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| Farmers can get a natural edge in business |
Giving farmers a natural edge in business
Two of Staffordshire's most influential agricultural support teams have joined forces to promote a series of events to give farmers a real taste of how to gain a "natural advantage" in the market place.
Rural Hub and wildlife farming experts FWAG come together to promote the double value of harvesting premium prices and Environmental Stewardship support with a series of three FREE events for farmers .
And the series starts on June 22 with an insight into one of Staffordshire's most exciting rural enterprises with organic Staffordshire farmer Edward Cavanagh-Mainwaring of Hillside Farm, Whitmore, near Newcastle.
Edward moved into organic milk production with his 380 head herd of Fresian and Jersey cows on his thousand acre estate after seeing how the system could have major benefits for the farmer, their quality of life, and for the future of the farm in New Zealand.
Rural Hub co-ordinator Pat Pimlott said: "Dairy farming is becoming an increasingly precarious business as margins are cut to the bone. Edward will be sharing his experience in tapping into the growing public support for local speciality products and the environmental values that underpin organic production.".
"This series of events helps the farming community explore the benefits to be reaped from Environmental Stewardship funding schemes playing an increasingly important part in rural funding - as the emphasis moves away from production support to sustainable land management.
"We would like to thank Edward for hosting the event and sharing his experiences and enthusiasm," she said.
Edward said: "I realised that if I was going to stay in dairy farming and still take pride in the farm, there had to be a work life balance that gave me time with my family. A study tour of New Zealand gave me the inspiration - contract farm the herd and focus more time on the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme."
The event will cover how "cross compliance" can be achieved (meeting all the complex rules from Government and the EU) and the role of the Environmental Stewardship grant.
FWAG team Leader Chris Seabridge said the development of a close relationship between FWAG and Rural Hub was a natural alliance.
"Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group are the natural partnership, bringing together the business of rural economic revival and environmental protection. Collaboration benefits everyone and by working together we will be helping farmers improve their margins by tapping into both markets and support funding.
"It's all about making the most of your natural assets for the benefit of the customer, the community, the environment and your profitability. We are helping agricultural entrepreneurs make the connections," he said.
The Whitmore event starts with presentations and lunch at the Mainwaring Arms, followed by a tour of Hillside Farm.
Other events on the schedule include "Ponds Creation and Management" at Adbaston Hall on June 29 and Bugs, Bees and Butterflies" - the Value of Insects on your Farm at Aston Hall Farm on July 13.
Places at the Whitmore event are limited to booking is absolutely essential. Just ring Chris Seabridge on 01785 710564 or Pat Pimlott on 01785 278581.
For Staffordshire click on www.getrural.co.uk
For up-to-date information on policy click
http://www.farmingandfood-westmidlands.org.uk/local/local_detail.htm Page Last Modified:
30/01/2007 16:03:38
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