The true cost of producing beef cattle and sheep on English farms was revealed today (Friday) in new costings data published by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).
With the support of the industry, the 2005/2006 farm costings data contained in the latest edition of EBLEX Business Pointers does not include the Single Farm Payment, and also incorporates a number of non-cash costs. Taking these elements into consideration, the statistics show that average beef producers are making a loss of between £74.37 and £425.39 per head and average sheep producers are losing between £2.45 and £49.25 per head.
EBLEX Chief Executive Richard Ali said: “These figures make for
uncomfortable reading, but are the first to treat the farm business on the same
financial footing as any other business.
“EBLEX firmly believes these figures provide a sound starting point for
everyone involved in the industry to understand what needs to happen to achieve
a more sustainable future for the beef and lamb sector.”
Mr Ali stressed that although a sustainable future was not just about price,
retailers could play their part in building a profitable supply chain:
“Consumers have sent clear signals that they want to buy quality, home
– produced assured beef and lamb.
“Ensuring that product is clearly differentiated on retail shelves is
vital both to help shoppers to make informed choices and ensure the much
talked-about reconnection of the beef and lamb chain really does happen -
because the reality is that imported meat does not help maintain the English
countryside.”
The wide performance gap between the top third and average producers in Business Pointers clearly shows there is scope for the critical mass of farmers to look at their costings and work out where positive changes could be made. “That is where the EBLEX Better Returns Programmes for Beef and Sheep can help producers. These programmes highlight simple, practical advice in a number of areas where farmers can make a real difference to their returns,” added Mr Ali.
New Rules from 2006 - Briefly, Stop Tipping, Stop Burning
Farm tips or dumps and burning waste will not be allowed from 2006. You have to get a permit if you want to operate your own farm tip or dump and it will be expensive to get and maintain.
No burning of plastics in incinerators or open fire. What should farmers do?
Do not produce waste in the first place.
Waste paper can be used as animal bedding
Use tyres on a silage clamp
Clear mud and debris from water courses and deposit it on the banks
Burn logs and branches from fallen or chopped down trees
Let spoiled crops rot down where they are produced.
You may need to register or have an exemption to do this.
INFORMATION from www.defra.gov.uk & www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Tel: 0845 603 3111
A reminder that most farms will need a farm waste exemption. Following the enactment of the Waste Management rules in the spring it has become illegal to burn or dump non-natural waste on farms. If producers wish to handle waste on an ongoing basis, it would normally be necessary for producers to obtain a Waste Management License. However, for certain small-scale agricultural activities there are exemptions to this rule. But those wishing to take advantage of the exemptions still need to register with the Environment Agency.
Examples include, using old tyres on a silage clamp, spreading dredgings from ditch clearance onto adjoining fields, burning fallen timber, or (untreated) wooden fencing materials, baling waste silage plastic, crushing chemical containers, cleaning pesticides containers etc. Almost all working farms will need to register an exemption. More details can be found at www.sepa.org.uk/agriwaste/
Action - Obtain an exemption registration pack from the Environment Agency on 08456 033 113.
Transport Regulations
A reminder that the Welfare of Animals During Transport Regulations have come
into force. Anyone transporting animals in connection with an economic activity
requires an authorisation. Certain exemptions apply, including farmers
transporting their own animals, in their own vehicles, under 50km (see below).
Details of how to apply can be found at
www.defra.gov.uk/animal/welfare/farmed/transport/eutransportreg.htm
Transport Authorisations
Transport authorisations can now be applied for. New regulations come into
force from January 5th 2007 which will affect anyone transporting live
(vertebrate) animals as part of their business.
Two types of authorisations can be applied for; –
a: short journeys, up to eight hours and over 65km; or
b: eight hours and over.
They are free and last for five years. Farmers moving their own animals in
their own vehicles under 50km (31 miles) from their holding will be exempt.
Full details can be found at this web site location:
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/eutransportreg.htm