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EDITOR ’ S INTRO
Can you believe 2022 is just round the corner ? Despite 2021 having its challenges many farms and businesses have had a good year .
CHECK out our major feature on the Russells Group who are celebrating 100 years in business . A fascinating story charting their history right up to the present day .
Farm diversification continues to be a pivotal part of many long-term development plans . In this issue we feature Ian & Emma O ’ Reilly of Gazegill Organics . They have championed organic farming and are also building a brand-new farm shop and a fantastic new restaurant looking across Pendle Hill and the Ribble Valley .
The LAMMA show is celebrating its 40th year when it returns on Jan 11th and 12th next year . There has been a lot of time and effort put against the show to enhance the visitor experience further . Over 700 manufacturers , dealers and distributors will fill 11 halls at the NEC . LAMMA will be back with a bang .
Chris Berry talks with John Fenton of Springwell
House , Elmswell . This is a big arable operation covering some 1400 acres . John was the East Riding recipient of the Tye Trophy for his work on conservation 10 years ago . He takes great pride in combining conservation with modern farming .
Chris also talks with Keith & Daniel Blenkiron at Lark Hall Farm , Northallerton who are working together , embracing renewable , energy and increasing biodiversity .
At The Farmers Mart we really like to feature the very best in farming and celebrate the success that is being achieved despite some tough conditions . Time and again we see just how creative many of todays farmers really are with their diversification . I think certain parts of industry would do well to take a page out of the agricultural workbook .
We have more features inside , read on and enjoy the inspirational stories .
Owner & Managing Editor Ian Wilkinson
RABI RESPONDS TO CRISIS IN PIG SECTOR
RESPONDING to the current crisis in the British pig industry , leading farming charity , RABI , has announced the immediate availability of additional support to those affected .
Supplementing RABI ’ s existing package of practical and financial support , and understanding the enormous emotional impacts of the crisis , the charity has introduced access to in-person professional counselling support .
Corporate Partnership Manager , Suzy Deeley , explains how the charity has been able to establish this service so quickly .
“ Evidence from the Big Farming Survey confirmed high levels of poor mental health exist across agriculture . Data from the survey also evidenced that depression rates are
particularly high in the specialist pigs ’ sector , with 47 % likely to be probably or possibly depressed ,” says Ms Deeley . “ The survey highlighted these concerns even before the current crisis . Therefore , developing bespoke , in-person counselling support to supplement existing services already available in some areas of the county , and ensuring this is available on-demand consistently across England and Wales , has been a focus for the charity over recent months ,” Ms Deeley adds .
“ The worsening situation and potential of on-farm culls has led to this in-person support being made available immediately . All those working in the pig sector can access this , along with any of our services , on our confidential 24-hour helpline , 0800 188 4444 .”
OCT / NOV 2021 • farmers-mart . co . uk
The National Pig Association ( NPA ) welcomes RABI ’ s response to their members ’ plight .
“ These are the hardest times pig producers have faced for over twenty years and it is putting incredible emotional strain on them . The additional support from RABI has come at a time when our industry really needs it . It is so important that we look after ourselves and others so we would encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out for the support available ,” says Dr Zoe Davies , NPA chief executive .
For anybody who would prefer online counselling , or other mental wellbeing support , RABI ’ s online platform can be accessed anonymously at any time of day and night , and also provides remote counselling through a chat function – www . rabi . org . uk / kooth .
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ISSUE 77 • OCT / NOV 2021
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