Archive Article: 2002/08/16
Classic example of DEFRAs indifference
On Thurs, Aug 8, Brussels gave permission for livestock farmers facing fodder shortages in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of England, to graze or mow their set-aside land.
Within minutes, the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin issued a statement, informing farmers throughout the republic of the change.
The Department of Agricul-ture and Rural Development in Belfast issued a similar notice the next day.
The Scottish Executive waited just five days to let its farmers know they could move into set-aside fields ahead of the usual Sept 1 deadline.
By contrast, DEFRA says it has no plans to comment. Yet another example of Whitehalls supreme indifference.
20-day standstill rule concessions welcome
Hats-off to all those industry leaders who have worked tirelessly to persuade government to make concessions to the 20-day standstill rule.
The changes are not ideal, but at last politicians and civil servants appear to have acknowledged UK farmers cant operate competitively with restrictions in place.
Although the rule changes will be difficult to operate and add to cost and bureaucracy, they will help breeding stock move onto farms this autumn.
But given no re-emergence of foot-and-mouth during that period, the standstill must be lifted.
Sprays and Sprayers merged with Cereals
Given the dire state of arable farming, news that Europes premier spraying technology event, Sprays and Sprayers, organised by Syngenta, is to be incorporated into the annual Cereals Event will come as no surprise.
For more than 20 years, Sprays and Sprayers has provided a valuable insight into best practice and the latest developments in spray application. So, with pesticide use under such severe public scrutiny, its demise as a stand-alone event will be sorely missed.
We are confident the Royal Agricultural Society of England and Syngenta will work together to ensure next years Sprays and Sprayers feature continues to get its important messages across at the UKs top arable event.
FWCbranch finds useful grant funds
Its good to relax and unwind with people who understand the stresses of farming. As thousands of our female readers will testify, FARMERS WEEKLYs Farm Womens Club fulfils that role admirably.
Were delighted its efforts, particularly during the foot-and-mouth crisis, have been recognised by the Welsh Assembly. It has awarded Denbighshires FWC group £1800 over two years through its Rural Regeneration Plan to help members fund running costs.
Grants could be available in other parts of the UK, so why not inquire with your local voluntary services council and hopefully, secure your club a cash boost?
Are you Contractor of the Year?
Good workers deserve to be rewarded. And agricultural contractors are no exception.
But, just as in all walks of life, there are good ones and there are not-so-good ones – contractors who are reliable and perform well, and contractors whose promises dont always live up to customers expectations.
FARMERS WEEKLYs Cont- ractor of the Year competition gives you a great opportunity to nominate, and reward, a contractor who makes a significant input into the successful running of your business.
The prizes are high for both farmer and winning contractor.
Special care needed for winter feeding
Getting the best from livestock means treating them like world-class athletes. It requires good housing, health care and, above all, excellent nutrition.
Working out their winter rations always necessitates care. But extra caution may be needed this year for those thinking about changing their strategy because of poor forage quality and the plentiful supply of low-priced cereals.
But if you intend to make any drastic changes it will pay to take advice on the safe levels of different feeds in rations, as our Winter Feeding Special explains.