wrapped up in whatever is going on under the sun and living to this stereotype that we never rest or have a holiday or time off. It shouldn’t be that way. When you’re building a CV, they’re going to look at what you’ve done on paper, they’re not looking at the amount of hours you’ve worked each day. It doesn’t make you a better farmer. The main thing is gain as much experience as you can, in different aspects of farming, not just livestock or arable. And remember to take time away because if you don’t, you soon start seeing other bits of it that are affected. You can be in that job that you’ve wanted your whole life but if you haven’t got your friends or your family around you then it’s not going to be worth anything.

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE OUTSIDE AND WORK WITH ANIMALS. I DON’T FEEL LIKE I WORK. I JUST LOVE IT. I DON’T DREAD MONDAY OR LONG FOR A FRIDAY.” number of accidents on farm at the moment is scary when you compare it to any other industry in this country. There’s no point burying our heads pretending it doesn’t happen to us.” Being the face of a campaign like this will only put Hannah under more scrutiny, but she wants a long career in farming, and

adopting a dedicated approach to safety is a big part of it, especially when it comes to her animals. Among the sheep – including the first two she bought called Greta and Gunner – ducks quack, goats bleat, a pig oinks and chicken cluck. There’s also a handful of Highland cows, as well as three more sheepdogs, a spaniel that has just had puppies and two cats. She said: “I always wanted to be outside and work with animals. I don’t feel like I work. I just love it. I don’t dread Monday or long for a Friday. “I’ve always been obsessed with animals and the outdoors, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was tiny. I was called Dr Doolittle, because I used to just bother any animal that was there.” Maybe she wasn’t bothered by the squawking peacock, after all.

GET THE EDGE You could win a Spada Edge helmet by being safe on farm in 2020. The NFU has launched a competition throughout January that is encouraging members to share how they will pledge to commit to health and safety. Visit NFUonline.com to enter and for the full terms and conditions.

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02/01/2020 10:50:27

Digby Sowerby: MDS Trainee Group 43 What university did you go to and what did you study? The University of Bath to study International Management and French. What appealed to you the most about MDS? Having the opportunity to complete four completely different work experiences in two years, within the industry makes, MDS tough to beat. It also offered the possibility of working abroad, which for me is a big tick. What was your most influential learning moment during MDS? This was in my first secondment, working as intake and dispatch supervisor at Lower Hope Fruit. I came to the realisation that the academic work at university (especially French) didn’t necessarily help to get the job done. Being able to experience a role where I jumped in at the deep-end allowed me to demonstrate a different skill set that I wouldn’t have had exposure to otherwise. If you were to give advice to anyone graduating university and looking for a career in food and fresh produce, what would it be? Other than apply for MDS, I’d say get to know people. Go to events, email companies, be outgoing. I find this incredibly tricky, but this really is where opportunities appear. Who you know is just as important as what you know, and I don’t think this will change soon. Of course you need to be interested in the industry, but this should come across naturally if it is true.

Amy Bere: MDS Trainee Group 43 What university did you go to and what did you study? Harper Adams University, Agri-business Why did you want to go into agriculture? Growing up on a small holding in South Yorkshire lead me down the agricultural route, after studying Business Studies at A Level, Agri-business at Harper Adams felt the perfect stepping stone to a future in the ag industry. I often spent school and university holidays and now more recently weekends chasing sheep, making hay and everything else in-between. What appealed to you the most about MDS? Having the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and be thrown in at the deep end with a range of companies. At MDS you are given the opportunity to excel by being given real responsibilities. What has been you most exciting or memorable moment during your time on MDS? Working at BASF I was fortunate to get the project of coordinating the Real Results Farms Open Days. Being given the responsibility of representing a member company helped me understand the difference that I could make and what my strengths are. If you were to give advice to anyone graduating university and looking for a career in food and fresh produce, what would it be? Get as much industry experience as you can, graduate schemes are a great opportunity to learn about the supply chain over a short 2-year period, if you are not certain on the path you want to take keep your options open, you never know what or when an opportunity may arise.

Do you want to work in the food and fresh produce industry, want to be challenged and given the opportunity to develop? If you want to have the same experiences as Digby and Amy and find your best fit in an exciting career, then apply for MDS. Find out more at www.mds-ltd.co.uk or follow our trainee of the month on Instagram @managementdevelopmentservices

18/12/2019 10:11:13

HOW ARE YOU FEELING, REALLY?

We all operate under a certain amount of stress, but a build-up of tension in several areas of your life can quickly become overwhelming, especially in the isolated world of farming

veryone gets stressed, and a little bit of stress is good for you, or so we are told, but what happens when good stress becomes bad stress? And would you even realise if you, or someone you know, had reached their tipping point? NFU Vice-President Stuart Roberts was talking to the government about beef prices when the issue of the mental health of farmers was raised. MPs raised concerns that business worries over falling prices would negatively impact on the personal lives of farmers. Stuart told them that farming is facing massive change in the foreseeable future with Brexit and activists making people feel bad about the industry they love. But how do you know if you, or someone close to you, has slipped into depression?

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Or even worse, what if they had started to harbour suicidal thoughts? In 2018, the Farm Safety Foundation’s Yellow Wellies charity launched a mental health campaign – Mind Your Head – after its research showed that four out of five

“WE AS AN INDUSTRY NEED TO GET WAY BETTER AT TALKING ABOUT THIS SUBJECT, AND WE ARE” young farmers believe that mental health issues are the biggest hidden threat to farmers today. In September the Farm Community Network (FCN), launched the Farmwell online support hub, that aims to help farmers and their businesses stay

strong. The FCN’s Charles Smith said: “There is some really good information available to help farmers become more resilient, but this information is very rarely in one place and can often be difficult to access, especially if you are not in the right place mentally. This is where FarmWell can help.”

ISOLATED

Farming can be isolated, and with the closure of things like auction marts there are fewer opportunities for people to get together to share concerns or just keep an eye on one another. During the dark, winter months, this time of year is a good time to check in on your friends and neighbours. And if you are feeling isolated, go along to an NFU or YFC meeting to keep in touch.

January 2020

02/01/2020 10:50:37

#MENTALHEALTH HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE STRUGGLING? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Difficulty making even simple decisions Sleep disturbances Changes in appetite No interest in leisure activities or hobbies Aggressive or irritable behaviour Excessive drinking or drug misuse Sudden mood changes Giving away possessions Talking about death Feeling like a burden Feeling hopeless, like there is no solution to problems Becoming or feeling isolated Engaging in high-risk behaviour Self-harming Seeming to have recovered after a period of depression Getting together with friends is good for poor mental health

“DURING THE DARK, WINTER MONTHS, THIS TIME OF YEAR IS A GOOD TIME TO CHECK IN ON YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS. AND IF YOU ARE FEELING ISOLATED, GO ALONG TO AN NFU OR YFC MEETING TO KEEP IN TOUCH” The NFU has been highlighting the issue of mental health with government for some time. Stuart Roberts has raised the issue of funding for mental health treatment in the NHS with the former Chief Medical Officer and Defra ministers. He has also spoken to Lord Gardiner, who is the Defra representative to develop a strategy to combat loneliness in society. Stuart said: “In general, the industry is made up of lots of people, some of who are like me: we are butch, macho blokes, we don’t have anxiety, we don’t have worries, we don’t have concerns, we don’t have fears – well, yes we do. We forget that there’s a question mark at the end of ‘how are you?’ And we have all got to get better at that because it will come into very sharp focus as we start to see big changes.” Mr Roberts mentioned the New

Zealand situation in the 1980s when their government got rid of farming subsidies overnight to alleviate a budget crisis. “Whatever happens, this industry will see change and I get frustrated with people who cite New Zealand, which went through all this change, and it is now a phenomenal industry, it is very efficient. We forget the social infrastructure damage, the personal damage and the suicides during that period. We as an industry need to get way better at talking about this subject, and we are.” There are many charities that are offering help to farmers, and in September the NFU brought together more than 40 support groups to work together so that they can support the sector. This charities summit will be repeated on 29 January at NFU headquarters in Stoneleigh.

REMEMBER TRACTOR... T R

C T O

T ell the person you’re worried about them R eaching out to someone in distress could save a life – listen in a non-judgemental way A sking if they are thinking of ending their life is not easy, but if a person has a plan and the means to take their own life, they need urgent help C are – stay with them T ry to stay calm and supportive O ffer to help them; to call their GP, take them to A&E or contact the police R emove the means – keys to chemical stores, firearms or drugs

USEFUL CONTACTS • • • • • • •

RABI can help with debts, emergency grants and paying for relief staff. Call the helpline on 0808 281 9490 or visit www.rabi.org.uk. Farm Community Network at 03000 111 999 or email: help@fcn.org.uk. The NHS’ Every Mind Matters offers advice and resources on improving your mental health at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/. The You Are Not Alone (YANA) helpline is on 0300 323 0400 and there is also an out-of-hours email service through the website at yanahelp.org. Samaritans offers 24-hour support at 116123 or www.samaritans.org. Mind gives support for anyone suffering with mental health problems and can be contacted on 0300 123 3393. If you, or anyone you know, is in immediate danger always call 999.

January 2020

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02/01/2020 10:50:45

looking for a career in farming and agriculture? Job Pages The National Farmers Union recruitment site for rural and agricultural vacancies

jobs.nfuonline.com

18/12/2019 10:11:47

#MANVSFOOD

NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Anna Hunt got herself an invitation to the Food Citizenship Conference 2019 by getting involved with a conversation on Twitter. Here’s how she got on...

had no idea what to expect from the Food Citizenship Conference, so went in with an open mind and was very much looking forward to chatting with people from all around the food industry about what food citizenship means to them. When I arrived, I was immediately struck about how passionate people in the room were about food. I began by speaking to two ladies who were involved in the bakery trade and they were very interested in the ways they could make their products more traceable for their customers. They felt strongly about moving towards a sustainable food system and getting people more involved in the production of the food they would eventually eat, and they listened to what I had to say about the sustainability of the UK farming system. A new report by the Food Ethics Council, Harnessing the Power of Food Citizenship, was launched at the conference and set out the key aspects on the concept of food citizenship. So what does food citizenship mean? The Food Ethics Council explained:

• • •

People have a responsibility to participate and become closer to their food chain Everyone should be interdependent with their food chain The UK should move towards a ‘fair food system’, where we care for each other, our health, the environment and animals

This sounded like a real positive for the UK farming industry and rural communities, as these are things that I personally strive for when I farm. However, as the day went on, I became a bit concerned with the how diverse and representative the conference audience was. I heard someone mention they would serve “a vegetarian lunch, obviously”, and I felt a bit out of place being from the farming sector, despite the fact that the day was supposed to be looking at food and farming.

WHERE DOES THE FOOD ETHICS COUNCIL STAND ON LIVESTOCK FARMING?

From reading the report, and looking at its stance on meat, livestock and dairy online, the Food Ethics Council says it is not against livestock farming. There were a few times during the day, though, when I heard a number of claims regarding the impact of livestock on the planet, and also concerns about animal welfare issues, particularly about intensive livestock production. Well, I have to disagree. British produce has some of the highest welfare standards in the world, thanks to assurance schemes with dedicated animal welfare briefs, such as Red Tractor. Therefore, to ensure a responsible consumer, we should look to purchase products that are, firstly, British and, secondly, a part of this scheme rather than tarring all ‘intensive’ livestock production with the same brush. In some cases, intensive livestock farming, such as broiler rearing, offers a higher standard

of welfare than extensive rearing, as birds are monitored more closely to ensure optimum feeding and water quantities, in addition to having climate controlled housing in which to grow and not being exposed to the natural elements. Overall, the day proved to be thoughtprovoking, and I found myself very aware of my relationship with food, and my own food citizenship. Considering what I’d heard during the day, I was encouraged and proud to stand by my own view of food citizenship: buying British produce of approved traceability, quality and welfare standards; reducing the amount of imported food I buy (to reduce CO2 emissions in transport miles and in production methods) and being in touch with the entire process that results in food on my plate.

WHAT IS THE FOOD ETHICS COUNCIL? On its website, the Food Ethics Council says: “We are a charity that provides independent advice on the ethics of food and farming. Our aim is to create a food system that is fair and healthy for people, animals and the environment.”

Dan Crossley (pictured above) is the executive director for the Food Ethics Council. He was recently invited to speak at the NFU’s climate-friendly farming seminar held at the NFU’s London office (see page 16) and said he welcomed the NFU’s 2040 net zero ambition, albeit he encouraged the date to be brought forward. He said: “Livestock farmers are sometimes branded as either ‘climate victims’ or ‘climate culprits’. The climate emergency is not all livestock farmers’ fault. However, we can’t tackle the climate, nature and obesity crises without transforming our food and farming systems. That includes transitioning to ‘only the best’ livestock production, changing diets and drastically reducing food waste. We’ve seen the part it plays at the moment but there is huge potential to transform that.”

January 2020

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18/12/2019 10:12:05

#FIRSTSTEPS

GET YOUR FOOT IN THE GATE

The NFU Tenants’ Conference 2019 saw three inspiring tenant farming businesses explain how they got their first break. Orla McIlduff finds out more… Farm business tenancies, share farming and contract farming agreements are all great ways for new entrants to get their foot in the door of the agriculture industry. But sometimes it can be difficult to find an appropriate opportunity to get stuck into, and cashflow can be a worry. The NFU Tenants’ Conference 2019 was a great chance to hear from four people who have built their businesses from the ground up and how they combat these issues. For more information on getting into the tenanted sectored, Student & Young Farmer members can get free advice at NFUonline

TOM ADDISON

Tom Addison from Buckinghamshire was a new farming entrant who built his business from seven pet lambs to 150 lambing ewes and 54 calves on 25 hectares, grazing up to 500 acres on handshake agreements. Tom has moved from indoor lambing to now 100% outdoor lambing every year. He said: “We box up as much lamb as possible to sell direct to customers in Milton Keynes and Bedford. Alongside running my calves and sheep, I also work full time for other farmers in the area on a self-employed basis. “With the uncertainty of Brexit, I’ve released some capital from the sheep to invest in the calf rearing to look to expand that in the future. It’ll give me a bit more safety in cashflow. “I’m also currently in the early stages of setting up a joint venture with a local arable farmer on the grass-based beef business to fit grass in the arable rotation so that’s something I’m looking to develop over the next 12 months.”

MATT REDMAN

As with Tom, Matt Redman emphasised the need for a reliable cashflow, especially as a new entrant in to the farming industry. He farms 370 acres of combinable crops and, in 2019, he began taking part in the mid-tier stewardship scheme with pollen and nectar margins, grass margins, wild bird seed, unharvested cereal headlands and beetle banks. Matt said: “We’ve got some difficult areas of the farm where we can’t take machinery, so the stewardship scheme is a good way to make an income. The tenancy is only five years to begin with, and this poses a few worries for the future of the business but we’ve got to look forward.” Matt also contracts on other farms. He said: “I am a contractor first and Cambridgeshire County Council tenant farmer second but hopefully we can switch those around as we go forward.”

PILGRIM FARMING

Tenant farmers Mark Fletcher and James Woodhouse have a unique tenant farming business partnership called Pilgrim Farming, based in Norfolk. Both established tenant farmers in their own rights, James said: “Recognising the problems of scale, I joined with Mark, who is my neighbour, and hence the creation of Pilgrim Farming Ltd.” Mark said: “I take a lot of the decisions on the side of the agronomy and do most of the field walking, and James’ side of the business takes the pressure off by doing a lot of the administration.” James also has a supportive landlord in Walsingham Estate. He said: “They offered me and Mark a 10-year contract to farm the in-hand land on the estate. This means we can afford machinery that we otherwise couldn’t afford. Mark is 20 years younger than James, and their colleague Michael is 10 years younger than Mark, meaning experience and longevity can be found in equal measures within the business. January 2020

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02/01/2020 10:51:18

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at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based sector for more than 170 years. The University prides itself on combining the knowledge and industry connections which stem from its rich heritage with an innovative and forward-thinking approach. It ranked seventh in the UK for student satisfaction* following the publication of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2019 and also placed 10th in the University of the Year category at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, as well as sixth in the Job Prospects category. Students can benefit from expert help and access to funding to set up their own businesses while they study thanks to the University’s award-winning Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Programme, which provides an inspiring and supportive environment to share, develop and launch ideas. In 2019 the RAU also became just the sixth university to be made a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE), awarded for leading edge enterprise practice and for making the development of students’ entrepreneurial skills a priority. Set on the edge of Cirencester in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, the University’s size provides a real sense of community where students are a name, not a number. The campus is large enough that many facilities are on-site, yet small enough to create a close-knit community that inspires students to consider the RAU a home from home. Visit www.rau.ac.uk to find out more about how you can join the RAU. Details of upcoming open days can be found at www. rau.ac.uk/study/open-days

*Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of NSS Results (July 2019); does not include those universities with fewer than 1000 undergraduates or alternative providers.

18/12/2019 10:12:44

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18/12/2019 10:13:00

#Q&A

ASK ME ANYTHING...

When the Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors represented the NFU on the Farmers Weekly stand at New Scientist Live, schoolchildren and the public had plenty of questions about the industry. Gethin Johnson answers some of the most common queries... When you think of farming do you think of sheepdogs, 4x4s and fields of lushest green grass? Or do you think of GPS systems, robotics and even microchipping slugs? As futuristic as the latter sounds this is the future of farming and the race to develop the latest technology is happening now. More than 40,000 visitors descended upon the ExCel in London for New Scientist Live. Among the exhibitors were the industry leading companies and organisations from all areas of the STEM category including our ‘Future of Farming’ stand, which attracted a range of questions from visitors of all ages.

Q A

“CAN FARMING SIMULATOR BE USED FOR EDUCATING, OR IS IT JUST ANOTHER VIDEO GAME?”

This was the question on many parents’ minds while trying to tempt their child away from combining to allow the next child in the evergrowing queue to have a go on the simulator. The answer to their question is: yes, the Farming Simulator can be educational and makes the process of

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love anything to do with console games, so why not try and use the opportunity to educate them about farming and machinery at the same time? Visitors had the chance to pilot the mighty John Deere tractor and combine to learn about the process of cultivation, harvesting and processing of crops. The game tied in with the full-size combine and tractor on display, along with other methods of growing wheat, such as the John Innes Centre’s speed breeding project, which had a tremendous amount of interest from all ages throughout the duration of the show.

learning about agriculture and farming fun and engaging for anyone playing it. The realistic controls enable the users to operate and learn about the various functions of machinery whilst the fluctuating grain and fodder price can teach them numeracy and business skills. Having the Farming Simulator on the stand was useful. Children these days

Q A

“WHY IS THE JOHN DEERE 8400R SO BIG?”

The 13-tonne, nine-litre, 400-horsepower John Deere 8400R dwarfed many visitors, who asked ‘why it was so big?’ Well, farming with a 40-horsepower tractor similar to a Massey Ferguson 35 just isn’t efficient enough nowadays. The world’s population is increasing year by year, the pressure is on farmers and growers to produce more food in a shorter

January 2020

02/01/2020 10:51:38

#Q&A period of time. To be more efficient, farmers are now using cultivation equipment that can cover more than 20 feet in one pass, which speeds up the seedbed preparation process. A downside to this efficiency is that these implements require considerable horsepower to operate them. The model on display also housed the latest in precision farming and engine management technology. When you think of diesel engines, people typically think of dirty, noisy, smoke billowing engines that have been around for centuries, but don’t mistake the engine of this John Deere for one. John Deere has developed a number of clever software programmes and components that ensures farmers are considering the environment by using as little fuel as possible and also producing minimal emissions.

Q A

“HOW CAN MICROCHIPPING SLUGS BENEFIT FARMERS?”

The last microchip I saw would have been bigger than the slug itself but the research department at Harper Adams University has found that injecting tiny tracking chips into slugs could prevent millions of pounds worth of crop damage. Slugs are a blight to gardeners and farmers. Using this technology to track and monitor their movement they can locate slugs accurately and reduce the amount of pesticides they are applying to their crops. A reduction in pesticide would result in cheaper growing costs for

farmers and would be much better for the environment. Research has found that slugs are typically found in patches in fields and by knowing the location of one, it should then lead you to the rest of them. This means that farmers wouldn’t have to blanket spray the whole field and instead they can just target their pesticides at the infected area only.

Q A

“HOW MUCH DOES THE CLAAS TUCANO 580 COMBINE COST?”

Combines are used to harvest crops, such as wheat and barley. This produce, in turn, is used to make food and drink like bread, cakes and beer. Unfortunately, supplying the world with food comes at a substantial price, and a machine like the Claas combine would set you back in the region of £250,000. It may sound like a hefty price tag but when you consider that it has more than 380 horsepower, weighs over 15 tonnes and is the size of a small house, you’re getting a lot of combine for your money. It also houses a range of technology far superior to the latest supercars, enabling it to communicate with service technicians and grain transport teams to ensure that the combine has minimal downtime while in the field. These machines house a number of sensors throughout the combine that measure and record the crop yield and moisture to aid the farmer with future crop production strategies.

“HOW DOES THE JOHN INNES CENTRE MANAGE TO GROW SIX GENERATIONS OF WHEAT IN ONE YEAR?”

Technology first used by NASA to grow plants extra terrestrially is now being adopted to grow crops here on earth. The John Innes Centre’s speed breeding growth chamber had an equal amount of interest at the show as the enormous John Deere tractor parked beside it. It was a scaled down version of the full-size glass houses that that use enhanced LED lighting to optimise the rate of photosynthesis to increase the speed crops grow. Using this technology, it is possible to have up to six generations of some crops per year. The increased growing speed gives scientists more opportunities to drive crop improvements and breed climate resilient, disease resistant crops.

January 2020

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#CLASSOF2020

HERE FOR BUSINESS Entering the world of work at one of the most pivotal times in NFU history, this year’s Graduate Scheme has hit the ground running

ach year, a gruelling Ninja warrior-style set of interviews results in the next crop of NFU Graduate Scheme staff joining the organisation. In 2019, two Communications/External Affairs graduates were hired, along with two for the Policy department, where they will each help farmers and growers in different ways. The scheme is considered one of the best in the country, and spaces are hotly contested, but the 2019-2020 cohort feel it was all worth it. But don’t take our word for it, hear it from them yourself...

EMMA CROSBY

I’m a Public Affairs and Communications Graduate and my first placement is based in the External Affairs team in Westminster. As someone who isn’t from an agricultural background, I didn’t know much about the NFU until I interned for a rural MP. During my time in Parliament, I was blown away by the NFU’s professionalism, passion and presence in Westminster, so when I saw the graduate scheme advertised, I knew I had to go for it. Since September, I have survived the party conference season, the 31 October scheduled exit from the EU, the successive extension of Brexit and a snap General Election. This period of unprecedented change has been fascinating, challenging but above all incredibly rewarding.

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TOM GOSS

After four years of studying environmental issues at the University of Nottingham, it was time to get a job in the ‘real world’. Like the vast majority of graduating students, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. I found the NFU’s Public Affairs and Communications Graduate Scheme online and thought, ‘having grown up on a farm, this would be the perfect opportunity to tie together my environmental and agricultural background’. Usually, assessment centres and interviews can be extremely stressful experiences, but this wasn’t my experience with the NFU. The staff was kind, genuine and helpful, which really helped calm the nerves. Straight away I knew this was the job for me and was determined to get it. A few months in, I have no regrets.

CHARLIE PARKIN

I’m currently working in policy services on rural crime, net zero and the Farmed Environment Project. It’s rare to spend a whole week in the office as I’m often on-farm visiting members, which is my favourite part of the role. I’m not from a farming family so felt apprehensive that I would not know enough. My nerves were settled from day one and I’m enjoying learning from experienced colleagues alongside managing my own projects. The NFU is a great place to be a graduate as everyone supports each other. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to follow my passion and I’m excited to see what the future holds. In my spare time I enjoy riding and recently took part in a charity camel derby at Beverley racecourse... think donkey derby but with camels!

PHOEBE RUSSELL

My first placement on the Agricultural Policy Graduate Scheme is flying by. I’m currently working on a number of projects with a range of food and farming teams, from horticulture to dairy. No two days are the same and I’ve been fortunate to spend time with members on farm as well as learning so much more about the industry I love. Despite studying an Agriculture degree and coming from a farming background, every day is a school day. I love to travel: I spent time milking cows in Texas and ranching on horseback in Wyoming last summer, but I also enjoy shooting and spending time with my horse and family. In 2020, I’m running the London Marathon, fundraising for Farm Africa, so I have spent the winter months pounding the streets.

January 2020

02/01/2020 10:52:10

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18/12/2019 10:13:33

#DONTGETSCURVY

A STUDENT APPETITE

We challenged Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Sioned Davies to prepare a meal for her student house on a small budget and using only British ingredients

Â£20 CHALLENGE

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few weeks into the term and the student loan has already been spent and there is a sudden realisation that, unlike placement, you won’t be getting a monthly pay cheque, is starting to sink in… sound familiar? So, what next? Download a money saving app? Cut down on nights out? It’s more likely that you’ll be trying to save a few pennies on the food bill. But this doesn’t have to mean canned beans and frozen chicken. The #StudentFarmer team set me a challenge to feed my student house of four with a £20 budget. The first task was to decide what meal to cook, I’m often a last-minute type of person so getting something in the slow cooker doesn’t really work for me. I want quick, easy and delicious, so the place I like to go for my recipes is the Simply Beef and Lamb Instagram page, run by the AHDB.

“AFTER LIDL’S RECENT STATEMENT THAT THEY WOULD BE INCREASING SALES OF BRITISH FRESH MEAT, POULTRY AND FRESH PRODUCE BY 10%, I THOUGHT I SHOULD GO AND CHECK IT OUT” I’d saved a recipe a while ago – ‘Beef and tomato tortilla stack’, a cross between a lasagne and an enchilada. I also wanted make a red cabbage coleslaw, and corn on the cob as a side dish. Another aspect of this challenge was to ensure that I was shopping British, and after Lidl’s recent statement that they would be increasing sales of British fresh meat, poultry and fresh produce by 10% I thought I should go and check it out. I had my recipe, my NFU trolley puck (of course) and I was off. The first thing I noticed was the sign above the fresh produce stating it was all Red Tractor assured! And even better, my

#DONTGETSCURVY

YOU WILL NEED: • • • • • • • • • • •

450g/1lb lean beef mince 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 large garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 10ml/2tsp ground paprika 1 x 400g can cherry or chopped tomatoes 15-30ml/1-2tbsp tomato pureé 15ml/1tbsp Worcestershire or brown sauce Salt and freshly milled black pepper 45ml/3tbsp freshly chopped coriander leaves 4-6 flour tortillas 100g/4oz grated mature Cheddar cheese

fresh produce bill amounted to £3.99. Next, I needed sauce, so in went for paprika, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree and a can of tomatoes. This was the only area I struggled to find British, there was no country of origin labelling so I had to make do. This added up to £2.04. Then came the tortilla wraps, £0.79, and then the most important ingredients, the beef mince and the cheese. The beef cost me £2.59, and the cheese £1.79, so, all in all, I had spent £11.20. As I was making my way back to the till, I decided to treat my housemates to a pot of sour cream dip (at just £0.99, made with British dairy, of course) and Lidl was also running a deal for six bottles of Magners for £7.99 – what a dream. The cooking went well, with it taking about 40 minutes from prepping to eating to complete, with everyone agreeing that this twist on a classic recipe was delicious and nutritious. Saving a few pennies on the food bill doesn’t mean lowering standards: look for the Red Tractor, and you’ll even be able to keep enough in your pocket for those Wednesday SU nights.

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to Gas mark 6, 200°C/400°F. 2 Heat a large, shallow, non-stick frying pan until hot and cook the mince, onion and garlic for 5-7 minutes until brown. Add the paprika, canned tomatoes, tomato purée, Worcestershire or brown sauce. Season. 3 Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir through the coriander. 4 Place a tortilla on a large non-stick baking tray and spoon over a portion of the mince mixture evenly and a handful of cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and top with the remaining cheese. 5 Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Cut into quarters and serve with salad leaves and a soured cream dip. This recipe is courtesy of simplybeefandlamb

FIRST-TERM TIPS NFU Student & Young Farmer member Katie Smith gives an insight into her first term at uni In September, droves of freshers – myself included – arrived at Harper Adams University ready to get unpacked and fully immersed in all of the activities were planned to kickstart the next four years. In the first week, there was something for everyone to get involved with. The day we moved in, many of us had our first taste of the SU bar during the welcome party – a great way to get to know the people in your halls. We familiarised ourselves with the campus by taking tractor tours around the main lecture halls. I am studying Bioveterinary Science, so my contact hours are quite diverse for my different modules. A typical week could include tutorials on farm or in the companion animal house, microbiology labs, or a range of different lectures and academic skills development sessions. I've been enjoying the variety and the chance to get lots of hands-on experience in smaller groups. There are lots of clubs and societies you can get involved with – I went along to a taster polo session and have been to Vet Society socials with friends. Every Wednesday afternoon there are sports to go along to and watch, whether it is rugby, hockey, football. There is also a themed night that takes place in the SU Bar as well – our favourites have been the 80s Night and Halloween. It’s hard to believe we have been here for a full term already.

January 2020

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02/01/2020 10:52:31

COULD THIS BE YOUR FUTURE

We all know that farming and food production are going to be centre stage, whatever happens after Brexit

Sustainability, food security, food waste, environmental protection... theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all up there among the biggest challenges weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing today

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Thought Thoughtof ofthese thesecareers? careers? ••Farm FarmManager Manager ••Environmental EnvironmentalConsultant Consultant ••Food FoodInnovation InnovationManager Manager ••Commercial CommercialProduction Production Manager Manager ••Policy PolicyAdvisor Advisor ••Business Businessand andMarketing Marketing Consultant Consultant We Wealso alsooffer offeraarange range of ofdiplomas diplomasand and apprenticeships apprenticeshipsin inaawide wide range rangeof ofsubjects subjects––so so there’s there’sdefinitely definitelyaacourse course for foryou. you.

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19/12/2019 19/12/201912:20 12:20

#ONTEST

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING

The #StudentFarmer team puts some new footwear through its paces

armers need a range of tools at their disposal, and perhaps none more important than the correct footwear. Whatever the situation, they will need to be sturdy, strong, and comfortable for wearing all day. That combinationis no easy task for some manufacturers,

but The Original Muck Boot Company has been kind enough to provide a couple of pairs for review, and Huw Hopkins and Orla McIlduff didn’t mess around when it came to rugged testing. So, if you are in need of some tough shoes for work and play, read on for some recommendations.

MEN’S CHELSEA LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS

LIBERTY ALPINE LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS

£115

£135

I am the ultimate casual shoe wearer. Lazy trainers, sliders, slip-ons. If I don’t have to tie shoelaces, I’m probably buying them. However, there are occasions when I have to wear smart shoes – the folks at the funeral home aren’t fans of sandals – and, admittedly, the winter months demand something stronger than my typical pair of Vans or Converse can offer. Something I can get on board with is wellies. Having a Welsh Sheepdog without a farm of my own, nor any sheep to round up, means that I have to spend a long time out walking each day to burn off some of her excess energy. I’ve got a good pair of long wellies, but any time I can take the dog out for Sunday lunch or out over friends, I don’t necessarily want to trudge heavy, muddy boots in certain places. Enter the Muck Boots Chelsea Leather Ankle Boots. Looking at the bottom of them, you’d be forgiven they are the toughest welly boot on the market. Muck Boots’ rugged outsole leaves a heavy footprint but the elastic gore around the ankle means the shoe is going nowhere. Not just stylish, the ankle boot and comfortable foot bed makes them comfortable on farm, in the city or on extended hikes. The best part? The fact that they’re slip-on, of course! I’m haven’t been a boot person before, but consider me a convert, thanks to these Chelseas.

For some reason, I always get holes in the bottom of my shoes. I’m not living in poverty, I promise, but no matter what boots I buy, I always end up like a street urchin from Oliver! And, what with living in a country known for its dependably wet weather (have you seen how many farms flooded last year?), having holes in your soles is a no-go. So how lucky was I to get to try these wonderful Liberty Alpine Leather Ankle Boots? It’s sad, I know, but the older I get, the more I aim for practicality in my footwear. I was chuffed because these boots don’t compromise style for comfort and sturdiness – they’ve got all three. My colleagues got really bored when they first arrived in the office: I wouldn’t take them off, I kept pointing at them. I’ve worn them with jeans, dresses and skirts, I really don’t think there’s anything item of clothing they’d clash with… maybe a formal dress? Challenge accepted. Since I started wearing them, these boots have braved a food festival, many trips through wet autumn leaves to the pub, a European city break and obviously countless farm visits. So far, so good: no holes. I’m certainly enjoying have dry feet for a change, and I’m sure my housemate appreciates not having someone coming home each night with soggy, smelly socks. These boots aren’t just a delight for me, they’re offering a public service.

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02/01/2020 10:52:47

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PestSmart Using expertise in plant health and diseases CABI has launched the first in its range of PestSmart eLearning courses: PestSmart Diagnostics. The ideal learning tool for Plant Health students. • improve knowledge through practical, independent learning, • develop and improve your ability to recognise symptoms, • support field-based learning in the classroom, • view high-resolution images, case studies and knowledge checks. All broken down into manageable, bite-sized lessons.

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11/07/2019 11:18

#YFC

PROTECTING OUR FUTURE Young Farmers’ Clubs are planting thousands of trees to safeguard the environment for the next generation

he devastating floods in parts of the UK last year are a stark reminder of the need to do more to combat climate change. As well as support for flooded communities – such as helping with the clean-up in Reeth and Fishlake – Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) wanted to do more to make a positive impact on the environment for the next generation. It’s why YFCs across England and Wales have been planting more than 9,000 sapling trees, supplied by The Woodland Trust. The project is part of a national YFC initiative called Protect Your Future, launched by YFC members in February 2019 to support the Government’s Year of Green Action. The thousands of sapling trees YFCs have planted will help to clean air, store carbon and produce oxygen – which is why they are needed like never before. In Cumbria, YFC members helped to improve the habitat in and around the River Irt by planting 420 trees with the West Cumbria Rivers Trust. The trees will help to improve the river for endangered

freshwater mussels and fish as well as for wildlife and the general public. Cumbria’s County Chairman Neil Curr said: “Our members were keen to be involved in this initiative and give something back to the countryside and communities that they all live in.” Down in Somerset, an area renowned for flooding, Wedmore YFC has planted 420 saplings in schools, a local adult learning disability centre and at Chew Valley Football Club. Wedmore members also had an idea to take cuttings from willow trees, which are native to the area, and plant those to help farmers on the Somerset levels – a notorious floodplain. Their enthusiasm has been sparked by Jack Nicholls, a member of Wedmore YFC, who is passionate about climate change. He said: “I think it’s important for young people to get behind this campaign because it’s our future that we need to protect. We can all make small changes that make a big difference rather than one person doing a lot.”

Keeping young people at the heart of environmental social action is the aim of a campaign called #IWill4Nature, which was launched at the start of the UK Government’s 25-year environmental plan. The #IWill campaign, Defra, and a group of 25 environment and youth-sector partners, which includes NFYFC, are all encouraging young people to make eco-friendly changes. Planting thousands of trees is how YFC members chose to be part of #IWill4Nature and for many young farmers it has been a practical way to make a difference. Rebecca Hollands is Abingdon YFC’s Club Leader. The club’s senior and junior members are getting involved in planting 420 trees along the edges of a bridleway, which runs through a wood that’s accessible to the public. “With all the competitions and meetings that go on, it’s sometimes easy to forget about how our activities within YFC may effect the environment,” Rebecca said about the positive changes the club is also making to support the environment, including trying to go paperless and liftsharing to meetings and competitions. “Green changes are something that we need to look into more – something that participating in this campaign will highlight and encourage.”

For further information about the #ProtectYourFuture project at www.nfyfc.org. uk/ProtectYourFuture/ ProtectYourFuture

The YFC is leading a tree-planting crusade across the country January 2020

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02/01/2020 10:52:54

#FREESTUFF

GET IN ON THE ACTION

Student & Young Farmer members love being part of the NFU, and you will too

he NFU Student & Young Farmer membership is free to students and YFC members. It allows you to have a say and contribute towards the future of agriculture and horticulture, and you will benefit from access to experts in policy, food and farming, as well as bonus perks exclusive to you.

JOIN THE LARGEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL FARMING ASSOCIATION AND RECEIVE:

• •

•

• • •

• •

Access to member-only content on NFUonline with a unique login The latest news and briefings from our policy experts in NFU Bulletin, sector-specific and regional e-newsletters #StudentFarmer magazine and British Farmer & Grower (or Farming Wales) magazine delivered to your door Special and heavily-discounted member rates to attend NFU Conference and other events 10% saving on B+E trailer training Welfare of Animals in Transport test for £35+ VAT Huge savings with Merlin Attractions (Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and many more) 15% off airport parking and hotels with APH Savings on Dickies Workwear online

“BEING IN A POSITION TO MAKE PEOPLE THINK ABOUT AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION IS SUCH A GREAT OPPORTUNITY... AND IT IS WHY I ENJOY BEING PART OF THE STUDENT & YOUNG FARMER AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME” – GEORGINA BARRATT

DOWNLOAD THE NFU APP!

The NFU app NFU allows members exclusive access to member-only stories, news and analysis on the latest for British agriculture for mobiles and tablets. How do I download the NFU App? • Go to the Google Play or iOS App Store, search ‘NFU’. • Look for the NFU logo on a white background. • Select ‘install’ • The App will appear on your home screen. • Once opened, there’s an opening screen asking you for your membership number and password (the same details as you use to log into NFUonline). • To login: use your membership number associated with your membership and password you use with NFUonline. • If you can’t remember your login details then contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458. If you have five failed attempts at the login you will be locked out, NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 for help

To find out more and sign up, visit www.nfuonline.com/ student/ or call NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 to find out more about the benefits offered by NFU Student & Young Farmer membership

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02/01/2020 10:54:15

18/12/2019 09:45:14

18/12/2019 09:44:42