21st July 2023

Categories:

Rural Rap

HUGH LOWE FARMS BUYS PREMIUM SALAD GROWER LJ BETTS 

Major Kent berry producer acquires neighbouring salads business, citing “many synergies” between the two suppliers.

Read more. 

VIGILANCE URGED AFTER ASIAN HORNETS CONFIRMED IN DOVER

Farmers, beekeepers and members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant after Asian hornets were spotted in the Dover area in Kent.

Read more. 

Retailers ‘not profiteering’ over high prices

CMA review says retailer margins and profits have reduced, but stresses changes are needed to unit pricing.

British supermarkets have not been profiteering by raising food prices over the past year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded.

Read more.

Wild Choughs to return to Kent after two centuries

A bird species that has been extinct in Kent for 200 years is being reintroduced to the wild after a captive breeding programme.

Ten choughs will be released near Dover in the coming weeks.

Read more. 

Changes to firearms legislation must be evidence-based, BASC tells Home Office

BASC has submitted its response to the “most important firearms licensing consultation in 35 years”.
The association is urging members and the wider sector to follow its lead to ensure the shooting community has a voice in decisions that will have an impact for decades to come.

Respondents have until 23 August to have their say on the Home Office’s consultation on recommendations for changes to firearms licensing.

Read more. 

Labour costs in farming increased in 2022, ONS data shows

Labour costs within farming grew last year as weekly earnings averaged £437, according to the latest ONS data.

The peak earning was reached in December 2022, which saw average weekly earnings of £462, the Office of National Statistics says.

Read more.

500% jump in fertiliser firm profits ‘likely fuelling’ food inflation

A 500 percent jump in fertiliser company profits last year is likely fuelling food price inflation, suggests new analysis.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit’s (ECIU) new report, released today (19 July), says that while UK shoppers struggled with food prices, fertiliser supply companies made ‘unprecedented profits’.

Read more.

New on-farm signs to educate public on dangers of cattle

New signs for farmers to display on their land have launched in a bid to educate the public on cattle and the potential dangers they may face.

The signs call for walkers to move quietly and predictably to avoid any alarm to cattle, highlighting how livestock can react to people’s presence.

Read more.
Action on preparing for drought must remain, experts warn 

As many parts of the world experience extreme heatwaves and severe drought, the Environment Agency will continue to prepare for all weather eventualities for the rest of summer and autumn, it confirmed this week.

Read more.

Natural England under fire for ‘anti-farming’ stance

Natural England has been accused of promoting an “anti-farming agenda”, with leading politicians calling for a review of its remit.

Read more. 

Defra has ditched plans to consult on proposals 

Defra has ditched plans to consult on proposals to roll out compulsory animal welfare labelling on food products following industry criticism.

Under the plans, new regulations would have required products, initially pork, poultry and eggs, to be categorised in different tiers linked to method of production.

Read more. 

Average value of arable land in England reaches new record high

The average value of arable land in England reached a new record high during the first half of 2023, new figures show.

Read more. 

Farmers reminded of changes to post-movement TB testing rules

Farmers are being reminded that new requirements on post-movement TB testing will come into force from 1 August.

Read more. 

RABI shortlisted for prestigious charity awards

RABI’s continued support for farming people across England and Wales has been recognised with nominations in both the prestigious Charity Times and Third Sector Awards 2023.

Read more. 

 

NP Seymour's Machinery demonstration days

Orchard Day – Thursday 20 July 10am-3pm
Vineyard Day – Friday 21 July 10am-3pm
Amsbury Farm, East St, Hunton, Maidstone, ME15  QY
by kind permission of Clive Baxter
RSVP hello@npseymour.co.uk

Kent Wildlife Trust Dover Downlands Project Dung Beetle Workshops

Dover area aimed at Landowners/ Farmers/ Vets/ Equestrians, etc.

13th July– Minismoor Stables, near Dover
More details.

14th July- Broadlees Farm, Dover
More details. 

15th July – Great Watersend Farm, Temple Ewell
More details. 

Biddenden Tractor Fest 2023

Biddenden Tractor Fest Holden Farm, Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden, Kent TN27 8EZ.  what3words ///sizes.mopped.dabbling

19th & 20th August 2023

For full details and tickets

https://www.tractorfest.co.uk/

Weald of Kent Ploughing Match - Saturday 16th September 2023

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match at

Reed Court Farm, Hunton Road, Chainhurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9SX
by kind permission of Fridays Ltd and sponsored by BTF Partnership.
Gates open 8am.

For full details and tickets

https://www.wkpma.co.uk/