The Rural Bulletin: 31 August 2017

A summary of the latest news and issues affecting rural landowners and businesses brought to you by Knight Frank.
2 minutes to read
Categories: Agriculture

Flood-affected farmers to get early support

Farmers in Northern Ireland who have been affected by the recent catastrophic flooding could receive an extra 20% of their Common Agricultural Policy support payments in advance. The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has also instructed affected farmers to submit a force majeure application where they are unable to comply with legislatory obligations. Many farmers have lost large acreages of crops and thousands of animals in the floods, and the Ulster Farmers Union is investigating emergency aid schemes. 

Butterfat reaches record highs

Cream and butter prices have reached their highest level since AHDB recording began in 2000, following a meteoric rise over the past six months. UK wholesale butter prices soared by 13% in August to average £6,150/t, 89% above the same month last year and 232% higher than the low achieved in April 2016. Wholesale cream values enjoyed a similar jump, almost doubling the year to August, to average £2,850/t – £2,050/t up on April 2016. The markets are being driven by strong EU demand for ice cream and global demand for butter.

Government litter approach not tough enough

The Government has awarded almost £500,000 to community projects to tackle littering, supporting innovative approaches such as behavioural research and recycling points. However, the CLA has called for a tougher stance on rural fly-tipping, including confiscating criminals’ vehicles, enforcing fines for those whose waste is fly-tipped, and ensuring private landowners are not liable for clearing up the rubbish. Farmers pay on average £844 to clear up waste, with two-thirds of landowners affected.

Welcome heatwave urges harvest on

Drier weather has finally enabled farmers to enter the last stretch of harvest across much of England, although combines still have plenty to do further north. In Scotland, spring barley has been pleasing so far, with good quality and reasonable yields. However, the further south one travels the more disappointing the picture is, with sprouted grains and lodging affecting both wheat and barley crops, particularly in the South West of England. 

Watch out for arson 

Rural police are urging farmers to be on their guard following a spate of arson attacks. In recent weeks around 2,500 straw bales were destroyed in Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire, with arson attacks on barns also responsible for livestock deaths in the South West and west Midlands. As well as reporting suspicious behaviour to the police, farmers should consider patrolling the areas, use wildlife cameras to monitor the area, have smaller bale stacks and locate them away from the road.

Contact the Rural Consultancy Team