Archive Article: 2000/09/01
1 September 2000
IN BRIEF
• FARMERS who set up new horse-related enterprises on their land could benefit from rate relief as part of the governments action plan for farming.
The plans, published for public consultation, propose 50% mandatory rate relief for small-scale horse-related activities. Local authorities will be able to increase this to 100% for businesses they consider need additional help. Each new business would be able to receive relief for five years, but to be eligible the rateable value must be below £6000.
• RUMINANT livestock farmers can now obtain the complete input package for their businesses, claims Lancs-based Pye Frankland Balanced Feeds after the launch of Farm Direct.
The scheme has been set up to provide a wide range of goods, including straights, fertiliser, liquid and moist feeds, feed blocks and minerals. It will also provide free nutritional advice.
"We will be offering very competitive prices," says the companys John Nicholson. "Early signs are that the scheme has been very successful, but it is very much in the first stages. *