The Rural Bulletin: 12th July 2018

Welsh Government prepares for Brexit 

For the first time the Welsh government has the chance to design its own Welsh policy and it is proposing a new Land Management Programme which will replace the CAP. It consists of two schemes – the Economic Resilience scheme and the Public Goods scheme. 

The Economic Resilience scheme would provide targeted investments for improvements to farm businesses to boost resilience and productivity, especially in high end food production. Investment, innovation and entrepreneurial skills would be highly encouraged under the new scheme. 

The Public Goods scheme would be a new income scheme in return for delivering additional public goods like reducing flood risk, decarbonisation and habitat improvement or creation. 

“Farmers should take careful note and begin strategic planning to adjust to the changed basis and mechanisms of support,” said Ross Murray, chairman of rural asset management at Knight Frank.

“It will become far more specific rather than a blanket area-led approach. This will be challenging for many, but the vision of a policy that delivers more for the economy, society and the natural environment is the right one.” 

Harvest continues with pleasing quality crops

With the continuing hot dry weather showing little signs of easing, grain stores have reported good quality crops so far. Winter barley harvest is progressing up the country, with wheat likely to be cut in South East England from the end of next week.

However, although the quality of the winter barley has been reasonable, yields have been more variable, with most farmers reporting yields 10-20% below average. 

Many wheat crops are dying rather than ripening, so expectations aren’t high. 

NFU and Crimestoppers launch new Rural Crime Reporting Line

Rural households can now give information anonymously about rural crime in a new service launched by the NFU and Crimestoppers as part of their ongoing work to tackle criminal behaviour on farms and in the countryside.

The Rural Crime Reporting Line can be accessed by calling 0800 783 0137 or visiting www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk 

“I want to encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed or has any information about rural crimes to come forward and call the line - your information could be extremely valuable,” said Guy Smith, NFU deputy president. 

NFUS launches straw and feed campaign

NFU Scotland is urging straw and feed buyers and growers to plan ahead to alleviate any foreseeable issues.

The three key messages of the 12-week campaign are: 

• Plan ahead – know what you need, where you’re getting it from, and where your market is. 

• Be flexible – have alternatives and a back-up plan.

• Collaborate – chat about opportunities like joint buying to reduce costs. 

“All sectors have suffered from unusual weather over the past year,” said Andrew McCornick, NFU Scotland President.

“At a time when many are watching budgets, we have launched this campaign to get livestock producers thinking about how they will overcome shortages of feed and bedding, and growers about what is best for their businesses too.  Businesses should consider what could be done collectively.” 

How can we help?