EDITOR ’ S INTRO
ISSUE 87 • JUNE / JULY 2023
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EDITOR ’ S INTRO
The 2023 show season is well underway as this June / July issue of The Farmers Mart hits the printers . The countdown is on for this year ’ s Great Yorkshire Show , you can find a great 13- page warm-up feature ahead of the show starting on page 15 .
THE Farmers Mart will be unable to furnish a full stand at the Great Yorkshire Show this year as I am due to have an operation the week before the event . However , I should have recovered in time for the show and will hopefully be there later on the Friday to catch us with customers and take photographs . Don ’ t forget , you can pick up your copy of The Farmers Mart from the Bainbridge Engineering and Farmplus stands .
Hailed as one of the most important sheep industry events of 2023 , find a fantastic review of this year ’ s NSA North Sheep event at Bradford House Farm on page 28 .
As well as show reviews and previews , sub-editor , Chris Berry , has been out and about visiting a plethora of farms for this issue .
Read all about the champion farmer , Sharon Shepherdson , at East Leys Farm on page 36 .
‘ Life doesn ’ t have to follow the same old pattern ’. The Collinson family at Bellfield Farm tell us about how they are ‘ trying something different ’ with their dairy farm under the new name The Milk Well . Find out more on page 40 .
ISSUE 87 • JUNE / JULY 2023
We talk all things Charolais with renowned and respected breeders , Jane and Mark Hayhurst of Great Carr Farm from page 44 .
Chris also speaks with arable and beef finisher , Doug Dear , about his no-nonsense approach to farming at Osgodby Grange Farm , see page 52 .
‘ It ’ s not all about getting your lambs to 45 kilos ’ states Bentham farmer , Raymond Heigh of Brook House Farm on page 56 . Chris talks with Raymond about his commercial cattle and sheep farm , featuring his 25-strong flock of Zwartbles breed sheep .
See even more interesting farm features from Chris inside .
We are always looking for farms to do features on , you may be diversifying , have champion herds or flocks , or just be proud of what you do . The great thing for you , the farmer , is it doesn ’ t cost you a penny and is great publicity , please do get in contact if you are interested .
Owner & Managing Editor Ian Wilkinson
For more news , views and stories from the number one farming guide in the North , visit www . farmers-mart . co . uk
JUN / JUL 2023 • farmers-mart . co . uk
Changes to farm support emphasise the value of external advice
The increasing pace of change to farm support systems has highlighted the need for many sheep farmers to seek out professional advice , suggests the Register of Sheep Advisers .
THE Register was established in 2021 by the National Sheep Association ( NSA ) and BASIS Registration . Phil Stocker , NSA Chief Executive , says : “ With so many changes to farm support being implemented or on the way , it can be challenging for farmers to know which direction to take their business is and which , if any , of the new schemes are suited to their systems .
“ The removal of the Basic Payment Scheme in all four UK nations will mean change for nearly every sheep farming business , be that adapting existing systems , diversifying and / or applying for new schemes .
“ Information is readily available for schemes that are already open for applications , but the volume can be overwhelming and it is not always clear , so how can farmers ensure they can make the most of what is on offer to them ? The answer may be the use of a professional livestock farm adviser such as one of the experienced members of the Register of Sheep Advisers ( RoSA ).”
RoSA is a network of well-rounded professional advisers working within the UK sheep industry . The online RoSA register directs farmers to advisers with specialisms including business management , electronic reading systems , animal health , nutrition and breeding . An area of advice especially useful during the next year and beyond is guidance to adapt sheep farming business during and beyond the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme , including ways to be involved in agri-environment and other new funding streams .
James Oliver , a farm business consultant and sheep farmer from Northumberland , says : “ The RoSA network is critical in these ever-changing times with significant shifts in payments and how the government is issuing support . Now is a pivotal time when farmers need to embrace change rather than be scared of it .
“ Many sheep farmers are already doing a lot of the work needed for support options so they should be rewarded for these practices and easily tap into these stewardships schemes . With increasing capital costs in farming , these can help with infrastructure such as fencing and hedging .”
Mr Oliver believes the appointment of an adviser who truly understands sheep farming could help to ensure farmers know what is available . He continues : “ There are a lot of good advisers out there with practical sheep experience who can relate to their clients and help them to increase their resilience .”
With RoSA celebrating its third year of operation this June , Mr Stocker adds : “ Monumental changes coming in land use and farm support , driven by global issues of food security and environmental challenge could test the sheep farming sector .
“ If sheep farmers are going to adapt and succeed , its likely more will want and need advice . Therefore , it ’ s important there is a network of well-informed , trusted sheep specific advisers and this was the reason for the formation of this register . Taking advice , whether that is on policy change or practical sheep farming matters , should not be judged as a cost but by what benefits it will bring to the farm business .”
Find an adviser at www . sheepadvisers . co . uk / Find-RoSA-Adviser .