The farming and smallholding thread

[Humble Tiller]

Just spent a week in Suffolk where Maize was being harvested for Biofuel, is that an effective use of land if we are importing wheat etc, or are we self sufficient in what we can grow in the soil and this is a bonus?

We aren't self sufficient, though whether this is by accident or design is up for debate. Last year we imported 1.3mt of milling wheat as there was a shortfall towards the end of the season. There is an argument that says 100% self sufficiency is a bad move, as if there is no risk mitigation in case of a harvest failure in the UK.

Personally, I have a big issue with farmland being used for energy crops and solar pv when it could be used for food production, either arable or animal. Unfortunately the narrative is Net Zero, Rewilding and the offshoring of agriculture, and the NFU have massively drunk the KoolAid, so pushback from farming is limited to a few voices shouting in (at ?) the darkness.

 

[RangdoOfArg]

We aren't self sufficient, though whether this is by accident or design is up for debate. Last year we imported 1.3mt of milling wheat as there was a shortfall towards the end of the season. There is an argument that says 100% self sufficiency is a bad move, as if there is no risk mitigation in case of a harvest failure in the UK.

Personally, I have a big issue with farmland being used for energy crops and solar pv when it could be used for food production, either arable or animal. Unfortunately the narrative is Net Zero, Rewilding and the offshoring of agriculture, and the NFU have massively drunk the KoolAid, so pushback from farming is limited to a few voices shouting in (at ?) the darkness.

Thanks for replying (I meant to hit the thumbs up) as I know you are under the cosh right now. Much appreciated, and keep on.

 

[Humble Tiller]

Lad out harrowing in the field behind my house Sat pm 07/10. I think my phot has shortened it a bit, but it looks to my eye about 10m short of the already shortened edge of the field.
Did they used to call this margin/setaside? Anyway, is this now normal?
View attachment 776397View attachment 776398

It looks like the whole field has been sprayed off, possibly OSR or linseed stubbles, ahead of winter wheat. It may well be as simple as the tractor driver not having time to do the headland, and they'll be back tomorrow.

Set-aside as such doesn't really exist anymore, but is dependent on which (if any) agri-environment scheme one is in.
We are in a higher tier agreement with Natural England and have various 6 metre margins around some of the arable fields. These margins include grass, wild flowers, nectar mix (see below), bumblebird, winter bird food and arable weeds (yes really).
All this may well change when the powers that be work out how to implement the Environmental Land Management Scheme/Strategic Farming Initiative. Nobody I know is currently holding their breath in anticipation of a clear steer from the Government.

 

[RangdoOfArg]

It looks like the whole field has been sprayed off, possibly OSR or linseed stubbles, ahead of winter wheat. It may well be as simple as the tractor driver not having time to do the headland, and they'll be back tomorrow.

Set-aside as such doesn't really exist anymore, but is dependent on which (if any) agri-environment scheme one is in.
We are in a higher tier agreement with Natural England and have various 6 metre margins around some of the arable fields. These margins include grass, wild flowers, nectar mix (see below), bumblebird, winter bird food and arable weeds (yes really).
All this may well change when the powers that be work out how to implement the Environmental Land Management Scheme/Strategic Farming Initiative. Nobody I know is currently holding their breath in anticipation of a clear steer from the Government.
View attachment 776426

Thanks @Humble Tiller for taking time out to reply. Much appreciated, considering your own shit

 

[RangdoOfArg]

Nipper done the edges. Here looking south towards M27 and Fareham, all part of the Welborne development.
One day this will all be houses.

 

[Gabion Groyne]

Whenever my wife comes up with another romantic notion of "why don't we move to Scotland, houses and land are so cheap" I dig out a photo like this to explain why!

Seven landslides in and around the Rest and be Thankful alone so it'll be a few days before it's safe to clear them. Bit of a bggr if you have a flight to catch as it's a long detour.

 

[Gabion Groyne]

Not sure if this kind of thing is for this thread, but at the bottom of the picture you can see what looks like a 4x4 and trailor, so vaguely agricultural. You also often see sheep grazing on that hillside.

Looks more like one of these South American landslides but it's the A816 to Oban. Photo courtesy of Lunga Estate.

 

[Kirkz]

Not sure if this kind of thing is for this thread, but at the bottom of the picture you can see what looks like a 4x4 and trailor, so vaguely agricultural. You also often see sheep grazing on that hillside.

View attachment 776853

Looks more like one of these South American landslides but it's the A816 to Oban. Photo courtesy of Lunga Estate.

Drove along that stretch of road in July.

 

[Londo]

The 90 acre field at the back of my gaff is on sale for £900.000 if anyone wants to chip in ?

 

[Londo]

Ram on the left saying, "Who was it Ethel, those c**** aren't mine........ ?

They both look so very pretty

 

[beefer]

They both look so very purdy

One word makes all the difference

 

[ExREME.TECH]

Lincolnshire: Farming charity sees 90% rise in helpline calls

The charity says the increase in demand over the last year has been "astounding".

www.bbc.com

 

[SeriesOne]

Lad out harrowing in the field behind my house Sat pm 07/10. I think my phot has shortened it a bit, but it looks to my eye about 10m short of the already shortened edge of the field.
Did they used to call this margin/setaside? Anyway, is this now normal?
View attachment 776397View attachment 776398

Looks to me that they have decided that the tramlines need doing twice so have run over the field cultivating them first, then cultivate the whole field completely.

 

[ExREME.TECH]

Farmers sentenced over animal cruelty in Staffordshire

Cows were kept in unsuitable pens with little food or water, Staffordshire County Council says.

www.bbc.com

 

[wheelchairwarrier]

Farmers sentenced over animal cruelty in Staffordshire

Cows were kept in unsuitable pens with little food or water, Staffordshire County Council says.

www.bbc.com

I just dont get it they are part of his income stream for the first part and secondly they are living breathing animals and deserve good care.At least on this occasion the
courts have made a bit of an example of him.
It concerned me they were "given" to him and had no identification ,. I wonder what market they were going into.