News in brief: October 2023

News in Brief

Autumn has arrived and the sense of renewal and change has spread further than the clocks. The annual party conferences offer time for reflection, with promises and plans for the future dominating the headlines. At the time of writing, we have only heard from the Conservative Party but, with an annual election set to take place at some point in the near future, promises of change are set to take centre stage for the foreseeable future.

Conservative Party Conference

You could be forgiven for assuming the only discussions to take place at the Conservative Party Conference about farming were in regard to Jacob Rees Mogg’s comments around importing Australian beef, such was the media focus. However, the NFU Fringe Event played host to wide-ranging discussions regarding on fairness in farming, food security, incentives for young entrants and rollout of the ELM schemes. NFU President Minette Batters said: “It’s more important than ever for political parties to back British food and farming. The nation’s food security has rarely been more prominent than in the past few years, and with the challenges we’ve faced it’s clear that we need to reassess how we value food and farming. Let’s not forget, this is a sector which forms the backbone of our rural communities, our much-loved countryside and our food and drink industry, which is worth more than £100 billion to the national economy and employs four million people.”

Farmers advised to plan for the future

Fewer than half of farmers have a succession plan in place, a survey by NFU Mutual has revealed. The Voice of the Farmer survey revealed that only 48% have a succession plan drawn up – a figure that hasn’t changed in the past three years. Gregor Belcher, farming specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Deciding who to hand the farm down to and how to do that drops down the priority list when there are more immediate needs to tackle. But even in tough environments, the importance of future-proofing the farm does not disappear. In some cases, these challenges will have triggered a need to start thinking about succession, but even those farmers who don’t believe a plan is relevant to them can put in a series of small simple steps to protect their farm.”

Sheep numbers fall

England’s sheep flock has fallen to its lowest recorded population since 2011, Defra figures reveal. The English sheep flock has declined by 3.2% year-on-year to 14.5 million, as the industry deals with a backdrop of numerous challenges. ADHB analyst Becky Smith said: "Industry challenges are well-documented - input cost fluctuation, changes to direct payments, agricultural policy and government support schemes, not least consumer purchasing. GB finished lamb prices have fluctuated but have been relatively firm historically in 2023, especially since early August. The changes in ewe numbers suggest that perhaps the outlook for next year is for flock consolidation, although we await data from other devolved nations to see the full UK picture."

Plans to boost broadband

The government has revealed plans to boost broadband access to 100,000 homes and businesses in the most remote and rural parts of the UK. Defra secretary Therese Coffey announced plans to review and update the broadband Universal Service Obligation which gives people the legal right to request an affordable, decent broadband connection. She said: “Our countryside, home to millions of people, is rich in potential and we want to make sure that everyone can develop their skills and reach the opportunities for success.”

Solar panel theft on the rise

Farmers and landowners are being advised to improve security in the wake of a significant rise in solar panel and cabling theft. Police figures reveal that the theft of solar panels and cabling shot up by 48% from 2021 to 2022 and remote properties in rural areas are particularly vulnerable. George Pratt, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, said: “Although copper cabling in the stolen panels can make money for thieves, panels are often easier and quicker to steal, and can be easily advertised online and sold on the black market.” Landowners are advised to invest in measures that could help deter potential thieves, such as CCTV cameras, alarms and security fencing.