Archive Article: 2001/08/24
Food production wont grow money
Farming for food has become a loss-making exercise, according to latest figures from a leading southern accountant. Producers only kept incomes in the black through diversification…….p24
More beef, but…
Caterers supplying schools and hospitals are using more beef, but few care where it comes from. It is disappointing, says the Meat and Livestock Commission, which is busy putting the case for UK meat…………………..p26
Cheaper assurance
Competition is hotting up in the farm assurance sector, with Assured Combinable Crops announcing its prices for arable and livestock farms this week. Farmers will find a simpler structure and cheaper prices………………………page 27
Help em diversify
Government must cut red tape to encourage farmers to diversify, says a report from the Country Land and Business Association. Unless ministers act soon, it could be too late for many farmers, the document warns………..p28
Oilseed on the slide
Oilseed rape yield and price were disappointing at Hoe Hall, our adopted farm in the East. Owner, James Keith, is kicking himself for selling some of the crop too early, but wheat output and sales look much more promising………………p29
Orkneys a lively place
Orkney was the venue this week for the first livestock market to take place since foot-and-mouth hit the UK. The event was a great boost to the island, and drew a good turnout of stock. Trade resumed where it left off six months ago……………………p33