In this week’s edition:
- NVZ Consultation launched this week.
- Farmers urged to take note of key NVZ dates
- NFU urges Government to stick with plans to streamline planning policies
- Agriculture Council agree to Bluetongue preventative vaccination
- New advice service to give farmers a helping hand
- Commission rejects call for new animal transport rules
- EU net exporter of beef in 2010
- North West representatives needed up tenancy & upland policy forums
- Lower Alt with Crossens Pumped Drainage Flood Risk Management Strategic Plan
- Lambing experience sought
- Call First opening hours over Christmas and New Year
- Annual Dinner & Luncheons 2012
- Fracking meetings for members
- NFU North West Regional Office opening hours
- WHAT’S ON?
NVZ Consultation launched this week.
The NVZ Consultation for England 2013-2016 was launched this week. The consultation, which runs until 16th March 2012, makes some additional designations as well as a small number of de-designations across the region. It also proposes some amendments to the Action Programme which include an extension to the closed period, closed periods classified by rainfall banding, reduction in the quantity of slurry that can be spread immediately after the closed period, storage of slurry to be calculated using the same method for NVZ and SSAFO, cover crops to be made compulsory and removing the requirement for low intensity farmers to keep NVZ records. The consultation also makes suggestions relating to the Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) Regulations 2010 (SAFFO). It proposes to change Regulation 6 and make it that all stores should comply with SSAFO by 22 Dec 2015, which would mean that 4-5 months slurry storage would be required on all farms. The results of the consultation will be implemented from January 2013. For more information visit www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2011/12/20/nitrates-directive/
Farmers urged to take note of key NVZ dates
Farms within NVZs will need to have slurry storage capacity for at least six months’ production for pig slurry and poultry manure and for at least five months production of other slurries from January 1 2012. The changes are the remaining parts of the 2008 NVZ regulations coming into force next month and include a ban on high trajectory slurry spreading above 4m. Farmers in NVZs also need to abide by restrictions already in force, including closed periods for spreading organic manures and manufactured nitrogen fertilisers; keep detailed records of applications, ensuring that annual manure applications remain below 250kg N/ha for each field; ensure that farm livestock manure limits are below 170kg N/ha and not exceed crop requirements for available nitrogen. Farmers in NVZs with 80% grassland are also being reminded of the option to apply for derogation from strict nitrogen limits by December 31 2011. Applications to the Environment Agency can be by phone, online or on paper, full details can be found in the NVZ Defra booklet 5a available from here. Farmers can check if they are in an NVZ by visiting www.nutrientmanagement.org and clicking on NVZ maps. Free resources for the Tried & Tested plan can also be found there or by calling the team on 02476 858896 or emailing nutrient.management@nfu.org.uk.
NFU urges Government to stick with plans to streamline planning policies
Changes to planning rules must ensure that the rural economy can be allowed to prosper alongside a healthy natural environment, the NFU said this week after an influential group of MPs launched its review of the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF). The Communities and Local Select Committee has said that Government must make a number of changes to improve the NPPF and has also come up with its own definition of sustainability – one which said should treat economic, environmental and social success equally but goes on to stress that planning protects and enhances the environment. The NFU believes this very definition contradicts itself and may pose potential problems to agricultural planning applications in the future which would reduce the industry’s efforts to increase capacity for food production. The full report from the committee can be read at http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/communities-and-local-government-committee/news/nppf-report-pn-./
Agriculture Council agree to Bluetongue preventative vaccination
The European Agriculture Council has agreed to allow vaccination in bluetongue free zones, the culmination of a concerted lobbying campaign by the NFU and Defra. The NFU will now work with Defra and the Commission to make sure the changes to the legislation can be implemented in the UK as soon as possible. This change will mean producers can make a commercial decision to vaccinate their animals without effecting Great Britain BT free status. Great Britain was officially declared BT disease-free on July 5 this year which meant that producers were no longer able to vaccinate their animals against the disease as legislation does not allow vaccination within a free zone. The last confirmed case of BT in this country was in 2008 which is due, largely, to a very successful campaign by farmers, Government and vets to get rid of the disease from our shores.
New advice service to give farmers a helping hand
Defra will launch a new advice service will launch in the New Year. The new Farming Advice Service (FAS) will offer a one-stop-shop to farmers needing advice on subjects including cross compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change adaption and mitigation. It replaces the old cross compliance advice programme and will now cover a much broader range of subjects including cross compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The overall aim is to establish a central contact point to help farmers find specialist advice on improving their economic and environmental performance. The helpline number for technical questions and advice is 0845 345 1302. The website address will be www.defra.gov.uk/farming-advice. Both go live in the New Year.
Commission rejects call for new animal transport rules
Health Commissioner John Dalli has reassured EU Agriculture Ministers that there are no plans for new animal transport legislation following the publication of a Commission report on the implementation of the rules governing animal welfare during transport. He went on to say that animal welfare during transport would be improved faster if Member States harmonised the existing legislation rather than introducing any stricter rules. However, he added that the Commission will explore the possibility of adopting implementing acts, for example, on harmonised rules on the use of navigation systems to ensure more efficient checks on journey times and resting periods. “We have recorded certain difficulties for transporters which have led to a less than level playing field,” said Mr Dalli. Welfare organisations remain critical of the Commission’s report, viewing it as a failure to address animal welfare concerns.
EU net exporter of beef in 2010
The EU was a net exporter of fresh and frozen beef in 2010 for the first time in years. This was largely a result of increased demand from Russia and Turkey, combined with a reduction in imports from South America. The trend has continued during 2011, driven by a decline in world production and a surge in global beef prices, making EU beef prices more competitive. Since early 2010, rising prices in the key South American exporting countries have closed a large proportion of the gap with EU prices.
North West representatives needed up tenancy & upland policy forums
Keen to make your voice heard? Want to help shape our policies? The NFU is seeking applicants for its tenancy forum and its upland issues policy forum. For more information or for an application form contact Adam Briggs on 01695 554 912 or email adam.briggs@nfu.org.uk. The newly constituted forums will meet in early March after the 2012 NFU AGM. The deadline for applications is the 30th December 2011.
Lower Alt with Crossens Pumped Drainage Flood Risk Management Strategic Plan
The Environment Agency (EA) has put together a Strategic Plan for the Alt with Crossens Review which sets out how water should be managed in the future. This is a consultation document and the EA are looking for feedback from farmers & growers. This could have a serious effect on the farmers and growers in the West Lancashire area. The consultation has been extended to the 31st January 2012. The NFU will be holding further meetings in the near future. Visit https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/portal/re/nw/flood/alt/lower_alt_and_crossens_consultation to read the consultation and complete the feedback form. Alternatively there are hard copies available at the regional NFU office in Skelmersdale. For more info call Richard Potts on 01695 554 917.
Lambing experience sought
Henry Newell, a first year veterinary student, is currently looking for two weeks lambing experience in the North West between the 10th March and 16th April 2012. Telephone 07580 946272 if you can help.
Call First opening hours over Christmas and New Year
The opening times for Call First over the festive season will be as follows:-:
- Friday 23rd December 8.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
- Monday 26th December Closed
- Tuesday 27th December Closed
- Wednesday 28th December 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
- Thursday 29th December 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
- Friday 30th December 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
- Monday 2nd January 2012 Closed
- Tuesday 3rd January 2012 Normal Opening times – 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Outside these times there will be an automated message notifying the caller that the office is closed and an option to leave a message.
Annual Dinner & Luncheons 2012
As 2012 approaches, please find below details of the Cumbria and Cheshire Annual Dinners and the Lancashire Annual Lunch. Tickets are available from your local group office or by contacting Diane Swift on 01695 554 900
- Cumbria County Branch Annual Dinner and Inauguration of Officeholders, Monday 16 January 2012, The Westmorland Hotel Penrith, 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Speaker: Tom Hind, NFU Director of Corporate Affairs, Ticket price £20
- Lancashire County Branch Annual Lunch, Tuesday 24 January 2012, Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club, 12 noon for 12.30pm. Speaker Jim Paice, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Ticket price £17
- Cheshire County Branch Annual Dinner, Wednesday 25 January 2012, Macdonald Portal Premier Golf & Country Club, Forest Road, Tarporley, CW6 0JA, 7.30pm for 8.00pm, Speaker: Mark Berrisford-Smith, Chief Economist, HSBC UK, Ticket price £20
Fracking meetings for members
We have organised two meetings for members to learn more about Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking). Cuadrilla currently has test drilling sites in West Lancashire. The NFU has arranged for members the opportunity to hear from Cuadrilla, what they are currently doing and what their plans are for the future. Cuadrilla will make a presentation and allow members to have their queries answered. The meetings taken place as follows:-
Friday 20th January 2:00pm at Elswick Village Hall, Roseacre Farm, Elswick, PR4 3UD
7:30pm at Hesketh with Becconsall Village Hall Station Road, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6SR
The meeting is free to attend for all farmers and growers. To book a place please call 01695 554900
NFU North West Regional Office opening hours
The NFU regional office will close today from 12.30pm for the Christmas period. However, it will be open as usual from December 28th to the 30th before closing again over the New Year period. Normal office opening hours will resume on Tuesday 3rd January.
WHAT’S ON?
Eblex beef handling meeting – Wednesday 11th January
Join EBLEX for this interesting session on ‘Improving beef handling systems and winter health’ at Bankhouse Farm, Repton, DE65 6FB on Wednesday 11th January 2012. 11.00am – 2.00pm. As the result of a previous workshop with the renowned handling designer, Miriam Parker, the farm has designed and implemented a new handling system. It was designed to compliment the new housing, to ease the management of the large volumes of cattle on farm. Miriam and Andrew will guide you through the system. In addition, Sandy Jamieson from Scarsdale Vets, will discuss common winter health problems and how to avoid them. Ring Hellen, Vickie and Sandra on 0870 609 1840 or 01904 771211 or email brpevents@eblex.org.uk to book your FREE place.
NFU pre- council meetings – January 2012
The NFU AGM in Birmingham in February will see the County Chairman and Council Delegates vote in the election of the NFU President, Vice President and Deputy President for the next two years. Your regional representatives are very keen to discuss the election with members so they can take a mandate from their respective counties when they make their vote at the AGM. With this in mind we have organised 3 regional county meetings where the election of officeholders will be top of the agenda. There will also be an update on the latest issues affecting the various farming sectors across the region as well as the most up to date information on CAP reform. The meetings have been arranged as follows:-
- Lancashire - Wednesday 4th January – The Swallow Hotel, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire PR5 0UL, at 7.30pm
- Cheshire - Thursday 5th January – Brindley Hall Farm, Brindley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8JA. At 12.30pm
- Cumbria - Friday 6th January – The Crooklands Hotel, Crooklands, Kendal, Cumbria, LA7 7NW, at 12.30pm
These meetings will give you the chance to have a say in who should shape NFU policy over the next two years. All members are welcome to attend but we would ask you to confirm your attendance by contacting the NFU regional office on 01695 554 900.
Commercial Egg Producers Training Programme; 18th January – 21st March, Cheshire
Reaseheath College is once again running its hugely successful commercial egg producers training course. The course consists of 10 training sessions covering all matters relating to livestock, housing and egg production in either free range, barn or colony systems. Training takes place 1pm to 5pm on Wednesdays from 18th January to 21st March 2012 at Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire. Training is subsidised by 70% RDPE funding at a cost of £45 per session. Funding is subject to post code eligibility. For more information or to book a place, contact Lisa Forbes – Tel: 01270 613195; Email: lisaforbes@reaseheath.ac.uk
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