Midland Farmer


EDITORIAL


Editor: Johann Tasker T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk


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Midland Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the Midlands (Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) or companies supplying goods and services to the sector. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares.


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Full steam ahead for leaving the European Union


U


ntil now, it has been hard to forecast anything when it comes to Brexit. But fol- lowing last month’s general election, it is


all but certain that the UK will leave the Europe- an Union at the end of this month. Boris Johnson’s landslide majority means it is full steam ahead for Brexit on 31 January. His 80-seat majority has granted the Prime Minister the power he has been looking for – to leave the EU on a date of his choosing. After we leave, comes the transition period. Nothing much will change during this time, which lasts until the end of the year. But the prospect of a no-deal Brexit it still very much a possibility. Why? Because the Prime Minister has ruled out an extension to the transition beyond 31 Decem- ber. That means any free trade deal with the EU must be agreed by that date – or we face the very real prospect of leaving without a trade agreement. Most experts agree that no-deal would be bad for the economy. Mr Johnson himself says he wants to leave with a deal. And, he argues, ruling out the possibility of an extension to the transition pe- riod will concentrate the minds of negotiators in achieving one.


Contents


Where does all this leave farming? It is crucial that any deal recognises the impor- tance of agriculture. Farming delivers safe, high quality and affordable food for the nation – and the bedrock for the rural economy. It must not be sold short as the government seeks lucrative deals for other industry sectors. At the same time, the Agriculture Bill – which


includes plans to replace direct payments with an environmental land management scheme – has been resurrected. Although payments will remain the same for now, they will be phased out over the coming years. This means, farmers and landowners will have to do more for their money. It will be hard but im- portant work – delivering public benefi ts such as a better environment, climate change mitigation and public access to important landscapes. Boris Johnson has achieved a resounding victo-


ry. Some might say he can do what he wishes with such a large majority. But he would be foolish to forget those voters who handed him the mandate he craved – and that includes farmers. Johann Tasker Editor


Vol 9 • No 1 • January 2020


News .................................................................... 4 Arable .................................................................. 8 In the field ........................................................12 Spring cropping...............................................17 Profile: Philip Langton & Son ................... 31


Livestock.......................................................... 34 Muck & Slurry ................................................ 37 Business ........................................................... 44 Final say ............................................................ 47


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Call now for a competitive quote JANUARY 2020 • MIDLAND FARMER 3


OPINIONJohann Tasker


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