• OCT / NOV 2020
New deadline to use-up metaldehyde slug pellets
SLUG pellets containing metaldehyde will be phased out for outdoor use by March 2022 , following an announcement from farming Minister Victoria Prentis on Friday .
This confirms that the sale and distribution of existing stocks will not be permitted beyond 31 March 2021 , with a further year granted for the use-up period ( to 31 March 2022 ).
The news follows a government announcement in December 2018 that metaldehyde would be withdrawn ; only for the decision to be reversed after a legal challenge and high court ruling in August 2019 that saw the previous expiry dates reinstated .
Defra has cited that pesticides containing ferric phosphate can provide effective control without carrying the same risks to wildlife and note the role of alternative methods of pest control . These include cultural techniques like planting slug resistant crop varieties , selectively timing irrigation and harvest and sowing seeds more deeply into the soil .
The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group ( MSG ) spearheaded a decade long campaign to promote responsible use of metaldehyde slug pellets . MSG chairman David Cameron says that although we are now seeing the loss of metaldehyde from the market , the stewardship initiative played an enormously important role .
“ The campaign started in 2008 when metaldehyde first came to the attention of water companies . This was at a time when the alternative treatment to control slugs – the UK ’ s most devastating pest – was not yet available .
“ Pesticide stewardship has now gained a vital place in supporting the agricultural sector ,” he asserts .
In the period prior to the withdrawal dates coming into effect , the MSG reiterates that metaldehyde products should be used in accordance with their labels and that Get Pelletwise best practice guidelines must be followed , which can be found here : https :// www . getpelletwise . co . uk / how-you-can-help /
RABI extends support for farmers with new wellbeing initiative
WITH 2020 bringing ever greater levels of uncertainty and unexpected changes , pressures on the farming community continue to grow . As part of a new package of services designed to assist people deal with these complex challenges , RABI is launching an online wellbeing community and counselling service for farming people across England and Wales on 19 October .
Against a backdrop of continuing strains and demands , this new online initiative is a significant step in RABI ’ s plans to evolve its services , to better meet the changing needs of farming people .
“ We know that farmers have continued to face exceptionally difficult times . Managing mental wellbeing and maintaining good mental health has emerged as one of the most significant issues facing our sector , which is already known for its higher than average levels of stress , depression , anxiety , and suicide ,” says Alicia Chivers , RABI ’ s Chief Executive .
“ Our aim is to make a real difference to the farming community that RABI has been dedicated to for the past 160 years . We believe early intervention and one-to-one support are essential to ensuring good mental health and tackling the root causes of poor wellbeing . We believe that providing confidential , easily accessible , free online support can make a real difference to a wide audience .”
The initiative features two distinct sites - Qwell . io / rabi for adults , while Kooth . com / rabi is tailored to those aged 11-17 . These safe and confidential online platforms are being delivered in partnership with a specialist online mental
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health provider . The websites include dedicated farmer friendly content that addresses farming sector specific challenges such as loneliness , Brexit anxiety , animal health and crop disease and farm debt .
Users will be able to anonymously access farmer specific and more generic content , as well as a wealth of discussion boards , case studies and messaging functions . There are many tools , such as a journal to record and track progress against personal goals , as well as tips and articles .
In addition , all users can access one-to-one counselling support from BACP recognised , qualified professionals through a chat function . The practitioners are trained in different forms of counselling , allowing them to meet individual needs and preferences .
To access the online counselling platform , visit the RABI website : https :// rabi . org . uk / kooth . To find out more visit www . rabi . org . uk
THREE promising postgraduate agricultural students from across the UK have been selected to receive a ‘ Centenary Award ’ bursary from The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust .
Launched by rural insurer NFU Mutual to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010 , the annual award scheme provides bursaries of up to 75 % of course
Three high-performing students receive national agricultural award
fees for selected postgraduate students in agriculture . To date , 43 young people have received help through the award to further their education .
The three selected students for 2020 are :
Elin Havard from Powys : MBA Innovation in Sustainable Food and Agriculture , Royal Agricultural University
Becky Hewlett from Gloucestershire : MSc Ruminant Nutrition , Harper Adams University
Amelia Preston from Yorkshire : MSc Sustainable Food and Agricultural Policy , Royal Agricultural University Elin ’ s passion for farming began at a young age , and this bursary will support her aspirations . She said : “ Having grown up on a beef and sheep farm , my interest in agriculture was instilled in me as a child . I relish this opportunity to further my understanding and gain the skills required to contribute positively to the future of our industry .”
Becky added : “ Through expanding my knowledge of ruminant nutrition , I want to be able to influence the way people farm and both directly and indirectly steer them in a more environmentally friendly direction .”
Amelia explained how the award will help her to achieve her career ambitions : “ It is a real honour to have NFU Mutual
supporting my postgraduate studies . I aspire to make a positive contribution to UK agriculture and play an active role in the farming community and my ambition is to become a key advisor on agricultural policy .”
Announcing the award ’ s recipients for 2020 , Jim McLaren , NFU Mutual Chairman , said : “ Research and innovation are essential for our agricultural industry to achieve improved productivity and sustainable management of our natural resources . Our aim for the Centenary Award is to support promising individuals who are passionate about making a difference to the future of UK farming .”
Mr McLaren added : “ We are delighted to be supporting Elin , Amelia and Becky with our Centenary Award bursaries , and wish them all the very best for their studies .”
Centenary Award bursaries will again be available in 2021 . Applications for the award next year will be invited from the start of January , and information about the scheme can be found on the NFU Mutual website : www . nfumutual . co . uk .
In the meantime , prospective post graduate agricultural students who would like to find out more about the award can contact centenary _ award @ nfumutual . co . uk .