FWispace

Full steam ahead.

dairy diary — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:10:00 GMT

The maize is now safely in and Phil is busy mowing. We are now next in the queue and are hoping to start chopping on Sunday. We are leaving the grass in swaths for as long as we can to try and let the ground dry out. Some of our neighbours have been making a mess,getting stuck picking their grass up but I am sure it will have dried a lot by Sunday.

The first cow calved last night, sorry make that two !!! Both a week earlier than planned but both seem ok. We had almost forgotten what calves looked like when we haven't had any since last October.

Working in the sun

Roburt — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:22:00 GMT

Outcomes the sun and suddenly the jobs which we could not do, are now good to go all at the same time! This blog is supposed to be about land drainage and agricultural contracting, but I realised that I spend a great deal of time talk about the weather and the seasons. There is no avoiding nature in my line of work it controls what we do and then we do it, it’s the same of most work in Agriculture.

The other seasonal aspect of my life is time spent in the car. In the winter most of the jobs we do are small which translates as local - no one who is not local can complete on price if transport cost are high percentage of a small total. In the summer the contracts tend to be larger and often further away. This week I have been on a job just outside London, next week we are up north to Bradford. I clock up quite a few miles over the course of a year, but the vast majority are travelled between May and October.

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Grain To Glass

Farmer Jake — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:42:00 GMT

On June 26th 8 intrepid novice cyclists are setting off from the Shobnal Maltings (Burton-upon-Trent) in order to raise money for the Molson Coors Growers Group charity, The Prince's Countryside Fund . Our aim is to raise awareness of the supply chain Read More......(read more)

Farmers to be paid for feeding farmland birds

fordtractor7740 — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:48:00 GMT

Defra has announced that farmers will be able to apply for payment through agri- environment schemes to feed farmland birds during the leanest months of winter. Beginning in January 2013, new schemes will enable farmers to access rural development funding to provide supplementary food to farmland birds. The evidence supporting the decision, made by Defra ministers last week, was compiled during two decades of research carried out on the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Allerton Project Farm at Loddington, Leicestershire, where farmland bird numbers doubled in years when additional grain seeds were provided through feed hoppers compared to years without. Dr Alastair Leake, Head of the Allerton Project, welcomed the decision. He said, “We are delighted with Defra’s decision. It will be welcomed by farmers who plant wildlife strips for birds but know that this source of food runs out late in the winter. This new measure will help to keep their birds alive and on their farms until the breeding season. Farmers are already doing a great deal for wildlife and this is another important way that they can help their birds during lean times.” The latest government figures show that some farmland bird populations such as grey partridge, tree sparrow, yellowhammer, reed bunting, and corn bunting have declined by over 40 per cent on average, though some species have been hit by declines of up to 90 per cent since the 1970s. However, research by groups including the RSPB at its own farms in Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire is enabling farmers to develop more wildlife friendly ways of farming. Dr Leake added, “Supplementary feeding, a very targeted intervention will get us over this one limitation and will be enormously helpful in reversing the long-term declines of these vulnerable farmland birds. “While we know which plant seeds birds like to eat, we also know that many of these become depleted towards the end of winter. Unfortunately, we have not yet discovered plants that will hold onto their seeds during the leanest months. Until we have developed these long-lasting seed bearing crops, which may involve breeding known bird feeding species specifically for the purpose, supplementary feeding provides the ideal stop-gap to ensure that birds survive and thrive until the breeding season.”

The ostrich syndrome

Bovine TB — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:20:00 GMT

We have used that description before when describing the overspill of bTB from an ‘ environmental, non - bovine source’ – badgers, into another popular mammal, alpacas. Playing with their own published statistics, and deflecting searching questions about Read More......(read more)

Merger with Arla – Milk Link Secures Stronger Future for Farmer Owners

Land Strategies Farming Blog — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:48:00 GMT

The proposed merger between Milk Link and Arla has been warmly applauded by dairy industry watchers, and rightly so. Against a background of ever stronger retailer power, increased globalisation by major players with turnovers in the £billions, and a Read More......(read more)

Progress at last !!!

dairy diary — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:35:00 GMT

The week has started well. The maize ground is worked down and should be sown today. We were not the earliest to sow but maybe the conditions are better now for a quick germination. Our neighbours are busy mowing for first cut. Ground conditions are still a bit soft but the sun is shining for a change. I think we will be starting at the weekend as there is a queue for the contractor. All the cows are out again, a relief to them and us. The first cow due to calve is starting to alter and the rest won't be far behind. Let's hope we can get the silaging finished before they start calving.

Shooting Wildlife

Farmer Jake — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:05:00 GMT

Over the last couple of days I have carrying my camera around to try and capture some of the wildlife that I am seeing around the farm at the moment. This lovely spell of warm weather is really bringing the wildlife out to enjoy it as much as I am. The Read More......(read more)

Getting lost, abattoir and feet...

Diary entries from Emma — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:54:51 GMT

Alex, one of our Monday helpers and I are checking the ewes and lambs at Wallacefield. It doesn’t quite add up and I can hear a plaintive baaing coming from the vicinity of the river, someone is lost. We wander over and sure enough there is a lamb on the wrong side of the fence in the field that is basically a bank to the river Eden. He has slipped through a gap and now can’t remember how to get back. I don’t fancy catching the little blighter, broken pinkie aside it’s a steep bank covered in undergrowth...(read more)

Pre-harvest Market Outlook to launch at Cereals

fordtractor7740 — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:40:00 GMT

The Home Grown cereals Agency today announced that AHDB/HGCA Market Intelligence team will be launching a Pre-Harvest Market Outlook at Cereals 2012 event being held next month and will offer a short round up before each variety tour. The agency also said its 35th HGCA Planting and Variety Survey will be arriving with farmers this week. The 35th HGCA Planting and Variety Survey has been posted out to around 7,000 growers across the country. The Planting Survey, which is supported by Defra and the Welsh National Assembly, will provide an estimate of the area of cereals and oilseed rape planted for the 2012 crop in Great Britain. The results of the survey, which will be used to develop a regional picture of the varieties farmers are growing, will be available online from mid July, alongside more detailed analysis based on the findings, according to HGCA.

How can you be 100% sure ....

Bovine TB — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:48:02 GMT

... that she contracted TB from wildlife? So said a curt note from the Badger Trust in reply to a farmer in Wales, about to lose this beautiful cow. For good measure they also said they cared about ALL animals. You could have fooled us; they sure as hell Read More......(read more)

Update - Dianne Summers

Bovine TB — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:16:01 GMT

Following our postings on Dianne's illness, she has updated the website with this thumbnail of how she is coping with the intensive bTB drug regime. (click News tab for the full account) On April 12 th 2012 Dianne started a nine month regime of a Read More......(read more)

Farming leaders call for more balanced milk contracts

fordtractor7740 — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:36:00 GMT

Following a debate in London last week, which was attended by UK agriculture minister Jim Paice, farming unions have begun to call for the introduction of break clauses to inequitable milk supply contracts, so long as processors are allowed to dictate the terms of the agreements. The calls come after milk processors embarked upon a ‘follow the leader’ round of price cuts between the end of April and beginning of May. Many major processors cut their prices by 2 pence per litre, before their farmers suppliers were able to feel the benefits of recent increases in the profitability of milk last year. This ignominy led to calls for radical change in the milk supply chain, where farmers are slow to see reimbursements, but feel shocks with depressing rapidity. Following price cuts by Arla, Robert Wiseman, Dairy Crest and now farmer-owned businesses First Milk and Milk Link, farm gate prices have dropped back below the price of production for liquid milk. At the Dairy Supply Chain Forum, which took place on Thursday, representatives from NFU Scotland stated that Defra’s forthcoming ‘code of practice’ for the dairy sector will present an opportunity to rectify the significant imbalances in the dairy supply chain by promoting more meaningful, balanced contracts. Union representatives said that, if milk buyers fail to come forward with positive proposals, politicians should step in to prevent exploitation. Speaking after last week’s forum, NFU Scotland Vice President Allan Bowie said, "Without more balanced contractual arrangements between dairy farmers and their milk buyers, many processors will continue to take the easy route to managing their own margins by simply lowering the price they pay to farmers rather than looking to their customers. "It would be far more positive for our dairy sector if our milk buyers were to react to changing markets by looking for alternative customers or developing alternative products. However, rather than having a long-term vision, too many processors revert to the old habit of seeking short-term gain by cutting the price paid for milk.” Farming leaders also said that, if it is to provide any benefit to farmers, the sector Code of Practice must include substantial contractual improvements that bring better balance and fairness to arrangements between farmers and their milk buyers. Mr Bowie continued, “Where processors drop the price of milk without proper negotiation, justification or agreement – as has happened in recent days - then suppliers should have the option to resign under a shorter notice period. If this is not acceptable to processors, then we have urged our politicians to legislate.” Under EU rules, new milk contracts will be compulsorily introduced if agreements cannt be made voluntarily. Farming representatives used the event to call for the development of more “meaningful and constructive relationships” within the supply chain and promote the formation of cooperatives and other producer organisations to improve producers’ influence.

they are now fit enough...

dairy diary — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:07:00 GMT

A big sigh of relief as the TB test was clear last week. The council inspector was happy with my records so we shouldn't see her again for a couple of years. It did feel as though she was checking up on things already covered by our farm assurance.

We are starting to fetch the silage we have just bought for the cows. It is a bit dry but well fermented so it will fill the gap until the cows go out again. We are sending seven barrens to market tomorrow as they are now fit enough and their milk is starting to tail off. Lets hope they sell well because I am in the office tomorrow paying bills and will need some money coming in soon to help with cash flow after the recent milk price drop. It was the domino effect, once one dropped the rest followed !!

Horticultural Termination

A Gardening Man's musings on life, gardening, music and incidental things — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:10:27 GMT

Horticultural termination - by a man called Arnold! Read More......(read more)

Mayday at Heolfawr Cross - short film.

Bovine TB — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:20:01 GMT

It's May 1st 2012 and on Dai Bevan's farm in Carmarthenshire the future for his herd of pedigree Longhorn Cattle looks bleak. Bovine TB has struck. Many will have watched Adam Henson's visit to the farm just before the cull on the Sunday evening Read More......(read more)

Subarctic plant fungus identified further south than expected

fordtractor7740 — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:40:00 GMT

There have been reports of a plant disease normally found in subarctic climates affecting plants as far south as Herefordshire. The fungus Sclerotinia Subarctica has been identified for the first time in the UK in buttercups and carrots. University of Warwick plant scientists identified the disease, which is related to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, also known as white mould, which affects a number of crops. The scientists who identified the fungus, which can cause carrots to rot in the ground, said their discovery means a reevaluation is needed of Sclerotinia Subarctica, as it was previously only believed to affect plants in extremely cold climates. The Warwick scientists said further research is now needed to ascertain whether the fungal disease presents a threat to susceptible crops. Elsewhere in the UK, the recent wet weather experienced particularly in the South has given rise to a higher risk of Cavity Spot infection in carrot crops and Rhizoctonia in potato seed beds. Scientists overseeing field trials have warned that wet soil conditions in many parts favour early attack by the Pythium Violae pathogen. The cold, wet weather is also increasing the risk of damaging Rhizoctonia in field trials in the North and East of England; poor weather means much of the UK potato crop is yet to be planted.

Potential of a silver lining, despite worldwide dairy slump

fordtractor7740 — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:08:00 GMT

Potential of a silver lining, despite worldwide dairy slump Wednesday 16 May 2012 Following cuts to prices by dairy giants in the UK, announced at the end of last month, large processors from around the world have followed suit; US-based Land o’ Lakes announced cuts today and Danish giant also announced $85 million in cost cuts. Prices for the industry in several global regions are dropping, after extremely good performance and high demand in 2011. Worldwide, dairy prices are estimated to be at their lowest since mid-2009 and supply, which is still increasing, has far outstripped demand. This situation is unwelcome news for farmers the world over whose margins have been increasingly squeezed by the twin pressures of hungry processors and retailers and rising input costs. At the beginning of the month, UK meat and dairy bodies including sheep and cattle organisation EBLEX, AHDB and pig meat lobbyists BPEX held a conference looking at the future of the meat and dairy markets in the UK, including the effects of recession and consumer choices. Speakers at the Outlook Conference revealed that, although there has been a slump in prices, globally the dairy market has grown by over 4 per cent each year since 2005. However, consumer confidence in the UK has fallen and for the last three years wages have decreased. Although GDP began to grow again in 2011 in the US, and only affected the Eurozone in the last quarter of the year, the UK has seen negative growth in three of the last five quarters. However, one speaker suggested that there may be a small silver lining to the cloud covering Britain’s economy; the recent economic climate has meant consumers are sticking more to what they know, which could benefit traditional and local meat and dairy, according to analysts. Giles Quick, of Kantar Worldpanel, revealed that, over a period of four weeks, 99.7 per cent of households in the UK buy dairy products and 84.3 per cent buy fresh red meat. Mr Quick referred to the £15 billion sector’s place at the heart of food retail and said British producers must play to their strengths to remain productive. Animal welfare and technological advances must be used to full effect, according to the economist. Some food policy experts have agreed with this to an extent and suggested focusing on welfare and producing better quality meat and dairy, which will offer health and environmental benefits provided consumers eat it as part of a more sustainable diet. Earlier this week, the government’s environmental audit committee said more education is needed to ensure more sustainable eating habits are taken up in the country.p

Hey Guys

fordtractor7740 — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:02:00 GMT

Hiya everyone. I'm a young farmer and I'm going to be posting posts for a while every so often. This is not my blog i am just posting in it. Hope you enjoy my posts. Thanks

Shoppers Further Batten Down Hatches in Face of Economic Gloom

Land Strategies Farming Blog — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:09:00 GMT

According to the IGD’s latest research, 59% of shoppers say that their most important concern just now how much they spend. Not surprising given that since 2007 prices have grown by 14% compared with wages at 9%, the spectre of unemployment looms and Read More......(read more)

Poultry in motion

Borts — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:54:00 GMT

After optimistically taking my entire winter wardrobe home to Cornwall over Easter it’s been a chilly few weeks up in Newcastle! We have even had a brief snowfall or two, luckily they didn’t last long. Since heading back to university after Easter it’s been a busy time with assignments due in, hangovers to recover from and several field trips ranging from a visit to a mixed farm in Northumberland (beef finishers and breeding ewes), to the university farm at Cockle Park to a fish farm near Ponteland. We also visited a poultry farm recently with a mixture of both free-range and colony hens. It was interesting to see the new enriched cages and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems side by side in terms of health, welfare, productivity and profitability. It definitely challenged some of the pre-conceived ideas that I had about caged hens…and not just become I wasn’t a big fan of the free-range hens flapping at me as we walked through the sheds!! Although after being told "they may try and perch on your heads" I was quite glad to get out of the shed. As always it has been good to see what we’ve learnt in the lecture theatre put into practice in a commercial environment. At Newcastle we are lucky to have regular outside speakers come to talk to us and since Easter I have attended talks by the NFU North East Regional Director and Dr Jim Monaghan from Harper Adams on fresh produce. It is always interesting to hear what people have done after uni as it opens your eyes to opportunities you may not otherwise have considered and it is reassuring to see how many pathways there are available for agricultural students. It is also encouraging to have outside speakers come in around this time in the term when we seem to be spending unnatural amounts of time in the library revising for exams! On that note I better get back to my revision...☺

Reeds, the Beacon and Gosies...

Diary entries from Emma — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:40:55 GMT

There are reeds appearing in the big field at Houghton. There weren’t any last year but they seemed to have popped up from somewhere and need tackling. Thankfully for a change this isn’t a digging job but a strimming job. The Honda strimmer is big and unwieldy and has a very blunt blade, but the boss has got a new one so I’m optimistic that I can do a better job with it. So if fill it up with petrol, get geared up in my harness and ear defenders and head out to massacre the reeds. var switchTo5x...(read more)

Phantom of The Opera

Farmer Jake — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:03:00 GMT

Every now and again mother nature throws up some interesting quirks in any population. This is one of my favourites! She's a Texel cross North Country Mule with some very strange markings indeed. She certainly stands out when driving through the park Read More......(read more)

A farmer's story.

Bovine TB — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:24:03 GMT

Many times on farming forums and in the comments sections of the farming press, we are the butt of the same old, same old mantra. bTB is all our fault. It is dirty farmers, lax farming practises, cattle movements and fraud which cause bTB. Not only is Read More......(read more)

Back in again....

dairy diary — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:33:00 GMT

We made the decision on Tuesday to turn the cows out hoping the weather was on the up. It was short lived because after a heavy nights rain we have brought them back in again today. We are completely out of silage but have managed to find a clamp full locally but it really feels wrong to be paying for feed at this time of year. Today I have checked my cow medicine records are up to date as we have a visit from a County Council inspector on Monday and my farm assurance audit is due soon. Tomorrow the vet is reading a TB test , 15 tracers which were bought last September. Fingers crossed they go clear !!