Farming

Is there a way to Brexit-proof your business?

Published

7 years ago

November 3, 2017

Discussing optimal dairy systems: FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee Chairman Dai Miles and Gwyn Jones, AHDB dairy board chairman

A SEMINAR organised by the Farmers’ Union of Wales has provided an opportunity for Welsh dairy farmers to come together and air their views on a recently published AHDB paper which outlines the need for ‘optimal dairy systems’ in the British dairy sector.

Leading the discussions at the Welsh Dairy Show was Gwyn Jones, AHDB dairy board chairman, who highlighted the likelihood the industry will be open to more competition, less support and increased volatility in the future. He emphasised that there will be opportunities too, since the UK was an ideal country for producing milk, due to the climate, structure and the fact that there were good farmers in the sector.

In his talk, he stressed that the way forward for the sector was to be inspirational, efficient and prepare for the future.

He discussed AHDB’s recently published approach focusing on two systems – block calving where all cows calve within a 12-week window and All year round calving with no seasonal emphasis on calving.

“Block calving herds typically have lower overall costs of production, can be simpler to operate and can have lifestyle benefits, depending on land suitability, housing and location.

“The best AYR producers can achieve production costs comparable with block-calving and higher output can bring greater income. But the system can bring complexity making it harder to spot weaknesses in performance,” said Gwyn Jones.

“In Britain, over 80% of dairy farmers identify themselves as all-year-round calvers. This raises a question as to whether this is a conscious decision based on every farmer deciding what is the best system for them, or whether the system has just evolved.”

He emphasised that all production systems could be profitable and could work well, but the important issue was to attain a balance of production from all herds across the sector, in order to meet buyer and processor requirements.

“Many processors desire a relatively flat milk production profile from their milk pool; this does not mean that all farms should have the same production profile but rather that the collective profile needs to be flat.

“This could mean a balance between spring and autumn calving herds. A joined up industry approach would offer flexibility to farmers, whilst still meeting the needs of the processors,” said Gwyn Jones.

Comparing the relevant cost of production and margins achieved from each of the systems he highlighted that according to AHDB, spring calving herds typically achieved an extra margin of 2.4 pence per litre (ppl) above year-round calvers. For autumn calvers this was 1.3ppl.

He stressed that irrespective of the chosen system, all farmers should concentrate their business analyses on the full economic cost of production, the return on capital and the profit retained.

AHDB is changing its delivery to showcase and highlight what the best performers are doing under either system and identify the KPIs that are critical to performance.

Additional strategic dairy farms are being recruited to demonstrate best practice and encourage farmer to farmer learning. Farmbench will be rolled out to the dairy sector in the New Year to help farmers understand and compare their full costs of production at both enterprise and whole-farm level.

“We are asking farmers to approach 2019 with their eyes open. The choice of system is down to individual farmers, but what is important is that they understand their current system, hold a mirror up to themselves and make a conscious decision on which system is optimal for them,” said Gwyn Jones.

Responding to the suggestion that the dairy sector should review its systems and management style in order to prepare itself for potential Brexit problems, was FUW Milk and Dairy Produce Committee Chairman Dai Miles.

“Before we change our dairy systems and increase our production, we need to have greater processing capability in Wales. The latest Welsh Government-commissioned report on processing in the Welsh dairy sector concludes that processing expansion should be ‘more of the same’ which means more low-value cheese production – that attitude is at best disappointing and not in the slightest innovative.”

Farming

Pembrokeshire farmer’s award for outstanding service to Welsh dairy industry

Published

1 week ago

October 29, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DAIRY farmer, Stephen James, from Gelliolau farm in Clunderwen, Pemborkeshire has been presented the FUW Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry award at the Welsh Dairy Show 2024 in Carmarthen.

Presenting Stephen with the award will be FUW President Ian Rickman during the Welsh Dairy Show held at the United Counties Showground in Nantyci, Carmarthen on Tuesday 22 October 2024.

Ian Rickman, FUW President said: “The judging panel were delighted with the nominations this year, but Stephen’s diligent and relentless work for over 20 years representing the industry in a public role on the issue of Bovine TB in particular placed him on top.

“A worthy winner, Stephen has used his own experience of dealing with TB on his own farm business, having been in and out of restrictions for over a quarter of a century, to highlight the main issues that affect Welsh farmers, publicly.”

Stephen is Chairman of the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework a position he has held since July 2018. As Chairman, working closely with Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Stephen works to make improvements in standards of animal health and welfare across Wales.

He has also been a leading figure in representing the concerns of Welsh farming to the Government. As an industry representative on the Welsh Government TB programme board, he has undertaken countless bilingual media interviews to local, national and international broadcasters. He highlights the impact the disease has on farming families and the need for the Welsh Government to implement a Comprehensive TB Eradication Strategy.

On winning the award, Stephen James said: “Receiving this award is a huge privilege. It was quite a shock to hear the news. I am extremely grateful to receive the award, especially at an event that is so close to my heart and is so important to the milk sector in Wales. Thank you so much for the honour.”

Stephen James has held a wide range of positions within NFU Cymru from Local Branch Chairman to President (2014 – 2018). He has worked on a number of significant policy areas including the Common Agricultural Policy Reform and Brexit, dairy issues and an influential figure during the trying times of the 2012 milk crisis. Stephen, alongside other UK farming union leaders, addressed the July 2012 dairy farmers Westminster Hall Rally.

Passionate about supporting the next generation of farmers, Stephen shared the responsibility for his farm business at Gelliolau to his son, Daniel, at a young age. He has been heavily involved with the Wales Young Farmers, both locally and nationally holding a number of positions including Pembrokeshire County Chairman, Pembrokeshire County President and Wales YFC Council member.

A long standing member of First Milk and a Director and past Chairman of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers, he truly believes in the values and principles of co-operative organisations.

He is former President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, a President and active Board Member of Clunderwen Show Society, a past Chair of Clunderwen Community Council and member and past Chairman of Narberth Grassland Society. Stephen James is also a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies.

Ian Rickman concluded: “Stephen James has truly made an outstanding contribution to the Welsh Dairy Industry. We are delighted to present him with this FUW award in recognition of the years of work he has carried out on behalf of Welsh farmers. On behalf of the FUW, I congratulate and thank Stephen for his work.”

Farming

Community farm brings support and skills to veterans in Pembrokeshire

Published

1 week ago

October 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY farm in Pembrokeshire is making a difference for veterans and vulnerable individuals by blending nature-based activities with therapeutic support.

Founded by Daisy Coleman in 2019, Redberth Croft CIC became an officially registered Community Interest Company in 2024. Since its inception, the farm has offered a host of engaging activities, from gardening therapy and animal-assisted sessions to creative workshops and rural skills training, all aimed at fostering resilience and personal growth.

One of its standout initiatives, ‘Hedging Your Vets,’ received support from the Port of Milford Haven Community Fund. This unique project provides veterans with training in traditional hedgelaying—a skill that preserves biodiversity while promoting mental wellbeing. Running throughout the winter, the programme equips participants with practical skills that open pathways to potential employment in conservation and sustainable agriculture.

To further its mission, Redberth Croft CIC collaborates with organisations such as The VC Gallery and The Tenby Project. Together, they work with local authorities to deliver day services that enhance inclusion and accessibility for individuals facing learning disabilities and mental health challenges.

More than just a farm, Redberth Croft CIC serves as a community hub, offering a supportive space for individuals with complex needs to build confidence, learn new skills, and form meaningful connections. Its core belief is that green health initiatives and nature-based therapies can offer significant therapeutic benefits to those in need.

For those interested in participating in the ‘Hedging Your Vets’ project or other future courses, further details can be found on Redberth Croft CIC’s website and social media channels.

Through its work, Redberth Croft CIC is cultivating a compassionate and resilient community in Pembrokeshire, promoting both personal growth and environmental conservation in a safe, welcoming environment.

Farming

Kurtz’s showdown with Government over Sustainable Farming Scheme

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MEMBER of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz, today (Oct 23) called on the Welsh Labour Government to acknowledge their failures in developing the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The SFS, intended to replace the Common Agricultural Policy following the UK’s departure from the EU, has encountered significant challenges. These range from its widespread unpopularity among farmers—due to the enforced tree-planting on productive farmland—to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the funding levels that farmers can expect.

Speaking after the debate, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was the responsibility of everyone in the Chamber who cares about farming and rural communities to forcefully highlight the inadequacy of the SFS in its current form.

“The Welsh Labour Government should be ashamed of their failure to engage properly with farmers. It should never have taken thousands of farmers descending on Cardiff Bay, nor the symbolic placement of wellington boots on the steps of the Senedd, to make the Government finally stop and listen. Speaking at that event was one of the proudest moments of my life, but it should never have been allowed to get that bad that farmers felt compelled to protest.

“The Welsh Government must now act swiftly to address these issues. Farmers need clear answers to plan for their future, their livelihoods, and their communities. If the SFS is not developed and implemented correctly, farming across Wales will be put at risk.”

Also this week, James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Minister, said: “The farming community has expressed disappointment that their concerns around Labour’s Sustainable Farming Scheme are being ignored despite multiple consultations.

“Additionally, the deeply unpopular 10% tree cover requirement risks losing valuable farmland. Yet, despite legitimate concerns, Labour presses on.

“The Welsh Conservatives support a farming model that rewards good practices, offers fair incentives, and includes farmers in decision-making. Labour’s Rural Affairs Minister claims to be listening to the community, yet no evidence of this has materialised, he is simply paying lip service to our farmers.”