Head Office News AGM’S It was great to catch up with some of the members at our AGM’s in January. Those present heard that in 2013/14: Overall membership of the Farmer Network increased by 55 to 634 We ordered 1.6million litres of fuel 113 members under 40 were given £200 towards the costs of training Almost 100 farmers attended our training courses. Membership Questionnaire Thank you to the 59 members who took the time to complete and return the 2014 questionnaire, from this we’ve learnt that: 71% of members want to continue receiving this newsletter in hardcopy The service Yorkshire members value the most is group fuel buying, while in Cumbria it was providing information on regulations 63% would be interested in being part of a Farm Business Group regularly looking at business problems and opportunities in depth. Grant Update 2015 sees the start of several new grant schemes being funded through the EU Rural Development Programme that run to 2019/20. Information so far: Countryside Stewardship – Water Capital Grants 2015 Takes over from what were Catchment Sensitive Farming Grants. Applications are open until 30 April 2015 with the maximum grant per business of £10,000. Applications only in priority catchment areas. They can potentially fund a wide range of work, with set payments for each activity (like the old Standard Costs, for those who are old enough to remember). Grants will depend on the local priorities, the list includes hard bases for livestock feeding and watering, hardcore tracks, work to separate clean from dirty yard water including drainage, roofing yards and possibly sheep dip re-location. Please contact your Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer in the first instance. For further details: type “Countryside Stewardship water grants” into Google or similar online search engine, or contact the office. Countryside Stewardship – Woodland Grants 2015 For woodland creation, management plans and tree health. More items to be announced in July 2015. For further details: type “Countryside Stewardship woodland grants” into Google or similar online search engine, or contact the office. Countryside Productivity Scheme Takes over from the Farm and Forestry Improvement Scheme. 40% grant rate, EITHER small grants from £2,500 to £35,000 – can be for a range of small items OR large grants between £35k and £1m can be for a range of large grant items. Applications open in the first funding round until 30 June 2015. The scheme will fund a range of items ranging from slurry application systems, LED lighting systems and heat exchangers to static livestock handling and weighing systems to include fixed EID readers, designed in accordance with industry guidance and endorsed by the applicants vet. For further details: type “Countryside Productivity Scheme” into Google or similar online search engine, or contact the office Note we can help applicants apply for funding and do give members a 15% discount on our fees. Other Grants We are expecting further details of grants from LEADER and via Local Enterprise Partnerships for other items including for non-farming enterprises later this year. Please keep an eye on the website or contact the office; details are changing rapidly. What does the future hold for the Farmer Network? Someone asked this at a conference recently and it made me think. Are we likely to be needed more or less in the future? As our work is centred on helping members’ businesses become more profitable by identifying problems and solutions that are not being picked up by others that require time and effort to access funding and/or bring farmers together, I think the need for Farmer Networks is increasing. Most of our members cannot afford consultants and do not have the time to carry out the necessary leg work to develop and manage projects and services that make a difference, though they can give some time to guide what is done. They need people they can trust, who do not aim to make a profit and Networks fill this need. So as markets become more volatile and income from the public purse is threatened, farmers will need to work together more, using networks to help support and guide them through the changes they need to make to their businesses. I think each of our Networks have an important future and will thrive IF members get involved and ask for help – why not give your local coordinator a ring? Paul Harper ISSUE 33 • SPRING 2015
Transcript
Head Office News AGM’S It was great to catch up with some of the members at our AGM’s in January. Those present heard that in 2013/14: Overall membership of the Farmer Network increased
by 55 to 634 We ordered 1.6million litres of fuel 113 members under 40 were given £200 towards the
costs of training Almost 100 farmers attended our training courses. Membership Questionnaire Thank you to the 59 members who took the time to complete and return the 2014 questionnaire, from this we’ve learnt that: 71% of members want to continue receiving this
newsletter in hardcopy The service Yorkshire members value the most is
group fuel buying, while in Cumbria it was providing information on regulations
63% would be interested in being part of a Farm Business Group regularly looking at business problems and opportunities in depth.
Grant Update 2015 sees the start of several new grant schemes being funded through the EU Rural Development Programme that run to 2019/20. Information so far: Countryside Stewardship – Water Capital Grants 2015 Takes over from what were Catchment Sensitive Farming Grants. Applications are open until 30 April 2015 with the maximum grant per business of £10,000. Applications only in priority catchment areas. They can potentially fund a wide range of work, with set payments for each activity (like the old Standard Costs, for those who are old enough to remember). Grants will depend on the local priorities, the list includes hard bases for livestock feeding and watering, hardcore tracks, work to separate clean from dirty yard water including drainage, roofing yards and possibly sheep dip re-location. Please contact your Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer in the first instance. For further details: type “Countryside Stewardship water grants” into Google or similar online search engine, or contact the office. Countryside Stewardship – Woodland Grants 2015 For woodland creation, management plans and tree health. More items to be announced in July 2015. For further details: type “Countryside Stewardship woodland grants” into Google or similar online search engine, or contact the office. Countryside Productivity Scheme Takes over from the Farm and Forestry Improvement Scheme. 40% grant rate, EITHER small grants from £2,500 to £35,000 – can be for a range of small items OR large grants between £35k and £1m can be for a range of large grant items. Applications open in the first funding round until 30 June 2015. The scheme will fund a range of items ranging from slurry application systems, LED lighting systems and heat exchangers to static livestock handling and weighing systems to include fixed EID readers, designed in accordance with industry guidance and endorsed by the applicants vet. For further details: type “Countryside Productivity Scheme” into Google or similar online search engine, or contact the office Note we can help applicants apply for funding and do give members a 15% discount on our fees. Other Grants We are expecting further details of grants from LEADER and via Local Enterprise Partnerships for other items including for non-farming enterprises later this year. Please keep an eye on the website or contact the office; details are changing rapidly.
What does the future hold for the Farmer Network?
Someone asked this at a conference recently and it made me think. Are we likely to be needed more or less in the future? As our work is centred on helping members’ businesses become more profitable by identifying problems and solutions that are not being picked up by others that require time and effort to access funding and/or bring farmers together, I think the need for Farmer Networks is increasing. Most of our members cannot afford consultants and do not have the time to carry out the necessary leg work to develop and manage projects and services that make a difference, though they can give some time to guide what is done. They need people they can trust, who do not aim to make a profit and Networks fill this need. So as markets become more volatile and income from the public purse is threatened, farmers will need to work together more, using networks to help support and guide them through the changes they need to make to their businesses. I think each of our Networks have an important future and will thrive IF members get involved and ask for help – why not give your local coordinator a ring? Paul Harper
All collection sites will run between the hours of 9.00am and 1.30pm. PLEASE NOTE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT
TIMINGS TO PREVIOUS YEARS.
Farmer Network members receive a £2/liner discount when taking plastic to Solway Recycling collections – remember to
take your membership card to get your discount. 28th April - Townend Farm, Gosforth CA20 1AA 30th April - Penrith Auction Mart, CA11 0DN 5th May - Beckside Farm, Barbon, LA6 2LT 7th May - Carrs Billington, Cockermouth, CA13 0QQ 12th May - Borderway Mart, Carlisle, CA1 2RS 13th May - Kirkby Stephen Mart, CA17 4QL
14th May - Lazonby Mart, CA10 1BL 18th May - Tony Sharp Trailers, Foxfield, Broughton in Furness LA20 6BX 20th May - Kendal Auction Mart, Junction 36, LA7 7FP 26th May - Old Railway Site, Troutbeck, CA11 28th May - Lane End Farm, Haverthwaite, LA12 8AB 2nd June - Jim Peet Agriculture, Aspatria CA7 3SX 10th June - Hopes Auction, Wigton, CA7 9NS YORKSHIRE DALES
Farmer Network members receive a £5/liner discount when
taking plastic to Farm Plastic Recycling collections – remember to take your membership card to get your discount.
13th April, 11am–1pm - H&S Maudsley, Littlebank Bungalow, Rathmell, North Yorks, BD24 0AJ 5th May, 11am–2pm - SJ Burton, Knoll Top Farm, Fellbeck, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5ET 13th May, 11am–2pm - Lancaster Auction Mart, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, LA1 3JQ 18th May, 11am–2pm - J K Gorst & Son, Far Mealbank, Tatham, Lancaster, LA2 8NG 8th June, 11am–2pm - E Lund & Son, Lundholme, Ingleton, Lancaster, LA6 3HN 16th June, 12 noon–2pm - J & JA Preston & Son, Sannat Hall, Stainforth, Settle, BD24 9PN 23rd June, 12 noon–2pm - R & N Carlisle, Chapel House Farm, Kilnsey, Skipton, BD23 5PR 30th June, 11am–2pm – Gisburn Auction Mart, Gisburn Rd, Clitheroe BB7 4ES
Farmer Network Business and Labour Directory Looking for farm labour or have a service to promote? Then the Farmer Network’s Business and Labour Directory is just what you need. Thanks to funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund, the directory is currently free to use, to advertise in or find services. From mole catchers to silage contractors, to hedge layers, gatherers and relief milkers, we include them all! If you are a farmer looking for labour or a service, simply go to www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/labourdirectory/. There’s a list of categories to make it easy for you to find people offering the service you require. With over 100 listings we’re covering a wide range of services but there is scope to include much more. If you have a service that you would like to advertise, or know someone who has, contact the Farmer Network office on 01768 868615 or [email protected] to register your details. Apologies to Darren & Paul Clarke for the error in their ‘Man and Tractor Contractor’ listing in our 2015 diary Correct details are: Stripes Farm, Waitby, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HQ Telephone: 017683 71298 Mobile: Darren 07834 535851/Paul 07787 875716 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Discounts on Bulk Buying Wood Chips/Pellets We have been asked to explore this by members and have a couple of companies willing to offer discounts. Contact Head Office for more information.
Saut – A Continuing Problem Saut, also known as Yellowsis, is a disease that affects young lambs giving symptoms like severe sunburn. It occurs on the head and ears and along the back. Ears become hot and drop, wool falls out and lambs can go blind because their eyelids are affected. Saut is largely caused by lambs grazing on bog asphodel that grows on upland peat areas. Previous work by the Farmer Network, with the support of Natural England, found that Saut is a big problem in some localised places, but also a smaller problem for wider areas. If lambs are affected, the only real solution at present is to remove them from the fell as soon as the problem is spotted. Any lambs suffering from it should be brought inside out of the sunlight – if possible – until it passes through their system. Antibiotics can be also given for the infection and anti-inflammatories to deal with the pain. If Saut is a problem on your farm, please let us know, so we have an up-to-date record of areas affected, should we secure funds for further work. Ring Head Office – 01768 868615 or email [email protected]
Fuel Buying
The start of 2015 saw some of the lowest fuel prices we’ve seen for years, however these now seem to be creeping up again. Cumbria ordering dates (all Thursday’s) 30th April, 14th May, 28th May, 11th June, 25th June Orders to Angela at Head Office Western Dales & Swaledale ordering dates 7th April, 5th May, 18th May, 1st June, 15th June Contact Carol Moffat on 07917 666514
Nidderdale orders – Contact Sarah Longster – 07761 324135
Cumbria Agricultural Chaplaincy We go live on 1st September 2015, offering support to all farmers and their families, being a proactive and prominent presence engaging with farmers across Cumbria “where they are” at auction marts, on their farms and at shows. This face to face approach means that through conversation issues will be identified early. In serious cases earlier intervention, by a Chaplain, could be the difference between life and death. The Chaplaincy offers support during difficulties involving Family, Illness, Stress, Isolation, Trauma, Bereavement, Finance, Tenancy Succession, Compliance, Single Farm Payment, Natural England and Trading Standards and anything else where support is needed. If you need our help contact Rev Chris Blackshaw 07980 975062
All collection sites will run between the hours of 9.00am and 1.30pm. PLEASE NOTE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT
TIMINGS TO PREVIOUS YEARS.
Farmer Network members receive a £2/liner discount when taking plastic to Solway Recycling collections – remember to
take your membership card to get your discount. 28th April - Townend Farm, Gosforth CA20 1AA 30th April - Penrith Auction Mart, CA11 0DN 5th May - Beckside Farm, Barbon, LA6 2LT 7th May - Carrs Billington, Cockermouth, CA13 0QQ 12th May - Borderway Mart, Carlisle, CA1 2RS 13th May - Kirkby Stephen Mart, CA17 4QL
14th May - Lazonby Mart, CA10 1BL 18th May - Tony Sharp Trailers, Foxfield, Broughton in Furness LA20 6BX 20th May - Kendal Auction Mart, Junction 36, LA7 7FP 26th May - Old Railway Site, Troutbeck, CA11 28th May - Lane End Farm, Haverthwaite, LA12 8AB 2nd June - Jim Peet Agriculture, Aspatria CA7 3SX 10th June - Hopes Auction, Wigton, CA7 9NS YORKSHIRE DALES
Farmer Network members receive a £5/liner discount when
taking plastic to Farm Plastic Recycling collections – remember to take your membership card to get your discount.
13th April, 11am–1pm - H&S Maudsley, Littlebank Bungalow, Rathmell, North Yorks, BD24 0AJ 5th May, 11am–2pm - SJ Burton, Knoll Top Farm, Fellbeck, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5ET 13th May, 11am–2pm - Lancaster Auction Mart, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, LA1 3JQ 18th May, 11am–2pm - J K Gorst & Son, Far Mealbank, Tatham, Lancaster, LA2 8NG 8th June, 11am–2pm - E Lund & Son, Lundholme, Ingleton, Lancaster, LA6 3HN 16th June, 12 noon–2pm - J & JA Preston & Son, Sannat Hall, Stainforth, Settle, BD24 9PN 23rd June, 12 noon–2pm - R & N Carlisle, Chapel House Farm, Kilnsey, Skipton, BD23 5PR 30th June, 11am–2pm – Gisburn Auction Mart, Gisburn Rd, Clitheroe BB7 4ES
Farmer Network Business and Labour Directory Looking for farm labour or have a service to promote? Then the Farmer Network’s Business and Labour Directory is just what you need. Thanks to funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund, the directory is currently free to use, to advertise in or find services. From mole catchers to silage contractors, to hedge layers, gatherers and relief milkers, we include them all! If you are a farmer looking for labour or a service, simply go to www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/labourdirectory/. There’s a list of categories to make it easy for you to find people offering the service you require. With over 100 listings we’re covering a wide range of services but there is scope to include much more. If you have a service that you would like to advertise, or know someone who has, contact the Farmer Network office on 01768 868615 or [email protected] to register your details. Apologies to Darren & Paul Clarke for the error in their ‘Man and Tractor Contractor’ listing in our 2015 diary Correct details are: Stripes Farm, Waitby, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HQ Telephone: 017683 71298 Mobile: Darren 07834 535851/Paul 07787 875716 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Discounts on Bulk Buying Wood Chips/Pellets We have been asked to explore this by members and have a couple of companies willing to offer discounts. Contact Head Office for more information.
Saut – A Continuing Problem Saut, also known as Yellowsis, is a disease that affects young lambs giving symptoms like severe sunburn. It occurs on the head and ears and along the back. Ears become hot and drop, wool falls out and lambs can go blind because their eyelids are affected. Saut is largely caused by lambs grazing on bog asphodel that grows on upland peat areas. Previous work by the Farmer Network, with the support of Natural England, found that Saut is a big problem in some localised places, but also a smaller problem for wider areas. If lambs are affected, the only real solution at present is to remove them from the fell as soon as the problem is spotted. Any lambs suffering from it should be brought inside out of the sunlight – if possible – until it passes through their system. Antibiotics can be also given for the infection and anti-inflammatories to deal with the pain. If Saut is a problem on your farm, please let us know, so we have an up-to-date record of areas affected, should we secure funds for further work. Ring Head Office – 01768 868615 or email [email protected]
Fuel Buying
The start of 2015 saw some of the lowest fuel prices we’ve seen for years, however these now seem to be creeping up again. Cumbria ordering dates (all Thursday’s) 30th April, 14th May, 28th May, 11th June, 25th June Orders to Angela at Head Office Western Dales & Swaledale ordering dates 7th April, 5th May, 18th May, 1st June, 15th June Contact Carol Moffat on 07917 666514
Nidderdale orders – Contact Sarah Longster – 07761 324135
Cumbria Agricultural Chaplaincy We go live on 1st September 2015, offering support to all farmers and their families, being a proactive and prominent presence engaging with farmers across Cumbria “where they are” at auction marts, on their farms and at shows. This face to face approach means that through conversation issues will be identified early. In serious cases earlier intervention, by a Chaplain, could be the difference between life and death. The Chaplaincy offers support during difficulties involving Family, Illness, Stress, Isolation, Trauma, Bereavement, Finance, Tenancy Succession, Compliance, Single Farm Payment, Natural England and Trading Standards and anything else where support is needed. If you need our help contact Rev Chris Blackshaw 07980 975062
Trip to the British Wool Marketing Board On 24th February, 11 farmers travelled by mini bus to Wool House in Bradford. The group were welcomed by Gareth Jones who explained how the wool process began back in 1950 and is the only remaining agricultural commodity board in the UK. The farmers were told how their wool is sold at auction and the information the merchant buyers use to purchase different grades of wool for its different uses. Following this the farmers were able to bid for the different lots of wool as if it were a real auction using a computer so the bidders could see who was bidding and by how much. The group took advantage of this to take the wool to a good price! The group were then taken to the North of England Wools grading depot where all the packed wool sheets from around the north of England are processed. The farmers were told how their wool was weighed and then graded by a skilled work force, who grade each fleece individually to determine the type and quality of the wool. The group were shown how the wool is packed into bales weighing 400kg - the graded bales are put into lots based on their quality and stored ready to be sold. The farmers were told of the Campaign for Wool, a promotional initiative to raise the profile of wool, and assist those working with wool such as carpet makers and upholsterers to best market their products. This campaign aims to help boost the price the wool producer receives giving strength in the market. The group were then taken to Haworth Scouring where they were shown the process of scouring and combing.
Yorkshire Dales Farmers enjoying the BWMB tour.
LOCAL NEWS – YORKSHIRE DALES Nidderdale Training I organised a Cattle AI course with Bishopton Vets at Harrogate for six of our members and two young people on our Skills Development Programme. I am keen to organise more local training after lambing. Please contact me if interested. Meetings There was a good turnout for the meeting at The Crown, Lofthouse on 29th January to hear Debby Brown speak about Minimising Feed Costs and calculating the Right Ration for Ruminant Animals. Sarah Longster 07761 324135 [email protected]
___________________________ Wensleydale Training 16 people attended a PA1 pesticide course at Hawes, with some of them then going on to do their PA2 at Catterick. I have more demand for pesticide courses as well as B&E (car and trailer) so watch this space. If you need any training whatever it might be please get in touch. Meetings In January we organised a meeting to look at “Sheep Tagging Regulations” in conjunction with Hawes Auction Mart. Ian Cairns (Farm Advisory Service) spoke about the new sheep tagging legislation and what needs to be done in terms of cross compliance. Carol Moffat 07917 666514 [email protected]
____________________________ Western Dales/Swaledale Training I organised tele-handler training for members and our skills development young farmers near Reeth. I am planning some shearing courses in May/June and will be organising B&E trailer courses for those who need it. There is some demand for a dipping course but I need more people before this can run, so let me know if you’re interested. Meetings I am looking into a farm security talk with local police and smart water to take place after lambing time. Carol Moffat 07917 666514 [email protected]
Business Assist
If you haven’t already found out more about this Free Health & Safety and Employment Law Toolkit
take a look at the enclosed flyer or go to www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/business-assist/
Regulations Updates
Updates are available at www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/members/regulation-checklist/
or you can get a current disc from the office.
Renewable Energy Event A large crowd of farmers from across Cumbria came along to Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart, on Thursday 22nd January, to learn more about the renewable energy options available to them. The meeting opened with Victoria Lancaster, Chartered Planning Survey with H&H Land and Property who talked about what people should consider when thinking of installing renewable energy and an overview of the options available. Victoria then went on to talk about connecting to the National Grid and how in some areas this is becoming difficult as the capacity is full up and also the planning constraints that farmers may be up against. Then came the turn of the renewable energy companies who told the meeting how their products worked and the associated Feed in Tariffs. Ryan Park of EcoLogicLiving explained how wood pellet, wood chip and log fuelled biomass boilers work, the quantity of fuel needed for each option, labour and maintenance requirements and the figures for costs and returns for the different fuels.
Renewable Energy Event Speakers
Rob Wallace of One Solar PV Ltd looked at the process of installing solar pv where the best returns are gained for those with high electricity usage but are also beneficial for those with low energy usage and therefore the capacity for higher export. Ed Henshaw of Bluenergy presented the options for low head and high head hydro. The type and size of hydro scheme is worked out on an individual basis, dependent on the makeup of the river to be used. A number of studies need to be undertaken when planning a hydro scheme so it is not a quick process, but the equipment does not need to be removed after 20 years so it is possible to continue reaping the benefits of savings on electricity for up to a further 55 years. The final speaker of the evening was John Cooke from Thomson, Hayton, Winkley solicitors. John discussed the legal implications when looking at renewable energy. He said people need to be certain they own the land and to check whether there are any restrictions on it. In many cases people get some way down the route of making arrangements for renewable energy installation before taking legal advice and John stressed that the importance of involving land agents, accountants and solicitors from the outset to be sure not to get caught out along the way. Following the presentations the farmers were able to network with the speakers to talk in more detail about their individual farms and what might work for them.
LOCAL NEWS – CUMBRIA West Cumbria Training I have organised PA1 and PA2f pesticide training in the last couple of months and will be running more training after lambing. Please get in touch if you are interested. Joyce Reed 01946 862348/07745 814029 [email protected] East Cumbria Training 12 people attended PA1 training at Appleby on 10th February and I will be organising the follow up PA2/PA6 courses after lambing time as well as further pesticides training in the east of the county. I’m also planning a tele-handler course in the Appleby area, so let me know if you’re interested. Meetings The renewables event at Kirkby Stephen was a great success. We had a good turnout and there was lots of discussions going on between farmers and the renewable energy companies. Carol Moffat 07917 666514 [email protected] South Cumbria Training I have run PA1, PA2 and PA6 courses in mid-January for 12 farmers. I think more farmers will need the pesticide qualification before November so please get in touch if you are interested. Meetings I organised a meeting on Cross Breeding Hill Ewes on 21st January at Ulpha. 12 farmers attended to hear Dewi Jones from Innovis talk about the benefits of cross breeding, which breeds perform best in certain situations, and how to monitor this to make informed decisions in the future. Claire Whitaker 07967 971299 [email protected] North Cumbria We have a vacancy for a coordinator in this area. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please contact the office on 01768 868615 or email [email protected]
__________________________ We are planning to run pesticide courses to allow compliance with the law on Grandfather Rights. This allows farmers to spray on their own farm only, but will be cheaper than the PA1 and PA2/PA6 course combination. Contact your local coordinator for more details.
Trip to the British Wool Marketing Board On 24th February, 11 farmers travelled by mini bus to Wool House in Bradford. The group were welcomed by Gareth Jones who explained how the wool process began back in 1950 and is the only remaining agricultural commodity board in the UK. The farmers were told how their wool is sold at auction and the information the merchant buyers use to purchase different grades of wool for its different uses. Following this the farmers were able to bid for the different lots of wool as if it were a real auction using a computer so the bidders could see who was bidding and by how much. The group took advantage of this to take the wool to a good price! The group were then taken to the North of England Wools grading depot where all the packed wool sheets from around the north of England are processed. The farmers were told how their wool was weighed and then graded by a skilled work force, who grade each fleece individually to determine the type and quality of the wool. The group were shown how the wool is packed into bales weighing 400kg - the graded bales are put into lots based on their quality and stored ready to be sold. The farmers were told of the Campaign for Wool, a promotional initiative to raise the profile of wool, and assist those working with wool such as carpet makers and upholsterers to best market their products. This campaign aims to help boost the price the wool producer receives giving strength in the market. The group were then taken to Haworth Scouring where they were shown the process of scouring and combing.
Yorkshire Dales Farmers enjoying the BWMB tour.
LOCAL NEWS – YORKSHIRE DALES Nidderdale Training I organised a Cattle AI course with Bishopton Vets at Harrogate for six of our members and two young people on our Skills Development Programme. I am keen to organise more local training after lambing. Please contact me if interested. Meetings There was a good turnout for the meeting at The Crown, Lofthouse on 29th January to hear Debby Brown speak about Minimising Feed Costs and calculating the Right Ration for Ruminant Animals. Sarah Longster 07761 324135 [email protected]
___________________________ Wensleydale Training 16 people attended a PA1 pesticide course at Hawes, with some of them then going on to do their PA2 at Catterick. I have more demand for pesticide courses as well as B&E (car and trailer) so watch this space. If you need any training whatever it might be please get in touch. Meetings In January we organised a meeting to look at “Sheep Tagging Regulations” in conjunction with Hawes Auction Mart. Ian Cairns (Farm Advisory Service) spoke about the new sheep tagging legislation and what needs to be done in terms of cross compliance. Carol Moffat 07917 666514 [email protected]
____________________________ Western Dales/Swaledale Training I organised tele-handler training for members and our skills development young farmers near Reeth. I am planning some shearing courses in May/June and will be organising B&E trailer courses for those who need it. There is some demand for a dipping course but I need more people before this can run, so let me know if you’re interested. Meetings I am looking into a farm security talk with local police and smart water to take place after lambing time. Carol Moffat 07917 666514 [email protected]
Business Assist
If you haven’t already found out more about this Free Health & Safety and Employment Law Toolkit
take a look at the enclosed flyer or go to www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/business-assist/
Regulations Updates
Updates are available at www.thefarmernetwork.co.uk/members/regulation-checklist/
or you can get a current disc from the office.
Renewable Energy Event A large crowd of farmers from across Cumbria came along to Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart, on Thursday 22nd January, to learn more about the renewable energy options available to them. The meeting opened with Victoria Lancaster, Chartered Planning Survey with H&H Land and Property who talked about what people should consider when thinking of installing renewable energy and an overview of the options available. Victoria then went on to talk about connecting to the National Grid and how in some areas this is becoming difficult as the capacity is full up and also the planning constraints that farmers may be up against. Then came the turn of the renewable energy companies who told the meeting how their products worked and the associated Feed in Tariffs. Ryan Park of EcoLogicLiving explained how wood pellet, wood chip and log fuelled biomass boilers work, the quantity of fuel needed for each option, labour and maintenance requirements and the figures for costs and returns for the different fuels.
Renewable Energy Event Speakers
Rob Wallace of One Solar PV Ltd looked at the process of installing solar pv where the best returns are gained for those with high electricity usage but are also beneficial for those with low energy usage and therefore the capacity for higher export. Ed Henshaw of Bluenergy presented the options for low head and high head hydro. The type and size of hydro scheme is worked out on an individual basis, dependent on the makeup of the river to be used. A number of studies need to be undertaken when planning a hydro scheme so it is not a quick process, but the equipment does not need to be removed after 20 years so it is possible to continue reaping the benefits of savings on electricity for up to a further 55 years. The final speaker of the evening was John Cooke from Thomson, Hayton, Winkley solicitors. John discussed the legal implications when looking at renewable energy. He said people need to be certain they own the land and to check whether there are any restrictions on it. In many cases people get some way down the route of making arrangements for renewable energy installation before taking legal advice and John stressed that the importance of involving land agents, accountants and solicitors from the outset to be sure not to get caught out along the way. Following the presentations the farmers were able to network with the speakers to talk in more detail about their individual farms and what might work for them.
LOCAL NEWS – CUMBRIA West Cumbria Training I have organised PA1 and PA2f pesticide training in the last couple of months and will be running more training after lambing. Please get in touch if you are interested. Joyce Reed 01946 862348/07745 814029 [email protected] East Cumbria Training 12 people attended PA1 training at Appleby on 10th February and I will be organising the follow up PA2/PA6 courses after lambing time as well as further pesticides training in the east of the county. I’m also planning a tele-handler course in the Appleby area, so let me know if you’re interested. Meetings The renewables event at Kirkby Stephen was a great success. We had a good turnout and there was lots of discussions going on between farmers and the renewable energy companies. Carol Moffat 07917 666514 [email protected] South Cumbria Training I have run PA1, PA2 and PA6 courses in mid-January for 12 farmers. I think more farmers will need the pesticide qualification before November so please get in touch if you are interested. Meetings I organised a meeting on Cross Breeding Hill Ewes on 21st January at Ulpha. 12 farmers attended to hear Dewi Jones from Innovis talk about the benefits of cross breeding, which breeds perform best in certain situations, and how to monitor this to make informed decisions in the future. Claire Whitaker 07967 971299 [email protected] North Cumbria We have a vacancy for a coordinator in this area. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please contact the office on 01768 868615 or email [email protected]
__________________________ We are planning to run pesticide courses to allow compliance with the law on Grandfather Rights. This allows farmers to spray on their own farm only, but will be cheaper than the PA1 and PA2/PA6 course combination. Contact your local coordinator for more details.
Working With Young People To Develop Your Farm Business
On Wednesday 4th February, four farmers who have entered some kind of joint working arrangement with a landowner or stock owner spoke about their own experiences at a meeting held at Newton Rigg. Farmers, their sons and daughters and other young people considering contracts or partnerships, came along to hear Andrew Smith, contract dairy farmer from Brampton and Pete Webster, contract livestock farmer from Windermere outlined their set-ups and the pros and cons of them. Carl Walters and Jim Campbell spoke about how they have formed a partnership that allows the younger party to gradually take on more of the business and allow the Walters’ to have more time off! Also on hand were legal, financial and practical specialists who gave brief presentations and were available for farmers to speak to directly about their individual situations. The Farmer Network offers a confidential service to match young people with owners or tenants who are interested in share farming. Please contact Head Office if this is of interest to you. Employing an Apprentice
Employing an apprentice can be a great way to harness new talent for your business. There are, however, legal pitfalls in the different contracts that are available for apprentices. There are two types of apprenticeships – the old style apprenticeship contract and the new style apprenticeship agreement under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (“ASCLA”). If an old style apprenticeship contract is terminated early, it can mean compensation for wages for the remainder of the apprenticeship period, loss of training opportunity and loss of status. An employer can only fairly terminate such an apprenticeship early if the apprentice is unteachable. An old style apprenticeship contract does not need to be in writing or even state that it is an apprenticeship. An ASCLA apprenticeship agreement must be in writing and satisfy certain conditions as set out in the Act. An employer must be careful to ensure that all of those conditions are met otherwise an old style apprenticeship contract will have been created unintentionally instead. The biggest advantage in using an ASCLA apprenticeship agreement is that these apprentices can be treated like ordinary employees. For more information, contact Joanne Stronach on [email protected] or on 01228 552222.
Farm Trials Project Thanks to those who expressed an interest in this project, 20 farmers are keen to get involved. We are contacting them all individually and are planning to start the trials and monitoring soon after lambing time. Meetings to discuss the findings will be arranged as and when appropriate. The priority topics being looked at are: 1. Soil Management in a wetter climate, including grassland
management and improvement and less reliance on bought-in fertilisers
2. Scrub management - Including rush management/ Gorse/Bracken
3. Effective Liver Fluke Management 4. Identifying and treating trace-element deficiencies that are
affecting performance in the most cost-effective way for your farm
5. Selection of tups for a number of female and finishing traits 6. Health status testing of imported tups 7. Store lamb - finishing 8. Performance of different breeds of cattle on commons or
rough grazing for stewardship payments 9. Sheep lameness
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook - ‘The Cumbria Farmer Network’ or ‘The Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network’ or follow us on Twitter - @farmernetwork1
Working With Young People To Develop Your Farm Business
On Wednesday 4th February, four farmers who have entered some kind of joint working arrangement with a landowner or stock owner spoke about their own experiences at a meeting held at Newton Rigg. Farmers, their sons and daughters and other young people considering contracts or partnerships, came along to hear Andrew Smith, contract dairy farmer from Brampton and Pete Webster, contract livestock farmer from Windermere outlined their set-ups and the pros and cons of them. Carl Walters and Jim Campbell spoke about how they have formed a partnership that allows the younger party to gradually take on more of the business and allow the Walters’ to have more time off! Also on hand were legal, financial and practical specialists who gave brief presentations and were available for farmers to speak to directly about their individual situations. The Farmer Network offers a confidential service to match young people with owners or tenants who are interested in share farming. Please contact Head Office if this is of interest to you. Employing an Apprentice
Employing an apprentice can be a great way to harness new talent for your business. There are, however, legal pitfalls in the different contracts that are available for apprentices. There are two types of apprenticeships – the old style apprenticeship contract and the new style apprenticeship agreement under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (“ASCLA”). If an old style apprenticeship contract is terminated early, it can mean compensation for wages for the remainder of the apprenticeship period, loss of training opportunity and loss of status. An employer can only fairly terminate such an apprenticeship early if the apprentice is unteachable. An old style apprenticeship contract does not need to be in writing or even state that it is an apprenticeship. An ASCLA apprenticeship agreement must be in writing and satisfy certain conditions as set out in the Act. An employer must be careful to ensure that all of those conditions are met otherwise an old style apprenticeship contract will have been created unintentionally instead. The biggest advantage in using an ASCLA apprenticeship agreement is that these apprentices can be treated like ordinary employees. For more information, contact Joanne Stronach on [email protected] or on 01228 552222.
Farm Trials Project Thanks to those who expressed an interest in this project, 20 farmers are keen to get involved. We are contacting them all individually and are planning to start the trials and monitoring soon after lambing time. Meetings to discuss the findings will be arranged as and when appropriate. The priority topics being looked at are: 1. Soil Management in a wetter climate, including grassland
management and improvement and less reliance on bought-in fertilisers
2. Scrub management - Including rush management/ Gorse/Bracken
3. Effective Liver Fluke Management 4. Identifying and treating trace-element deficiencies that are
affecting performance in the most cost-effective way for your farm
5. Selection of tups for a number of female and finishing traits 6. Health status testing of imported tups 7. Store lamb - finishing 8. Performance of different breeds of cattle on commons or
rough grazing for stewardship payments 9. Sheep lameness
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook - ‘The Cumbria Farmer Network’ or ‘The Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network’ or follow us on Twitter - @farmernetwork1
Upland Conference 2015 at Newton Rigg College 12th to 14th May 2015
‘Upland Land Use and Multifunctionality: Theory, Practice, Synthesis’ The conference will draw together practitioners from all aspects of uplands land management and address the fact that we need to use our combined expertise to piece together the complex uplands jigsaw to create a sound economic model encompassing all interests. Over the three days we’ve brought together a fantastic line-up of speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds and interest areas: the Foundation for Common Land, EBLEX, the NFU, the CLA, Songbird Survival, Moorland Association, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and representatives from several National Parks. For further information please e-mail [email protected] or telephone 01768 893400.
Grassland North 2015 in partnership with
Carrs Billington and Dairy Open for Viewing in partnership with Fullwood
at Newton Rigg College Wednesday, 13th May 2015 from 11am till 7pm
For all things silage, this free event will have working demonstrations, static displays and a wide range of tradestands, including Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Barenbrug, Caltech, Origin and Volac. The new £2million dairy will also be open for viewing. For more information please telephone 01768 893400 or e-mail [email protected].
10th Anniversary Open Farm Sunday 7th June 2015
Open Farm Sunday is the farming industry’s annual open day managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). The aim for Open Farm Sunday is to show the public what you do on your farm and help them to understand how their food is produced. The size, type of event and timing is all up to you. You don’t have to plan a gathering for hundreds of people, just a short farm walk with neighbours makes a great event. To find out more or to register an event, go to www.farmsunday.org/
Practical On-Farm Training DIY AI course - Myerscough April 13-15
DIY AI course - Penrith May 5-7 Herdsman 3 day foot trimming –
Lancashire May 5-7 Professional foot trimming –
Cheshire April 20-24 1 Day Emergency First Aid on Farm
including safe cattle handling by arrangement
All our trainers are Lantra approved
Courses ran in small numbers on farm Full accredited certificate presented on
completion of each course.
Please call Embryonics for more info on 01565 723036
Or www.embryonicsltd.co.uk
North Sheep – Wednesday 3rd June Millstone Moor Farm, Cockermouth
The Farmer Network is having an outside stand at this
event. We hope that some of you will come along to see us, always good to put faces to names!
Full details at http://northsheep.org.uk/
Upland Conference 2015 at Newton Rigg College 12th to 14th May 2015
‘Upland Land Use and Multifunctionality: Theory, Practice, Synthesis’ The conference will draw together practitioners from all aspects of uplands land management and address the fact that we need to use our combined expertise to piece together the complex uplands jigsaw to create a sound economic model encompassing all interests. Over the three days we’ve brought together a fantastic line-up of speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds and interest areas: the Foundation for Common Land, EBLEX, the NFU, the CLA, Songbird Survival, Moorland Association, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and representatives from several National Parks. For further information please e-mail [email protected] or telephone 01768 893400.
Grassland North 2015 in partnership with
Carrs Billington and Dairy Open for Viewing in partnership with Fullwood
at Newton Rigg College Wednesday, 13th May 2015 from 11am till 7pm
For all things silage, this free event will have working demonstrations, static displays and a wide range of tradestands, including Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Barenbrug, Caltech, Origin and Volac. The new £2million dairy will also be open for viewing. For more information please telephone 01768 893400 or e-mail [email protected].
10th Anniversary Open Farm Sunday 7th June 2015
Open Farm Sunday is the farming industry’s annual open day managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). The aim for Open Farm Sunday is to show the public what you do on your farm and help them to understand how their food is produced. The size, type of event and timing is all up to you. You don’t have to plan a gathering for hundreds of people, just a short farm walk with neighbours makes a great event. To find out more or to register an event, go to www.farmsunday.org/
Practical On-Farm Training DIY AI course - Myerscough April 13-15
DIY AI course - Penrith May 5-7 Herdsman 3 day foot trimming –
Lancashire May 5-7 Professional foot trimming –
Cheshire April 20-24 1 Day Emergency First Aid on Farm
including safe cattle handling by arrangement
All our trainers are Lantra approved
Courses ran in small numbers on farm Full accredited certificate presented on
completion of each course.
Please call Embryonics for more info on 01565 723036
Or www.embryonicsltd.co.uk
North Sheep – Wednesday 3rd June Millstone Moor Farm, Cockermouth
The Farmer Network is having an outside stand at this
event. We hope that some of you will come along to see us, always good to put faces to names!
