Industry News

CFE launches award to celebrate farmers who care for the environment

To celebrate 10 years of promoting good environmental management through productive farming practices, CFE has launched the Champions of the Farmed Environment Awards to celebrate the work of our farming community in caring for the natural environment.   There are CFE Awards across 4 categories; Air, Soils, Water and Wildlife.  If you have taken action on your land to incorporate management practices which deliver environmental benefits for air, soil, water of wildlife, CFE want to hear about it.

Applications are open until October 29th and winners will be invited to the 10 year anniversary and award ceremony in the Cotswolds on November 29th.  Please visit this page for details on how to enter.

Over 70 events confirmed in Coventry and Warwickshire business festival

The third Coventry and Warwickshire Business Festival strongly reflects industry needs in 2019 and the 70 bespoke events champion quality over quantity. There are a variety of events from networking opportunities, seminars on how to protect your business, workshops tailored to teach you new practical skills, dealing with challenges and much more.  Nearly all events are free and are available for anyone to attend, however, tickets must be booked online in advance to avoid disappointment.  View the events and book your ticket on this page.  The festival takes place over 11 – 21 November.

Training course on new drone regulations for farmers

Farmers are being urged to fully understand the legal implications of drone use and seek training ahead of new 2020 regulations.  New regulations published on 21 June by the Civil Aviation Authority will require farmers to become more aware of how to deploy drones on their land, although these will not come into effect until July 2020. This gives farmers and other operators the opportunity to prepare for the proposed changes to drone use.  Cranfield University is offering anyone likely to use drones in agriculture the opportunity to learn how they can be used responsibly and effectively to monitor and manage crops.  Full details of the 4 month on-line course starting on 18 November are here.

Water Primrose alert

Water primrose, which was introduced into the UK as an ornamental aquatic plant, is invading ponds, lakes, wetlands and waterbodies.  It forms dense mats which exclude native species, degrade amenity use and may increase flood risk. It is now banned from sale in the UK, but it has been found in a variety of waterbodies, especially, ponds, fisheries and wetlands. The Environment Agency is coordinating the eradication of existing infestations. To date, 39 sites have been found, 14 of which are believed to have been eradicated. If you find water primrose, report it at alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. More information on identifying water primrose is available on the Non-native Species Secretariat website.

Euro exchange rate for BPS 2019 is set

The euro exchange rate for calculating BPS 2019 payments has been set. The rate, an average of the European Central Bank exchange rates set in September, will be €1 = £0.89092.

BPS payments for England are set in euros and then converted into sterling. The previous year’s exchange rates for BPS were:

• BPS 2018: €1 = £0.89281
• BPS 2017: €1 = £0.89470

The RPA will make full payments on BPS 2019 claims later this year, with funds being directly made into bank accounts by BACS transfer.

Farm Business Innovation show – 6/7 November

The Farm Business Innovation Show takes place this year on 6 and 7 November at the NEC, Birmingham.  There will be 1000 exhibitors and 500 seminars helping you to make money from your farm business.  Click on this website to find out more and register for free tickets.

Calf survival index by AHDB

Improved management for calf rearing has always been a focus for dairy farmers and the new Calf Survival Index by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board allows breeders to approach this on a genetic level.  To download your copy visit this page.