18,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED FREE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST Mar/Apr 2019 | Issue 77

2019 SHOW GUIDE 7 PAGE SHOW & EVENT GUIDE

Sheppy’s cider NFU - Farming for the future Aldi - Supporting south west suppliers Rural issues - Look beyond the headlines South Yeo Farm East - Starting with goats Soil Association - Counting sheep CLA South West Smart Farming – 2 April 2019, Tewkesbury Farm Shop & Deli Show – 8-10 April 2019, NEC Birmingham soil association | rural issues | nfu | the national allotment society | smallholding | a farmer’s view | food & drink FS&D 205x274 ad.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2019 15:24 Page 1

SOURCE. SAMPLE. SUCCEED. Speciality success starts at the Farm Shop & Deli Show. Come and meet key suppliers, gain non-stop industry inspiration and find profit boosting ways to get your business on top in 2019.

This is a trade event. No under 16s will be admitted TO REGISTER TO ATTEND PLEASE VISIT: FarmShop Deli #FSD2019 farmshopanddelishow.co.uk @ _ ALONGSIDE HOME TO FS&D 205x274 ad.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2019 15:24 Page 1

news ‘The South West – helping to power the UK’ We recently attended a North Somerset Rural Business Forum event at Mendip Spring Golf Club in Congresbury near Bristol. where David Eccles, Head of Communications for EDF Hinkley Point C, delivered an insightful talk: ‘The South West – helping to power the UK’. The event was popular with around 70 or 80 people in attendance. Nuclear energy is of course a contentious subject, David was invited to answer questions not only on the need for Nuclear energy and the must for investment in renewable energies, but also on the economic and social impact the project is having, and will continue to have, on the region.

If you want to find out more go to the Hinkley Point Visitor SOURCE. Centre located in Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater, Somerset. Open Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 16:00, except Wyke Farms Awarded bank holidays and on a Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00. SAMPLE. £1.3m Grant Must attend events! Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producers and exporters has announced a £1.3 million If you are on the look-out for fun and interesting events to grant that has been secured from DEFRA to support the attend, there are several thelandsman will be attending this companies 5 year plan for growth. The grant will fund year including: a new cheese store and an extension to its packing and • The CLA Smart Farming Seminar, 2 April in Overbury, SUCCEED. distribution depot, both based in Wincanton, Somerset. Tewkesbury – it’s open to members and non-members The improved site will enable the company to pick and • The Farm Shop & Deli Show, 8-10 April at the NEC in Speciality success starts at the Farm Shop pack up to 25,000 tonnes of cheddar for world markets. Birmingham – if you run a farm shop, a deli or are a retailer Included in the plans are increased cheese storage to age sourcing local/artisan products it’s the show for you & Deli Show. Come and meet key suppliers, more Ivys Vintage cheddar for export markets. It will also • Honiton Show, Thursday 1st August. include a new production line to facilitate a more diverse • Dinnington Docks, Dinnington - for a Sunday Lunch. gain non-stop industry inspiration and find range of products; this is important to the company who The best roast potatoes I have tasted in years! have ambitious export focused products planned for 2019 profit boosting ways to get your business with longer than traditional shelf lives and differing formats for different regions. The site will also house another state on top in 2019. of the art flow wrap line. In addition, the work flow will benefit from upskilling as manual labour will be replaced Honiton Show with skilled roles. The investment will also help the This is a trade event. No under 16s will be admitted company to continue to pay a sustainable milk price to its 123 supplying dairy farmers. 1 Aug 2019 Richard Clothier, third generation family member and TO REGISTER TO ATTEND PLEASE VISIT: Managing Director, comments: “Our two year Brexit growth The show is held in the heart of plan to get us to £100 million sales won’t happen without the East Devon Countryside on a farmshopanddelishow.co.uk @FarmShop Deli #FSD2019 investing. We are not banking the currency advantage, but 140 acre site and has grown to be _ consciously using the money to invest in tastings etc to one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the country. HOME TO drive growth in regions across the world.” It offers a unique atmosphere blending traditional and new ALONGSIDE with an emphasis on agriculture and its associated activities. www.wykefarms.com It is a showcase for the best of local farming, produce, crafts and rural skills and attracts more than 20,000 visitors every year. 3 Welcome! inside this issue For a small title tucked away in News 3 the rural south west, we have Aldi 6-7 great reach, a loyal following The supermarket supporting south west suppliers and we cover topics of interest Food & drink 9 to both the farmer and the One man’s journey to restore a community’s pub consumer alike. That was of

course the plan. Although when The National Allotment Society 10 Allotments on farmland - a diversification option for farmers? we took over thelandsman 5 years ago we spoke mostly to farmers/smallholders and landowners which was great, CLA 11 however we felt we could be so much more. Smart farming We wanted to share life in the countryside with the Rural issues 12-13 average person on the street. We felt we should share Where there’s a headline, there may be a fact? 12 the workings of our countryside and the important role of Our precious soil 13 those people working within it – they are custodians of our Soil Association 14 land after all, and provide the food on our tables. So, over Counting sheep a series of issues we extended our distribution through selected supermarkets and through digital partners. Stags 15 We engaged with some of the industry’s top companies March, the month of agricultural rent reviews: advice to landlords and tenants and asked them to share their knowledge with us: NFU, Red Tractor, Soil Association amongst many others have NFU 16 been supporters of our vision and provided some insightful Farming for the future articles. We developed the role of our smallholders Veterinary practice 17 too, between them Gillian Dixon and Emma Hillier have Goats explained what we see in our fields and how non-farming Smallholding 18-21 types can live a life off the land. Starting with goats 18-19 Our journey hasn’t been easy. To keep it fresh and to A needle in a haystack - finding your perfect smallholding 21 ensure we continue to be that source of information, I have spent the best part of a year trying to get the supermarkets Show & event guide 2019 23-29 to share with us their policies on sourcing British and local A farmer’s view 30 produce. I shouldn’t be surprised that none wanted to talk. Hands free farming Perhaps it is because we are just a small magazine tucked Devon Rural Skills Trust 31 away in the south west but tall oaks from little acorns grow. Wonderful willow I would suggest however there are other reasons. Just as I felt I wasn’t going to get through this brick wall Making a country living 32-33 ALDI came good and said ‘Yes, we’d like to talk with you’ Sheppy’s Cider and in this issue the organisation talks about its policy All Terrain Wheelchairs 34 on supporting British farming and agriculture. I was Surf’s up for Bruno surprised at how these relative newbies to the market Gardening 36-37 have developed great strategies in support of ‘local’ and I A garden of annuals in pots am quite simply chuffed to have them on board. So, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Coop, Waitrose what are you Kitchen Garden 39 waiting for? We’d love to hear from you! Module sowing

Rebecca Hacker & thelandsman team twitter.com/landsmanlife

PUBLISHED BY: Soap Communications Ltd | The Granary & Sawmill | Tickenham Court | Washing Pound Lane | Clevedon | N. Somerset | BS21 6SB [email protected] | T. 01275 400778 | www.thelandsman.co.uk Editorial: Rebecca Hacker | Art Editor: Laurie Edwards | Production: Rachael Ellway Advertising: Sandra Hardie | [email protected] | T. 01460 55105 Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of dates, event information and advertisements. thelandsman accepts no responsibility for events that might be cancelled and can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information or claims made by advertisers included in this magazine. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of thelandsman. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission strictly prohibited. © Copyright 2018. Soap Communications Ltd

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6 aldi

Over the next two years, we are investing in new and upgraded stores, along with new distribution centres across the UK. This investment will create 5,000 new jobs throughout the UK, as well as a vast range of new supplier opportunities. We’re incredibly proud of the relationship we have with our British suppliers and look to continue growing with local, British suppliers. This is proved in part by the Grocery Code Adjudicator Supplier Survey where we were named best performing retailer for compliance with the GSCOP (Grocery Supply Code Of Practice) for the fifth year running”.

*Kantar data, 12 weeks to 27th January 2019.

Aldi, the UK’s fastest growing and fifth largest supermarket*, continues to expand across the UK. It currently has over 60 stores in the South West and is on course to open 1,200 stores across the UK by 2025. Julie Ashfield, Aldi Managing Director of Buying, explains why the supermarket’s relationship with British suppliers is fundamental to its long-term success in the UK. “Our customers regularly tell us one of the main reasons they shop with us is because we stock an extensive range of products sourced from British suppliers,” she said. “It’s been a focus for us since we opened our first UK store in 1990. Whenever possible we will always source from the UK and more than three-quarters of our total sales are from products sourced from British suppliers. This includes working with 115 suppliers and production facilities across the South West. For example, Trewithen Dairy based in Lostwithiel, supplies milk to our stores in Cornwall, and Mark Blakeney based at Downs View Farm in Wiltshire Supplier case study: supplies lambs to our stores across the UK. The relationships we have built with these suppliers have Riviera Produce, based in Hayle, West Cornwall, started been crucial to our success. We now invest more than £100m working with Aldi nine years ago, and now delivers around per week with thousands of British suppliers, and are helping 12 million cauliflowers to the supermarket each year. them to create jobs and develop their businesses. Many of these The contract has resulted in the creation of 120 jobs on the suppliers have worked with Aldi since we opened in the UK farm, and the family owned-business has also been able to almost 30 years ago. invest heavily in its operations and has introduced improved For us, working with our suppliers is all about clear packing facilities, solar panels and eco-friendly refrigeration. commitments and delivering on promises. For example, we As Aldi has continued to expand the number of stores never let our growers make financial commitments without it has across the UK, Riviera has invested £5million in prior agreement on cost, specifications and volumes. Never technology to increase its output. The farm is now able to using ‘buy one get one free’ offers or multibuy promotions also grow high-quality produce throughout the year, negating keeps our sales volumes and buying patterns stable, and once the need for imports during winter months. terms have been agreed we don’t change them. “We’ve come a long way since our business began in Close communication with our suppliers is helpful in a range 1870, and continued investment from Aldi is enabling us of ways. It puts us in a position to be able to place additional to grow and modernise more than ever before,” said David orders in the event of a bumper crop due to seasonal weather Simmons, Managing Director at Riviera Produce. fluctuations. In 2017, we purchased 750,000 cauliflowers and “Aldi’s support for British farmers such as ourselves is sold them at a market-leading price to support British farmers leading to an increase in our yields, which means more facing a seasonal glut of the increasingly popular brassica. All people across the country are able to enjoy our products.” of this has helped us increase our proportion of British-sourced Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi, fresh produce to 45 per cent, which is above the industry average. said: “Our approach is based on consistency and stability. And still, in 2019, at a time when the retail sector as a whole Our partnership with Riviera results in high quality products is struggling, and growth in the wider economy is flat, we for our customers, whilst at the same time growing their continue to invest in our business to create new jobs and in livelihood and creating jobs for the community.” doing so support British farmers and manufacturers. 7 Streamcombe Cookery School Dulverton - Exmoor - Somerset Breadmaking Fish cookery Culinary techniques Game & seasonal food Indian and Italian plus Team building Private groups Day courses from £125 [email protected] | 01398 322873 The Somerset Smokery www.streamcombecookery.co.uk

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8 food & drink One man’s journey to restore a community’s pub by the Dinnington Docks

The Dinnington Docks public house is changing…mostly, for what we’re told, is for the better. However, taking a call from my somewhat stressed son one Thursday morning, having found a few inches of water flooding the bar, just a few hours before opening, was the start of that colossal change. We’d had a flood, due to a ‘plumbing failure’ during the fit out of a new kitchen in the accommodation that was to be occupied by our chef Kirsty. We had planned a schedule of refurbishment works some weeks ahead and hadn’t anticipated a flood which was both extremely costly and inconvenient. What else could possibly go wrong I hear you ask… Well the first Sunday in January I find myself clearing the bar ready for the multitude of local craftsman to arrive the next day. It’s 1am Monday and I notice smoke coming from the loads of waste in the process. We now have outside lighting and side of the chimney – rushing outside I see flames bellowing a smart new pub sign has been fitted – much more befitting this from the stack. A tense 20 minutes later we have 2 fire engines charming pub steeped in history. pumping copious amounts of water on to the roof dousing down Gone was the detritus; the rotting and decaying. This pub was the hot chimney. Several hours on, and with many wet and dirty starting to reveal its soul again and the best complement in this fireman’s boot prints on the new carpets, the fire is out. I must epic challenge to restore this pub to its original condition? “I can’t confess I simply collapsed in tears wondering what else would see what you’ve done”. Those words in my book are success. test my love for this amazing pub. We faced and met many challenges from the start – we knew Over the coming week, we bravely fought on, at times fighting it wasn’t going to be easy but nothing prepared us for the blood, and wrestling the Docks into submission. Digging 3 layers of sweat and tears this project would bring. It’s hard to believe concrete from the cellar floor, re plumbing, re wiring, fitting new how quickly this was all achieved. A staggering 4 and half days drainage, damp membrane, laying a new concrete floor, painting later we re-opened. walls – it was endless. The work and dedication and skill of the all the amazing Fitting all new cellar equipment, shelving, replacing trades people that helped can never be taken for granted. One everything from the cask and keg to the bar equipment, our 1st of them (you know who you are) simply gave me a big man hug cask marque bar assessment saw a solid 100% pass and high Friday morning, telling me he was amazed how hard everyone praise indeed for our hard work. We are delighted to report we had worked and how I’d survived with only a few hours of sleep, now have a cellar the envy of many a publican. dealing with problem after problem. All I could say was, I love In the bar we sanded, varnished, painted and we fitted new this pub, and thank you for being a star. furniture. Every minute and intricate detail considered to ensure Crying is not something I generally do but the pub has made this restoration was true and sympathetic, preserving the me cry more in 4 months than I have in years. Exhaustion, hard original beauty of this adored pub. And again, new plumbing, work and the amazing support of so many people coupled with new wiring and lights, a wall re-plastered and everything re a daft passion for this great pub means a few tears matters not. painted. Integrity always being my most important concern, Everyone that worked that week, worked above and beyond, we picked paint colours to match the original, just better. We delivering an amazing result despite the unplanned challenges. whipped out the nasty plate mirror, replacing it with several All that is left to say is - THANK YOU! period originals, we even re-fitted the Bakelite switches. I’ve posted the names of all the trades that helped in this Thanks to R A Wicks we have a new fireplace hearth, wood restoration project on Facebook. If anyone needs a good burner and above all a safe relined chimney and replaced pot – tradesperson I can help, please just ask. I will be happy to I could not face another fire! recommend every single one of the amazing team that worked No inch of this property was spared. Outside we replaced the here with us on the Dinnington Docks. drainage and installed plumbing. An unused space was dug out to reveal decades of rubbish, buried fridges, baths and sinks Telephone: 01460 52397 | Email: [email protected] all dug away to create a bigger car park. We removed 8 truck www.dinningtondocks.com 9 the national allotment society

Consideration needs to be given to facilities such as water supply or rainwater harvesting, access to the site and whether Allotments on farmland - sheds and polytunnels are allowed on plots. Planning permission is not needed to create allotments if the land was agricultural, as there is no change of use but may be required for other elements a diversification of the site, such as new hard standing for cars. There may also be ongoing maintenance needs on site – clipping hedges etc and the cost of this needs to be built in to the rents. option for farmers? Another option for farmers is to let the land as a whole to an allotment group or a Parish Council, a NAS representative has by Di Appleyard, Marketing & PR Co-Ordinator, the National Allotment Society supported many groups to do this in the South West and the sites are still growing well in 2019, despite their “temporary Interest in renting an allotment and growing your own fruit and status”. The rental depends on the facilities offered such as vegetables is still going strong but ironically, for eager growers water and fencing and is based on the local agricultural rental in rural areas it can be tricky to find a plot to rent. Parish rate. In 2010 a group of growers in Somerton, frustrated by the Councils who bear the statutory responsibility to provide sites lack of allotment facilities in the town got together and took out can struggle to find public land to rent out, they are however, a 7- year lease with a local landowner. This lease enabled the usually surrounded by agricultural land. allotment group to access a £10,000 grant for infrastructure Some farmers have already taken this option and either run to enclose and set up the site. There is a total of 58 plots allotment sites themselves or lease the land to an allotment measuring on average 10 metres x 12 metres, growing fruit group or Parish Council. This not only gives them a rental and vegetables. income but also a new customer base for their other products Landowners should not be apprehensive about letting land and a home for surplus manure! as allotments because of the legislation protecting tenants of One such site is Chyanhall Allotments, near Treluswell in statutory sites, private allotments fall under the same parts of Cornwall. Kay and David Hicks started an allotment site as allotment legislation as temporary allotments, which are not part of their farm ten years ago and it is still going strong. protected from disposal. The relevant part of the legislation The site has 120 allotments on 8 acres and in 2019 is at full for private sites covers length of notice to quit, timing of notice capacity with a waiting list. There are two sizes of allotment and compensation for crops. Membership of the National available, a full plot - 250 m2 which costs £100 per year and Allotment Society gives landowners access to initial legal advice a half size plot, costing £60 per year. The tenants, who come and support drawing up leases and tenancy agreements that from a ten- mile radius have developed the plots themselves are fair for both landowner and tenant. We would advise any from the original pasture. They have put in the rabbit proof landowner considering this move to obtain legal advice. fencing around their plot and are encouraged to harvest Renting out farmland as allotments can be beneficial to both rainwater to reduce costs, especially where crops are grown farmers and local residents, helping to stabilise farm incomes under cover; they are allowed sheds and polytunnels of a and enriching and empowering communities. Plot-holders have specified size. The family manage the site themselves and access to nutritious, seasonal, pesticide free food that has not their main challenge has been dealing with plot-holders who travelled hundreds of miles and the social aspect of allotment do not cultivate the plots, a familiar issue for all allotment growing can help to reduce that modern disease - loneliness. managers but one that can be controlled with robust policies from the outset. www.nsalg.org.uk

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10 cla CLA SOUTH WEST Smart farming by CLA SMART FARMING

TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019 9.30am – 4pm

With increased emphasis placed on productivity within the industry is smart farming the way forward? The CLA (Country OVERBURY ENTERPRISES, Land and Business Association) which represents more than 5,000 farmers and landowners in the South West, is hosting a OVERBURY, TEWKESBURY seminar which is going to explore Smart Farming with the help of CLA members and industry leaders already leading the way in new technologies in the industry. GL20 7NR A report from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) revealed that UK farming is lagging behind our key competitors when it comes to productivity. With Germany, France, the Netherlands and the USA pulling ahead. The report suggests that this productivity deficit has cost the UK economy more than £4bn since the start of the century and that other countries are generating more agricultural output for the same levels of input. This is despite us having some of the most dynamic and inspirational farming and growing businesses right here in the UK. With the increasing emphasis from government on environmental responsibility, productivity is key in overcoming the challenges this can present. Considering the role innovation and technology has in shaping the industry will be appealing to those who are seeking to apply these methods to their own businesses, no matter the scale. This seminar will provide attendees with new ideas. The CLA South West Smart Farming seminar, which is being held at Overbury Enterprises, Tewkesbury, on 2 April, will discuss the need for considering new options from small changes in business practices or structures, to major investments and the launch of inventive businesses. As well as exploring what the future might hold when it comes to farming methods, the seminar will explore multi- mapping, hydroponics, farming with robots and farm and cyber security. There will be a farm walk, including the latest hi-tech machinery and drone demonstrations with data and analytics. This event is very kindly supported by Smith & Williamson, CLA SOUTH WEST Carter Jonas, Lighthouse Security and Tallis Amos. Book on-line Places must be booked in advance by contacting the CLA south west on 01249 700200, email [email protected] Register or login to MyCLA at www.cla.org.uk or by booking online at www.cla.org.uk and navigating to the South West events page. 11 rural issues Where there’s a headline, there may be a fact? by Stewart Horne

If there is one subject that the British love to talk about it has to be the weather, despite other distractions like Brexit, if you want a weather story buy the Daily Express or other tabloids. Whilst accepting the need for a change in people’s activities If its floods, snow, droughts, record temperatures I have to say to help combat climate change, I do think agriculture gets more the Red top papers can’t be beaten. Although in most instances than its fair share of blame. Its hedgerow loss that is causing the papers predictions apply to very localised areas of the UK declines in insect numbers, its red meat production that must rather than as suggested in the headlines every where. be reduced due to water usage and methane production, it’s the Recently much of the south west was brought to a halt by 3-4 intensification of production that is the problem etc. inches of snow, happily by 24 hours most people were back to Why has agriculture changed since the 1950’s? It’s because their usual businesses. That’s the thing about the UK these “so of the demand from a growing world population for more and called” extreme events don’t last long and in comparison, to cheaper food, something famers have been very successful at many areas of the world are pretty benign. for decades particularly in Europe where the % of household Spare a thought for Australia, the news a month ago was of income spent on food has declined to less than 10% in many the record-breaking temperatures with many areas hitting 50 countries. Only the USA and Singapore consumers spend less degrees C, now that is hot. Farmers in parts of Australia have than the UK on food. The Americans spend 6.4% of household been trying to deal with little or no rain for several years now income on food with the UK at 8.4%. with no sign of being able to plant crops this year. Meanwhile in If you think you can help combat climate change by changing parts of Northern Queensland flood waters 6 metres high have your eating habits, please look behind the headlines before reportedly drowned over 1,000,000 cattle. you do. The impact on the climate from red meat production Whatever your view of climate change the weather seems for example can vary immensely depending on the method of to be one of greater and greater extremes, Cornwall Council production, beef from an American feedlot eating processed have declared a climate change emergency. The intention grains will have a much greater impact on the climate being that the county becomes carbon neutral by 2030, a compared with beef grazing the moorlands of Dartmoor and laudable intention and with the number of solar parks and Exmoor where the only crop that can be feasibly grown is grass. wind turbines installed in Cornwall one that may be easier That grass is locking up considerable amounts of carbon as it to achieve than in other counties. Some Cornwall councillors grows minimising the impact on the climate. stated they didn’t believe in climate change but one look at the We must all take responsibility to make changes that global temperature chart clearly demonstrates the increase reduce our impact on the environment, but please just like in global temperatures over the last 30-40 years and it cannot the weather headlines, look behind the climate change advice be a coincidence that this follows the 100 or so years since the and find out the real facts before jumping to conclusions and industrial revolution. making bold gestures.

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12 rural issues Our precious soil by Dr Phillip Bratby, CPRE Devon

Soil is a precious resource, but one we neglect at our peril. Farmers, of course, use it to grow crops and rear livestock. This food is mostly sent to cities and contains important minerals, the majority of which end up in sewage works. Farmers need to replace these lost minerals from the soil, either by recycling them from sewage or by using fertilisers. We must protect our most precious fertile soils by growing Most soils are only capable of supporting specialised types of suitable crops, by use of crop rotation, by not allowing mono- vegetation. About one-third of the Earth’s land has no soil at all culture on a vast scale, by recycling minerals and by protecting and the rest has only small pockets of high-quality, agricultural them from erosion. Most importantly, we must not continue to soil. Most countries have limited amounts and yet they squander build on the world’s best soils, burying this life-giving resource it - burying some of their best soils under towns and cities. under concrete and tarmac. Fertile soil consists mainly of small particles of sand, silt, and clay and these soils only form in small areas as a result of CPRE Devon’s mission is to protect our countryside in a weathering due to climatic processes, together with vegetative way that underpins the local economy whilst maintaining growth. They are not the soils found under the two great forest the balance between necessary development and a tranquil, regions, the boreal and the rain forests, which - if cleared for productive and beautiful environment. If you love the agriculture - expose the soil and two major changes often occur. Devon countryside and support our aims, please join us! Either heavy rains result in severe erosion or the soil bakes iron-hard in the tropical sun. Visit www.cpredevon.org.uk or call 01392 966737

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13 soil association Counting sheep by Liz Bowles, Associate Director for Farming & Land Use, Soil Association

Organic farming can often be associated with a lack of pesticides and genetic modification, but organic standards are also just as important in ensuring the welfare of livestock animals and they do not allow routine use of antibiotics. Liz Bowles, associate director for farming & land use at the Soil Association, explains what organic means for livestock farmers and how this benefits not only the wellbeing of the animals, but also the health of people and planet. With over 20 years in the agricultural sector and as a proud Nations). Indeed, increasingly researchers are seeing that the owner of a flock of pedigree Shropshire sheep, I have seen widespread adoption of agroecological farming systems, such how animal welfare standards have increasingly come under as organic, together with reduction in food waste and some public scrutiny with many campaigns for higher standards of dietary change can feed the world well and reduce the impact livestock farming. Despite this, with a rising human population of food production on our world. and demand for food, intensive farming systems are becoming Organic farmers rely on a range of mechanisms to maintain ever more common with the majority of pigs, chickens and, soil fertility such as the inclusion of clovers and other legumes increasingly, dairy cows, living their lives indoors, sometimes in grass seeds mixtures, as they are not permitted to use in cramped and dull environments. Such living conditions, artificial nitrogen fertilisers or herbicides. This together with whilst capable of supporting animal health, do not enable longer arable rotations, including fertility building leys, delivers animals to exhibit their normal behaviours, which in turn further benefit to the environment in supporting higher levels impacts on welfare. of soil life, reduced soil compaction and higher levels of soil The Soil Association’s organic standards provide for the organic matter. highest levels of animal welfare. Organic farmers must provide Recently there have been many reports stating that we more space for their animals and more opportunities to range should eat much less red meat and, even, rather increase and forage, for example by ensuring animals are out on pasture our consumption of white meat. At the Soil Association at every opportunity. By working closely with farmers, we strive we are working hard to increase our understanding of to build opportunities for high welfare systems, ensuring that how the calculations which result in these assertions and farmers can provide a good life for their animals while also recommendations are arrived at. What we are finding is that running a successful and practical business. there is a need to improve the accuracy of these calculations, It is also essential for human health that we improve the reducing our reliance on global averages and better quality of life for livestock as we face the growing crisis of differentiation of production systems. Rather than making great antibiotic resistance. Whilst livestock farmers are making great reductions in red meat consumption, we recommend eating less strides in reducing the use of preventative antibiotics, especially but better meat and dairy products, by which we mean products in the broiler sector, there is still more that needs to be done from predominantly grass-fed systems. and increasingly farmers are starting to appreciate the need With the spotlight increasingly being shone on farmers to change the system itself to deliver these further reductions. to improve their standards when it comes to the welfare of In contrast, the preventative use of antibiotics is banned in animals as well as the methods of food production, organic organic farming. farming really can provide a better solution to the problems As a sheep farmer I have seen an increase in recent years faced by agriculture. in the preventative use of antibiotics in new born lambs to prevent watery mouth (E. Coli), which it is now recognised Take action can lead to higher levels of antibiotic resistance in sheep. But If you agree that animals should have a very good life where in reality, there is no need for such interventions if ewes are they can care for their young, graze, root, peck and play, you can managed properly and lambs receive adequate supplies of add your voice to the call for higher animal welfare standards good quality colostrum quickly after birth and if post lambing by giving a regular donation to the Soil Association. The charity hygiene is good. campaigns for stronger animal welfare rules and incentives, Choosing organic also helps to protect us against the to help farmers invest in welfare and to ensure UK welfare dangers of climate change. Organic farming practices, such as schemes are bold and ambitious: your support can make agroforestry and use of natural fertilisers rather than synthetic a huge difference. ones reliant on oil, are considered to be climate friendly by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Find out more at www.soilassociation.org/improve-welfare 14 stags

“The most simple and cost effective process is for the Landlord and Tenant, or their agents, to meet and agree a March, the month of new rent however this is not always possible and opinions do become entrenched” says Mr Neason. “If this happens it may be necessary for a decision to be made by an arbitrator”. agricultural rent reviews: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has now introduced a simplified Arbitration process which has been designed to be faster and with a much lower cost to the advice to landlords parties. The procedure is more informal and relaxed compared with traditional approaches to arbitration. Mr Neason, who is a member of the RICS President’s panel and tenants by Mark Neason, Stags of Arbitrators is hoping that the new regime will mean that costs will not get in the way of a proper and fair rent Most tenancies of agricultural land, buildings and farmhouses settlement. Mr Neason says “In order for Landlords and contain provision for the rent to be reviewed every three years. Tenants, or their agents to negotiate rents it is important to This does not automatically mean that the rent will vary either try and align offers with the likely opinion of an arbitrator upwards or downwards, but it does exercise the minds of because, if all else fails, arbitration will be the long stop. Landlords and Tenants when the occasion approaches. “March 2019 will be particularly interesting given the If anybody has any questions regarding market rents, the rent current uncertainties over subsidies and exports” say Mark review process or arbitration please feel to contact Stags Neason of Stags Professional Services. Those considering a Professional Services on 01392 439046 or 01823 653424 rent review in March 2020 will need to serve a notice at least to speak directly to Mr Neason. 12 months in advance. “That goes for Landlords requiring an increase or Tenants anticipating a downturn in rents.” www.stags.co.uk

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15 nfu Farming for the future by By David George, Regional Communication Adviser, South West NFU

Perhaps it’s just me, but I can’t help feeling that farming has gained a slightly trendier image of late. This is at least partly to do with the media profile of some young(er) personalities who don’t conform to the ‘tweeds and wellies’ image which thoughts of farming generally conjure up. Hannah Jackson, aka the Red Shepherdess, has been competing in the Channel 4 show Who Dares Wins; Alex James, the bass player in Blur, is now perhaps better known for making cheese, running a farm in the Cotswolds and organising the Big Feastival with his mate Jamie Oliver; JB Gill, formerly of the 65 or older has increased by 70% in the last 10 years, and the boy band JLS, now farms turkey and pork. JB is enthusiastic number under the age of 25 has gone down by 63%. about his future in farming, telling the NFU’s #studentfarmer Any industry requires a regular influx of new blood if it is to magazine why he’s so keen on it. innovate and prosper, and farming is no exception. “It’s hard, physical work so it keeps you fit, you get to work “Agriculture is an incredibly innovative and rewarding sector... with animals, you’re your own boss, and you can keep up with the next generation of farmers will be vital to the industry’s the trends by posting everything on social media for everyone success in the future,” said NFU Deputy President Guy Smith. else to see.” One of the reasons aspiring farmers may abandon their plans University clearing service UCAS is reporting a rise in the to get into agriculture is that they feel they have to own a viable number of people looking at agriculture courses, with 15,130 farm. Unless you have a couple of million pounds in your pocket students currently studying the subject – or various related you’re unlikely to be able to buy one (possibly that’s one reason topics, including forestry and animal science. why farms are popular with rock stars) and even if there’s one So what are we to make of the worrying statistic that, in the family, farmers are notoriously bad at making plans for despite these more youthful role models and an abundance of handing it on to the next generation. agricultural students, the average age of a farmer in the UK is There are ways of getting into farming without having to 59 and just three percent of farmers are aged under 35. The own a farm yourself. Many families are finding that their vast majority (52 per cent) are aged 45 to 64 and this proportion children are exploring options away from the farming business, has held fairly steady over the last ten years or so. so they are exploring alternative options, including share Bear in mind these are Defra figures that reflect the age of farming agreements. the person in whose name the agricultural holding is registered, One of the problems is that easing the older generation out so they don’t take into consideration daughters, sons or farm of the way can often be seen as a taboo subject. After one workers who might be involved in the business, but all the same or two uncomfortable discussions there may be a certain they do not paint an encouraging picture. This is backed up by reluctance to raise the topic once again – it’s not unknown for some even more alarming research recently carried out by succession-related issues to result in entire families not talking Barclays, which found that the number of farmers who are aged at the breakfast table for several years. Some of the pitfalls have been highlighted in a video produced by the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) which also gives some handy tips about how to tackle such a potentially difficult subject. This includes making sure everyone is honest with each other, being clear about what the objectives are for the farming business and considering seeking professional advice at an early stage. Of course that is easier said than done, but it is good advice all the same. However you go about it, to ensure the transition from one generation to the next is done smoothly, careful planning is essential rather than it being left to chance. Every industry needs new talent to innovate and look to new markets, and the next generation will be vital in boosting productivity and driving industry growth.

Watch the NFYFC video at www.nfyfc.org.uk/succession 16 veterinary practice

Castration – The need for castration will depend on the objectives of your herd. If rearing goats for meat, uncastrated Goats males will have better grow rates and feed efficiency, however, if kept for longer than 4 months, not only will you need to by Abi Charlesworth BSc (Hons) BVetMed MRCVS PGDipVCP separate males and females to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but the meat may become darkened and develop a strong, Whether you are considering keeping goats for milk, meat, fibre undesirable flavour. Additionally, uncastrated males tend not to production or simply because they make for excellent pets, this make suitable pets, due to the development of secondary sexual article aims to provide you with some useful information from behaviours, including spraying and male odour. a veterinary surgeon’s perspective. As with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks associated, so experience is essential and whilst it may seem Health planning more sensible to castrate at a younger age in most species, Vaccination – Goats are particularly susceptible to a number of early castration in goats can increase the chance of urinary bacterial diseases, namely Clostridia, which can often be fatal. tract obstructions later in life. The best advice would be to Although there are no vaccines licensed for use in goats in the discuss and identify the reasons behind wanting to perform UK, it is strongly advised to adhere to a strict vaccination protocol such procedures with your veterinary surgeon in order to to provide protection against the disease within your herd. ensure that animal welfare is paramount. Worming – Goats are browsing animals – their natural diet Whilst this article briefly covers certain aspects of goat would mainly consist of goodies from hedgerows, bushes and management, if you are considering starting a herd of your own trees, as opposed to grazing pasture, which would reduce their be sure to familiarise yourself with all aspects of goat husbandry exposure to worms. Unlike sheep, goats are unable to develop and management before embarking on your journey. a natural ‘immunity’ to worms, which means that every goat must be considered within your worming schedule. In addition Legally accepted methods of castration within the UK to this, permanent pastures can very quickly become heavily Person able Anaesthetic contaminated making worm control challenging and the Age Method to perform: required? development of worm resistance likely even in small herds. Therefore, it is strongly advised that goats should be wormed only Rubber Ring Anyone No 1-7 days when necessary through the use of faecal egg count monitoring. Burdizzo Anyone No <2 months Surgical Anyone No Management considerations Veterinary Disbudding - In the UK it is a legal requirement for disbudding >2 months Surgical Yes in goats to be performed by a veterinary surgeon because there Surgeon are considerable risks of complications, including toxicity and trauma, if performed incorrectly. Although goats are generally ‘Interesting fact: Unlike cattle and sheep, breeding for hornless friendly animals, they will use their horns to their advantage or ‘polled’ goats is closely associated with hermaphroditism, when establishing hierarchy within a herd, and whilst goats which is why it is not advised to mate two polled goats.’ seldom use their horns to intentionally harm humans, it ‘If disbudding is to be performed, it is recommended to be can make management difficult. Not all goats are routinely carried out within the first 2-7days of life, any later than this disbudded, but it is something that you may wish to consider could result in regrowth of the horn.’ if intending to house with other hornless animals or if children are involved in their care. www.synergyfarmhealth.com

17 smallholding - south yeo farm east

Starting with goats by Gillian Dixon, South Yeo Farm East

For years I have wanted goats but my husband firmly put his foot down. Eventually I wore the poor man down and now we have four (shortly to be more as they are in kid) and I love them to bits – he is even wavering too, having weakened to their amusing antics.

When trying to decide on a breed to keep, I looked at meat Whether you are wanting to keep a couple of goats as pets breeds like the chunky Boar or milking breeds like the rare and in a back garden or breed a sizeable herd, they fall under the native Guernsey or attractive Anglo Nubian, but knowing my same livestock-keeping rules as all other farm livestock, so you husband’s reluctance to admit even goat’s cheese into the house, should familiarise yourself with the legalities before purchasing neither would have been suitable, and if I am honest, I could not your first goats. You will need a Holding Number from Defra, fit milking a goat daily into my currently packed daily routine. to register as a goat keeper with your Local Authority Animal As long-time supporters of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, I Health Office and obtain a herd number, complete movement considered the rare Bagot goat that falls somewhere between paperwork and maintain a holding register and veterinary meat and milker and even adopting some of the feral Lynton records which must be made available for inspection if required. goats, but knew that whatever I settled on, it had to be kept firmly Your goats will need to be tagged before you buy them and these within its pen as I had promised they would be no trouble…Goats tags should remain with the animal for life; you do not remove do have rather a reputation for escaping. So, in the end, I settled them when they come to you or replace them with your own on the knee high Pygmy goat. Not much good for meat or milk tags. If any are lost, you should replace them. Tags are a bit of but desperately cute, great characters, come in a wide variety an emotive issue with goat keepers as goats do like to stick their of colours and are popular as a pet or showing breed. heads through fences, so are more likely to tear an ear and loose 18 south yeo farm east - smallholding tags as they get caught up, so many keepers do not like tagging. There is a common misperception that goats are just like sheep, but they are not, although they do suffer many of the same foot and parasite problems (see the article by Abbie on page 17 of this issue for goat veterinary advice). Goats are born with horns and many breeders have them ‘disbudded’ by a vet in their first week of life to prevent the horns from growing to prevent injury to handlers or other goats. The general recommendation is that you should not mix horned and non- horned goats, sticking with one or the other, but I have known keepers with both and it has not been an issue. If they are to be kept around young children, then de-horned goats are probably a better choice. Goats need access to shelter at all times year-round; it as they can be prone to putting on weight which does them something as simple as a converted garden shed will do or no good). Try different ones until you find the right combination purpose made stable or field shelter. This should be bedded for your animals. Talk to the breeder you purchase them from with shavings or straw and a permanently filled hay rack to find out what they feed. They key thing to remember is that installed at a height where the goats cannot climb in and risk sheep feed does not contain copper which goats do need, so you breaking a leg if it gets caught as they jump out. They do tend need to ensure they get a copper ration from some source. They to be quite wasteful of hay so it often ends up as part of the will also benefit from having free access to a mineral/salt lick bedding in the house. They do love to climb, so a raised platform (containing copper – make sure any sheep you might have do in the house and another in their run is appreciated too. Water not have access to this though). should be provided and changed regularly to keep it fresh. On When looking to buy your first goats, visit several breeders rainy days, don’t be surprised if your goats do not come outside to see their set-up and ask as many questions as you can. A at all. In our system, the goats live in a tennis court sized run good breeder will be happy to talk goats all day long! If keeping with free access to their house during the summer months; I for pets rather than breeding, then castrated males might be a don’t shut them up at night, allowing them to come and go as better option for you, particularly if you live in a village or built they please. In the wetter winter months, they live in our farm up area, as female goats will bleat noisily for 2-3 days when in yard in a larger stable at night and on wet days, and willingly season every 3 weeks and can be annoying to neighbours. It is follow me out to a run during the day when it is dry, then come really only the entire males, billys, who smell as they urinate on back inside at night. themselves to make them attractive to their ladies. Goats can be kept in a relatively small space as long as their Young goats are usually weaned at 3-4 months old, so most needs are met. As they are browsers rather than grazers, are sold at this age or older. At this point they should be fine to they are not likely to keep their paddock grass neatly cut leave their mother as they will have been eating solid food for short, but give them access to your hedges and they will keep several months. Be careful when transporting goats that your them nicely trimmed for you! They will appreciate it if you cut vehicle is suitable, that they cannot get horns caught in any ‘browsings’ and feed them to them each day. Willow, hazel mesh for example during transit. Many keepers will use collars and other hedgerow species are ideal, although do familiarise on their goats for ease of handling and they quickly learn to yourself with the relatively long list of plants that are poisonous walk on a lead but should never be left tied up. If you have to goats – such as laurel, rhododendron, laburnum, yew and horned goats, then consider removing the collars when they other garden plants. You may not intentionally feed them to are not needed so they cannot get caught up. your goats, but if they should escape, they may find them, so be Familiarise yourself with the health requirements of keeping careful what you grow elsewhere. You will need good fences as your new goats. They will need vaccinating twice a year. Their they do tend to climb, or stand up on the fence with their front feet will need trimming occasionally and tending to correctly if feet to reach what is beyond. Our pygmies have not jumped over they become lame. They can become susceptible to a number our standard stock fencing, but will push under it if there are of internal and external parasites, so will need monitoring and gaps, so if you intend to keep larger breeds, raise the height of treating as required – register with a livestock vet who can the fence – rails on top are good for that – and consider rails help advise on this. But most of all, enjoy them, they really do along the bottom too if the ground is uneven. respond to interaction with humans and are very intelligent; Goats, unlike sheep, need feeding a solid ration in addition I defy you not to grin at their crazy antics. to their hay and browsings daily. Read any goat keeping book or talk to goat keepers and you will receive many different Gillian and her husband Ian farm near Okehampton and run recommendations on what to feed and how much. Most introductory livestock keeping courses for smallholders. agricultural feed merchants will supply specialist goat food; I For further information on what they do, follow them on have found a coarse mix designed for goats suits ours best and Twitter @southyeoeast, on Facebook ‘Farmer Dixon’ or see keeps them in good all round condition (careful you don’t overdo www.southyeofarm.co.uk/smallholder_training 19 FARMER DIXON’S BLAMPHAYNE SAWMILLS LTD Smallholding Courses Timber Merchant, Building and Fencing Supplies and Gate Manufacturers 2019 Course Dates based in Honiton, Devon. March 9 (Sat) An Introduction To We offer a wide range of products from Field & & June 22 (Sat) Keeping PIGS Garden Gates, Timber for the building trade, Sheet April 13 (Sat) Lambing materials, to Garden Furniture, Planters, Arches, April 27 An Introduction Buildings and Play Equipment, across Devon, (Sat) To Sheep Keeping Somerset, Cornwall and the entire South Coast. 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Emma and Jon Hillier bought Farrantshayes, a former commercial farm, in August 2016. They keep cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, two nutty spaniels and an ex racehorse. They also (somehow) hold down day jobs; Emma is a secondary school teacher and Jon is a property developer. At the very least, I would be wary of buying anywhere with absolutely no facilities to bring your livestock in from the harsh I’ll let you in on a secret. When Jon and I were property hunting weather. Even if you are a grower of veg and fruit you might three years ago, we had no intention of becoming smallholders. want a polytunnel. If there really is nothing, then enquire with In 2016 we were looking for a pad with a couple of acres I could your local planning authority as to whether it may be possible keep my veteran horse on to allow him to live out his grumpy, to build somewhere on the property and do this early on. ‘It is primadonna days in comfort. better to seek forgiveness than permission’ is not a phrase that However, finding somewhere with that elusive ‘couple of planning officers are known to be especially fond of! Do things acres’ proved rather troublesome. On many places we saw by the book from the beginning and there is less chance of either those acres were saturated, welly suckingly wet land or getting yourself into a pickle with the local authority. perched perilously on the side of a sheer hill, blasted by vicious Of course, when you’re actually property hunting it seems winds. Our six month quest took us from the wilds of the moor like there are no smallholdings on the market at all. Where ARE to the gentle civilisation of East Devon. Eventually we found they all?! It’s always good to have a look at the specialist farm Farrantshayes, coincidentally only three miles away from the agencies. Often, somewhat sadly, a large farm is broken up to place we were renting. But it came with a whopping 25 acres of realise maximum profit and it may be that one of the lots could (blessedly flat) land. It felt vast and unmanageable; too much for be adapted to create your dream. In addition, placing an enquiry two novices to handle. on social media or even on a smallholder association newsletter So it might seem surprising that my initial advice, based on (Devon Association of Smallholders has a monthly e-newsletter our own experiences, would be don’t run scared of somewhere for members) asking if anyone knows of any good-lifers who with ‘too many’ buildings or ‘too much’ land if you can afford are looking to retire is also worthwhile and may result in a word it. As any farmer will willingly tell you, land is the only thing of mouth sale before a property even hits the market. Don’t they’re not making more of. You can always rent it out to discount equestrian properties-stables are often perfect for someone whilst you decide what purpose it will serve you. animals other than horses (chickens, alpacas, pigs, sheep). An Same with buildings. In the early days I used to wander round advertisement placed on the noticeboard of a local feed mill or the farm wailing ‘What will we DO with all these (admittedly countryside store could also bring forth potential vendors, who rather ugly) outbuildings?’ Nowadays each of them has a useful perhaps are only just starting to consider selling up. function that we couldn’t have even guessed at a few years ago. Above all, get out there and see some properties. Hours spent A dilapidated old dairy parlour that looked beyond all rescue online cannot compensate for breathing in the air and treading has been transformed into the most perfect farrowing pen for the land of a place that might someday be yours. our expectant pig mothers. A 1960s deep litter chicken shed is now a rather lovely barn conversion, having been granted Emma tweets on @farrantshayes and blogs about her planning under ‘Class Q’, which deals with the conversion of experiences on www.farrantshayes.co.uk/emmys-blog. redundant agricultural buildings. Emma is also secretary of Devon Association of Smallholders. 21 NEW DEPOT OPENING FOR 2019 Hartnoll Business Centre, Post Hill, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4NG SJH Machinery are your main Kubota Agricultural and professional Groundcare dealer for Somerset and half of Devon.

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26 2019 Show Guide sponsored by honiton show www.honitonshow.co.uk June 22nd & 23rd host the 25th anniversary of the Axe Vale Show by the Axe Vale Show Also new in 2019 – Atkins Auctions is sponsoring the Vintage, Retro and Antiques Marquee – come along and have your This family and dog friendly, charity focused, weekend-long jewellery valued or enter into a competition to guess the auction event held on the outskirts of Axminster, promises a plethora value of a selection of items. of things to do, see, taste and smell. There will be thrilling If that’s not enough, there is music, dancing, bouncing, bubble entertainment in the ring and around the Showground for blowing and shopping to enjoy. A range of marquees, malls & all to enjoy. demonstrations of country crafts will easily fill up your day. Come and see the magnificent Birds of Prey in action, watch Don’t forget to bring your dog and enter our fun dog show. the M.A.D. BMX display team or watch the creative and fun Tickets can be purchased at the gate or buy discounted Farmyard Show. tickets via the website. Parking is plentiful and free. National celebrity, Anne Swithinbank, will be taking part. Seek her out to answer your gardening questions or attend www.axevaleshow.com | E. [email protected] her lecture. Whilst in the Floral Marquee take part in seasonal T. 01297 34517. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Axe flower arranging demonstrations with Sarah Broom or Angela Vale Show is a charitable fundraising event for the charity Brooke-Smith. ‘Axe Vale Festival Limited’.

A GREAT Support your FUN DAYFAMILY OUT August 15th AUGUST15TH 25th local community 9 2019 22nd – 23rd June JOIN US 10am – 5.30pm FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY! This Year’s Main Ring Attractions 25th ‘The Tigers Childrens Motorcycle Display Team’ AXE VALE & ‘Wildlife Displays’ SHOW Mill End Chagford TQ13 8JN

Horse, Pony, Sheep and Cattle Classes l Grande Parade of Prize Winning Horses l Parade of Vintage Tractors and Cars l 200 Trade Stands l Beer Tent l Full Range of Showground Caterers l Pets Corner l Local Food Hall l Horticulural Marquee l Dog Show A Great Weekend For All and much much more! The Showground, Trafalgar Way, Axminster, EX13 5RJ Adults £10 Child £3 Under 5 Free Discounted online tickets available now Free Mini Bus from Chagford or purchase tickets at the gate & Moretonhampstead Sponsored Charity 2018 www.axevaleshow.com Free On Site Park ing No.1154727 Charity number: 1130829 The Axe Vale Show is a charitable fundraising event for the charity ‘Axe Vale Festival Limited’ www.chagfordshow.co.uk 27

Friday 16th August 2019 Entries close July 9th Affiliated to BSPS, NPS, HOYS Qualifiers Fun day out for all the family • Cattle and sheep classes For schedule and details email [email protected] or visit us online www.thedunstershow.co.uk Uffculme Show COUNTRY FAIR Classic Cars & Vintage Machinery Exhibit + Kennel Club Dog Shows, Trade & Craft Stalls + Main Ring Attractions & Events + 6th May 2019 Funlands Fun Fair + Live Music Throughout The Day + Hot Food etc MAY DAY Bank Holiday Fun For All The Family Show Dates 10.00 am to 5.00 pm | Entry £6 Adult / £3 Child | Free Car Parking KIDZ GO FREE OFFER = ONE CHILD UNDER 16 PER EACH FULL FEE-PAYING ADULT for 2018 The Culm Valley Spring event Organised by Exe Valley Rotary Club Fully signed off J27 M5 and the B3181 Post Code EX15 3DA SmallholdingRoyal Welsh Spranding Countr Festivalyside Festival 19-2018-19 MaMayy www.uffculmeshow.co.uk Tel: 01884 840300 GwylGˆˆwyl T Wyddynanwyn a Chefn Frenhinol Gwlad Cymru 19-2018-19 MaiMai RoRoyalyal WWelshelsh ShowShow 23–2622–25 JulyJuly SioeSioe FFrerenhinolnhinol CymruCymru 23–2622–25 GorGorffennafffennaf RoRoyalyal WWelshelsh WWinterinter FFairair 26-2725-26 NovemberNovember Liskeard Show FfairFfair Aeaf Frerenhinol CymruCymru 26-2725-26 TTachweddachwedd Saturday 13th July 2019 The Showground | Merrymeet | 8am Cattle • Sheep • Horses • Donkeys • Poultry • Crafts • Dog Show Trade Stands • Cornish Food Marquee • Homes & Gardens Marquee Adult £10 | Child 5-15 £4 | Under 5’s Free | Family £22 #RoyalWelshShow www.liskeardshow.org rwas.wales T: 07894 456 099 | E: [email protected] | RCN. 287130

29 a farmer’s view Hands free farming by Nick Green, Lye Cross Farm

Ever since man started farming, change has been embraced either to become more productive or make things easier. Consider the 2nd Viscount Townshend aka Turnip Townshend who developed the Norfolk four course rotation in the 17th Century. A sequence consisting of a crop of wheat followed by turnips followed by barley undersown with clover and grass for grazing in year four and back into cereal built up soil fertility and enhanced crop yields. Enclosures were embraced in the 18th Century when farmers could control grazing and output more closely. In the early Minimal tillage or strip cultivation means less power is required 20th Century Harry Ferguson developed the three point linkage in the cultivation phase of crop growing. A small electric that meant farmers could attach implements on to the new powered tractor guided by satellite would be adequate to fangled tractors that were appearing in the British countryside. prepare a seed bed for the crop to be sown in. Whether the seed Each of these developments has stood the test of time. could be sown in combination at the same time or another pass Rotations are good practice. Enclosed areas – fields mean required is up for debate. land can be used more efficiently. The three point linkage is the Once the crop has started to grow nutrients could be applied most common way of attaching a mounted piece of equipment to the immediate area surrounding the plant to enable them to a 21st Century tractor and is unlikely to be surpassed to be absorbed into the plant with minimal waste. Infra-red anytime soon. So what else has changed? With the advent of technology will enable foliar disease detection at the earliest electricity in the 20th Century we went from hand milking stage and minimal amounts of herbicide applied to counter cows to machine milking and then milking parlours able to take early onset of infection. Not only will this help the economics the milking clusters off the cows automatically. Can anything of crop production but support farmers’ efforts to protect the more be done to develop technology in agriculture? You bet. environment. A win win outcome. This sort of technology is Farmers are not only innovative they embrace change if they already available. It needs to be commercialised and rolled out think it will help. to a wider audience. Hands Free Hectare is a collaborative project being run When it comes to livestock we have a state of the art between Harper Adams University and Precision Decisions and development centre based at Shepton Mallet. Robotic milking is supported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development proven technology and all cows at the centre are milked without Board. The project aims to grow and harvest a crop of wheat the aid of humans. Food rations are calculated according to the with no human physical input. Everything is controlled by cows nutritional needs for ‘maintenance’ and production and computer and works completed by automated machinery. The mixed automatically in big feed dispensers. The dispensers then second harvest was completed in 2018 with a yield of 6.5 tonnes. move around the building on an overhead gantry and dribble the The project and associated research continues with great food out along each of the feed troughs. What goes in needs to hopes for the future. If you think about the commercial roll come out and all the cow manure is scraped away automatically out of this sort of principle the world is the farmers oyster. from the cattle living area leaving all animal areas spick and span. Milk yields are recorded at every milking, the amount of time a cow walks around is recorded as is oestrous and other health matrices. The two people that look after the 180 cows are able to concentrate on running the farm efficiently and effectively rather than doing all the manual work. Their day comprises analysing data, maintaining the equipment and ensuring everything is fit and well. Ask the question, what do you do for a job, instead of ‘farmer’, they could well answer data analyst, engineer and veterinary support. The sky is the limit utilising technology in a hands free farming environment. The only limit is our imagination.

Nick Green MBA, Farm Operations Director Lye Cross Farm, Redhill, Bristol BS40 5RH Tel: 01934 862 320 | www.lyecrossfarm.co.uk 30 rural skills Wonderful willow by Chris Baker, Devon Rural Skills Trust

Devon Rural Skills Trust member Richard Kerwood and partner Suzanne explore the world of basket making... There were once some 70,000 professional basket makers in the UK. But the invention of plastic almost spelt the end of a craft that recent evidence suggests could be 35,000 years old. The oldest known piece of woven willow is an 8,000-year-old fish trap, which was preserved by being squashed in a peat bog in County Meath, and can be seen in the National Museum of Ireland. The slender rods used in basket making indicate willow and alder coppice was being managed this far back, rather than just using what was found growing wild. Bark-on willow – known as browns – is more resilient to harsh For centuries baskets were made from freshly-cut willow weather, and was used outdoors. with the bark still on but at some point it was realised drying At one time most rural people could make a basket and it’s the rods would preserve them, and that willow could be peeled not clear when the first professional basket makers appeared, and dried to make it white. but before the Industrial Revolution the processes had become In both cases willow needs to be soaked before use. White devolved, with women and children peeling willow in May to willow soaks quickly and, without bark flaking off, the baskets produce white willow – their movements are echoed in the could be used indoors, for food preparation and storage. country dance Strip the Willow. By the 1830s demand for baskets was surging and not enough white willow could be peeled to keep basket makers going. Around this time the process of boiling bark-on willow was invented, meaning the rods could be peeled all year. Tannin released from the bark during boiling stains the willow golden- brown, producing buff willow, with similar properties to white. Once plastic arrived basket making in white, brown or buff willow declined rapidly, to a low of around 70 professional makers in the 1990s. The craft has witnessed a modest upsurge since, and problems associated with plastic are likely to see more demand for willow products.

More on Richard and Suzanne’s basket making can be found at: www.windrushwillow.com. Devon Rural Skills Trust runs courses on many rural crafts, for more information see: www.drst.org.uk

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31 making a country living

Sheppy’s cider by Stephen Davy-Osborne

Traditional West Country farming techniques dating back hundreds of years have seen one family farm’s diversification land them with an award winning business, and a strong base of loyal followers.

Now in its sixth generation, Sheppy’s is a name familiar to many remain key to Sheppy’s success. Now at the helm of the a cider drinker up and down the country. But the family farm business is John’s great, great, great grandson David whose on the edge of the A38 near Bradford-on-Tone in Somerset has passion for farming was instilled in him from a young age. come a long way from its early beginnings as a mixed farm in It was David’s father Richard Sheppy who realised the farm’s 1816, when it was based slightly further north near Congresbury. strategic position alongside the A38 made it a prime location for There John Shepson cultivated a number of orchards passing trade. David said: “Bearing in mind this was before the alongside the arable and livestock fields that made up his days of the M5, the A38 was the main route for holiday makers land in order to produce cider. This tradition goes back six and people visiting Devon and Cornwall. He saw this opportunity generations that the family are able to trace directly, though and thought he could make something of it by selling his cider it’s thought to date back even further. Back then most farmers by the side of the road and encourage people to have a cider produced cider for the local community and their own experience and visit the farm. He started doing tours and it all farmworkers, with many employees partially paid with an sort of snowballed from there. allowance of cider. “My grandfather Stanley was a very passionate cider maker of Fast forward a couple of hundred years and although outstanding quality ciders – we’re talking champagne style cider - the wages are no longer paid in cider (much to some of the and he won quite a few awards for ciders of that type, in particular employees’ disappointment) many of those founding principles two gold medals in the International Brewers’ Exhibition. 32 making a country living

“My father was a real showman and enjoyed the opportunity to give people the chance to experience cider.” Keeping the Sheppy family name alive in the business wasn’t a difficult decision for the young David to make. “I suppose there was a certain amount of expectation - as there always is with farming families – that I would take over,” he laughed. But luckily for him, he had grown to love the family business throughout his childhood. He added: “I grew up with it, I love farming and I just saw a lot of opportunity there - an opportunity not to be missed. “What really made me sink my teeth into it was that it wasn’t just farming. For years the farming industry has been talking about diversification, well we were I suppose diversifying before farmers thought about diversifying. This was my chance to set my own mark on something. And also it’s great to produce a brand - especially when it is named after your family name, and David said: “The basic techniques of cider making haven’t a quality brand at that.” changed – we still harvest the apples and the pressing system David’s full time involvement in the business came at a is the same, the fermentation is the same. It only really changes time when cider was beginning to enjoy a bit of resurgence, from there on – that is where we have developed the bottling thanks to the nationwide trend of ‘over ice’ ciders that became and kegging line and our production is very much modernised.” increasingly popular. While this wasn’t a category Sheppy’s The bottling line is capable of filling 3,000 bottles an hour, wanted to venture in to, it did mean that awareness of ciders while 60 kegs can be filled on the kegging line in an hour, grew and people began seeking out further brands. meanwhile at the start of the process the apple press makes its “People tend to start on a fairly bland cider to begin with and way through six tonnes of apples an hour. then explore more interesting, complex craft ciders, and that In 2012 the family embarked upon a project to create a brand allowed the industry to develop more interesting flavours. It’s new purpose built bottling and production plant at the farm, not the over ice which is in growth at all, it’s the craft side, in moving out of the traditional brick farm buildings that had much the same way that craft beer is very popular now. People housed the business previously. This greater space has allowed want to know where it has come from, where it’s made, if it’s them to invest in stainless steel tanks for the fermentation of made from local apples and so forth. lighter ciders. The traditional oak vats that give many of their “We have 90 acres of orchard on the farm now, so it was easily ciders their distinct flavour remain in use, but this further possibly for us to produce single varieties, very much for the diversification has allowed them to extend their range of ciders craft end of the industry. We experimented more with slightly even further. lighter ciders and ciders that could be on tap in pubs, where you But that’s not to say that the old farm buildings are laying don’t want the higher strengths, but a more quaffable drink, a derelict – far from it. In the spirit of his father and grandfather’s more easy going drink. So we developed that, then we introduced showmanship and desire to take visitors on a journey to the a small range of high quality end fruit ciders – still apple based heart of cider making, they have been transformed into the but adding raspberry or elderflower to the base cider.” House of Cider. This 70 seat restaurant also includes a café and And just as the business has stayed in family hands, so too bar as well as a farm and cider shop. Since being opened at the have many of the traditional methods of cider making remained beginning of 2017 they have welcomed thousands of people integral to the process. through their doors. But Sheppy’s hasn’t forgotten its heritage as a working farm, even if cider production does now command the vast majority of David’s time. The farm is still home to livestock, and the family graze their cattle in amongst their orchards allowing dual use of their land. “It has always been a tradition in Somerset to graze livestock under your trees,” said David. “You have to take them out long before you start harvesting, but you have six months of the year where you are able to graze under the trees. “The reason cider does so well in the south west is we have the right climate for growing cider apple trees. It’s obviously a very agricultural rural area, and cider is widely drunk in this area, and beyond!”.

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35 Sculpture adA5219landsmanindd 1 212219 1712 gardening

A garden of annuals in pots by Helen Roberts, Mendip Gardening School Towards the end of winter plant catalogues are piling up at home, and horticulturalists are busy planning for the growing season ahead particularly with regards to sowing annual seed. I am usually not very organised and end up sowing seed late in the spring (having missed the window for much of the seed sowing).

If you are like me and have not planned well there is still plenty year to sow again. This can be sown in late spring as it is quick of seed that can be sown late in spring and some species even to germinate. benefit from a late sowing. Many of my favourites to sow are Ipomoea lobata - I grow this every year in pots, and it has half hardy annual climbers as they help to provide height at my never failed me yet. A very attractive leaf and red, orange to front door where I have a container garden. cream arching flowerheads that will flower up until the first I use the climbers to create the tiered effect of an herbaceous frost. This can be sown late and seems to benefit from a late border, along with other non-climbing annuals of varying sowing. I have even sown this as late as mid-May. heights. This allows me to experiment every year with different Dolichos lablab ‘Ruby Moon’ - I spotted this growing in a combinations and move pots around to create the effect I want. garden in Skåne, Sweden gracefully arching over a covered Over the last 5 years I have been experimenting with different walkway. It has a lovely large dark green purplish leaf with annuals to grow in pots and most of my home trials have subtle purple and white sweet pea like flowers with large pods. involved sowing under glass (and usually very late!) Here are However, as I found out it does need plenty of space. just a few of my favourites that are particularly robust, some Ipomoea tricolor ‘Kniolas Black Knight’- Another half hardy of which benefit from being sown later in spring. climber that was introduced to me from Derry Watkins. This Silene armeria ‘Electra’ - I first spotted this growing in Derry produces the darkest of purple (almost black) blooms. This will Watkins’ garden, owner of the nursery Special Plants. This is a produce copious amounts of seed that can be collected easily hardy annual, which flowers are a fantastically vibrant pink that to save for the following year. This will ramble freely through will self-sow but does very well in pots. I just save seed every other plants. 36 gardening

Cleome spinosa ‘Violet Queen’ - I love cleomes, particularly this cultivar. Some people have trouble getting Cleome to germinate but I always have success with this seed that I collect every year, the seed having originally been bought from Heligan Gardens. The flowers are bright pink and spider-like, but you need to watch out when clearing the plants at the end of summer as the stems are prickly. Mirabilis jalapa - I bought seed of this species at Forde Abbey Gardens. It is incredibly easy to germinate and will produce good sized bushy plants with a profusion of trumpet shaped red flowers. It is called the 4 o’clock plant because of its apparent scent in the afternoon but I have never noticed an aroma. I just like its form and flowers. It produces numerous seed which can be collected and saved. Rhodochiton atrosanguineus - This is a highly unusual tender climber from Mexico with heart shaped leaves and weird looking purple pink flowers. This is easy to grow from seed but does need to be sown by March as it is slow to germinate. Nicotiana alata ‘Crimson Bedder’ - A brilliant cultivar with fragrant burgundy flowers. It is easy to grow from seed and can be sown late spring. Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Purity’ - I grow Cosmos every year to provide height to my potted garden. This white cultivar looks attractive planted with Nicotiana ‘Crimson Bedder’ and will flower profusely right up until the first frost. Here are just a few more that I will be growing this season in pots which I have seen growing successfully in other gardens.

Persicaria orientalis - A very tall hardy annual, plants of which a friend gave me. I hope to grow this from seed, but she may well give me some more plants this year. The cultivar (probably ‘Shiro-Gane Nishiki’), proved useful in pots at the back of my container collection and produced arching pink flowers on variegated leaves.

Amaranthus caudatus ‘Dreadlocks’ - I love this species ,Left Bottom - Leonotis Nepetifolia Pearl - Bidens Pirates Top Left Moon, Right Bottom - Dolichos Lablab Ruby - Cosmos Purity, Top Images: Right and want to try this new cultivar as it has brilliant bobbly drooping flowers that will offer good height. I saw this growing successfully whilst visiting the Ballast seed garden at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens. Leonotis nepetifolia ‘Shrimp Cocktail’A particular annual that I have been wanting to grow for a few years is called Leonotis nepetifolia ‘Shrimp Cocktail’, which I discovered flourishing in an organic garden in southern Sweden. It has attractive and very tall spires of peach coloured flowers that look like little pink shrimps. This was grown very easily from seed according to the garden owner and reached the soaring height of about 2 metres over the summer. Bidens ferulifolia ‘Pirates Pearl’ - A white free flowering cultivar of B. ferulifolia that I discovered growing in large pots in Gothenburg Botanic Gardens. Limonium sinuatum ‘Apricot Beauty’ - I saw the cultivar ‘Pacific Mixed’ growing at Forde Abbey in their kitchen garden but I want to try this peachy coloured variety as I like the colour more.

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Module sowing by Steph Hafferty Now is a key sowing time for abundant harvests through summer, autumn and beyond! Sowing in modules undercover gives plants a head start for earlier healthy crops. I start almost all of my seeds in modules, putting them out as little transplants when ready. Reducing plastic in the garden is important, but if you have plastic pots and trays already use them until they fall apart. Some of my module trays are between 10 and 30 years old! Non-plastic alternatives include soil blockers and making your own mini pots from newspaper. (There is a tutorial in my blog NoDigHome.com). Module sowing saves seed, transplants have greater pest resistance and it is easier to weed the plot. Save spare plants to fill any gaps caused by pests or weather damage. Sowing indoors extends the growing season by several weeks. It makes the most of smaller spaces too: after clearing a previous crop, you can plant straight away, increasing productivity with 2-4 Plant out with a dibber or small trowel. Protect early from one bed each year. plantings (and direct sowings such as parsnips or carrots) with Fill modules with compost, press down firmly with your horticultural fleece. Spread over new plantings it protects them fingers and refill until each module is full. Water thoroughly from extremes of weather and means earlier harvests of 2-3 and leave to drain before sowing. weeks at this time of year. I use enviromesh - spread over the Almost all edible plant seeds can be sown in modules bed and secured, or over cloche hoops - to protect from leek including root vegetables - beetroot, turnip, radish, swede, kohl moth, carrot root fly and cabbage white butterflies. Butterfly rabi, celeriac - with the exception of carrots and parsnips which netting is ideal for brassicas, protects from birds too. are best down direct. Sow most brassicas, tomatoes, squash, Weeds grow quickly as the days lengthen; regular hoeing swede singly, rocket, coriander, Oriental greens etc 2 or 3 seeds helps to keep the plot weed free. per module and others are great in larger multi-sown groups of 4-5 seeds: leeks, onions, spring onions, radish and beetroot. You For regular updates from my plot, see my blog: still get big beetroot! This makes the most of your growing space. www.nodighome.com kitchen garden sponsored by ladbrooke soil blocker www.soilblockers.co.uk DEVON ASSOCIATION

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