Archive Article: 2000/12/08
Stephen Bumstead
Stephen Bumstead farms
148ha (365 acre) from Ouse
Bank Farm, Great Barford,
Beds. He is a first
generation farmer and
council tenant, growing
combinable crops on three
blocks of land. He supports
LEAF and is the FWAG
county treasurer
I HAVE done zero drilling since I last wrote. Some have broadcast wheat with mixed results, others have mauled it in where it will go, while the rest of us are sitting tight watching and waiting for a few dry days. Which is the best bet is the question we are all asking ourselves.
One thing is for sure – we UK farmers are not alone as this weather pattern seems to be dominating the world over. Good news? It could be, because the grain market seems to be responding with a definite rise in forward prices for next season. Lets hope it proves to be a silver lining in what is a very black cloud.
We are in the process of completing our annual LEAF audit. This is a useful tool for any farm business to benchmark itself. The standards set are your own objectives and can become quite fascinating if you enjoy running your own business.
The IACS money was paid directly into my bank a couple of weeks ago and completes successfully an electronic application. I am afraid to say this method is here to stay and may eventually become the only method of subsidy and grant application. However, I personally hope not.
On to Rural Development Regulation, or should I say robbery? Did you know that from next year onwards our IACS payments are to be taxed at the rate of 2.5%, rising to 4.5% in scheme year 2006? The crazy thing is, we are all standing for it. In the Governments view it is a done deal.
The Smithfield Show was as glitzy as ever and expensive – £16 on the door is a lot of money, not to mention the cost of getting there or having something to eat. Technology abounded and the banks wanted to talk to me. I was encouraged by the cautiously buoyant mood of most and even more so by the immense pride in the industry. Although I left the show tired, I also left with a warm glow. *
The Royal Smithfield Show received the thumbs up from Beds farmer Steven Bumstead. "Even the banks wanted to talk to me."