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RuralScene Issue 6 : ARTICLE 6

Farm Management Jottings – Winter 2010

By Peter Walker BA (Hons) AIB

Sugar Beet

Two months into the 2010 campaign it is reported that average sugar content is approaching 18%, having lifted from the 15% low at the campaign’s start. British Sugar expect this year’s delivered yields to be over 60 tonnes per hectare compared to last year’s 70+ tonne record.

Combinable Crops

Having moved up sharply since June, wheat price remain strong at the end of November with future feed price for September 2011, £150 and September 2012, £141, while Oilseed Rape is at £330 and £325 respectively.

Single Farm Payment (SFP)

Exchange Rate for the 2010 SFP for payment in £ sterling is €1 = £0.85995, a 5% reduction over 2009.

Payment window for 2010 SFP opened in early December with the RPA targeted to pay 85% of claims during December. Time will tell!

Mapping issues experienced during the past eighteen months are ongoing. Do check all changes ahead of the 2011 SFP claim.

Soil ProtectionReview (SPR)

An important requirement was to complete before 31st December 2010 and keep on farm. The Soil Protection Review is part of the Cross Compliance requirements necessary to qualify for support payments - including the SFP.

So far in 2010, the RPA report that 1 in 14 farmers inspected had not completed the current version of the SPR which is the ‘official tool’ to help farmers manage the environmental impact on soils for:

1. Erosion; 2. Organic Matter Decline and 3. Compaction

An online version of the form can now be downloaded or hard copies are available from RPA Customer Service Centre 0845 603 7777.

CAP Reform

Our understanding of the proposed changes announced in November is that a new scheme is not likely to be in place before the 1st January 2014. Given that the present scheme includes 2012, the 2013 scheme year will probably need to be on the same basis as the current scheme.

ELS

With many five year agreements now coming to an end, Natural England are keen to see new agreements set up. Many clients have already contacted Cheffins Rural Professionals to discuss options before making a decision as to whether to enter a new ELS agreement.

As existing agreements come to an end applicants are required to submit a Final Claim Form. If you still need to complete a claim and require a duplicate form contact Natural England with your agreement number.

Rural Professionals

Cheffins Rural Professionals can advise and assist with the Soil Protection Review, Single Farm Payment, ELS along with all farm management and land agency matters.

To discuss any of the above contact Peter Walker on 01223 213777.