The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced £10 million in grants for cattle farmers in England to help them introduce modern facilities to their farms to replace their aging cattle buildings.

The announcement came today (Wednesday, July 26), as the Animal Health and Welfare Infrastructure Grant (AHWIG) will allocate funding to farmers ranging from £15,000 to £500,000.

A statement from Defra said the money will go towards “prioritising new and upgraded calf housing” to improve conditions for livestock and boost farmers’ productivity and profitability.

Minister of State for Farming, Fisheries and Food, Mark Spencer said: “Our animal health and welfare grants are helping farmers improve conditions for their livestock.

“Not only is that good for the animals, it’s also a way to improve productivity and help them be more profitable.”

Grants for calf housing mean farmers can receive funding to develop a variety of building types, including the construction of A-frame buildings to house dairy calves from birth to weaning, or a mono-pitch building on a beef unit to house calves from 3-6 months.

The AHWIG can also provide funding for roof-top solar panels on calf housing buildings, enabling farmers to improve the thermal insulation of the building and provide low cost energy for calf housing.

According to Defra, this new funding expands the range of grants already on offer through the Farming Transformation Fund, which currently includes support for improvements to slurry, water management and productivity.

Defra has announced that it will be extending this infrastructure grant to other livestock sectors, with funding set to be available for pig and poultry farmers.

Further grants

Further announcements came from Defra today, as it declared that over £19 million has been awarded to over 3,000 farmers eligible for the Animal Health and Welfare Equipment and Technology Grant.

Pig, poultry, sheep and cattle farmers who successfully applied to the first round of the grant can now receive grants of between £1,000 and £25,000.

The money is aimed at helping farmers with items ranging from:

• Livestock handling equipment to reduce lameness in sheep or cattle;
• Sealed water tanks to reduce disease transmission in outdoor pigs;
• Automated monitoring system and sensors which free up farmers’ time and limit environmental stress in poultry housing. 

All of the available items were selected through a collaborative co-design process involving industry professionals, veterinarians, and academics, as the items all contribute significantly to welfare, productivity, and biosecurity.

“It’s great to see such enthusiasm for these grants, with over 3,000 farmers receiving money through the equipment and technology grant from today, and many more set to benefit with our investment in new and upgraded calf housing through our brand new infrastructure grant,” Spencer continued.

The Rural Payment Agency is currently writing to all successful applicants so they can start the process of purchasing their new equipment.

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Speaking to Agriland, Adrian Fitzsimons said he hopes his near-death experience will serve as a reminder for all farmers to exercise extreme caution when working with slurry.

The part-time suckler farmer said the freak accident occurred while he was filling a tanker with slurry on Saturday afternoon (June 24).

“I was doing no different than I was doing with every other load of slurry,” he explained.

“I went to walk across the pipe, the tank lid was open and I had safety mesh down and I don’t know did it [the safety mesh] move, but I fell down in a shot into the tank.

“I fell down and the next place I found myself…..was below, on my hands and knees at the bottom of the tank and completely submerged with slurry,” he said.

“The tank was over three-quarters full. When I was standing up in it, [the slurry] was up to my mouth.

“So I swung round quick and found the pipe. The pipe at this stage was still connected to the tanker because I never even got to close down the sluice or do anything like that, it happened as I was going across to do that.

“I got a hold of the pipe and got myself fished up out of the slurry. I pulled myself up and got my head and shoulders and mouth above the slurry.

“I held on to the pipe. My eyes, my ears and my mouth were all full of slurry. I thought if I got a second, I would be able to climb up the pipe and get out,” he continued.

“I pulled and tried and pulled but I could only get up a few inches. I could not get up, I could not get myself out.

“I held onto the pipe as hard as I could because with the muck and everything I tried to just keep my mouth above the slurry, trying to get just a gasp of the fresh air from the manhole above.

“I thought I was gone. The emotion of it, the smell, the ammonia, it was out and out unreal. It was absolutely the scariest thing. I started dehydrating in the tank with the roaring and the shouting and with the slurry.

“I put my hand up and my lips were rock hard. I have a moustache and it was solid with the slurry that was on it and my mouth was dry because when I was submerged down in the slurry, it was up my nose and in my mouth. I was trying to spit it out and my mouth went dry.

“When I was below in the tank, I was slipping because the slurry was coming back up over my shoulders. The pain in my head was unnatural.”

Adrian was in the slurry pit for two and a half hours, from roughly 2:20p.m until 4:50p.m when a friend came.

“I had arranged to meet a friend later on that evening. My phone was in the tractor and he had rang and text several times wondering why I wasn’t replying back,” Adrian explained.

“He just by an off chance landed into the yard and he heard me shouting below in the tank and he got me.

“It’s one of these things you don’t expect to happen but it can happen very, very handy.

“There’s not too many that get the chance to tell the tale. If my story will stop a farmer from taking a chance, well then I’m a happy man.”

Adrian said the slurry tank has been closed and will not be reopened until all safety covers have been fixed.

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Real estate agency Baird Lumsden has brought a 1.2ac site fit for a rural enterprise opportunity or a private home to the market.

The former outdoor centre and traditional stone cottage is located on the site at Balafuil, Strathyre, Stirlingshire, Scotland.

The property, located off a woodland road in the countryside, is available for offers over £340,000.

Baird Lumsden said the property is “a truly unique offering to the marketplace, the modern outdoor centre and stone cottage share services, communal gardens and access of a delightful woodland road, set in a secluded and picturesque location with a village primary and the amenities of Strathyre close by”.

The real estate agency said the property, which is situated 10 miles from Callander, 25 miles from Stirling and 23 miles from Perth, offers a commercial redevelopment opportunity.

Location

Strathyre is a residential village within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Amenities include a primary school, a shop, post office, hotel and local bus service.

The Sustrans National Cycle Route 7 is immediately to hand connecting Callander, Balquhidder and Killin.

There are railway stations at Stirling, Dunblame and Bridge of Allan which are all around a 30 minute drive from the site.

Jennifer Campbell of Baird Lumsden said: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire unique properties in a stunning rural location.

“Offers over £340,000 are invited for this fantastic opportunity to revive the properties’ significant potential.”

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The mild weather this back end looks set to leave, with cold weather, ice and some snow forecast for this week.

There has been a noticeable change in the weather already, with much cooler conditions seen the last few days.

With that in mind, here’s a reminder of a few things that may be affected by the cold weather expected in the coming days.

Water troughs

The obvious first thought is water troughs and associated pipes, particularly concrete troughs that aren’t in use.

If temperatures do drop as expected, there is a risk of water freezing in these troughs and possibly leading to them to crack.

So, emptying out these troughs should be a priority.

If a farm’s water supply is coming from a deep well, the deep submersible pump should not freeze. However, the pipes and fittings connecting the pump to the water tank (into the shed) are at risk.

Therefore, it is important to insulate any exposed pipes and if possible, to have all water pipes underground. An option for farmers is to install a thermostatically controlled fan heater in the pump house.

If a pipe is frozen and cannot be thawed, having access to an alternative supply of water should be considered.

For example, if possible, tap into the underground supply outside the shed and attach a hose to fill the water troughs.

However, it is critical to ensure that the connection to the underground supply is well-insulated after use and to drain all the water away from the connecting hose after the water troughs have been filled.

Milking parlour

Milking parlours and associated equipment are at risk during the cold weather too.

To prepare for any affects, it is advisable to ensure that all doors into the parlour are kept closed.

Anywhere where water can hold and possibly freeze should be drained where possible.

Circulate a saline solution through the milking machine, having first made sure that all the detergent has been rinsed out of the plant.

The saline (salt) solution can be made by mixing half a kilo of salt in five gallons of water.

If circulating a saline solution, rinse again before milking to remove salt traces.

Let the machine run a little bit longer to ensure that all excess water is removed from the plant after the final rinse.

Your safety in the cold weather

Make sure to wrap up in the cold weather to avoid getting sick yourself.

If possible, get ahead of yourself and have bales of silage pushed in so that will you avoid driving the tractor and doing work that could be avoided in instances where there is snow and where roads and farmyards are icy.

A useful resource to have around the yard would be grit and salt to ensure safe access to sheds in the event of snow or icy conditions.

Always keep your phone charged up and at the ready in case it is needed, e.g. in the event of an emergency.

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John McIntosh finishes 2,000 cattle on an annual basis while also managing an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant on his farm at Dunragit, close to Stranraer in south-west Scotland.

The initial investment in AD was made around eight years ago. The feedstock for the system comprises a mix of cattle slurry and silage – grown on the farm.  

John explained: “In terms of our livestock business, we manage a herd of suckler cows with their progeny supplemented with bought-in stores.

“We have always committed to making best use of all the resources available to us on the farm. Given our location, we can grow excellent crops of high-quality grass. This is the main focus of the business, which can be used to drive both the beef and AD operations.

“We have always regarded slurry as a valuable fertiliser source. And of course, it constitutes a fundamental part of the feed stock mix used for the AD plant,” he added.

Anaerobic digestion

The efficient management of an AD operation means that the plant is operating at around 100% capacity on a 24/7 basis. This results in the digestate from the system being produced on a complementary basis.

“We have found the digestate from the plant to be a very high value fertiliser. But to make best use of the product, we need to find a more efficient way to store and transport it around the farm,” John explained.

Given this backdrop, John committed to invest in a 1,000,000 gallon, post-tensioned above-ground slurry store, as a means of giving him the year-round digestate storage capacity that he needs.

Moreover, the decision was taken to locate the tank on a site that is 500m from the main farmyard.

“The new set-up allows me to pump the digestate from the original store to the new tank via a 6″ underground pipe. A Doda pump meets this requirement in full.

“As a result, we can now easily access digestate at any point on the farm, whenever we need to.”

Moore Concrete, based in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, was commissioned to design, manufacture and install the aboveground store.

“Engaging the team to design and install the new aboveground store was an easy decision,” john McIntosh added.

“Our job was to prepare the site. Moore Concrete took care of everything else, from appointing the engineer to arranging all the necessary pre- and post-site checks.”

Moore’s above-ground tanks are available in three heights: 4m, 5m and 6m. This offers a wide range of capacities from 74,140 gallons to 1,034,000 gallons.

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Cambridgeshire Constabulary is appealing for information and witnesses following an arson at farm buildings off White Cross Road in Wilburton on June 27.

Fire crews from Cottenham and Ely were called to the scene of the arson fire at 8:43p.m the evening on Monday, June 27.

On arrival, they found a fire involving rubbish and grass in a ditch spreading to a barn. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels.

The cause of the fire has since been deemed deliberate.

As well as being illegal, and causing considerable money to the buildings’ owner, arson also takes fire service resources away from other incidents.

In a post on social media, Policing East Cambridgeshire said:

“As well as the costs to the owner, deliberately lit fires also affect the ability of the fire service to respond to more serious and possibly life threatening incidents such as house fires or road traffic collisions.”

Any information regarding this incident can be given to the Police by quoting the reference number: 35/45865/22, or submitted via Crimestoppers.

Fire

In other fire-service and farm-related news, a calf in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland was rescued from an outside slurry pit by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) over the weekend.

It has happily been reunited with its mother.

Read on this more here.

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A farm house in Devon managed to remain untouched by the flames of a barn fire just 2.5m away.

This is thanks to the work of crews from Buckfastleigh; Totnes; Bovey Tracey; Newton Abbot; Danes Castle; and Chagford fire stations.

“Initial crews did a fantastic job preventing the fire spreading to the farm house which was only 2.5m away from the barn,” said Buckfastleigh Fire Station in a post on social media.

Buckfastleigh crews were called to the scene of the fire, which was near Ashburton, at 11:55a.m on Saturday (May 28).

“The occupier was incredibly helpful to crews using equipment and the passing of information including the whereabouts of cylinders within the barn,” it added.

Water to extinguish the fire was supplied using the water browser which ferried water from the nearest hydrant to a dam situated at the fire ground.

Unfortunately, the barn was not as lucky as the house. Below are photos shared by Buckfastleigh Fire Station:

Totnes, Torquay and Paignton Fire Stations, which were called to this fire, also worked together last week on Thursday, May 26, to extinguish a tractor fire.

The fire was put out quickly, according to Totnes Fire Station, which was also mobilised to two fires on the moors last week.

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A barn on a farm in North Devon has been 100% destroyed by a fire that broke out over the Bank Holiday weekend, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service has said.

Fire crews received a call from a member of the public regarding a large fire at a farm in Umberleigh on Friday, April 15.

The initial response team included two fire engines from Barnstaple, one fire engine from South Molton and an officer.

However, based on further information gathered from the caller, fire control then escalated the incident and mobilised a water carrier from Barnstaple and a further two officers.

When crews arrived at the incident, they confirmed there was a fully developed, large barn fire containing multiple caravans, machinery and cylinders (containing argon, butane, propane).

They requested a further two fire engines (from Braunton and Torrington) and an aerial platform ladder (Danes Castle – Exeter) for access and resources, an environmental protection unit (South Molton) and a further water carrier (Danes Castle – Exeter).

The incident command unit from Ilfracombe was also in attendance, and later a unit from Martock.

The A377 was also closed due to the proximity to the incident.

Crews have confirmed that the barn “100% damaged by fire but all persons on scene are accounted for”.

The electrics have been isolated and crews are making steady progress and the cause of the fire is thought to have been accidental.

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“For farming to be sustainable long-term, our buildings will need to be good spaces for people, animals and socially acceptable to our fellow citizens,” explained Chris.

We should ensure our farms are well equipped to cater for the evolving circumstances in society and ensure they are focused on achieving the triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit.”

Chris explored how the design of modern livestock buildings has changed and the impact this has on the well-being of farmers, their animals and the relationship between the two.

He explored how biophilic design principles could play a role in the design of agricultural buildings in the future.

“Where permanent housing is required, farming can learn from other construction sectors, who are finding ways to build much more visually attractive structures, which are positive spaces for people, using sustainable materials,” said Chris.

Looking towards natural shelter

For those turning to a lower input, more agroecological way of farming, Chris suggests looking to more natural shelter.

“Where possible, livestock should be reared with abundant, well-planned natural shelter such as trees and hedges.

This requires long-term planning, but plenty of grant funding is available and these features can also generate other incomes in the future.

“If additional man-made shelter is needed, portable structures are the next best option, providing shelter for animals as they are moved around land,” he added.

“Whatever we choose to build, for farming to be sustainable long-term, our buildings will need to be good spaces for people, animals and socially acceptable to our fellow citizens.

They also need to tread more gently on our environment, in the construction process itself and once operational.

“With engagement with other architecture and construction sectors, we can learn from those already leading the way and change our farms for the better,” he concluded.

The post Yorkshire Nuffield Scholar explores impact of livestock building design on both humans and animals appeared first on Agriland.co.uk.

Marefield of Craigs offers the rural property sought by so many seeking to live in the country with space, peace and the opportunity to potentially live the “good life”.

The land offers grazing, whether for horses, sheep or cattle, complemented by the highly practical and good-sized agricultural shed with stabling, together with the 40m X 20m riding arena.

However, if the planting of an orchard, growing vegetables, keeping hens or becoming a bee keeper are more of an interest then Marefield of Craigs offers plenty of space for these hobbies to be indulged and enjoyed.

The property enjoys a delightful setting on the edge of the village of Madderty, midway between Auchterarder and Crieff and commands beautiful westerly views over the surrounding countryside and onto the mountains beyond.

The demand for rural property in Scotland has never been greater, according to Galbraith, as people reassess their priorities and work-life balance, with the new approach to flexible working here to stay.

The most sought-after rural properties are those with its own land, together with attractive countryside views.

Emma Chalmers, partner of Galbraith and the agent handling the sale, said:

“Marefield of Craigs offers the perfect rural idyll for those looking to put down roots in the beautiful Perthshire countryside. It would appeal to a number of different parties, from equestrian lovers to those wanting to develop their own smallholding.

“It offers a bright and spacious modern family house with 7ac of land, a riding arena and stabling, all set in a peaceful position.

‘Finished to a very high standard’

“The house is finished to a very high standard and provides flexible accommodation over two floors including a spacious dining kitchen and triple aspect sitting room with wood burning stove.

“With up to five bedrooms, one can easily be utilised as a home office and the good-sized practical shed would make for an ideal workshop.”

Marefield Of Craigs, St. Davids, Madderty, Crieff, Perthshire, is marketed by the Perth office of Galbraith and is for sale for offers over £585,000.

The nearby towns of Crieff and Auchterarder both provide excellent day-to-day facilities and there are a number of independent schools in the area, including Ardvreck Preparatory School and Morrison’s Academy both in Crieff.

The property is within a comfortable daily commuting distance of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling and Perth.

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The amendment was formally submitted to the Commission on December 31, 2015.

According to the Department, there were bi-lateral discussions with the Commission prior the submission of the amendment, at which many issues were given preliminary clearance.

“The amendment was then subject to formal inter-service consultation within the Commission and a formal response was received on January 28, 2016.

The Department is currently preparing a response to the Commissions observations and it says every effort will be made to secure early approval.

Grant aid for sheep fencing

If it is approved, the Department will add sheep fencing to the list of investment items for the next available tranche of TAMS II, and that would include the young farmer scheme.

The Minister had come under sustained pressure from farm organisations over the initial exclusion of sheep fencing from the TAMS II grant schemes.

However, Budget 2016 has seen a €35.8m allocation for TAMS II which will also provide funding for the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme which will be at the higher grant rate of 60%.

Also benefitting from the scheme will be Dairy equipment, Organic Capital Investments, Pig and Poultry and as already stated Sheep fencing. It will also provide funding for the recently opened Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme and the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme (LESS).

Further details of what of what will exactly be covered under the sheep fencing element has yet to be confirmed by the Department.

Sheep handling equipment is already among the items eligible for grant aid under the new TAMS II farm investment schemes.

Under the scheme, farmers will be able to avail of grant aid of 40% with eligible young farmers entitled to grant aid of 60% for the equipment.

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