The October 2024 budget delivered by the government has stirred significant discussions across various sectors, particularly in agriculture. For farmers in England, the budget encompasses a mixture of challenges and opportunities, highlighted by the controversial withdrawal of inheritance tax relief on farmland. In this blog, we’ll explore the implications of these budgetary changes, particularly focusing on the positive impacts for farmers.

Inheritance Tax Relief Withdrawal: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the most debated aspects of the October 2024 budget is the proposed withdrawal of inheritance tax relief specifically applicable to farmland. Traditionally, this relief has provided substantial financial respite for farmers looking to pass on their estates to future generations without incurring heavy tax burdens. The removal of this relief would mean that a considerable tax liability could be levied on the transfer of agricultural assets.

While this aspect raises concerns, there are potential positive impacts that farmers could recognize through this significant policy shift.

Reevaluation of Agricultural Practices

The withdrawal of inheritance tax relief may encourage a reevaluation of agricultural practices within family-run farms. Farmers, knowing that future generations could face substantial tax burdens, might begin optimizing their farm operations for profitability and sustainability. This could include investing in modern agricultural technologies, enhancing crop diversification, or engaging in sustainable farming practices that lead to increased yields and lower costs.

Incentivising Preemptive Estate Planning

With the looming tax implications on the horizon, farmers may be prompted to engage in more proactive estate planning. This could lead to a surge in financial consultations, legal advisement, and educational programs aimed at helping farmers navigate the new landscape effectively. The complexity of managing an agricultural estate in light of tax reforms could spur greater financial literacy and preparedness among the farming community.

Boosting Local Economies

In response to the budget, farmers may seek to optimize their land use, which may include exploring alternative income streams such as agritourism or direct-to-consumer sales. Such diversification not only enhances individual farm revenues but can also invigorate local economies. Increased footfall from agritourism can help support local businesses, creating a ripple effect that benefits the broader community.

Support for Agricultural Investment

On the positive side, the fiscal landscape of the October 2024 budget may also lead to increased public and private sector investment in agricultural initiatives. If farmers recognize the necessity to adapt and enhance their operations, there may be a surge in collaboration with agricultural tech companies, universities, and research institutions to innovate and implement sustainable farming solutions.

A Call for Strategic Policy Support

The implementation of these changes also presents an opportunity for farmers to become more involved in the policy-making process. As they navigate the implications of the budget withdrawals, farmers may rally for support systems such as government grants, subsidies for modern equipment, or educational resources that help ease the financial strain caused by the withdrawal of relief mechanisms.

Conclusion

While the withdrawal of inheritance tax relief in the October 2024 budget presents challenges for farmers in England, it also opens avenues for growth, adaptation, and innovation. By embracing proactive strategies and seeking support, farmers can manage the potential impacts of the budget while positioning themselves for future success. The agricultural sector has always shown a remarkable ability to adapt in changing circumstances, and the resilience of farmers today will surely define the landscape of tomorrow’s agriculture in England.

As the policymakers continue to refine and navigate the agricultural realm, farmers are positioned not just to survive but to thrive in a landscape that increasingly demands adaptability and forward-thinking strategies.

Sustainability is becoming more important every year. Farmers and others who rely on a stable climate, healthy soil, and a balanced environment know how important environmental stewardship is to our livelihood and global food production. With this in mind, what steps can we take to make dairy farming more sustainable?

Here are some sustainable dairy farming practices that can help:

Grass-fed Grazing

Dairy cows that graze on pasture rather than being fed on concentrated feed have a more natural diet, fewer health problems and produce less methane. Grass-fed dairy farming also reduces the reliance on intensive grain production, which has a large environmental footprint.

Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing or cell grazing, where cows are rotated between smaller grazing areas, increases yields, uses 100% of the pasture by avoiding selective grazing, and improves soil health and pasture regrowth. It also helps to sequester more carbon in the soil, further reducing the footprint of dairy farming.

Effective Waste Management

Manure can contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions when not managed properly. Using manure to make biogas for energy is a good way of stopping these gases from going to waste. Farmers can also use manure as an organic fertiliser when stored correctly – DEFRA grants are available for improving slurry storage facilities on the farm.

Nutrient Management Plans

Having a nutrient management plan can help dairy farms to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Soil testing and analysis can show nitrogen levels and help farmers plan for future fertilisation without wasting or losing nutrients to the air or water.

ESUS Agri can help dairy farmers and others to manage their environmental footprint, reduce waste, keep livestock healthier and save money. We have over 28 years of experience in agricultural consultancy and are here to help – get in touch with our team of experts by calling us on 01398 392011 or email us at contact@esusagri.co.uk.

The results of a 4-year study by Rothamsted Research into cell grazing show it has several positive effects. 

This experiment compared cell grazing aka rotational grazing, where livestock are moved every 1-2 days, and set stocking, where they stay in the same area for a grazing season. The results reveal that cell grazing provides improved carbon sequestration in the soil, better pasture growth, and 140% more live weight production per hectare. The two grazing areas were side by side in Devonshire, so they experienced the same weather conditions and other variables.

These results show that cell grazing offers better yields, can support more livestock, and is a more economical use of grazing paddocks. The study also discovered that cell grazing can offer a longer grazing period by up to 3 weeks, reducing the need for winter housing and feeding. The study also noted that cell grazing allowed for increased growth of nutritious ryegrass and white clover, whereas set stocking led to more weed growth. 

Nutrient runoff and methane production were found to be unchanged between the two groups, suggesting that cell grazing offers several benefits with few drawbacks.

The study used the TechnoGrazing method by Kiwitech, in which portable electric fences create grazing cells that can be easily rotated within a paddock. Set stocking or free grazing can lead to livestock collecting in certain areas and overgrazing them, neglecting other areas. Cell grazing avoids this and gives the grazed areas a chance to regrow, using 100% of the paddock to its full potential.

This study, led by grazing livestock systems specialist Dr Jordan Rivero, started in 2018 and is still ongoing. It employs autumn-born dairy x beef steer calves from 6 months to 2 years old who grazed for two seasons. Read the full results here.

Are you intrigued by cell grazing or other livestock management techniques? ESUS Agri can help – get in touch with our team to learn more about our agricultural consultation services.

James Siggs’ Story (Esus Agri Limited’s Managing Director)

In August 1994, the seeds of Esus Agri Limited were sown by an ambitious visionary. As the Managing Director, our protagonist cultivated not just fields, but robust farming business consulting services across the tropics . Over time, Esus Agri grew to deliver advisory, financial analyses, and management services that spanned the globe—from the UK to the farthest reaches of Africa, Asia, and South America. Clients as varied as charities, hedge funds, and family offices flocked to this agricultural expert for advice, knowing they were in capable hands.

But the journey didn’t start there. Before the founding of Esus Agri, there was a rich tapestry of roles and responsibilities that showcased a blend of grit, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. The path to success led through many fertile fields. From spearheading the operations of 50,000-hectare plantations in Indonesia with PT.P.P London Sumatra to managing the nuances of arable farming in the UK with Pauls Agriculture, our protagonist continually honed their craft.

Their career also saw a significant impact at MASDAR Farming Limited, a joint venture with MASDAR (UK) Ltd, which focused on managing vast farming enterprises in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. The role encompassed advising on acquisition and operation strategies, and managing a colossal 16,000 ha arable farm in Romania.

Not content with just leading large-scale operations, our rural renaissance man also took on advisory roles for a range of clients, provided expert witness services, and pioneered new investments and joint ventures in diverse industries.

Passion for Community and Education

Beyond the corporate sphere, this story is also one of dedication to community and ongoing education. A BS in Agricultural Economics from Wye College, University of London, and an MBA from Henley Management College underpin their expertise. Alongside their career, they have invested time in voluntary roles, such as Regional Chairman of the National Sheep Association and Show Yard Director at the North Devon Agricultural Show.

A Vision for the Future

Today, this multifaceted professional continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture, finance, and management, always with a keen eye on the future. Whether managing farms, advising on biogas projects, or fostering innovations in farming practices, their impact is felt across continents and industries.

In the end, the journey of this rural renaissance man isn’t just about the milestones and titles—it’s about the unwavering passion, the drive for excellence, and the vision for a sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture.

More cases of bluetongue disease have been confirmed in Faversham, Kent, UK as of September 12th, 2024. Temporary control zones have been set up in North East Lincolnshire and Kent. A restricted zone has been set up in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk – see live map of restricted zones here.

In response, DEFRA is allowing the use of three bluetongue vaccines including BULTAVO 3. This injectable vaccine does not stop animals from passing on bluetongue, but it can reduce symptoms and the risk of death. Sheep are most at risk from bluetongue and it can kill them easily. Bluetongue mortality rates in sheep range from 2-30% but can be as high as 70%. 

Your vet can give you the BULTAVO-3 vaccine. Sheep need just one dose, and cattle need 2 doses three weeks apart. The government is not paying for these vaccines, which will cost £10 per dose. Vaccinated livestock still cannot be moved within restricted zones. 

What is Bluetongue Disease?

Bluetongue disease is a viral infection that affects sheep, cattle, goats, and other ruminants. It is spread by insects. Bluetongue cannot infect humans, and meat or milk from infected animals is still safe to eat. It is a notifiable disease, meaning you must report any suspected cases to APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency).

Bluetongue symptoms

Symptoms of the bluetongue virus include:

• Crustiness around the nostrils and muzzle
• Redness of the nose, mouth, eyes, and skin
• Discharge and drooling from the nose and mouth
• High fever
• Swollen lips and tongue

If you are worried that your livestock might have bluetongue, contact your vet for advice and report any suspected cases to APHA immediately. You can also call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

Farmers in England can apply for DEFRA’s Slurry Infrastructure Grant until September 30th. This grant offers £25,000 – £250,000, which can cover 50% of building slurry stores, covers and other equipment. 

Proper slurry stores help farmers follow laws and regulations, and improve or expand their farm’s slurry storage capacity. Slurry store covers prevent rainwater from getting in and prevent pollution. The grant can fund other equipment, including tanks, lagoons, reception pits, pumps and agitators. See the detailed specs here.

Grant Requirements

This slurry grant can be used to improve, cover, or expand current slurry stores to reach the grant storage requirements. The requirements are:

• 6 months of slurry storage for beef and dairy cattle
• 8 months of slurry storage for pigs

Grant eligibility requirements:

• Your farm is located in England
• Your farm already produces slurry
• You farm pigs, beef or dairy cattle
• You keep slurry covers on all the time except for maintenance
• You do not fall below the grant storage requirements for 5 years
• You produce and use a nutrient management plan based on soil samples
• Your slurry store is built on land you own, or farm as a tenant

These rules are part of the grant agreement. If you don’t follow them, you might have to pay back the grant.

Benefits of Slurry

Slurry is great for sustainable farming. Unlike synthetic fertilisers, slurry provides organic nutrients that are released slowly into the soil over time. Slurry helps to boost soil quality, and improves water retention and root development, leading to better crops.

An efficient slurry storage system helps to retain those organic nutrients and protect the environment as well as meet legal requirements. 

You can apply for the Slurry Infrastructure Grant by September 30th, 2024 on the UK Government website here.

Get your FREE personal EAP offer today and step into the future of agricultural monitoring!

Constellr is using cutting-edge beyond-visual imaging technology to revolutionize the way we assess crucial aspects of our planet’s health. With temperature readings, they are able to monitor vegetation, soil health, and derive insights on water and carbon, as well as monitor industrial activities with an unprecedented level of accuracy.

In the quest to ensure food security on Earth, one of the most innovative approaches involves measuring Land Surface Temperature (LST) from space. LST represents the radiative skin temperature of the land, which is an aggregated temperature of all surface components within the sensor’s field of view, including soil, vegetation, and water. It’s important to note that LST is not the same as air temperature measured using a sheltered thermometer, nor is it the ground-surface temperature at a specific depth.

How is LST Measured from Space?

To achieve high accuracy in measuring LST from space, several advanced technologies and methodologies are employed:

• High Accuracy: Measurements are accurate to within less than 2.0 K.
• Cryo-cooled Detector: Ensures the highest image quality.
• High Spatial Native Resolution (GSD): 30m for thermal, and 5m for visible and near-infrared.
• Rapid Data Delivery: Data is delivered within 12 hours from recording.
• Imaging Capacity: Each satellite can image up to 1,000,000 km² per day.
• High Temporal Resolution: Provides global coverage with a daily revisit time.
• High Precision Thermal Infrared (TIR) Camera: Offers very high temperature sensitivity of 0.07K at 295K.

Real-World Application

On September 10th, 2023, at 10:21 am local time, air temperatures ranged from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius at a local weather station. However, LST images revealed a much broader range of temperatures, from 32 to 55 degrees Celsius across different fields. This discrepancy highlights the importance of LST measurements in understanding and managing the microclimates within agricultural areas.

Early Access Program (EAP)

The future of agricultural monitoring with the Early Access Program (EAP) from Constellr.

This program offers:

• Guaranteed Superior Technical Performance: Including spatial resolution, accuracy, sensitivity, revisit time, and latency.
• Assured Access: To Constellr’s data, competence, and technology, initially available to a limited number of customers.
• Secure Terms and Conditions: For up to 5 years.
• Flexible Commitment Options: From legally binding and pre-paid to more flexible arrangements.

Get your personal EAP offer today and step into the future of agricultural monitoring!

For more information, visit Constellr.

To comply with the Farming Rules for Water, farmers must demonstrate responsible use of manures and fertilizers, even if they are outside Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). This involves considering soil analysis and crop needs before application.

Farmers can create fertilization plans using RB209 guidelines, computer programs like Planet, or by seeking advice from FACTS-qualified advisers. ESUS Agri offers annual plans for farmers in all areas, helping them save on fertilizers by targeting slurry use during the main growing season. This strategy is particularly beneficial during periods of high fertilizer prices, like last year.

What’s Needed in a Nutrient Management Plan?

The first step is to ensure you have up-to-date soil analysis for your fields. Each field, or groups of small fields with similar soil types and management practices, should be tested every five years. As part of the Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI), measuring the organic matter content of the soil is mandatory to qualify for the Sustainable Agriculture Measurement 1 (SAM1) payment. All fields must be tested by the end of the three-year agreement.

Our independent FACTS-qualified farm consultants can assist you. They provide sample boxes and guidance on collecting soil samples, with charges only for laboratory analysis. Alternatively, your agronomist or fertilizer supplier can conduct the soil testing, ensuring organic matter content is included in the results.

We gather detailed information about each field, including size, soil type, previous soil analysis, and NVZ status. We also note the crops, fertilizers, and manure applied in the previous season. Next, we review the planned cropping for the upcoming year and calculate the crop nutrient requirements before applying any manure.

We determine the amount of slurry and farmyard manure expected to be collected over the next season and identify the most cost-effective fields for manure application. This approach aims to minimize fertilizer costs while adhering to regulations. We provide detailed recommendations for manure application on each field, specifying the type and timing. Finally, we calculate the appropriate fertilizer application to balance the crop nutrient requirements.

Nutrient Management Planning with ESUS Agri

NMP Sounds Complicated!

Don’t worry, we’ve simplified everything into an easy-to-use plan. This plan outlines which fields should receive manure and fertilizers throughout the upcoming season, detailing the quantities and timings. You can rest assured that your crops will receive the necessary nutrients, and as long as you adhere to the plan, you’ll comply with all regulations.

However, the weather can sometimes disrupt the best-laid plans. If you’re unable to apply manure as scheduled or need to adjust the application locations, a simple phone call to us can provide guidance on whether your proposed actions would violate any regulations and suggest modifications to your fertilization plans accordingly.

Record Keeping for NMP

It’s essential to maintain detailed records of your crop cultivation, including the types of fertilizers and manure applied each year. We advise farmers to utilize a plan and note the application date next to each recommendation, adjusting the rate if necessary. At the year’s end, please submit these records, and we will compile a report detailing your activities and ensuring full compliance.

Should an inspector visit your farm, you can present them with the plan and the actual reports. For more detailed information on specific fields, we can extract this information from FarmWise and share it directly with the inspector, simplifying the inspection process for you.

For those operating in an NVZ area, our nutrient management reports will provide reassurance that you are adhering to the additional responsibilities associated with this zone. Although not officially mandated by a Nutrient Management Plan, meeting these requirements is crucial for compliance in an NVZ area.

FarmWise Software

We use FarmWise software to generate our recommendations, as it integrates RB209 and calculates phosphate and potash balances for each field at the year’s end. Several programs focus on the available phosphate and potash in manure but fail to account for the residual amounts left in the soil, which can be utilized by the next crop season. FarmWise addresses this, ensuring maximum savings.

We can upload field details from your RPA data or Farm/Crop Management Software, saving time. FarmWise also meets the latest requirements of the Farming Rules for Water and produces hard copy reports.

Fees

We charge on an hourly basis, with the time required dependent on the number of fields you farm, the complexity of your rotation, and the quality of the data you supply. Typically, for a 200-acre farm in Southwest England, our fees will be £400. If you are entering SFI, you can receive £652 per year under option NUM1.