Farming
Eastertown and Lympsham are situated in valuable, fertile wetland. Climate change is affecting farming practices all over the globe. Much is now being written about ways of using wetlands to grow useful crops but still leave a space for the natural habitat and keep carbon trapped.
Rainfall and Crops
It was a wet September and Autumn for England, so spare a thought for the people who produce our food. Gloucestershire for example, has had its wettest Autumn since the series of records of rainfall began in 1836. The Autumn started off wet, with a succession of low-pressure systems bringing exceptionally heavy rainfall to southern and central England in the latter part of September, and ten English counties experienced their wettest September on record.
Read the full article here.
Sustainable Farming
The Path to Sustainable Farming: An Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 to 2024 (publishing.service.gov.uk) Possibly the biggest change in agricultural policy in half a century. Rt Hon George Eustice Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Working Wetlands (WOW Southwest Advisory Group)
https://www.fwagsw.org.uk/wow-project
The goal of the WOW project is to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions in the management of wetlands, to ensure healthy wetland ecosystems, while supporting the rural economy and recognising the importance of food production. Sustainable Food Trust
Farming from the frontlines: Keeping it local in Somerset | Sustainable Food Trust Somerset farmer Julie Baber, gives her view of these last dramatic months
Whilst UK farmers are renowned for the attention they give to their livestock, crops and machinery, it appears they do not have such a good track record when it comes to taking care of themselves and their own wellbeing. There are a number of mental health risk factors associated with agriculture.Farmers work long hours, often in isolation. They can be under significant financial pressure, often required to take on significant debt to purchase the land and equipment required to operate. And in most cases, a farmer’s place of business is also his or her home, meaning there is no easy way to get away from the workload. In addition, farmers are constantly vulnerable to unusual events and circumstances that can impact their bottom line — from weather and natural disasters to international trade disputes.
In 2018 yellowwellies.org launched a new campaign – Mind Your Head – to raise awareness of this growing issue in the industry. As an industry, we have a collective responsibility to do something about the issue of poor mental health and the risk of suicide and every one of us has a role to play. From outlining what mental health actually means, to the ways you can support others through challenging times, this pocket-sized publication offers practical content for those working in agriculture and allied industries. If you find the information useful, please share it with friends, family, colleagues, and anyone you know who works or lives in the rural community so we are all better equipped to support farmers’ mental health in this ever-changing world.
To read the advice document, please click on the image.
Local Farming News
The Future of County Farms in England
County farms, also known as council farms, have a rich history in England. These farms are
owned by local authorities and were originally established in the late 19th century to provide
opportunities for cash-strapped young farmers during an agricultural depression. Over time,
they have played a crucial role in supporting new entrants into farming, promoting innovative
agricultural practices, and contributing to environmentally sustainable farming. However, the
state of county farms has been in decline aver the last few decades. The area of land covered by county farms in England has decreased significantly over the past 40 years, with a loss of over 210,000 acres – nearly half of their original extent. Austerity measures have put pressure on local authorities to sell off public land, including county farms. Added to that the full extent of the sell-off and the reasons behind it have largely remained unknown to policymakers and the public. In Somerset alone, 2,897 acres have now been sold (46% decline).
They still cover a substantial 200,000 acres in England alone and contribute to economic viability, innovative farming methods, and environmentally sustainable practices. As we face climate and ecological emergencies, county farms can play a vital role in caring for the countryside and achieving net-zero emissions while creating space for nature. For our next generation of young farmers, the County Farms still have a ‘vital role in ‘encouraging new entrants into farming who would otherwise not have the opportunity to farm in their own right’
It is the view of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, that county farms are a valuable national asset, and their preservation and revitalization are essential for the future of farming and the environment. The government should take action to protect the future of county farms by legislating for a ministerial lock on their disposal.
Article: Reviving County Farms
