In this week’s edition
Schmallenberg virus found in Uk
Horticulture sector looks to a promising 2012, says NFU board
Farm income forecasts a mixed bag
NFU livestock board chairman steps down after four years
Growing media task force direction should deliver results for growers
Action on scrap metal good news for farming
Improving crop health & quality the natural way: Tuesday 31st Jan, Ormskirk, Lancs
Come and hear the latest on CAP
NVZs in 2013: How might your business be affected? Mon 30th January, Bury, Lancs
Warwickshire conference to ask ‘Is UK livestock farming in good health’?
BBC Question time: Tuesday 2nd February- Southport, Lancashire
Triple Whammy for Triple F Chips
Contacting the North West Regional Office on Friday 3rd February
WHAT’S ON?
Schmallenberg virus found in UK
It’s been confirmed that Schmallenberg virus has been found in the UK for the first time. The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has identified cases on four premises in Norfolk, Suffolk and East Sussex. All the lambs testing positive for the virus were still born or died shortly after birth. The AHVLA says that these cases are likely to be a result of infection in summer/autumn last year. This disease is likely to have been transmitted by insects such as midges, and once the virus is in the insect population, culling animals would be an ineffective means of stopping disease spread. It’s not yet known how the virus reached the UK. However, the areas where the virus has been identified so far are in the parts of the UK which were at risk of wind borne incursion of infected midges from Continental Europe. The UK also imported pregnant animals from the affected countries in Europe during last year and these could have been carrying disease. Clinical signs of disease are, in cattle, fever with reduction in milk yield (of up to 50% lasting up to a week in individual animals), with in some cases diarrhoea that may be severe. These signs may spread through the herd affecting between 20-70% of animal over a 3-4 week period, and may lead to a drop in herd milk production of about 10%. In terms of congenital defects, these have been seen in close to term and new-born lambs, calves and goat kids. They include joint and limb contractures and twisting, twisted neck, and animals are usually born dead or die soon after birth. Other signs that may not be obvious externally such as hydranencephaly (parts of the brain may be replaced by fluid- filled sacs), could lead to signs of incoordination, paralysis and other nervous signs, recumbency and dullness. The disease is not notifiable and but we encourage anyone with suspect animals to contact your vet and local ANVLA office. For more information visit NFU Online
Horticulture sector looks to a promising 2012, says NFU board
The NFU’s horticulture and potatoes board has set out its lobbying priorities for the year ahead – and is setting its sights set on a successful 2012. Top priorities on the NFU’s lobbying agenda for the fresh produce sector include: building stronger supply chain relationships and progressing the establishment of a supply chain adjudicator; better administration and management of the Producer Organisation scheme; securing a successor to the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS) post 2013; ensuring Defra’s Sustainable Growing Media Task Force acknowledges the need for responsibly-sourced inputs, including peat, to be used in UK horticultural businesses; and a conclusion to the Agricultural Wages Board debate. NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Sarah Dawson said: “There is a lot of work to do, but I’m confident that the board – which is made up of specialists from all sectors of horticulture and potatoes – will be able to make significant progress on these important issues for our members during 2012. Following a disappointing financial performance for many growers last year, we want to create the right environment for our members to run profitable businesses – be that through reducing and tackling regulatory challenges, or encouraging more responsible supply chain behaviour. If we want to turn around our declining self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production and continue to provide consumers with the high quality, home grown fruit and vegetables that they demand it’s vital that growers are given the right signals to encourage them to invest for the future.”
Farm income forecasts a mixed bag
New government figures confirming a strong year for the farming industry are welcome, but the continued rise in input costs and the crisis in the eurozone means that there’s no room for complacency, say the NFU. Defra’s Farm Business Income forecasts for the year ending February 2012 predict incomes in several key sectors have strengthened over the last 12 months. Improvements in UK beef and milk prices, along with the relative strength of agricultural commodity prices have helped underpin the forecast. According to the figures, dairy farmers are expected to see a 27 per cent increase in incomes. Grazing livestock farms should also see incomes improve, with a 30 per cent rise predicted for lowland grazing units and seven per cent for farms in less favoured areas, albeit to still modest areas. A marginal increase is also expected in cereal farm income. But the intensive livestock sectors have suffered, with incomes on pig farms forecast to be down by 20 per cent and on poultry farms by eight per cent.
NFU livestock board chairman steps down after four years
Outgoing NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh believes the industry is more optimistic now than when he was elected in 2008. Cumbrian Beef & Sheep farmer, Mr Mackintosh, who is standing down after four years at the helm, says he leaves the board with the industry on a sound footing although recognises there is still much to achieve. He said: “In my four years I have had the good fortune to lead such a strong board and together we have achieved a great deal for our membership. I thank them for their support and dedication without which I could not have carried out my role as chairman. “Our industry is in a positive mood at the moment. Prices are stronger, relationships have vastly improved across the supply chain and we have achieved flexibility for farmers on sheep EID to help cope with the difficulties in the regulation. There are a number of key policy issues facing the livestock sector; the greening of the CAP, the review of movement controls and animal health challenges to mention a few. I know the livestock board will continue to lobby hard both at home and abroad to try to resolve these issues. I firmly believe this industry has a bright future with tremendous opportunities for the next generation of farmers. I know my successor will carry on representing NFU livestock farmers with the utmost drive and integrity.”
Growing media task force direction should deliver results for growers
The horticultural sector as a whole should benefit following ‘positive’ moves by a Government task force to investigate a whole wealth of sustainable growing alternatives. That was the view of the NFU as Defra’s Sustainable Growing Media Task Force unveiled its programme of work for the next six months. “The task force must ensure its solutions stack-up economically for the horticulture industry while moving it to a place where it can promote itself positively on its responsibly-sourced growing media,” said NFU horticultural adviser Dr Chris Hartfield. “These changes have moved the focus away from solely on peat, towards a future based on a whole suite of responsibly-sourced growing media materials. For the task force to be successful over coming months and deliver recommendations that are meaningful for growers, it is essential that it continues with this new direction.” The task force is due to publish an interim report in March, followed by a final report in June with recommendations and a ‘roadmap’ for sustainable growing media use in the horticultural sector. Dr Hartfield, who sits on the task force steering group, added: “Defra Minister Richard Benyon made it clear in the first task force meeting that this issue is not about the environment versus the economy but about putting the industry on a sustainable footing for the future. This means looking at the environmental footprint of all growing media constituents, not just peat, to help the industry move towards a position where all raw materials are sourced as responsibly as possible, and where the changes in industry practice also make economic sense for growers’ businesses.”
Action on scrap metal good news for farming
New legislation that will make it harder for people to sell stolen metal is good news for the farming industry, the NFU has said. The plans, announced by the Home Secretary Teresa May, will make it a criminal offence to purchase scrap metal for cash, and increase penalties under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. The Government considers that legislation is the only sustainable, long-term solution to the growing menace of metal theft. The announcement follows the commitment outlined in the National Infrastructure Plan published in November 2011 when the government announced £5 million to establish a dedicated metal theft taskforce to enhance law enforcement activity in this area.
Improving crop health & quality the natural way: Tuesday 31st Jan, Ormskirk, Lancs
ALL farmers & growers are welcome at this joint NFU/BPOA horticulture meeting sponsored by Omex that will look at improving crop health & quality. Speakers include:
- All the way from South Africa! ….Dr. Riaan Lourens on ‘Kelpac’ – a natural, seaweed-based fertiliser that can be used to improve plant growth, yield & quality in field veg & potatoes, protected edibles, ornamentals, or indeed any crop.
- Richard Cameron from Omex: Foliar nutrition - using liquid feeds to the best of advantage to improve crop health & performance
- Nicola Dunn, NFU Waste & Recycling expert on the rules governing the use of materials such as compost, digestate & paper wastes plus an update on the Environment Agency’s waste exemptions
Featuring complimentary sandwich buffet & refreshments on arrival. BASIS points available: 7:30pm on Tuesday 31st January just off the A59 Ormskirk to Preston road at Briars Hall Hotel, Briars Lane, Lathom, Nr Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 5TH. For more info or to reserve a place call 01695 554 900 or email aarun.naik@nfu.org.uk
Come and hear the latest on CAP
Following the success of our recent CAP reform seminars, we have organised a further series of exclusive events to help bring you up to speed on how the EU proposals may impact your business. Join us at our CAP Roadshow! The legendary Adam Briggs, NFU North West’s foremost international policy expert and guru on all things CAP-related will outline the replacement SPS scheme, what will be required to receive payment & provide an update on latest developments in Europe:
Tuesday 31st January 2012
- The Auctioneer, Montgomery Way, Rosehill Estate, Carlisle CA1 2RR starting at 10.30am
- Heyrose Golf Club, Budworth Road, Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0HZ, starting at 7.30pm
Wednesday 8th February 2012
- Brookfield Golf Club, Hankelow, Audlem, Nantwich CW3 0JE, starting at 10.30am
- The Crooklands Hotel, Crooklands, Kendal, Cumbria, LA7 7NW, starting at 7.30pm
These meetings are FREE to attend and everyone is welcome. For more or to reserve your place contact Diane Swift on 01695 554 900.
NVZs in 2013: How might your business be affected? Mon 30th January, Bury, Lancs
Defra are consulting on changes to the areas of England designated as NVZ, and the rules which businesses within those areas are expected to follow from 01 January 2013.Worryingly they also propose making changes to the rules applying to slurry stores outside NVZ areas. This could mean every dairy farm in the country requires 5 months storage and pig & poultry units 6 months storage! Come along to our meeting to hear
- Michael Payne, NFU Environmental Consultant, is putting together the NFU’s response to the consultation & will be attending to discuss the proposed changes & collect views from the North West.
- Helen Forrester, NFU North West Environment Adviser will also be on hand to discuss the current rules & carry out a short survey to be used as evidence within the NFU’s response.
The meeting takes place 7:30pm – 9pm on Monday 30th January at the Red Hall Hotel, Manchester Road, Walmersley, Bury BL9 5NA. For more information or to reserve your place, please contact the NFU North West Office on 01695 554 900 or email: helen.forrester@nfu.org.uk.
Triple Whammy for Triple F Chips
North West farming firm, ‘Fylde Fresh & fabulous’ and its Triple F Chips product enjoyed an extraordinary day on 17th January in London, where 3 of its customers scooped the Fish and Chip industry’s most prestigious awards. The business which is based at Stanley Villa Farm on Lancashire’s Fylde produces Triple F Chips from the farm’s potatoes. Read more online
Warwickshire conference to ask ‘UK Livestock Farming - In good health?’
The NFU and the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) have come together to host a joint Winter animal health meeting entitled ‘UK Livestock Farming – In good health?’ The event will look at current activities and future challenges, initially focusing on the first GB Cattle Health and Welfare Annual Report. The conference will then consider the delivery of vet services and the work of the levy bodies on health, welfare and production issues. The meeting conference is to take place on Wednesday 15th February, 2012 and will be based at the new NFU Conference Suite at Stoneleigh Park. The event is FREE to all cattle farmers, thanks to sponsorship from DairyCo, Eblex and the NFU and there are 30 places available. If you would like to attend then please contact Amy Gray on 024 7685 8522 or e-mail amy.gray@nfu.org.uk. The deadline for registrations is the 7th February 2012
BBC Question time: Tuesday 2nd February- Southport, Lancashire
Do you want to put your questions to the Question Time panel? BBC Question time will be in Southport, Lancashire on Tuesday 2nd February 2012. This presents an excellent opportunity for you to pose an agriculturally related question. If you are interested in attending please complete the form on the following link. If you would like help with the wording of a question please do speak with the regional office on 01695 554 900. For information about applying for tickets go to BBC Online.
Contacting the North West Regional Office on Friday 3rd February
Due to work being carried out on the phone lines as part of the refurbishment of our regional offices at Skelmersdale, the telephone lines may be disrupted on Friday 3rd February. We request you to be patient if contacting the office on that day.
Tweet tweet: Follow NFU North West on Twitter!
NFU North West’s following on social media feed ‘Twitter’ has now surpassed 100. Are you one of them? If not, then come on board to be kept abreast of all the breaking news, views & essential events as it affects farmers & growers in the North West region. Just go to http://twitter.com and follow us @NFUNorthWest.
WHAT’S ON?
Nematicide & Amistar Stewardship Workshop: Tuesday 7th February, Rainford, Lancs
The Workshop will include the following topics led by technical experts in the areas of granule and liquid application with input from the Syngenta Crop Protection application team. The areas covered will be
• How to calibrate a granule machine
• How to calibrate an Amistar applicator
• Daily maintenance of machinery
• Best use advice for Nematicides and Amistar
With completion of the workshop a certificate of attendance will be issued. BASIS and NRoSO points also available. Arrive at 9.00am for tea and coffee for a prompt 10.00am start. Finish at 12.00pm followed by some light food refreshments. Takes place Tuesday 7th February at JMB farming (Courtesy of Mr John Berry) at Reeds Farm, Mossborough Road, Reeds Lane, Rainford, WA11 7JN. For more info or to reserve a place contact Rob Farrow - Mobile: 07831 672082. Office: 01743 718525. E-Mail: rob.farrow@syngenta.com
Commercial Egg Producers Training Programme: January – March, Reaseheath College, 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 up 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.
Farmer courses for producers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire – February 2012
Date Course Title Cost Times Venue
Mon 13-15 Feb DIY AI £247.50 10am - 3.30pm Stockport
Tue 14 Feb Meat Presentation for Retailers £30.00 1pm - 5pm Park Farm Shop & Tearooms, Bury
Thu 16 Feb Renewable Heat Technology £25.00 6.45pm - 9pm Red House Farm, Dunham Massey
Mon 20 Feb Practical Lambing £58.25 10am - 3.30pm Bolton
Tue 7-10 Feb Foot Trimming £185.25 10am - 3.30pm North
Mon 20-23 Feb DIY AI £247.50 10am - 3.30pm Lancashire
Tue 21 Feb Basic Butchery Skills - Pork £15.00 6.45pm - 9pm Nixons Farm Shop, Bolshaw Road,
Tue 21 Feb Controlling Rats & Mice £65.00 9am - 4pm Dunham Massey
Tue 21 Feb Safe Working in Agriculture (L2) £40.00 9.30am - 4pm Myerscough College
Wed 22 Feb Food Innovation Tour Free 10.45am - 1pm Manchester Food Research Centre
To book contact Ella at Myerscough College on 01995 642255 or visit www.ruralgmskills.com.
Northern Dairy Conference: Wednesday 15th February, Clitheroe, Lancashire
The NFU Northern Dairy Conference returns to Lancashire this year by popular demand. A world class line up of speakers will focus on how co-operation can help secure a profitable future for the region’s dairy farmers. The last 12 months have seen a steady increase in the milk price with the average farmgate price around 3ppl higher than it was a year ago. However, despite this, the evidence shows that farmers are still to see the full value of commodity price increases feed through to farm level. Many commentators have made suggestions as to why the price has risen and cited issues such as currency fluctuations and a tightening of supplies. However, many have pointed towards stronger performance of the diary co-ops as the main reason that farmgate price has remained relatively firm when competition in the liquid sector has put immense pressure of the margins of liquid dairies. With this in mind the conference will explore the role that co-operation between farmers and within the supply chain will have in delivering a profitable future for all involved in the dairy sector. The conference, which is free to attend, takes place on Wednesday 15th February and will be held at The Stirk House, Gisburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4LJ. It starts as 7.30pm and will be followed by a light supper at around 9.30pm. The speakers include:-
• Robert Newbury, NFU Chief Dairy Advisor
• Kate Allum, Chief Executive, First Milk
• Karolina Klaskova our Milkbench and Dairy Systems Analyst, DairyCo
Everyone is welcome to attend but for catering purposes we ask that you please book a place by contacting Regional Office. If you would like further information or would like to book your place please contact adam.briggs@nfu.org.uk or call 01695 554 900.
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