rural business school newsletter - february 2015

Johne’s and BVD helpApprenticeships

Work-based level 4Farm profits?

Calf jackets

The RuralBusiness School

ISSUE 46 - FEBRUARY 2015

Merger to bring huge benefits to Apprenticeships

Course Advice:Bicton - 7th March 9am-2pmDuchy Rosewarne - 14th March 10am-12pmDuchy Stoke Climsland - 14th March 10am-12pm

| The Rural Business School | February 2015

The opportunities offered by the imminent merger of Bicton College with Duchy College’s parent group (TCCG) are very exciting and can only serve to benefit the agricultural industry across the wider south west; this is the claim of both Richard Jenkin of Bicton and Chris Shepherd of Duchy in their joint interview with The Rural Business School (page 4). As explained in our last issue, the proposed merger has yet to be agreed, but already teams across the two Colleges are working together to ensure that improved, more relevant and more flexible education and training is made available to agricultural and rural businesses. Chris and Richard believe that one of the first areas to benefit will be in the work-based learning and apprenticeship provision. This is particularly pertinent as we approach Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 9th-13th March.

The government increasingly sees apprenticeships as fundamental as they deliver work for young people and adults, enable them to earn while they learn in a real job and simultaneously, gain a real qualification and a real future; at the same

time, businesses can grow their own talent. With agreement across the political spectrum, this is an area which is already receiving increasing support, which seems likely to increase further in the future; now must be the ideal time to take the initiative on work-based and apprentice provision.

With all this optimism, however, we realise that the current difficulties being experienced by all livestock farmers across the south west in terms of falling returns cannot be ignored. Perhaps this is epitomised in the dairy sector, where most producers experienced improved times in the 2013-14 year, with firmer end prices coinciding with a reduction in the major input costs. Since then we have seen increasing input costs at the same time as milk price reductions - in some cases major reductions! With such volatility in returns, the article on ‘Where did all my profit go?’ from the RBS’s Farm Business Survey team is very timely and should provide pointers for planning

businesses going forward (page 14).

We also highlight one of our recent initiatives, our work-based higher level provision. Supported by the Rural Business School, this provision aims to enhance students’ knowledge of the latest technical innovations and encourage them to be applied on-farm, with the business and finance elements ensuring that they make real differences to the ‘bottom line’. This is outlined on page 10, with some comments from individuals benefitting from the course on page 3.

Finally, I would like to remind all beef and dairy farmers, that to access funding to assist in the prevention and control of BVD and Johne’s disease, they need to act now. All current funding is due to finish at the end of February - there are still funds available to sort out the situation in your own herd, but you need to book now with your vet or contact the RBS’s Healthy Livestock team.

Paul Ward

Director: Richard Soffe FRAgS 0845 458 7485 www.ruralbusinessschool.org.uk

ContentsIndustry Comment 3Apprenticeships 4RBS News 14Guest Article 22News 19-23Diary Dates 25-28

Editorial

FSC logo

February 2015 | The Rural Business School | page 3

BEEF & LAMB: “Good prime cattle returns are continuing to be seen at most outlets. Average steers and heifers are not in such demand, however, and are incurring deductions. Cull cow supply and demand is in a fairly balanced situation although at certain abattoirs where demand is strong, prices being offered are currently very good. Organics, both prime and cull cattle can realise premiums. The hogget trade is holding quite well to date and will hopefully have the opportunity to strengthen and not be affected by any adverse trading conditions. We are now looking forward to marketing new-season lambs from February. The cull ewe trade has been patchy.” (26-01-15)Sue Rowe, CQLP

DAIRY: “Following an outbreak of flu affecting our whole house-hold on Christmas morning, I am very grateful for the effort all the farm staff: herdsman, sons and our excellent Duchy students, Cayley and Matt. We are now back to twice a day milking. The transition has gone well without the cows becoming stressed and no increase in mastitis. The yields have dropped by less than 8%, so hopefully we shall maintain a fairly level lactation curve until turnout. There is good grass cover in the grazing paddocks which have all received 3,000 gallons/acre of dilute slurry in January. Our kitchen roof is finally watertight after nearly four years

so the mop and buckets have been put away! The old asbestos sheets have been replaced by reclaimed slates. I hope the rain and damp in our home did not cause our household epidemic.”Simon Ward, ST & AL Ward, Wadebridge

Comments from Work-based Level 4 Diploma in Agricultural Business Management students – beef and sheep cohort‘It’s nice to work with a group of like-minded people to develop innovative ideas to make the most of what we have and to move our businesses forward.’David Oates, Beef & Sheep, The Lizard.

The course has been really good because it has mixed the theory with visits to specialist farms, where we can see the theory put into practice. This really helps us to make sure that all the information and knowledge can then be tailored to our own farms.Matthew Berry, Beef & Sheep, Barnstaple.

The course is exactly what I was hoping it would be. It gives me much more confidence in my own ability. I have come on to the course following through from work-based learning Level 2 and Level 3 courses with Duchy College. James Richards, Beef & Sheep, St Keverne.

Please see page 10 for more details of the course.

The state of farming in the south west - your views.

Here we list some of your comments on the current state of agriculture in the westcountry.

For more informationIf you would like to share your views in a future issue, please contact Becky Butland on 0845 458 7485 or email [email protected].

Industry Comments

Act now – last chance to get funding for Johne’s & BVD

Contact your vet now to access the funding available to all beef and dairy farmers to tackle Johne’s and BVD – it will be withdrawn at the end of February 2015.

Johne’s disease was found in 81% of dairy herds participating in Healthy Livestock

BVD was found in 52% of beef herds participating in Healthy Livestock

Help is at hand through your vet, who can draw down funding from the Rural Business School’s Healthy Livestock team as part of the national RDPE-funded roll-out of healthy Livestock. Advice can cover dairy and beef herds already undertaking control measures e.g. those who were previously involved with Healthy Livestock, as well as farmers considering what steps to take for the first time. Your vet will undertake a biosecurity and biocontainment risk assessment and follow it up with an agreed practical farm-specific control or prevention plan. Contact your vet or alternatively the Healthy Livestock team on 0845 458 7485 or [email protected].

“Act now to get funding for Johne’s and BVD.”


Q. What would be the strengths of the proposed partnership?Chris: The combination would mean the servicing of 680 businesses every year, which would be the largest land-based provision in the country.

Richard: The ambition would be to grow the combined provision and at the same time provide an improved service to meet the needs of those businesses. The ability to use each other’s strengths would give greater choice and flexibility in provision to the benefit of businesses across Devon and Cornwall.

Q. Could you give some examples of this choice and flexibility in practice?Chris: Cornish arboricultural businesses would benefit from Bicton’s strengths in trees, timber and forestry.

Richard: We look forward to increased engagement and communication with farmers and land-based

businesses utilising the model developed by Duchy and TCCG with its recruitment service.

Chris: An example of the greater flexibility is that all learners would be able to choose to study through the ‘block release’ system mainly used at Bicton and the ‘day release’ system mainly used at Duchy across both counties.

Richard: Sharing of resources will provide a better provision e.g. the short course provision from both Colleges, such as those delivered through the RBS would be available to all.

Q. How many apprentices are you talking about?Chris: We see us moving from 500 starting with the two Colleges to 850 in five years’ time with the main growth areas in agriculture, forestry and horticulture and a new provison in farm business administration to meet the demand as requested by many of the

businesses we work with.

Q. How will you be able to achieve these targets?Richard: The capacity of the TCCG will enable us to bid for funding for increased infrastructure in Devon, which is limiting our current provision in some areas, for example in North Devon.

Chris: We will also be able to be more reactive in filling vacancies in businesses through filling them with properly screened recruits.

Q. What have you done so far?Richard: Chris and I have met today to scope out our institutional strengths and weaknesses and how existing staff can complement each other’s strengths. On the 28th January there will have been the first combined team meeting to move forward curriculum and delivery. We are well on the way to achieve quick wins from this

In the Forefront: ApprenticeshipsPaul WardFollowing the announcement reported in our last issue of the proposed partnership between Bicton College and the The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), different teams across Duchy College are in discussion with their Bicton colleagues. As we approach ‘Apprenticeship Week’, Paul Ward has been able to speak to Richard Jenkin, Head of Employer Engagement at Bicton College and Chris Shepherd, Business Relationship Manager at Duchy College, who report on the huge benefits in work-based learning to come out of the proposed partnership.

“...largest land-based apprentice provision in the country”

“filling vacancies with properly screened recruits”

Apprenticeships


partnership, as soon as it is ratified.

Q. What will farmers gain?Richard: Farmers can expect to see increased contacts and a greater interest in seeking their needs and meeting them. We will look to mobilise resources and for example signposting to the RBS provision.

Chris: This means that we will really strive to address farmers’ needs as we move forward – not just the traditional provision. We will be carrying out surveys and consultation on-farm – Bicton is already carrying this out as we speak.

Q. What have been the highs of your careers to date?Chris: I have been working for Duchy College since 1991,

with my first ten years lecturing, before becoming the work-based learning manager; I have been dealing with apprentices ever since. The highlight for me was with the ‘Moorskills’ Project on Dartmoor, which has had a tremendous impact. It was mainly down to being able to co-design the project with farmers rather than telling them what to do. They went on to win the ‘Employer of the Year’ award.

Richard: As a teenager, I milked on a friend’s farm in the West Midlands, but then took the easy option and joined the Royal Marines and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Serbia over a period of 26 years. I spent the last seven as head of accreditation for the marines and worked very closely with Bicton College. In this role I was responsible for establishing the Military Academy at Bicton, largely because the

drop-out rate was so high in the marines - recruits were just not prepared. It was good for the Ministry of Defence and good for the College. I was headhunted by Babcock International to manage their apprenticeship programme and a year later by Bicton College to look after employer engagement, work-based, foundation and community learning

My proudest moments include successfully relocating all recruits to the USA during the Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak and receiving positive comments from parents of the first group of students who passed through the Military Academy.

Q. Do you see an overlap between land –based and the military?Richard: People from farming backgrounds tend to know what to expect in the military and retention is very

high. We also see people successfully moving in the opposite direction – so there is a definite synergy.

Q. What are you looking forward to?Chris: I am looking forward to the huge opportunity opening up with the merger, but at the same time I recognise the massive responsibility to get this right to the benefit of the sector.

Richard: I am looking forward to using the opportunity to applying my skills in leadership and management to ensure a systematic in the land-based sector.

Q. Any final comment?Richard: I am really excited about working together and doing what’s right for the land-based sector.

Chris: In the late 80s I studied at Seale Hayne – Richard Soffe (Director of RBS) was one of my lecturers!

The combined team of Work Based Learning staff from Bicton and Duchy

For more informationPlease contact Kathryn Sealy on: 0845 6099 599 or email [email protected]


Traditionally, Bicton had delivered a small number of apprenticeship programmes up until 2013/14, when the College, in line with the Government’s vision to grow apprenticeship numbers, decided to expand its provision. Admittedly this did not come without its problems; however, since June 2014, the College has worked tirelessly on improving the quality of its provision. This has included seeking out and bringing in the very best

people for the job. “This remarkably talented, knowledgeable and experienced team have grasped the opportunity to work closely with our Duchy colleagues and I am more confident than ever this collaboration will realise a first class provision for land-based industries across the south west region”, said Richard Jenkins, Head of Employer Engagement at Bicton College.

“Combining the training

facilities and expertise of staff across Devon and Cornwall is an exciting prospect for employers and apprentices, and will secure and strengthen the range of apprenticeships that we can offer”, said Chris Shepherd, Business Relationship Manager at Duchy College.

The two colleges working together to deliver apprenticeships will help standardise the quality of land based apprenticeship and

short course provision across the region. This will offer apprentices and employers a more flexible training and delivery package. To further enhance TCCG’s understanding of what land-based employer needs are in Devon and how to best service them, an independent survey is being jointly commissioned. It is this type of collaboration that will ensure the land-based sector in Devon and Cornwall is well catered for in the future.

Strength in numbers across the regionBy Katherine SealyWith the news that Bicton College is to join The Cornwall College Group; the Bicton College Work Based Learning Team has been working closely with colleagues at Duchy College in order to develop a high quality apprenticeship offering across the south west.

Employing a Bicton College apprentice is an essential part of the farm’s management and Ruth is very familiar with the scheme and knows the benefits of having a

dedicated “home grown” worker at a cost that she finds reasonable. Of her latest student, Ruth says, ‘Billy is wonderful. He came to us with limited and varied experience but

is a quick learner. It wasn’t long before I trusted him to not only work on his own but to use his instincts and take the initiative.’

Billy was recommended to Ruth by the Work Based Learning Team at Bicton College, as Jackie O’Gorman, Apprenticeship Manager explains, ‘Apprenticeships

Apprentice at forefront of modern milking methodsBicton College student Billy Edworthy is benefiting from cutting edge dairy farming methods during his apprenticeship. Employer and farmer Ruth Jordan of Begbeer Farm near Crediton in Devon has recently installed two robotic milking machines; this initiative is intended to better manage the workload as she they approaches retirement. The ‘robots’ were a major investment, costing around £200,000 to purchase and install, as well as constructing a new shed to house them. The rewards are already evident, with fewer man-hours required on the farm, it is easier for Ruth to manage the overall workload whilst saving money in the long-term.

Bicton College apprentice case studies


give young people a genuine alternative to academic study, and a real path to their chosen career. Not only do apprentices gain technical expertise, they also build those transferable skills that are essential to getting ahead in their profession. It is a fantastic opportunity to train in your chosen field, but receive the vital support from our training officers.’

In the case of Billy, the opportunity to experience robotic milking machines on a working dairy farm is hugely beneficial to his career and he has already been offered full time employment at Begbeer Farm on completion of his apprenticeship programme - although he intends to spend 10 months working in New Zealand prior to re-commencing his career back in the UK.

The apprenticeship scheme at Bicton College ensures that students gain first-hand knowledge of working life on a farm, helps them to build a rapport with their employer and diversifies their experience. Initially, Billy undertook one day a week with Ruth for a period of one month. This acted as an effective trial for both employer and student. Billy is currently engaged full time at Begbeer Farm and attends ‘block weeks’ at Bicton College to further his agricultural knowledge.

Floristry Apprenticeships - Lydia Dunn

Bicton College’s Floristry apprentices have been gearing themselves up

for the spring season, by perfecting their hand tie arrangements in College. During term time, the apprentices take time out of their working week to attend Bicton College to hone their skills. Lydia is doing her Level 2 Floristry apprenticeship with Orchid Occasions based in Tiverton and has chosen the apprenticeship route to gain her qualification as the apprenticeship “is a nice way to get experience in the industry, and earn some money, as well as get a relevant qualification”. Lydia is also a member of Meshaw YFC and is looking forwards to the Young Farmers competitions over the summer where she can demonstrate her new skills.

The Floristry apprenticeship programme has seen an increase in numbers this year. Course Tutor Karen Taylor put this down to floristry businesses wanting to ‘grow their own talent’ in the workplace, whilst enabling them to gain a qualification.

Horticulture Apprenticeships - Rebecca DixonRebecca Dixon, a former Level 3 Horticultural apprentice, was already working at Rainbow Plants in Ottery St Mary when she approached her boss to ask if he would

support her through her qualification. “I was working for over a year in my job before I asked my boss if I could do the apprenticeship. I was only interested in doing an apprenticeship because it would allow me to continue working, and gaining a qualification at the same time.”

During her apprenticeship course, Rebecca also had the chance to undertake a spraying course, as well as a forklift qualification which have both been very beneficial and meant that she can take on more responsibility at work. On completion of her apprenticeship, Rebecca is continuing to work for Rainbow Plants.

Billy Edworthy with one of the robotic milkers at Begbeer Farm

Rebecca Dixon

Lydia Dixon

For more informationplease contact the Work Based Learning TeamTel: 01395 562440Email: [email protected] Web: www.bicton.ac.uk


Duchy CollegeNaomi Retallick

“I started my Level 3 Work-Based Animal Care Diploma in July 2013 and will finish in July 2015. I have always been really interested in working with animals and have had a variety of pets from a young age. The course is really practical, and means you get a lot of hands-on experience. Throughout my course, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of different species which has definitely benefitted me in my current role, working as an Animal Technician at the College. I hope to progress further within the animal care industry, and expand my knowledge and experiences”.

LittlePod George WheatleyLittlePod started its beginnings in 2010 as a one-woman operation which now employs five members of staff. LittlePod are “Natural Providers” of responsibly

sourced products, re-packaging and distributing vanilla pods, vanilla paste, vanilla extract, chocolate extract and coffee extract to retail, wholesale and online customers.

What were the businesses issues/challenges to undertake training? As a small business, budget restraints and time to introduce a new member of the team were its main concerns. However having gained Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) accreditation, LittlePod needed to take on new staff to keep up with the demand of the business.

The training undertaken:LittlePod took on George Wheatley as an apprentice working towards a Food Industry Skills FDQ Certificate for Proficiency Level 3.

What impacts and benefits has the training had on the company?By taking on an apprentice it has helped LittlePod keep up with its increased production capacity, order fulfilments and producing buffer stock.

Janet Sawyer, Managing Director at Littlepod added, “Having gained SALSA accreditation, LittlePod was in need of a production assistant to keep up with demand. Fortunately we had decided to take on an apprentice who was being trained in HACCP, food safety and health & safety at Level 3 proficiency in food industry skills via Duchy College. This meant that we were assured to maintain our high standards.”

Lynher DairiesPhilip FarndonLynher Dairies are the sole producers of Cornish Yarg Cheese and are now one of the largest speciality cheese producers in Britain.

The business has for some years sought to develop its skills base through the provision of formal training programmes, and decided to take on a Duchy College apprentice. The apprenticeship programme was the first

step towards encouraging a young person to seriously consider a career in food production, and more specifically cheese making. Lynher Dairies took on Philip Farndon, who has since been nominated and shortlisted for an ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award as a result of his hard work and dedication.

Dane Hopkins, Dairy Manager at Lynher Dairies, said, “Philip has worked with me to develop a new cheese called Cornish Kern. This cheese has received national acclaim and is widely sought after. Philip has been responsible for the production, maturing and grading of the cheese – all of which he takes pride in”.

Philip has now moved on to a Foundation degree in food whilst continuing to work at the dairy. Dane added, “For a 20 year old, he is driven, enthusiastic and is a very capable cheese-maker. Philip came to

Duchy College apprentice case studies

Naomi Retallick

Philip Farndon

George Wheatley


the dairy as a relatively quiet 19 year-old, who perhaps doubted his ability to shine in the business. He is now a truly confident 20 year old who holds his own in a team of older and more experienced individuals, and communicates well with the management board with dignity and credibility which is a delight to witness”.

Scott Tummey

Scott currently works for Rob Hugo, a dairy farmer near Bodmin, who has employed Scott since he left school and supported him to achieve his Level 2 Intermediate apprenticeship. He then purchased his own sheep, renting ground alongside working for Rob, where he is signed up for his advanced apprenticeship.

Scott comes from a farming family which has helped him progress quickly into becoming a valued member of staff on farm. He has completed a wide range of additional training both on and off farm

to include preparing stock for showing and learning about breeding. and college courses including telehandler, and DIY AI. Scott has matured and is confident to take on responsibility both in his workplace during his employer’s absence milking and managing stock whilst also developing his own sheep enterprise.

In 2013, Scott purchased ewe lambs and put them to the ram, with minimal previous experience. He attended the specialist sessions on sheep and beef as he progressed on to the advanced apprentice, which helped Scott gain underpinning knowledge on feeding and general flock health to help prepare him for lambing his flock. With true devotion to duty, he spent several nights sleeping in the shed with the flock to monitor the ewes during lambing and then went to work doing his day job!

In 2014 Scott won a Star Award for Best Apprentice and is looking to the future with hopes to one day having his own farm. He is currently attending the ‘Tools and Techniques’ book keeping course as the final part of his College programme. His determination and commitment is a credit to him and demonstrate how positive the employer

contribution can be to the Apprenticeship programme; Mr Hugo has encouraged Scott to develop and learn whilst in his employment.

Danny Olver

Following completion of an Intermediate and Advanced apprenticeship, Danny Olver has progressed on to setting up his own business, manufacturing animal field shelters along with developing a relief milking business.

Danny started working for David Stroud at Axford Farm, Callington and soon demonstrated a desire to build his knowledge of the dairy industry. Danny completed his apprenticeship programme and progressed on to the Advanced Course, working on the dairy specialism, which has helped him with employment with a range of farmers in SE Cornwall.He has a waiting list of farmers wanting him!

Danny identified a niche market for animal field shelters and has progressed on to build a thriving business employing two others building a wide range of equipment and shelters, see http://www.animalarks.co.uk/ for more details.

Danny is looking to the future and is planning to take teaching qualifications to help him achieve another of his goals of working in education; he is keen to work with young people and share some of his wide range of knowledge and experience to help motivate others to follow the path he has taken.

Scott Tummey

Danny Olver

Premier field shelter available from Animal Arks

The Camel poultry house available from Animal Arks

For more informationPlease contact the Work Based Learning team at Duchy College on: 0845 6099 599 or email [email protected]


City and Guilds Work Based

DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

(Level 4 & Part-time)

This new Level 4 qualification,

accredited by City & Guilds, covers the advanced technology

and business/finance skills required to effectively manage

the modern day grazing livestock farm. Our innovative and flexible approach aims to minimise the time spent away

from your job – so you can apply your learning back in the workplace immediately.


The qualificationThis is a Level 4 qualification where each module attracts credits towards a City & Guilds Level 4 Diploma in Agricultural Business Management (12 in total). The programme focuses on dairy cows, beef and sheep, but the business and finance skills could be applied to any type of farm business.

How is it structured and assessed?This flexible programme is designed to fit around your current business activities and work commitments. The programme is a combination of lectures, case studies, farm visits, workshops, visiting speakers and independent study and research. There will be two residential events designed to cover cross cutting themes, with a communication and personal development dimension. Assessments are farm-based and focus on knowledge/understanding, planning for improvement, implementation, monitoring and evaluation - students apply what they have studied to their own situation.

Benefits to your business• Convenience of part-

time delivery with assessment based on your job or business.

• A programme designed in consultation with the industry, accredited by City & Guilds and delivered by a leading land-based College and its partners who provide high quality, relevant information and skills for professional farms.

• Value for money, attracting government funding where possible.

How much will it cost?Bursaries and other funding options may apply, please contact us for more details.

Course contentThe course is made up of 12 units with themes covering advanced technology in ruminant livestock, business and finance and cross-cutting topics.

Advanced Technology in Ruminant Livestock: Nutrition, Breeding and Fertility, Health and Disease, Environmental Management and Energy Efficiency, Grassland, Forage Crops and Grazing Systems.

Business and Finance: Appraising Resources & Analysing and Improving the Financial Performance of the Business, Planning and Budgeting – Estimating Profitability, Managing the Cash Flow, Investing Capital in a Business, HR

Management, Policy and Taxation.

Cross Cutting Topics: Leadership and Management, Business Types and Land Tenure Alternatives, Meeting Consumer Requirements, PR and managing the Public.

DeliveryThe modules are delivered over a 24 month period with a further 6 months for the completion of assessment. The programme will commence in September 2015 and run for 20 to 25 days over two winters. Attendance will be one day per week, running until Easter. Assessment will be mainly farm- based and ongoing throughout the course. A specialist assessor will visit the farm regularly to collect evidence, including farm documentation (hard or on screen), professional discussion, written supporting and explanatory evidence, observation and witness/personal statements. There are no examinations or written tests. The programme will run initially from Stoke Climsland and subject to numbers, also from Rosewarne. Training days will normally be 9.30am to 4.30pm and run along the lines of a discussion group led by a specialist industry speaker.

For those doing the Apprenticeships, there will be a need to do additional qualifications including Functional Skills at Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy, if these have not already been achieved.

Am I eligible?The course is aimed at individuals who have:

• Achieved a Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Agriculture (formerly the National Certificate / Diploma) or a Level 3 Work-based Diploma in Agriculture (formerly NVQ Level 3), or similar, and are now working in the agricultural industry and aiming to take on more responsibility, or those that need to develop higher level skills in post.

• Obtained a HND or degree and wish to benefit from the applied nature of this programme.

For those without the qualifications above, please contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Diploma in Agricultural Business Management

For more informationPlease contactDuchy College: Stephen Parsons, 01579 372220, email [email protected]


We run intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in Food & Drink Processing and Manufacture at Duchy College that cover a wide range of sectors which include:

• Brewing

• Craft Butchery

• Dairy ( Ice cream manufacture, cheese making)

• Fish Frying

• Fishmongers

• Fish & Shellfish Processing

• General Food Processing

• Meat Processing

We work closely with apprentices and employers to develop a programme of study

which will fit their individual needs. This programme covers both learning at work on and off the job and the ‘In-College’ programme. The In-College programme includes topics such as Food Safety, Health & Safety, HACCP, Food Science, First Aid, Literacy and Numeracy skills (where required), employment skills. Tutor-led field trips to relevant parts of the food industry ensure that apprentices broaden their knowledge of the food chain. We offer a rolling programme so that an individual can start when he or she is ready and the programmes take between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Apprentices are fully supported throughout their programme by a dedicated industry expert, who, as part

of the Duchy College team, ensures that all their learning and development needs are met.

For more informationplease contact Julia Williams, Cornwall College Business on 07776142803 or [email protected]

Apprenticeships in food and drink processingBy Emma Pate

Rhiannon Sanders

Short evening and weekend courses

To book call 0845 22 32 567 www.cornwall.ac.uk/leisure-courses

Now available at:CambourneCallingtonSt Austell BaySaltash

Course areas include:• Animal care• Arts & crafts• Computing & the

web• Cookery

• Dance & Music• Fitness• Floristry• Food• Gardening• Jewellery • Just for fun

• Languages• Lifestyle• Machinery• Photography• Special interets• Woodwork• Workshop crafts


Getting paid while you learn might sound too good to be true, but as an apprentice you really do get the best of both worlds. If you have the dedication to succeed in the world of work, then an apprenticeship could be for you. Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice you will: Earn real wagesGain new qualifications and industry standard training Gain new knowledge and skills

Agriculture G L Richards & Son – Helston Jenkin R N & D – Helston Bowgyheere Farm – Penzance R J & C Monies – Zennor Trelan Farm – Helston Chyvarloe Farm Ltd Helston Richard Court Polglaze Farm - Truro H Dunstan & Sons Carnsew Farm – Penryn J C Boaden & Son Skewes Farm – Helston Sue Renford-Walker, Higher West Kitcham –

Launceston Brian Greenfield, Bondern Farming – Callington P & C Wyatt – Axminster D G Hale, Lodgeworthy Farm – Beaworthy Higher Hacknell Farm – Umberleigh Steve Perry (Dairy Farm) – Crediton Oaks & Pitts (Poultry) – Exeter Kinzere Ltd – Boscastle Seaways Farm – Isles of Scilly Michael Brend – Barnstable The Barton Farm – Bideford Coombe Farm – Totnes Duffy Brothers - Okehampton Animal Care Devon Dogs Ltd - Okehampton

Equine Downe Farm – Tiverton Food & Drink Tulip Ltd – Bodmin W T Warren – Penzance Barnett Fare – Bodmin B & N Farm Foods – Launceston Tamar Valley Butchers – Saltash Complete Meats – Axminster Kingfisher Fish and Chips – Plymouth M C Kelly Ltd – Crediton Burrow Farm - Exeter Horticulture Newquay Garden Centre – Newquay Earthworm Garden Services – St Columb Christine Kirk, Awliscombe – Honiton Launceston Town Council – Launceston Seaways Farm – Isles of Scilly Countrywide Grounds Maintenance – Saltash Liskeard School and Community - Liskeard


RBS News

The farmers who co-operate with the Farm Business Survey (FBS) receive a set of fully reconciled management accounts which are compiled from two visits each year by a Research Officer who collects detailed physical and financial data for their business. In the south west area more than 300 farms are visited annually.

The management accounts prepared by the FBS differ from a set of financial accounts compiled by an accountant for tax purposes in the following ways:

• Harvest Year: The results are based around the same harvest year and each farm’s outputs and inputs are included

which relate to that particular harvest. The FBS has just completed the harvest year for 2013 which includes farms with a financial year end of 31st December 2013 through to 31st March 2014. Contrastingly, financial accounts for the year ended 31st March 2014 for farms with autumn sown arable crops will include the income from 2013 harvest and most of the costs of 2014 harvest.

• Stock valuations: Actual market values are used for stock valuations in the FBS reports. Accountants, in accordance with IAS 2 (International Accounting Standard) often value stock at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

• Depreciation: A diminishing balance method of depreciation is used for FBS purposes, taking into account any changes in machinery valuations throughout the year. Financial accounts

use either a straight-line method of depreciation or more commonly the reducing balance method, but no adjustments are made for revaluation of machinery and higher depreciation rates.

These differences in methodology can have quite an impact on the profit figures, particularly with the volatility of livestock and cereal prices over the last few years. For example, when livestock values are increasing, the FBS figures will reflect the increase in the form of profit for that trading year, whereas financial accounts will not show the increase in the value of an animal until it is sold and then the whole profit is reflected on the animal in the year of sale and the business is taxed on the profit at that point (unless the farm uses the herd basis form of taxation).

The reports that the FBS produce for co-operators give a wealth of information to the

Where did all my profit go?! - profits in relation to fund flowBy Caroline LambourneResearch Officers for the Farm Business Survey (FBS) team visit 20 different farm types around the south west and each farm is unique and individual. However, regardless of size or farm type, the first question commonly asked of us is “So, how much profit did I make?!”

Caroline Lambourne

“FBS reports are a very useful management tool.”


farmer and are a very useful management tool. Their priority is usually to see how much profit was made in the year and this is often followed by “Well I don’t know where it’s gone, did I spend it all that quickly?!”

Often it is hard to understand why the bank overdraft is no better than last year, if a profit has been made. A Source and Allocation of Funds Statement is included in the FBS set of management accounts and this is a helpful tool to use when establishing what has happened to any profit:

From the example of a mock farm’s Source and Allocation of Funds Statement (fig 1), we can see that this business made a profit for the year of £45,000. This figure includes depreciation of £15,500 which is cash not physically spent, and £8,250 of stock valuation

increase which is money not physically received yet, as these animals are still on-farm. After adjusting for these figures the farm is left with a Trading Net Fund Flow Surplus of £52,250, which is in effect a cashflow figure for the year. Any capital expenditure on machinery or property improvements gets deducted from this, as does private expenditure, credits for private proportions on overheads such as electricity, telephone, fuel and water, and the net movement of private monies coming into or leaving the farm account.

The figure left over after these deductions will be either a Total net fund flow surplus or deficit. The bottom section of the report shows how the Total net fund flow surplus/deficit has been funded by showing the changes in the balances of all the forms of external funding compared to the

previous year end.

As can be seen from the example in figure 1, although there is a net profit of £45,000, just over half of this total has been re-invested in property and machinery. In addition, the private expenditure is 70% of the net profit, which has resulted in the farm ending up with a Total net funds flow deficit; this is financed mostly by the bank overdraft rising by £4,150 from the same time last year.

So although the net profit figure is an important

figure to establish, taken on its own it doesn’t tell us the whole story of what is happening within the business. The circumstances and requirements of each farm are different. For example a young or expanding business will require greater levels of capital investment; cashflow may well

be tighter, and higher profits will be necessary to meet the additional loan repayments. A mature business in contrast may not need the same amount of capital investment as it has reached its optimal size and stocking level and has had time to reduce the liabilities

incurred during times of expansion.

The private expenditure requirement for farms can also vary significantly. Some businesses have more than one family working on and drawing a living from it; higher levels of profits are needed to cover this. Alternatively if a member of the household is earning an additional income outside of the farm and there is only one family drawing from the farm, the profit can potentially be much lower and the farm still end up with a total farm fund flow surplus at the end of the year.

In conclusion, a Source and Allocation of Funds Flow is key to helping to understand where profits have been utilised and re-invested within the business. It is also worth remembering that the profit figure alone doesn’t give a complete picture of how well the business has performed in the year. Each farm is unique and farmers have different levels of expectation of the return required from their businesses. Bearing in mind the level of profit against the current “stage” of the business, as well as its ability to provide an adequate living and repay any external finance it may have, helps to give a better overall view of the situation.

Source and Allocation of FundsYear end 31/03/14

£ £ £Funds available from tradingNet profit after interest 45000

Valuation increase, net of BLSA 8250Machinery depreciation 15500

Trading net fund flow surplus 52250

Funds used for farm investmentsMachinery purchases 20000Building improvements 3500

Capital net fund outflow 23500

Total farm fund flow surplus 28750

Funds used for private expenditurePrivate introductions and transfers in 2000 Private cheques and cash 32000

Credits 2500

Private fund outflow 32500

Total net fund flow deficit 3750

Changes in external fundingHP and lease decrease 2000

Creditors increase 2400Debtor increase 800

Bank overdraft increase 4150

Net Increase in funding 3750

Figure 1 - Source and Allocation of Funds Statement


Cornish brassica producers debate with European counterparts at Brittany conferenceBy Ian BoaseSome of the leading cauliflower producers and packers from Cornwall, attended ‘Congres international Chou-fleur: les enjeux de la production europeenne’ (International Congress Cauliflower: Challenges of European production). The Congress was held over two days in Brittany, with over 280 attendees from nine different nations participating.

French research centre CTIFL (Centre Technique Interprofessional des Fruits et Legumes) and association of producer organisations, AOP Cerafel, organised the International Cauliflower Congress in Saint-Pol-de-Léon, Brittany. The congress, which is being held in partnership with regional experimental stations CATE and SECL-Terre d’essais, centres on the question of what is at stake for European cauliflower production.

Brittany is the leading region for fresh vegetable production in France, as well as in Europe,

ranking number one for cauliflower production, with 17,600ha, 1,150 producers and 135million heads sold. Around 65% of the region’s volumes are exported.

Other large scale enterprises in the area consist of potatoes, strawberries, onions, carrots, leeks, meat and egg production. All produce sales are co-ordinated by AOP Cerafel and are sold under the brand ‘Prince de Bretagne’. Cerafel also takes a very active role in advertising, research and development, market regulations and co-ordinating regional funds for crop development on behalf of the 2,000

producers within the marketing membership.

The first day focussed on the economic and technical aspects of cauliflower production in the form of a round table discussion and a technical forum.

Opening speeches included one from Joseph Rousseau (AOP Cerafel), who gave an in-depth review of the marketing structure in the region from the 1960s to the present day, which is summarised in the table below:

Country (rank order)

Hectares Grown (2013)

Main Production Period

Main Market

France 17,600 Oct – Apr Fresh whole head

Italy 11,00 May – Mar Fresh- large heads

Poland 9,000 May – Oct Processing

United Kingdom

8,000 All year round

Fresh whole head

Spain 6,000 All year round

Fresh whole head

Germany 5,000 May – Nov Fresh- large heads

Belgium 4,500 May – Oct Processing

Holland 2,300 May – Oct Processing

Major European Cauliflower production by country

Date French Market

1960 Lack of market/marketing organisation

1961 1st auction market established growers/shippers/buyers worked together

1975 Packing site developed

1981 3 synchronised auction markets go live in region

Cornish producers settle in at the congress


Cerafel, who’s head office is situated on the north Brittany coast, currently co-ordinates 2,000 producers, 6 producer organisations, 50 merchants and 3 auction markets, a packing facility and a transportation network of 300 lorries. All products are packaged to strict specific standards, resulting in a recognised brand (Prince de Bretagne), being renowned for quality. This has led to a strong co-ordinated approach to selling produce, resulting in a stronger financial return to producers.

The first day concluded with short seminars on nitrogen management, crop protection and weed management of the Brittany brassica crop. In a question and answer session to conclude the day, the subject of crop forecasting was raised and the ability to predict crop maturity and possible research into this area.

One of the Cornish delegates, Alan Edmond, was able to respond to the Congress floor, as he had been involved in a pilot project, developed by Plymouth University in Cornwall in this subject. He explained that curd sizes were recorded on

different varieties at different times up until maturity for the UK market, throughout the season. However, project conclusions, indicated that the weather played such a crucial role in the prediction of maturity that it was difficult to develop a prediction programme.

The second day consisted of field visits to view cauliflower being harvested the ‘French way’, followed by a visit to a experimentation station and then the local auction market (French clock auction). This is where produce is ‘bid for’ and bought at the highest proce. French cauliflower

in UK shops, is bought through merchants, by British packers, via this process and packaged accordingly for the UK market.

Without exception, this practical day proved to be beneficial for all delegates, whether it was from small ideas gained in harvesting techniques, or scientific data related to nutrition of the growing crop and to seed variety and breeding programmes occurring within the Brittany region for the producer organisation.

One of the 3 French auction rooms

Research and development station

Crop being harvested by a Prince de Bretagne producer

Selection of branded products from Prince de Bretagne

The Cornish group of delegates were also lucky enough to have private tours of both Bejo France and Syngenta France, Brassica trials. These are plots of new, probable and existing crop material, that seed

companies assess against industry standards, as a potential new variety to be introduced into the market place. It gave the group an insight as to varieties that may be available to their own programmes in a few

years.

Finally, thanks must go to Elsom Seeds, Bejo France and Syngenta France, for their assistance and help in welcoming the Cornish growers to their facilities

in France.

This study trip was organised by the RBS and part-funded through the Rural Development Programme for England.

Visitors should arrive at the Agrifood Centre, where they can see information displays, start their free quiz sheets and enjoy refreshments before taking a tractor and trailer ride to our working farm. Once at the farm, visitors can see the new born lambs, meet the piglets and the Devon Cattle as well as the dairy herd.

Children and adults will be able to take part in quizzes and picture hunts whilst they learn facts about lambing, sheep and farming. There will also be wool displays by Liskeard Spinners and milking information from Dairy Crest.

After last year’s event which was the first after a gap of a few years, James Coumbe, Duchy College Farms Director, said, “I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came along on the day and the feedback we received from the visitors was very positive. Lambing is an important part of farming and we wanted to open up the farm to let the public know what we do on our farm and educate them on where their food comes from. As soon as all the people left we started lambing again through the night!”

Arrangements are already under way for Sunday 8th March 2015 when we hope to have good weather and another successful day.

You will be able to enjoy:

• Children’s activities corner and quizzes

• Insights on sheep farming

• Information areas and displays

• Refreshments

• Tractor and trailer rides to the Farm

• Seeing the North Devon suckler cows and calves and outdoor pigs

• Seeing the ewes and new-born lambs

• Seeing the tractors.

Please wear wellies or sensible shoes. Please do not bring dogs to this event. Please be advised that women who are

or might be pregnant should avoid contact with sheep and lambs.

We welcome sponsorship and support from local businesses; please contact James Coumbe via the Rural Business School if you are able to help on 0845 458 7485.

The date for your diary is Sunday 8th March 2015 from 11am till 3pm.

Entry Fees - Adults £3; Children £2: Chilren Under Three’s free: Families £10.

Duchy College Family Farm DayBy Lorna HarrisTake the opportunity to visit the College Farm and see the new- born lambs on our Family Farm Day. On Sunday 8th March we will be welcoming visitors to Duchy College Stoke Climsland and the College farm to celebrate spring and the birth of lambs.

page 18 | The Rural Business School |February 2015

News


Appetite genes are key to better diets for poultry | Dick Vet News Summer 2014Scientists at Edinburgh University’s Roslin Institute have identified how a chicken’s genetic make-up can affect the signals sent from its stomach to its brain that tell a chicken when it has had enough to eat. Poultry farmers have to restrict food for chickens because some birds are insensitive to feelings of fullness and can overeat affecting their ability to reproduce. The study focussed on a protein cholescystokinin that has a key role in sending signals linked to being full from the gut to the brain. It should now be easier to develop diets that reduce excessive growth more naturally in such birds.

Cattle could be source of MRSA in people | Dick Vet News Summer 2014A type of MRSA found in humans originated in cattle, a study at Roslin Institute has found. A strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin to become Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). In addition the bacterium acquired the ability to avoid attack by the human immune system.

Fat or fiction? | New Scientist, 2nd August 2014The idea that fat is bad for your heart is melting away. According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular disease kills more than 17 million people per year, about a third of all deaths. In the USA, 81 million people live with cardiovascular disease. Since the 1970s, the idea that eating high levels of saturated fats, typically from meat and dairy foods raises the risk of heart attack has been a key principle of human nutrition; instead we have been urged to eat more ‘healthy’ fats such as in vegetable oils, fish, nuts and seeds. The recommendation is that fats should be less than 30% of total calories and less than 10% of saturated fat. Average consumption of fats has reduced since the1970s and heart disease deaths have gone down, but this could have been related to medical advances; indeed obesity and associated diseases have not reduced. The thinking was that the more fat you eat, the higher the level of lipoprotein in the blood. Lipoproteins come in two types, one known as ‘bad cholesterol’, which can stick to artery walls and raise the risk of a clot causing a blockage and

As part of the student seminar series organised by the Rural Business School’s Healthy Livestock team, Richard Miller from National Milk Records visited Duchy College (Stoke Climsland) recently to review the effects of milk recording on both national and individual herd performance. The presentation covered the rapid rates of improvement in many traits especially production and, more recently, somatic cell counts in the national herd, before looking at the benefits in terms of medium and short term information to assist with day to day herd management and breeding decisions. From there a review of the future of milk recording services covered the research that is going into a range of new milk sample based tests which will be used to analyse production, performance, nutrition and health at any given recording.

Following this, he went on to present a few slides showing part of the Research Masters project that he is currently carrying out as part of the Duchy College ResM programme. The

main focus was on the dynamic between income per day, production level and reproductive performance. Sustainability of good reproductive performance in higher yielding herds and the impact of the measure of production used to indicate herd performance were also covered alongside the importance of longevity in the herd regardless of production potential (for more details see Issue 42 page 22).

Over 50 students were in attendance. Richard, who comes from a dairy farming background and has a degree in mathematics is SW Area Manager for NMR and has worked closely with the RBS on various projects, most recently with the successful South West Dairy Conference held at the College in November.

Richard Miller of NMR speaks to students

| The Rural Business School |February 2015

The requirement for additional energy management in a calf house varies according to the calf/calves, the weather, and the quality of the calf house environment. In the first week of life a calf is likely to spend extra energy to keep ‘warm’ below an air temperature of maybe 10oC. The actual lower critical temperature for any one calf will depend on all those aspects that will influence the energy dynamics of the system:

• Genetics ~ Jersey calf will feel ‘cold’ before e.g. Charolais calf

• Birth conditions ~ normal/prolonged; premature/low birth weight; single/twin

• Health ~ vigour/health vs apathetic/low feed intake

• Nutrition ~ quality and quantity and timing of colostrum; energy density and dilution of milk powder, adequate intake

• Air speed ~ less than 1m/s is good; a draft is negative

• Dry bedding ~ essential; damp

bedding extracts energy from the calf

Calf jacket protocolJackets must be made of breathable materials……..

1. Locate max/min thermometer in calf house

2. Reset thermometer every morning during autumn/winter housing

3. Decide on set temperature for your system, e.g. 10oC

4. Agree starting protocol with staff :

5. e.g. 3 consecutive night-time minimum temperatures below e.g.10oC

6. Calves must be dried off before using jacket

7. Place clean jacket on every calf below one week of age and on entry to calf house

Removing jackets……..

Entirely dependent on the energy dynamics listed above; what is the condition and appetite of each calf? What are the expected weather conditions? OR keep on calf until 4 weeks old.

1. Know the weather forecast; steady or rising temperatures OK, falling temperatures, beware removing jacket too early

2. Agree with staff a temperature protocol for healthy calves

3. e.g. one week old >10oC OK; two week >5oC OK; more than 3 week >2oC OK

4. Refer to recent night-time minimum temperatures

5. Consider individual calf condition; feed intake, health, growth rate

6. Remove jacket in morning not afternoon

7. Remove dirt from jacket with hose/light powerwash or pre-soak

8. Wash jacket @ 40-50oC with detergent and dry.

Calf heater protocol• Provide waterproof

ring main and sockets (IP66 standard) above pens

• Provide a Frost stat on the circuit; ensure power rating can accommodate all heaters on circuit

• Use 250W infra-red bulbs over individual pens (one per two pens)

• Use 1500W linear heater (IP55 standard) wall mounted or hanging above group pens

• Hang linear heater at height recommended by manufacturer

• Agree set temperature as above for frost stat; override for sick calves.

Calf jacket and heater protocolAs this issue of The Rural Business School is being put together, the temperature outside has plummeted to below freezing. Following a series of on-farm housing meetings held by DairyCo and the RBS with Jamie Robertson guest speaking, it became apparent how important it is for calves to be housed in temperatures above their core critical temperature: as an aid to achieving this, Jamie Robertson explains the protocols of using calf jackets and heaters to maintain calf temperatures to achieve optimum growth rates. More on the DairyCo and RBS housing workshops will be in the next issue.


News continued from page 19

associated with saturated fat consumption along with ‘good cholesterol’, associated with unsaturated, plant-derived fats which prevent such build-up.

Since 2010, however, some scientists have questioned this and pooled the results of studies and found that there was no evidence to support the idea that saturated fat raises the risk of heart disease, nor that high consumption of unsaturated fat protected against heart disease. Research at California University now suggests that the so-called ‘bad cholesterol’ comes in two types, one type that really is linked to heart disease and one that is less risky; the former is linked to a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet. Not all scientists agree and studies in animals support the traditional principles. Other factors could be masking the link e.g. overall energy intake, exercise and bodyweight; being overweight or obese does raise the risk of heart disease. Trials showed that where saturated fats were replaced by carbohydrates, especially sugars, heart disease risk went up. Similarly heart disease rose when ‘trans’ fats e.g. margarine, previously thought to be ‘healthy’ replace saturated fats.

Increasingly there is evidence that consumption of dairy fat actually reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Scientists have not yet recommended changing guidance, but it seems that steak and butter can be part of a healthy diet – just don’t overdo them.

Fix these farms, feed an extra 3 billion people | New Scientist, 26th July 2014Most of world food production problems arise from just a dozen or so countries and regions. Focussing on these, could feed three billion more people claim researchers at Minnesota University in the USA. The way agriculture is developing is not sustainable. Increasing yields from unproductive farms, stopping the waste of precious resources like water and cutting greenhouse gases would be the key points to gain the best returns on investments along with reducing waste as 30-50% of food goes uneaten.

BOSAHAN PEDIGREE SIMMENTALS.

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Classified AdsSomething to sell? Looking to buy?

Advertise in the The Rural Business School and reach over 10,000 readers!

Land, stock, machinery, goods, services etc.Charges: 50p per word plus £5.00 for a photo.

Call 0845 458 7485 to place your advertisement or e-mail [email protected]

Cheques payable to ‘Duchy College’.We reserve the right to refuse submissions. Advertisers are liable in law not to mis-represent any offerings for sale, under the Business

Advertisement Disclosure Order. We accept no responsibility for the contents of these advertisements.

You can now claim Dairy Pro CPD points through The Rural Business School. Please contact BASIS to claim your Dairy Pro CPD points.

The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of the Rural

Business School, Duchy College or the Cornwall College Corporation.

Advice Mornings

Bicton - 7th March, 9am-2pm

Duchy Rosewarne - 14th March, 10am-12pm

Duchy Stoke Climsland - 14th March, 10am-12pm

| The Rural Business School |February 2015

Guest Article

Gotleigh MoorGotleigh Moor is a mosaic of habitats designated as a SSSI for its mire communities. There are areas of dry grassland, rush meadows and wet woodland as well as extensive mire areas totalling 25 hectares. We have an HLS agreement and manage it with help and advice from Natural England. More information on Gotleigh Moor can be found at www.gotleighmoor.com.

New Forest poniesWe chose the New Forest breed for its hardiness, the similarities of the New Forest habitats to those at Gotleigh Moor and the temperament of the ponies. They were also readily available as foals from the sales at Beaulieu Road in the New Forest. They are easy to train, grow to a good size for future sales of offspring and

make excellent mothers. More information on New Forest ponies can be found at www.newforestpony.com.

Management systemAlthough we have bought steers in the spring and sold them in autumn, the quality and temperament of the animals was very variable and we made no profit at all. They had to be TB tested before selling on and we have no facilities for keeping them through the winter. The ponies live out on the moor all year

with no supplementary feeding, as required by our HLS agreement. We only supply hay during deep snow when they cannot graze. The moor is strategically fenced and gated to divide it into three areas. During the summer we rotate the ponies from one area to another so we can control the height of the sward and achieve more even grazing. This system also encourages them on to the wetter areas which benefit from trampling as

Conservation grazing with New Forest ponies on a SSSI in the Blackdown HillsBy Dr Elizabeth Whiteley, Partner Gotleigh Moor Management LLP & Associate Lecturer Environmental Science Open UniversityAlthough cattle can be effective conservation grazers, ponies are efficient at keeping the sward to the required height and will browse on encroaching scrub. Ponies do not suffer from the diseases associated with cattle, an important consideration with TB endemic in the south west and Johne’s disease, red water and fluke also being a problem in this region.

New Forest ponies with moorland behind“We rotate the

ponies from one area to another.”


News continued from page 21

Ewe Nutrition and Pre & Post Lambing Diseases

Sheep Focus Farm meetingWednesday 18th February 2015

6.30pmWindwhistle Inn, Cricket St Thomas, Chard, TA20 4DQTo book your place please contact the

Rural Business School on 0845 458 7458 or [email protected]

Immigrants aid the economy | New Scientist, 29th November 2014Research from Oxford University confirms that immigrants boost the prosperity of their home countries. Between 1995 and 2011, migrants to the UK from other EU countries contributed more in taxes, than they received in benefits; furthermore, they provide a net gain of wealth for the global economy according to the World Bank, with these wage-earners buying more goods and service. US economic data shows that even poorly educated immigrants aid economic growth, creating more jobs for locals as they can capitalise on their language and educational advantages. There can be short-term disadvantages in terms of jobs, so it is recommended that governments improve their management of migration to avoid the short-term disadvantages and maximise the greater long term advantages.

No chickens required | New Scientist, 22nd November 2014Hampton Creek, a Californian start-up company introduced egg-free mayonnaise in Tesco Supermarkets at the end of 2014. The company believes that growing maize and soya to feed chickens is inefficient and aim to attract consumers through a cheaper, tastier longer-lasting product. They have identified a plant, a cultivar of the Canadian yellow pea which can replace egg, through looking at the data available on the protein properties of species deemed safe by the US Food and Drug Administration. Future food products planned are a pasta that uses less water and a plant that scrambles like eggs.

Transatlantic pig research group to tackle PRRS | Dick Vet News Summer 2014Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) will be tackled by researchers at Roslin Institute working with Iowa State University. PRRS affects pig herds causing reproductive failure and respiratory disease in young pigs and costs pork producers millions of pounds. It was first reported in the USA in 1987. It will particularly look at whether breeding for a specific gene variant which protects against the particularly virulent PRSS does not have any knock-on effects.

well as grazing creating bare soil for germination of seeds from the mire species.

The ponies are trained to come to call and are put through the cattle crush, without using the head restraint, for routine tetanus injections. They are wormed twice a year using baited pieces of apple with no need to restrain them.

A recent survey by the Devon Botanical Society found the mire species to be thriving which suggests we must be doing something right!.

For more information on the ponies and our management system, please email [email protected].

New Forest ponies on the moor with the latest edition

Lesser Butterfly Orchid Platanthera bifolia growing in the mire area


Venue Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall PL17 8PB Booking is essential

To secure your place at these events please email [email protected], call 0845 458 7485 to pay by debit/credit card

or complete the booking slip and send with your payment (cheques payable to ‘Duchy College’) to Duchy College, Rural Business School, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8PB.

Hot Smoking Workshop

Would you like to try smoking food? During this workshop you will gain an understanding of the process of smoking and practical experience in the art. You will learn about the types of smoking, how to make your own smoker and the smoking process for a

variety of foods. You will also cover the history of smoking and food safety.

Thursday 5th March

9am - 4pm

£60 per person Lunch is included

You will take home products from the course

Trailer Handling and Reversing

The aim of this course is to give you the confidence and skills needed to tow and manoeuvre a trailer it does not

lead to a qualification or test. (Please check www.gov.uk to establish if you need to take a test)

This practical course will cover; trailer handling on and off the road, trailer reversing, Health and Safety, trailer

checks, hitching and un-hitching, relevant towing law, and avoiding accidents. You will gain experience and practical tips that will help you to handle a trailer with increased

awareness and confidence

Thursday 23rd OR Friday 24th April 9am - 4pm

£50 per person Please wear sensible boots or shoes and warm waterproof

clothing. Lunch is included.

Sausage Making

You will learn how to make different types of quality sausages using traditional skills.

During the morning you will discuss how to choose and prepare the ingredients and flavourings without using additives, artificial preservatives or commercial mixes.

You will taste the sausages made and take home a sample of the days results along with ideas for sausage

recipes and the skill to make your own.

Tuesday 24th March

9am - 1pm

£55 per person

Junior Tractor Maintenance and Workshop Skills

This course is ideal for young people 13 - 18 years old who spend time around tractors and machinery. The day

will include basic tractor servicing, maintenance, workshop skills and health & safety. You will look at daily and regular checks and servicing. You will learn how to

change filters, adjusting wheel settings etc.

Saturday 21st February

10am - 4pm

£65 per person

Please wear steel toe capped boots and overalls.

Please bring your own lunch.


Making the most of organic manure

10/02/15 10am-4.30pm

DCS Cornwall £48 RBS

Routine management of endemic diseases in layers

10/02/15 10am-4pm

Colliton Barton Training Centre, EX14 3LJ

Devon £54 RBS

Introduction to welding

14/02/15 9.30am-3.30pm


Allotment gardening 14/02/15 10am-3pm

DCR Cornwall £30 RBS

Green woodworking craft – rural traditional skills

16 & 17/02/15 9am-4pm


Junior tractor driving 16 & 17/02/15 9.30am-4pm


First aid for pets 17/02/15 9.30am-1pm


Allotment gardening 18/02/15 10am-3pm


Willow weaving workshop

18/02/15 10am-4pm


Energy usage tools and techniques

18/02/15 10.15-14.30


Training you and your gundog

19/02/15 1am-4pm


Ewe nutrition and lambing diseases (Sheep Focus Farm)

18/02/15 6.30pm Windwhistle Inn, Cricket St Thomas, TA20 4DQ

Somerset FREE RBS

BVD & Johne’s disease 19/02/15 7pm TBC, Bodmin

Cornwall FREE Kernow Farm & Equine (01208) 72323

Nutrient management: nutrient interaction with disease

21/02/15 10am-4pm

Bicton Earth Centre, EX9 7BY

Devon £48+VAT RBS

Diary DatesCourse title Date/Time Venue County Cost Contact


Course title Date/Time Venue County Cost Contact

Junior tractor maintenance and workshop skills

21/02/15 10am-4pm


Introduction to beef butchery

24/02/15 9am-5pm


BVD & Johne’s disease review

24/02/15 10am TBC, Wadebridge

Cornwall FREE RBS

Horticultural approaches to gardening

25/02/15 – 18/03/15 6.30pm-8.30pm


Introduction to cheese making

26/02/15 9am-5pm


FACTS 26 & 27/02/15 9am-5pm

St Neot Village Institute, PL14 6NG

Cornwall £364.80 RBS

Keeping pet chickens 28/02/15 10am-4pm



February TBC TBC On-Farm

S.E. Devon

FREE RBS


February TBC TBC On-Farm

Dorset Free RBS

Bread and patisserie workshop

03/03/15 9am-4pm


Safe use of pesticides – grandfather rights

05 & 06/03/15 9am-4pm


Hot smoking course 05/03/15 9am-4pm


Course Advice Day – Bicton College

07/03/15 9am-2pm

Bicton College, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 7BY

Devon N/A Bicton College 01395 562408

Family Farm Day 08/03/15 11am-3pm

DCS Cornwall Adults £3, Concessions £2, Under 3’s FREE

N/A


Information event – Stoke Climsland

14/03/15 10am-12pm

DCS Cornwall n/a Duchy College 0845 60 50 455

Information event – Rosewarne

14/03/15 10am-12pm

DCR Cornwall n/a Duchy College 0845 60 50 455


14/03/15 1pm-4pm


Deer butchery course 17/03/15 9am-6pm


Tractor driving for beginners

21 & 22/03/15 9.30am-4pm


Cupcake workshop 21/03/15 10am-4pm


Sausage making 24/03/15 9am-1pm


Spinning workshop 28/03/15 10am-4pm





09/04/15 9am-4pm




Beekeeping for beginners

11 – 25/04/15 9.30am-4pm


Tractor experience day

11/04/15 10am-4pm


Tractor driving for beginners

12 & 13/04/15 9.30am-4pm

TBC TBC £145 RBS

Designing with plants: How to plant your garden

16/04-21/05/15 7pm-9.30pm



18/04/15 1pm-4pm




Key to iconsFor more informationPlease call 0845 458 7485 or email [email protected] for more information. Our full list of events is available at: www.ruralbusinessschool.org.uk

Key to abbreviationsDCR - Duchy College Rosewarne DCS - Duchy College Stoke ClimslandESF - European Social Funded (eligibility rules apply)FF - full fee

Agriculture general Dairy Beef Sheep Poultry Arable/Crop

Production

Resource Management Machinery Pets CPD Countryside Rural Crafts

Equine Leadership & Management

Food & Drink Forestry Horticulture General/

Other


Introduction to floristry

21/04-12/05/15 6.30pm-8.30pm


Cheese making 22-24/04/15 9am-5pm


Trailer handling and reversing

23/04/15 9am-4pm


Trailer handling and reversing

24/04/15 9am-4pm


Basic car maintenance 25/04/15 10am-4pm


Gluten free cake baking

25/04/15 10am-3.45pm


Further horticultural approaches to gardening

29/04-20/05/15 DCR Cornwall £85 RBS

Introduction to beekeeping

03/05/15 9.30am-4pm



07/05/15 9am-4pm


Introduction to lamb and pork butchery

12/05/15 9am-5pm


Local shell fish workshop

26/05/15 9am-2.30pm


rural business school newsletter - february 2015

Documents

rural business school

rural businesses

workbased learning

real future

apprenticeship provision

apprentice provision

real differences

real qualification