CALLING all farmers – this is an urgent message in case you have nothing to do over Christmas.

The phased release programme of the new online BPS system is behind schedule and I fear the backlog will inevitably generate an ever-increasing hive of activity to get your claim applications dealt with in time.

Last week, however, we were able to register as agents and I have to say that the ghastly verification process let everybody down to such an extent that the RPA has allowed us to complete the registration process using just the PI number, answering security questions and providing an email address.

From today, the same facility is now available to farmers to get themselves registered in advance of the next phase being released, and it is a vital step to take.

I don’t pretend it is easy and certainly not unless you were brought up with a computer at primary school.

You can phone the RPA number which is 0300 0200 301 and answer the questions, but if you prefer, agents such as ourselves are prepared to help, having experienced the procedure already. This is one case where you should adopt the scout motto “be prepared” and take action.

 

Protection rules

ONE of the perceived benefits of the new cross compliance has been the abolition of soil protection reviews, but as ever Defra has seen fit to invent a whole raft of regulations, which they are now calling soil protection standards.

We think these are potentially more severe and include pointing the penalty finger at matters such as out wintering livestock, outdoor pigs, wheelings in seedbeds, and soil erosion in row crops.

Our current thoughts are that having abandoned the official SPR, farmers would be well advised to still produce a Soil Risk Management Plan to counter any accusations of compliance breach.

 

New farm business course

RYEDALE’S Graham Bulmer is heading up a new farm business academy, which is known as Fresh Start Plus and is funded by the EC, local companies and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

In the New Year, Graham has set up a programme of nine seminars with a variety of subjects, including farm business visits, case studies and presentations from farm business professionals.

The Fresh Start Academies are designed to support and develop the next generation of farmers, land managers and land-based businesses.

This academy will provide participants with in-depth business skills and an opportunity to fine tune their own business ideas. There will be practical exercises to complement all the Fresh Start programmes and a farm business planning competition.

The academy is open to anyone over 18, who already has some basic farm skills and an entrepreneurial outlook on future opportunities.

The academy programme is being hosted by York Auction Centre at Murton and you can email Graham at graham.bulmer61@gmail.com or Davina Fillingham at davina@stephenson.co.uk

The first seminar is on January 20 and you need to have your applications in by the first week of January.