Photos from the day can be found HERE
On Thursday 14th March, members headed to Stafford 10Pin for the Pool Competition. Thanks to all that took part, stewarded and helped in any way.
Results as follows;
Individuals:
1st – Rich Sheldon, Cheadle
2nd – James Whilock, Cheadle
3rd – Vernon Whilcok, Cheadle
Teams:
1st – Cheadle A
Joint 2nd – Cheadle B & Leek A
Images available HERE
On Sunday 3rd March, members headed to Basford Shooting Ground for the Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition. Thanks to all that took part, stewarded and helped in any way. Many thanks to the team at Basford Shooting Ground for hosting us.
Results as follows;
Mens 28yrs & under
1st – Aaron Bagshaw, Waterhouses
Joint 2nd – Joe Mollatt, Waterhouses & Phil Hall, Chase
Ladies 28yrs & under
Joint 1st – Hollie Kelly, Chase & Lizzy James, Leek
2nd – Vic Astle, Waterhouses
17yrs & under
1st – Tom Harrison, Lichfield
2nd – Jack H, Lichfield
3rd – Ed F, Chase
This competition is a qualifier for the NFYFC competition to be held in July and we wish the following luck at this competition;
Aaron & Joe from Waterhouses and Tom & Jack from Lichfield
Images available HERE
Thursday 22nd February saw clubs step up to the “oche” for the annual darts competition – held at the Ball Haye Tavern, Leek – huge thanks to them for the fantastic hospitality as always.
Knockout leagues of singles and doubles were completed with the results as follows;
SINGLES
1st – Jonathan- Uttoxeter JNFU
2nd – Will – Uttoxeter JNFU
3rd – Philip – Chase YFC
DOUBLES
1st – Jonathan & James – Chase YFC
2nd – James & William – Leek B
3rd – Sam & Amy – Cheadle YFC
Well done to everyone that took part and the stewards – Thank you
Photos from the night can be found HERE
From the the 3rd to 5th January I attended the Oxford Farming Conference following SBAS kindly awarding me one of their YFC scholarships at the SFYFC AGM in November 2023.
Day 1 round-up
Panellist Hannah Darby, an arable farmer from Huntingdon, discussed the benefits of using companion cropping and winter cover crops to help reduce soil temperature and water evaporation in hot summers, and to increase water uptake and prevent surface run off in the winter months. Both of these options can be taken up by farmers as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
Mike Green from BASF talked about Project Fortress, which is trialling solutions for dealing with extreme weather, soil health and profitability. Herbal leys grazed by sheep in areas of the farm that have been notoriously difficult due to soil type, have been extremely effective in increasing soil health while still offering some output in the form of grazing. Herbal Leys can be incorporated into the rotation as part of SFI, so can be funded while being a useful solution to increasing soil health.
Martin Andersson, a mixed farmer from Sweden, also talked about the importance of knowing your soil and employing efficient technology such as GIS. By undertaking the right soil and nutrient analysis, yields have been increased and inputs reduced by effective application of nutrients. Again, soil testing and nutrient management can be funded by SFI.
Day two round-up
Regenerative agriculture hype or hope?
Leading innovators discussed their hopes for regenerative farming and the ways in which it can help deliver pest, nutrient and soil improvements. Dr Elizabeth Stockdale, head of farming systems at NIAB, talked of ways regenerative practices can be adapted for almost all farms to sustainably intensify.
Antony Yousefian, vice president of climate and circularity and partner of The First Thirty, gave insights on the potentially marketable health benefits of sustainably produced food which can often have much higher levels of nutrients as well as the environmental benefits that have the potential to be valuable in mitigating flooding.
OFC 2024 Report Launch “Is the UK food supply chain broken?”
Ged Futter, a food retail expert, presented a report stating that the practice of farmers subsidising consumers’ appetite for cheap food cannot continue. After years of crisis as a result of Brexit, the Ukrainian War, the Covid-19 pandemic and high levels of inflation, farming’s confidence is at an all-time low.
The report was discussed by several influential panellists, including Tom Bradshaw, NFU vice president. He stressed that consumers must understand the value of sustainably produced food and that it must be clarified who is liable to pay for this sustainability – the government or the consumer.
Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Barclay, summarised the Conservative manifesto for agriculture. Most notably, he announced additional Sustainable Farming Incentive Options for 2024, to add to those that have been available in 2023.
In addition, recognising that the existing payment rates did not incentivise the scheme, payment rates have been increased by an average of 10%. From this summer, it will be possible to apply for Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive options in a single application, to allow farmers to have a flexible agreement which suits their individual farming business. The minister summarised the manifesto as more money, more choice and more trust.
Politics Discussion Session
The politics session featured interesting insights from Caroline Van Der Plas, party leader of the Farmer Citizen Movement (Netherlands), Stuart Roberts, food and farming advisor to the Liberal Democrats and Steve Reed, OBE, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Mr Reed outlined Labour’s proposed new deal for farmers which featured low priced, sustainable energy to be made available to farmers, an increase in British food for schools and hospitals, higher food exports to neighbouring countries and an increase in flood protection for farms.
Address by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne
The Princess Royal summarised the challenges faced by farmers over the long history of the conference and the industry’s ability to adapt to events such as conflict and poor weather. She emphasised that farming is a family enterprise that has a deep understanding of long-term value.
The Agricultural Transition and Environmental Land Management (ELM) and Latest State of Play from DEFRA
Jonathan Baker, DEFRA deputy director, updated delegates on the SFI offering which will be open for applications in summer, 2024. To incentivise the scheme, payment rates were being increased by an average of 10%, which will automatically apply to those with live 2023 agreements as well as those who apply in 2024.
Jim Egan, of Frontier, summarised the SFI options, including the importance of selecting options to benefit the farm rather than just those with the highest payment rates. Also, the importance of record and evidence keeping and ensuring that all scheme benefits, including its flexibility, are seen by farmers.
Day three round-up
Farming a Greener Future – The diverse role of livestock with AHDB
Professor John Gilliland, OBE, environment consultant to the AHDB, highlighted the success of pilot schemes on dairy farms in Northern Ireland where soil testing of all fields was conducted, alongside the mapping of all habitats, such as trees and hedges. The trial saw an 80% change in farmer behaviour, with trial farmers feeling that soil testing helped them to not only meet the requirements of their milk contracts, but also to become more efficient and profitable in applying nutrients. Similar options are available currently within the SFI in England.
Diversified Leadership – Could Farming Do Better?
Minette Batters, NFU president, reflected on her term leading the union and the importance of breaking barriers as a female leader. She closed her address by urging the government to recognise the importance of farmers and food production when compiling Environmental Land Management (ELM) strategies.
Professor David Hughes of Imperial College London, encouraged farmers to lead on issues relating to food production, employing regenerative techniques and sustainable farming, stating that early uptake will prevent a “Go Green or Go Broke” situation.
Getting People into Agriculture – Could Diversity Fix Farming?
Nick Evans, managing director of Oxbury Bank, spoke of the importance of encouraging new entrants into farming, especially those with an agricultural background that may not have a family farm. The Oxbury New Gen offers 100% funding and business and financial advice to new entrants.
I think that attending the conference was of great benefit to me, as someone in the early stages of her career. It was great to ‘have my finger on the pulse’, so to speak, regarding policy making.
My highlight was hearing from multiple speakers with a progressive mindset that were all hopeful for the future of farming. At present the agricultural industry is undergoing some of the biggest changes in policy and practice since the Second World War, but the conference summed up that, although the industry can be a scary place for farmers at the moment, with challenge comes opportunity.
I was also very privileged to attend the debate regarding the impact of livestock farming on nature recovery in protected landscapes, a hotly disputed topic with some insightful views from industry experts. This was followed by the dinner held at Christchurch College, which allowed me to network with fellow delegates.
Overall, the conference was an excellent opportunity and I cannot thank the society enough for their generosity in supporting YFC members attending this event. I would encourage any of my fellow members to apply in future years as it is truly a great opportunity and I feel very privileged to have been selected as a delegate in 2024.
By Kate Oakes
Oxford Farming Conference Report 2024
This year I was fortunate enough to gain a scholarship opportunity on behalf of Staffordshire YFC, funded by the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society. The theme for the 2024 Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) being ‘The Power Of Diversity’ emerged as a beacon of inclusivity, highlighting the transformative potential of diversity in agriculture. Held from January 3rd to January 5th, 2024, this annual gathering attracted a diverse array of participants from across the agricultural spectrum, celebrating the richness of perspectives, experiences, and expertise within the industry.
On the Wednesday afternoon I made the journey to Oxford ahead of the first session that evening and the welcome reception, held at the history museum, and what an experience this was. It allowed me the opportunity to chat to fellow delegates ahead of the conference officially opening the following morning. Kate and I were also able to sign up to attend extra sessions outside of the programme, this further extended the experience and knowledge we took from the event.
Thursday also consisted of a session on regenerative farming from NIAB, explaining how soil is the most undervalued asset in the world, with over 40% of soil degraded even though it is the second largest carbon store in the world. By increasing the organic matter content of soil by just 1%, it increases the carbon holding capacity y over 160,000 litres.
The secretary of state was also present for the politics session where he announced the new ELMS’s schemes, and how there will be a 10% payment increase going forward for landowners.
Following the theme of diversity, the talk on food innovation addressed the gap in ethnic markets such as halal, as Muslims spend 3 times as much as the average consumer on meat. As well as this, there was also an eye-opening talk by Sarah Dunning, the daughter of the family who started the Tebay Services business 50 years ago. One sentence resonated with me, ‘there is no such thing as luck, it is where preparation meets opportunity’, and this is something I will carry with me for a long time.
Thursday also bought Princess Anne to the conference, with her giving a fantastic summary of the afternoon before making the journey to the Oxford university Debate Chamber. This year’s topic was ‘This house believes that farming for food is holding back nature recovery in protected landscapes’ and whilst some responses were very entertaining, it sparked a great debate.
We then headed to Christ Church for the post-debate supper, and what an experience this was. The layout of the dinner was what could only be described as similar to the dining hall of Hogwarts.
Friday morning then consisted of an opening session ran by ADHB, where Professor Jude Capper was present, of whom I have been lucky enough to work with on placement last year as well as alongside my dissertation this year. The panel discussed how we can work to push the message that meat is part of the recommended diet, and how 49% of young girls are low in iron as a result of following a poor diet. Furthermore, they addressed the inevitable approach towards carbon auditing on farm, and how there is no ;one size fits all approach’, but we must start to work towards this issue as an industry.
We then had the closing sessions on diversified leadership by Minette batters, and a panel session including Polly Davies, who spoke about the need to get new entrants into agriculture from diverse backgrounds.
The day was then drawn to a close with the final session from Mike Duxbury, the blind farmer, who was absolutely incredible and left the audience very emotional.
The 2024 Oxford Farming Conference celebrated the power of diversity as a driving force for positive change in agriculture. By embracing diversity in all its forms and harnessing the collective wisdom and creativity of diverse voices, the conference underscored the potential to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system for future generations.
I feel very privileged to have been part of this year’s conference, especially representing my home county young farmers. I would encourage anyone with a passion for the future of the industry to apply for the scholarship opportunity for next year and can assure you that you will not regret it. I extend my thanks once again to the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society for making this possible. By Meg Beswick
On Thursday 11th January – 23 teams competed in the County Quiz, testing grey matter with questions from Quiz Master – Dave Hem!
With only 2 marks splitting the top 3 teams – those half points made all the difference! Many thanks to Julia and Richard for keeping the scores on the doors on the evening!
1st Place – Ashley A
2nd Place – Uttoxeter C
3rd Place – Cheadle B
Well done to everyone that took part, and huge thanks to all those that assisted putting on this event for us – much appreciated.
Scoresheet can be downloaded HERE
Pictures from the evening can be seen HERE
Great start to 2024 with all 10 clubs being represented at Ten Pin Bowling
Results as follows;
1st – Cheadle 560pts
2nd – Chase 534pts
3rd – Uttoxeter B 502ptd
Female Highest Scorer;
1st – Abi, Uttoxeter
2nd – Kim, Cheadle
3rd – Kate, Cheadle
Male Highest Scorer;
1st – Robbie, Chase
2nd – Alex, Eccleshall
3rd – Greg, Cheadle
Pictures available HERE
Junior Reading
1st – Uttoxeter – Abi, Iris Ross, Henry
2nd Joint – Waterhouses – Sophie , Amelia, Alice
2nd Joint – Paddy , Bethany Rose, George
Junior Speaking
1st – Chase – Laura , Madeline , Georgia
2nd – Eccleshall – Charlie , Katie , Barney
3rd – Waterhouses – Katie , Sophie, Alice
Intermediate Brainstrust
1st – Eccleshall – Megan Harvey, Ruby O’Reilly, Dan Bowers, Tom
2nd – Cheadle – Richard Sheldon, Thomas Whilock, Bertie Carr, Alfie Waring
3rd – Leek – Jordan Derbyshire, George, Lizzie James, Eddie
Senior Debating
1st – Ashley – Olivia Larsson, Henry Robinson, Sam Atherton, Megan Blank, Bella Lucas
2nd – Leek – Issac Reaney, Martha Reaney, Elizabeth James, Jordan Derbyshire, Harry Lyons
3rd – Eccleshall A – Molly Sammons, Natalie Bradley, Jessica Powell, Edward Tyler, Alex Cartmail
Under 17yrs MOTY
1st – George – Cheadle
2nd – Abi – Uttoxeter
3rd – Georgia – Chase
18yrs over MOTY – MALE
1st – James Freeman – Chase
2nd – Danny Emmott – Ashley
18yrs over MOTY – FEMALE
1st – Emily Cartmail – Eccleshall to represent the County at WMA
2nd – Olivia Larsson – Ashley
3rd – Hollie Kelly – Chase
16-21yrs Situations Vacant
1st – Victoria – Waterhouses
2nd – Magnus Brown – Chase
3rd – Jessica Yardley – Eccleshall
22-28yrs Situations Vacant
1st – Kate Oakes – Chase
2nd – Will Sammons – Eccleshall
NFYFC Disco Dancing
1st – Chase
2nd – Ashley
3rd – Leek