In this week’s edition
- SPS flat rates for 2011
- Milk price rise from Dairy Crest but cuts from Asda for dedicated milk suppliers
- NFU warns Farming may lose a ‘generation’ of new entrants
- NFU tenancy Conference – book before it’s too late!
- Latest grain storage guide published
- Quad Bike Proposals cause concern
- Last chance for tax return
- Fairer trade for Cumbrian Farmers: 4th November, Rheged, Penrith
- Cumbria Rural Leadership Programme
- Lower Alt with Crossens Drainage Meeting: 1st November, Halshall, Lancs
- Tales from the Lake District National Park
- WHAT’S ON?
SPS flat rates for 2011
The RPA has announced the new flat rate values for SPS 2011 in England. This follows an annual recalculation exercise and has resulted in rates of:
- €289.94/ha, or £251.28/ha, for non-SDA (Severely Disadvantaged Areas)
- €233.95 (£202.75) for upland SDA other than moorland
- €40.82 (£35.38) for upland SDA moorland.
All rates are before modulation. As a reminder the Euro/Sterling conversion rate applied is 0.86665, the value of the Euro on September 30 2011. Progressive Modulation continues to apply for SPS 2011. This means the actual percentage reduction will be based on the various modulation bands applied depending on the gross SPS claim value and therefore the resultant percentage reduction is unique to each farmer
Milk price rise from Dairy Crest but cuts from Asda for dedicated milk suppliers
Dairy Crest has announced a 0.7ppl price rise for producers on its Davidstow cheese contract. The price rise will mean all farmers get a 0.5ppl increase to the base price and those who can achieve new higher bands for somatic cell count and bactoscan (these are quality measures which relate to herd health and milk hygiene, legal minimum standards exist, but farmers are paid a range premiums for exceptional results) will receive an additional 0.2ppl. The Grocer has also reported on a price reduction paid to farmers supplying Asda via Arla. The story says that Asda has cut the premium paid to its liquid milk supply group by 20 per cent despite insisting the milk price war would not come at the expense of its dairy farmers. One week before it slashed its retail milk prices, Asda reduced the premium paid to its dairy farmers by 0.25 pence per litre (ppl) to 1ppl, applicable after 1 October.
NFU warns farming may lose a ‘generation’ of new entrants
Students on higher education agriculture courses without family farms may struggle to farm in their own right, the NFU has warned. While the number of students on agricultural courses at Harper Adams University College is at its highest level in 10 years, the difficulty in gaining a farm tenancy may mean the industry could be about to lose a generation of new entrants. Due to the economic climate, there is greater pressure on county estates to sell farms to raise capital instead of letting them out as tenancies. NFU Deputy President, Meurig Raymond said: “There is concern over the tenanted sector at the present time. It is great to see so many people wanting to get into agriculture but we may lose them instead of helping them into an industry in desperate need of new entrants with fresh ideas, imagination and initiative to help the sector grow.” The NFU is holding its 2011 Tenants conference on November 10 at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire. Entitled ‘The future of the tenanted sector’ the conference will be addressing this and other issues with speakers including the Rt Hon Jim Paice MP. See below for more info.
NFU tenancy Conference: 10th November. Book before it’s too late!
The NFU’s National Tenant Farmers’ Conference takes place at Harper Adams University on Thursday 10th November 2011. The focus for this year’s event is ‘The Future of the Tenanted Sector’, focusing on the national issues as well as looking at opportunities to invest in success. The conference will start with coffee at 9.30am, followed by an introduction from the principal of Harper Adams, David Lewellyn. The morning session will focus on national policy issues. The speakers include Minister of State for Agriculture & Food, Jim Paice MP, TRIG Chairman Julian Sayers and NFU President, Peter Kendall. In the afternoon session titled ‘Opportunities to Create Success’ speakers include William Gemmill, Strutt & Parker, Bertie Ross, Chief Executive, Duchy of Cornwall and two tenant farmers who have succeeded in the tenanted sector. The event will close at 4.15pm. Ten places remain for North West members who would like to attend this free event. These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in attending then contact Adam Briggs on 01695 554 912 or e-mail adam.briggs@nfu.org.uk
Quad Bike Proposals cause concern
The European Commission has proposed new rules to improve safety and to reduce the complexity of existing rules governing motorbikes and quad bikes. These obligatory safety standards, which the Commission believes will also increase market competition, will require manufacturers to bring all new quads up to full road safety specifications. The NFU fears this will make utility All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) more expensive, less suitable for agricultural use and have a significant impact on farmer choice. The European Parliament’s agriculture committee is likely to vote on the proposals in November with a full parliamentary vote in early 2012. The UK farming unions are working closely with MEPs to amend the proposals before they become law. Ben Coates, NFU Assistant Regulatory Affairs Adviser, said: “The technical changes that would be required to fit the regulation could significantly decrease the ATV’s off-road ability, completely undermining their current use. This will have an immediate and negative impact on work users of these vehicles such as farmers, foresters and emergency services. We also estimate that the increased technical standards would make vehicles between 40 and 60% more expensive to design and build.
Latest grain storage guide published
A new, essential guide for grain storage management is released today. The Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) grain storage guide contains new, clearer guidance aimed at improving management practices in modern farming. Having a copy of the 2011 Third Edition will be a requirement of farm assurance schemes for combinable crops. The NFU was part of a consortium that led to the creation of the new guide, which includes new scientific evidence developed over the past four years through significant funding from Defra and industry. The guide will be mailed to over 25,000 arable farmers. You can also download a copy at the HGCA Website.
Last chance for tax return
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is urging farmers to get paper tax returns in before 31 October, or face a penalty. If you send in a paper tax return on or after 1 November, you will now be hit with a £100 penalty – even if there is no tax to pay or the tax due is paid on time following new regulation. Also there are late-filing penalties after three, six and twelve months. If you can’t send your paper return by 31 October, you can still avoid a penalty by sending your tax return online instead. However, if you do send a paper return after the 31 October deadline, you cannot avoid the initial £100 penalty by subsequently filing online. To find out more about the October deadline and sending a paper tax return, go to the HMRC website.
Lower Alt with Crossens Drainage Meeting: 1st November, Halshall, Lancs
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 is looking for feedback from farmers & growers. Some of the options put forward such as flood storage areas if implemented could have a serious effect on farmers & growers in the area. The EA has now organised a drop-in session to give the opportunity for local farming & horticultural businesses to discuss the proposals. This will take place 1pm – 6:30pm on Tuesday 1st November at Halsall Memmorial Hall, Cross Lane, Halsall. For more information contact Richard Potts on 01695 554 900. Meanwhile if you wish to read the read the consultation and complete the feedback form, then call 01695 554 900 for a hard copy or visit the EA Website.
Fairer trade for Cumbrian Farmers: 4th November, Rheged, Penrith
We encourage Cumbria farmer and food producers to come along to this innovative one-day conference which will examine existing good practice in Cumbria and beyond. Selected aspects of the ‘Fairtrade’ concept will be looked at to determine ways in which more local farmers, food & wool processors can work together for a fairer deal and a more sustainable future, mindful of the challenges which farming faces post 2013 and considering that many of these challenges are similar to those faced by small farmers in developing countries. Guest speakers include Harriet Lamb - Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation, Stephen Best - banana farmer from the Windward Islands Farmers’ Association and Robert Craig - Eden Valley dairy farmer & NFU Cumbria County Chairman. There will also be workshops on adding value to wool, dedicated supply chains for milk, public procurement, distributing local produce and developing a Cumbrian brand. It’s important that farmers are represented at this event so if you can, please come along: 9:45am to 4pm on Friday 4th November at Rheged, Penrith. For more information or to book a place Tel: 017687 80047 or 016977 47962. Alternatively visit www.cumbriafairtrade.org.uk.
Cumbria Rural Leadership Programme
Would you like to challenge yourself and learn new skills? Would you like to drive community events forward? Do you want to develop your leadership skills & abilities? Would you like to act as an ambassador for Cumbria? Primarily designed for those involved in farming, food or forestry businesses in rural Cumbria, the unique Rural Leadership Programme represents a fantastic opportunity for those working in the rural sector to develop the leadership skills, contact network and rural and political knowledge that can enhance their business and the role they play in wider rural community. The programme will be delivered through a series of modules and learning journeys to London & Brussels from November 2011 to March 2012. Cumbria’s local action groups are meeting the vast majority of the costs; however participants will be required to contribute a proportion of the costs (£250 excluding VAT). It may also be possible to obtain sponsorship. For more information on the programme and how to apply contact Emily Maclean on 01539 566 987 or email: emily.maclean@sac.co.uk
Tales from the Lake District National Park
Part of a BBC4 TV series looking at issues in three of the country’s National Park. The first episode concentrated on the Lake District and was televised on Sunday 23rd October. It looked at how the Park Authority approached the planning application at Honister for a zip wire to be allowed. The series continues on Sunday evenings at 9pm on BBC4. You can watch it again through BBC i-player.
WHAT’S ON?
Gleadell Grain Marketing Outlook Seminar: 1st November, Skelmersdale, Lancs
Lunch meeting at 12pm on Tuesday 1st November at the Cedar Suite, West Lancs Investment Centre, Maple View, White Moss Business Park (Jtn4 M58) Skelmersdale, WN8 9TG. To book your place email graham.webster@gleadell.co.uk or phone/text on 07795 110 321. This will help assist with confirming catering arrangements.
What do Caribbean banana farmers have in common with UK farmers & growers? Thurs 10th Nov, Skelmersdale
ALL farmers & growers are welcome at this North West Horticulture & Potatoes Board event where our guest speaker will be Stephen Best - a banana grower from the island of Saint-Lucia and member the ‘Windward Islands Farmers’ Association’. He has long experience not only as a banana farmer but also as a representative of banana farmers on the board of the Saint Lucia National Fairtrade Organisation. Stephen will be sharing his experiences growing & marketing fairtrade bananas, reflecting on how many of the challenges faced when dealing with the supply chain are common to both farmers here and in the Caribbean and exploring what North West grower businesses can learn from certain aspects of the Fairtrade concept. This meeting is open to all and promises to be a great evening so please come along. For more information or to reserve a place tel 01695 554 900 or email aarun.naik@nfu.org.uk
Training courses for Greater Manchester: October & November
The following courses are available to farmers in Greater Manchester at discounted rates due to RDPE funding:
1-4/11/2011 10am-3.30pm. DIY AI (£245.70)
01/11/2011 6.45-9.00pm. Overview of Renewable Technologies, the Midway Hotel, Stockport (FREE)
03/11/2011 6.45-9.00pm Introduction to Social Media, Mercury Hotel, Westhoughton (£15.00)
08/11/2011 10am-4pm Introduction to Direct Selling Park Farm Shop & Tearooms, Bury, BL9 5NP (£30)
08/11/2011 9:30am-4pm First Aid at Work (3 day).Red House Farm, Dunham Massey, WA14 5RL (£81)
09/11/2011 10-3.30pm Sheep Parasite Control. Bury (£58.25)
10/11/2011 10am-3pm Flexible IT Solutions. Bury Business Solutions (£30)
12/11/2011 9:30am-4pm Computerised Farm Bookkeeping Session 1. The Midway Hotel, Stockport (£30 per session)
15/11/2011 9am-4pm. ATV Sit Astride Operator Training. One Ash Farm, Alder Lane, Cronton, Widnes, WA8 5PY
16/11/2011 10-3:30pm CEVAS. Red House Farm, Dunham Massey, WA14 5RL (£100 for both days)
16/11/2011 10-3:30pm Foot Trimming Part 3. Stockport (£61.75)
19/11/2011 9:30am-4pm Computerised Farm Bookkeeping Session 2 The Midway Hotel, Stockport. (£30 per session)
For more information contact Ella Trickett at Myerscough College on 01995 642222, Ext: 2208
‘Optimise your assets for maximum performance & profit’: Thursday 3rd November – Winsford, Cheshire
Focusing on all aspects of managing dairy cattle including labour, herd health and mechanical operations. Speakers include Andrew Fletcher (Fletcher & Co, Ed Dale (Dale Farms), Ed Hayes (Wright & Morten Vet Group), Phil Asbury (Clive Hall), Andy Taylor (Promar) and Kay Carson (Agricultural Economist). Takes place on Thursday 3rd November at Clive Hall Farm, Clive Lane, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3NX starting at 10.30am, running until 3pm including lunch. To register for your free place contact Lesley Innes on 01270 625 131 Ext 308 or e-mail livestocknw@reaseheath.ac.uk
Take a strategic look at calf rearing: Tuesday 8th November, Penrith, Cumbria
Does your calf rearing system provide the opportunity for calves to grow to their genetic potential? Join Sam Leadley, Ph.D., P.A.S. Calf & Heifer Management Specialist of Attica Veterinary Associates, USA to discuss calf rearing from birth to weaning. Issues covered include milk feeding systems, colostrum management and calf vaccine. Tuesday 8th November from 11:00pm to 2:30pm at The Hired Lad, Penrith Auction Mart, Penrith, CA11 0DN (Lunch provided).
Focus on the family farm: October & November – Tarporley, Cheshire
This series of seminars covers all aspects of succession planning, with reference to wills, partnership agreements, and protection for key employees, planning and managing tax implications, looking at diversification opportunities and retirement planning. It will show that dealing with issues up front can save future personal, legal and financial problems:
- 17th November: Farm strategies - Working closely with your professional advisors & business strategies in the context of succession planning and future proofing your farm.
Seminars take place 10:30 – 14:30 at Willington Hall Hotel, Tarporley, CW6 0NB. RDPE subsidised cost £99. For more info or to book your place, contact Lisa Forbes - Tel:01270 613195 or email: lisaforbes@reaseheath.ac.uk
Developing Management Skills
A series of one-day training modules which will help you develop key skills to more effectively lead and manage people to achieve results. Developing effective people skills and interacting constructively with others leads to achieving improved results for your business or organisation:
- 17th November: Effective Communication
- 20th December: Managing Time & Influencing others
- 20th January 2012: Leading & Motivating Staff
- 3rd February 2012: Team Building
Sessions take place 9am – 5pm at Reaseheath College, Cheshire. Funding is 70% RDPE and 30% employer contribution towards the cost of training. For more info contact Lisa Forbes on 01270 613 195 or email lisaforbes@reaseheath.ac.uk
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