Review your business finances before the crunch hits home

After a sustained period of deflation in the agricultural sector that has helped to keep other parts of the economy buoyant, it was gratifying to see output prices soar in 2007. But was it just a false dawn for an era of financial prosperity in farming?

It would appear that many farm businesses are less affected by the credit crunch and there may be a silver lining for some, says rural business consultant Simon Latter of Berrys.

“Although government policy is once again firmly focused on achieving food price reductions in order to bolster consumer spending power, it is an ill wind that blows no good.

“Interest rates have fallen, and could fall further, so it’s a good time to review the financial structure of your business. The opportunity to refinance existing loans or take advantage of cheap credit should not be overlooked by well-planned businesses. Although the banks and credit houses have tightened their lending criteria, farmers will have less difficulty obtaining finance than others provided that they can offer good security, have a sound track record and present their case well.”

When looking to renegotiate your overdraft or refinance other borrowing, take care to weigh up your options carefully.

“Is your quote based on the Bank of England base rate, LIBOR, or just the bank’s own rate; and don’t forget to take account of renewal or arrangement costs,” advises Matthew Anwyl, managing partner with Berrys.

“Now is also the time to check the small print of your overdraft, and you should consider the mix of existing borrowing between overdraft and loan. Aim to transfer the “hardcore” element of your overdraft to a more structured loan arrangement. You might get better terms if you offer more security.”

“Be prepared before you meet your bank manager; make sure that you are armed with all the relevant facts and figures to support your proposals. Bankers appreciate customers who have thought through their finances,” he adds.

While residential property prices have slipped and recorded transactions are at an all time low, farmland values seem to be bucking this trend. Reduced interest rates may encourage renewed interest from farmer buyers whilst the prospect of recovery in equities and other investments may tempt more land on to the market.

The value of sterling has followed interest rates downwards, making imports comparatively expensive and our exports more affordable. Although this may have a negative impact on some input costs, it is to be hoped that farming and associated diversifications will benefit as consumers look for domestic supply options.

“Perhaps the single most important lesson that should be learnt from the last two years is the volatility that can result from global economic changes,” Simon Latter concludes.

“The stability provided by income streams from Single Payment and agri-environment schemes, whilst de-coupled from prescriptive production requirements, provides farming with the opportunity to respond to market signals. To make full use of this chance it is essential that farm businesses are reviewed regularly and plan for the future.”

Simon Latter and Matthew Anwyl are based at Berrys Shrewsbury Office, telephone 01743 271 697, email simon.latter@berrybros.com or matthew.anwyl@berrybros.com or visit www.berrybros.com

Livestock farmers in Shropshire have been warned to stay vigilant over the continued threat of bluetongue disease in the county.

Adrian Joynt  farm manager at Walford College Farm urged livestock keepers to continue to be cautious in the months ahead to protect their livestock from the midge-borne virus which has decimated herds and flocks across the Channel.

At Shropshire NFU's recent annual general meeting held near Shrewsbury, Mr Joynt stepped down as county chairman and in his address spoke to members about the livestock disease.

He told the meeting that while bluetongue had been kept at bay so far which was really positive there was the danger for complacency to creep in.

Mr Joynt, who manages the farm at Walford and North Shropshire College, said: “There have been no cases of bluetongue disease so far this year in the country although we have seen some disease in imported animals.

“I think that credit must go to all those farmers who have vaccinated, especially those in the south and the east, who have helped to stop bluetongue spreading.

“Maybe we don’t know in Shropshire how grateful to them we should be.

 “Now all Shropshire livestock keepers need to keep up with the vaccination and need to avoid being complacent in the months ahead."

Equestrian property and legal issues will come under the spotlight next month at a specialist equine seminar being organised by CLA Enterprise Works, Berrys and FBC Manby Bowdler.

“Seeing property and business from your point of view” will be held at The National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on Friday, December 5, covering a range of issues to interest most equestrians.

Sarah Reece, equestrian property specialist with Berrys based at Shrewsbury, will be first on the podium looking at purchase and sale of equestrian property.

While property sales generally have slumped, equestrian property remains relatively stable but specialist skills are required to market these niche properties effectively to attract serious buyers.

Next up will be Steven Corfield and John Kynnersley of FBC Manby Bowdler LLP who will tackle landlord, tenant and partnership issues within the business.

One of the most important concerns for any equestrian business is Health and Safety. This topic is covered by Matthew Hague of Berrys who will offer advice on meeting Health and Safety legislation and insuring your business is a safe place to live, work and ride.

To maximise potential, many businesses need to expand their facilities. Berrys’ planning expert Stephen Locke will explain how planning permission must be obtained for most types of development, whether it involves re-using buildings and land or constructing new facilities or buildings.

Employment issues will be covered by Paul Horton and Alasdair Hobbs of FBC Manby Bowdler.

After lunch, Stephen Locke of Berrys will give a practical example of how the successful new equine therapy centre,Taylored Equestrian, was established on a greenfield site in Shropshire.

The cost of the seminar is £20, including lunch. Book through CLA Enterprise Works at www.cla.org.uk/enterpriseworks or call 01785 284 722. Advice on equestrian property is available from Sarah Reece at Berrys on 01743 267 068.

Click here to view the flyer.  

Click here to download the Booking Form.

A substantial parcel of productive pastureland has come on the market at Dudleston Heath in north Shropshire.

Following the recent sale of Gadlas Farm, Dudleston Heath near Ellesmere for equestrian use, leading rural property specialist, Berrys, has been instructed to sell 58.49 acres of land at Gadlas.

The land comprises productive, level pastureland, mixed deciduous woodland and a conservation area, all with good road access. The soil type is predominately Salop, a fine loam over clay, suitable for most uses.

 The land is being offered in four lots or as required:

 Lot 1 (0.94 acres) is a parcel of level pasture with excellent road frontage with post and rail fencing and established hedgerows. The land has mains water supply and would make an excellent pony paddock or livestock grazing area. The guide price is £10,000.

 Lot 2 (3.37 acres) is a block of pastureland with 0.76 acres of mixed deciduous woodland planted in 2002 under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. The land is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone and has permitted development consent for the excavation of a watering hole with associated landscaping. This parcel is ideal for wildlife conservation and amenity use and has a guide price of £9,000.

Lot 3 (1.63 acres) is level pasture suitable for horse and livestock grazing with a guide of £12,000.

 Lot 4 (52.55 acres) is a block of level pasture and woodland situated in a private location. The 10.62 acres of mixed deciduous woodland includes oak, ash and poplar planted in 2002 under the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme The guide is £210,000.

“The land offered for sale has something for everyone with amenity and conservation value as well as agricultural opportunity,” said Simon Latter, who is handling the sale for Berrys at Shrewsbury.

Farmland has always been seen by many as a secure investment and at times such as these, this reasoning is never more apparent.

“This land also offers the chance to improve commercial viability of farms and provides the satisfaction that comes with land ownership. It is no surprise that Berrys has already had strong interest from prospective buyers,” Mr Latter added.

The land is for sale by informal tender to be submitted no later than noon on Friday, November 14 to Berrys at Willow House East, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury.

For further details, or to view the land, contact Simon Latter or Sarah Reece at Berrys on 01743 271697 or visit www.berrybros.com.

Farmers and rural businesses looking to diversify or develop their enterprises may be able to claim grant aid through a new scheme being funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

The Rural Enterprise Grant (REG) is a capital grants programme to fund small scale diversification and business development projects and is available to farmers and specific rural micro-businesses in the West Midlands region.

“The scheme is fairly flexible with funding targeted at farm businesses, members of farming households and new or existing rural businesses whose activities are based on food and drink, environmental technologies or tourism. Eligible businesses will have fewer than 10 employees and a turnover below €2m,” explained Mandy Seedhouse of Berrys.

“The grant will cover up to 40 per cent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £62,500. The remainder of the funding must come from the private sector,” she explained.

 “Eligible applicants can apply for funding for investments in activities such as food and drink diversification and enterprise development including small scale processing and manufacturing activities, supply chain equipment or retailing of locally produced food and drink via a farm shop.”

Support for environmental technologies might favour bio-energy installations, recycling/waste equipment or renewable energy installations. Eligible tourism initiatives include rural tourist attractions, recreation and facilities which add value to the visitor experience such as car parking, toilets and washing facilities.

“Farmers may also be eligible to claim grant if they diversify into leisure or tourism activities such as equine or invest into innovative crop or livestock production projects,” she added.

The RDPE programme is managed by Advantage West Midlands, the Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands region.

For further independent advice contact Mandy Seedhouse at Berrys on 01743 271697 or email mandy.seedhouse@berrybros.com.

Payments for the 2008 scheme year under the Single Farm Payment Scheme (SPS) and other EU direct aid schemes (Aid for Energy Crops and Protein Crop Premium) will be paid using the exchange rate of EUR 1 = GBP 0.79030.

Payments under these schemes are set in Euro and converted to Sterling each year using the exchange rate calculated in accordance with EU regulations. The rate is set by the European Bank in September.

After a wet harvest farmers can at least look forward to receiving an increase on SPS. 

Last year the exchange rate set for 2007 payments was EUR 1 = GBP 0.69680

Farmers and growers battling to get in crops from saturated fields have been given a life line after Defra announced a further temporary suspension of the rules governing the work while land is wet.

The NFU wrote to Defra last week seeking a further derogation from Secretary of State Hilary Benn on GAEC3 rules, up to the last week of October, as a matter of urgency.

 NFU chief arable adviser Guy Gagen said: “We are encouraged the Secretary of State has responded once more to the appalling conditions faced by many of our members again this harvest. This action removes one barrier to gathering in remaining crops and the threat of fines levelled on farmers for bringing home crops while soils are wet.

“Farmers and growers have a natural instinct to look after the soils that support their livelihoods and do not want to leave remaining crops out any longer than is absolutely necessary at this time of year when days are shortening, temperatures are falling and soils are becoming wetter. They will be taking on considerable extra costs through having to dry wet crops.”

With Shropshire due to become a Unitary Authority in April 2009, time could be running out for residential barn conversions.

Although the actual detailed planning policies of the new unitary authority are yet to be finalised, the change of use of redundant farm buildings to open market residential accommodation could become more difficult.

At present, separate local authorities in the county have differently worded policies. For example, North Shropshire District Council will consider barn conversions, subject to an assessment for economic re-use, structural soundness and historical merit.

But, according to Stephen Locke, senior planning consultant with Berrys at Shrewsbury, this could all change: “We are advising farmers and landowners to review their range of farm buildings and consider trying to bank planning permissions while planning policy permits.”

Matthew Anwyl, managing partner with Berrys, said landowners need to act promptly and take professional advice now, as it can take up to six months to market the barns for possible commercial use prior to a residential application.

“Once planning permission has been secured, farmers will then have three years to commence development work,” Mr Anwyl said.

 Although the residential property market is currently unsettled, the market may have turned around within that time and owners will be ready to put in place measures to proceed with a valuable conversion project, or sale, with the necessary residential consent in place; although any planning conditions will need to be discharged and work started to crystallise a permission.

Berrys has extensive experience of a wide range of planning and development work from residential schemes to offices, workshops, equestrian schemes and holiday lets. The firm offers independent advice and submission of planning applications and appeals, providing a one-stop shop with in-house architects, environmental specialists, planning consultants, business experts and landscape designers.

“We can visit the site, assess the buildings, estimate the cost of conversion and give an idea of the potential value implications of the site with planning consent or when completed,” Mr Locke added. 

For further details or for a free, initial consultation, contact Stephen Locke or Matthew Anwyl at Berrys on 01743 271697, email Stephen.locke@berrybros.com or visit www.berrybros.com.

Business community risks a soaking for charity

Berrys sponsored the first ever Dearnford Lake Festival which was declared a huge success, raising thousands of pounds for farming charity RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution).

Hundreds of people turned out at Dearnford Lake, Whitchurch in Shropshire to enjoy fine food, browse art exhibitions and watch the raft racers battling to cross the lake at record speed to get their hands on the £250 prize money donated by Berrys of Shrewsbury.

“We were delighted to get involved with such a novel event and help raise money for such a worthwhile charity,” said Berrys consultant Simon Latter who presented the prize to the winning team – six ladies from Whitchurch Leisure Centre.

“The weather was absolutely fantastic which was a real bonus for the local business community who were prepared to risk a soaking in the raft race!” added Mr Latter.

Jane Bebbington, owner of Dearnford Lake and organiser of the event, said the raft racers had a whale of a time and it was great to see so many families enjoying themselves alongside the lake.

The six Ladies of Leisure from Whitchurch Leisure Centre beat 10 other teams to win the £250 prize sponsored by Berrys. Georgina Hollinrake team leader of Ladies of Leisure was presented the cheque by Simon Latter.

Would-be farmers and rural entrepreneurs in the East Midlands looking to progress their career are being invited to join a new Fresh Start Academy in the area.

Northamptonshire Fresh Start Academy has proved such a huge success since its launch last October that a second academy will start in November to bring new members into the fold.

Northamptonshire is one of 15 Fresh Start Academies in the country set up to help new entrants find openings in the farming industry and assist those who are already in the business to develop and prosper. In its first year a range of meeting were held with top quality speakers covering subjects such as tenancy matters, grants, environmental schemes, tax planning, diversification and training.

Members appreciate the business advice offered by some of the county’s top professionals and the great opportunity for like-minded people to network. This networking extends after the meetings and the sharing of business practices is invaluable in assessing your own business.

The academy can also act as a ‘matchmaking’ service for retiring farmers to identify new entrants to possibly take over their business as a joint venture or partnership.

The Fresh Start Academy holds monthly evening meetings from November until May at Moulton College and is supported by local businesses such as Berrys, the NFU and Northamptonshire Council and is grant aided by Defra.

The new academy will follow the same format with new members joining existing members to form a larger discussion group to further network and develop business opportunities.

For further details contact James Fulton on 01536 532386

Berrys is helping to raise vital fund for national farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) by sponsoring a raft race.

The chartered surveyors group has donated a £250 prize for the winner of a raft race being held at Dearnford Lake Festival in Shropshire on Saturday,  September 20. Would-be raft racers are urged to get their entries in soon as the closing date for raft race entries is fast approaching.

The Festival of Fine Food, Art and Crafts is in support of National Welly Week and will help raise funds for RABI. Berrys donation to the fund comes just a few months after the firm gave 100 pairs of wellies to inner city schoolchildren to encourage farm visits during the Year of Food and Farming.

The festival on September 20 will also showcase local fine food producers and artisans with a host of attractions. The event starts at 9 am and concludes at 5 pm with an open clay pigeon shoot with a £200 prize and trophy for the winner.

Any one is interested in entering a raft racing team should telephone Jane Bebbington on 01948 662934.

Perry Farm at Whittington near Oswestry, Shropshire, a diversified agricultural property with further potential for development, has been sold by Berrys.

The property, which includes a Georgian farmhouse, large-scale poultry unit, leisure complex, traditional buildings with planning consent for residential conversion and fertile agricultural land extending to 185.23 acres, had a guide price of £2.7 million.

“The farm was launched in May and immediately created a lot of interest from farmers within the county and further afield,” said Chris Jones, corporate partner in charge of Berrys’ agency team at Shrewsbury.

“Perry Farm is family-run concern that has been developed into a successful business by the present owners who are retiring. It offers a traditional arable enterprise alongside a large broiler rearing unit and leisure complex comprising of a swimming pool and gym with the opportunity to expand the business by developing the farm buildings,” he said.

“The property offered an excellent opportunity for farmers looking to expand or for an investment buyer looking to take advantage of the tax benefits still available with farm land”.

“We received a number of offers on the property before eventually selling the farm to a Shropshire farming business for in excess of the guide price,” he said.

Land prices remain solid in an otherwise gloomy property market and Chris Jones believes that there is also a demand for good quality country properties that are appropriately marketed: “Although we may have seen land prices reach their peak, there is still a shortage of sizeable commercial blocks and land and farms coming to the market in Shropshire.” 

Properties being marketed by Berrys which confirm there is still a good depth to the market include Chetwynd Grange, a substantial listed country house with 32.5 acres near Newport, which has received a good level of interest and anyone wishing to receive further information regarding the property should contact Berrys as soon as possible.

The firm’s Cheshire office has just launched a 538 acres estate in Cheshire, for which a good level of demand is anticipated.

Contact Chris Jones or Sarah Reece at Berrys on 01743 271697 or visit www.berrybros.com 

A privately owned estate extending to approximately 538 acres (217.72 ha) has come on the market in Cheshire.

Warburton Estate in the north of the county at Warburton, Lymm includes a portfolio of let farms and land, vacant farmland, one vacant cottage and three further let cottages. The sole agent, Berrys, is offering the estate in nine lots with a total guide just short of £4 million (£3,967,500).

Graham Bowcock, partner at Berrys’ Cheshire office, says the estate provides an interesting mixture of property based on good quality arable land.  The land is let under traditional Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies and also under modern Farm Business tenancies.  There is also vacant farmland with buildings at Longridge Farm. Additionally, a number of cottages are let on Rent Act 1977/Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 or assured tenancies and also a vacant cottage. 

“The sale of Warburton Estate offers a rare opportunity to acquire a traditional farming estate in Cheshire in a prime position, just nine miles from Manchester city centre,” said Mr Bowcock.

“Estates like this rarely come to the market in Cheshire so we are expecting a great deal of interest, particularly as farmland values remains solid in an otherwise gloomy market.

“This estate offers an ideal investment opportunity for a private buyer looking to take advantage of the tax breaks still associated with farmland,” he added.

The estate also has sporting potential and is sold with shooting rights (currently licensed to Warburton Shooting Syndicate) and fishing rights on the River Bollin, which are currently licensed to Bay Malton Angling Club at an annual rental of £3,250 plus VAT.

The estate is being sold in nine lots with the largest parcel of land being 199.57 acres (80.76ha), mostly subject to farm business tenancies. Another of the lots includes three farms totalling 180.76 acres (73.15 ha) under agricultural tenancies.

Vacant farm land and buildings are available at Longridge Farm totalling 47 acres (19.02ha) This lot also includes a let farmhouse. Another lot includes three tenanted cottages while 10 Church Green at Warburton is a vacant two-bedroom end of terrace cottage with half-acre garden.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole selling agent Berrys at Northwich, telephone 01606 49200.  Further details are available at www.berrybros.com

Full details of the lots are as follows:

LOT 1 - Approximately 9.22 acres (3.73 ha) at Moss Hall, Warburton, subject to an agricultural tenancy

LOT 2 - Midlands Farm, Heathlands Farm and Jack Hey Gate Farm – three farms totalling 180.76 acres (73.15 ha), all subject to agricultural tenancies, together with 5.26 acres (2.12 ha) of woodland and two further vacant parcels totalling 0.6 acres.

LOT 3 - Longridge Farm – approximately 47.00 acres (19.02 ha) of vacant agricultural land with buildings and a let farmhouse     

LOT 4 - Approximately 88.73 acres (35.91 ha) at Villa Farm subject to a Farm Business Tenancy Agreement together with a vacant copse

LOT 5 – Approximately 5.41 acres (2.19 ha) of land at Townfield Lane, Warburton subject to a Farm Business Tenancy Agreement

LOT 6 - 10 Church Green, Warburton – a vacant two bedroom, end of terrace cottage with garden of approximately 0.51 acres (currently under licence)  

LOT 7 - 7 Church Green, Moss Cottage and Holly Cottage, Warburton – three cottages all subject to tenancies

LOT 8 - Land at Wigsey Lane, totalling 199.57 acres (80.76 ha) subject to three Farm Business Tenancy Agreements with one vacant parcel

LOT 9 – Grazing paddock at Church Green, Warburton, subject to a grazing licence

UK farmland prices surged at the fastest pace in the RICS rural market survey’s history during the first half of 2008 but lifestyle buyers retreated as the credit crunch deepened.

The farmland market jumped forward, with the average price rising by 24 percent (the fastest pace in the survey’s history) from £10,439 to £12,965 in the first half of 2008 and by 47 percent year on year. Arable land rose by 32 percent to £14,453 from £10,439 and pasture land rose by 16 percent to £11477 from £9929. Sharp increases in commodity prices continue to encourage farm investors to expand production or enter the market as purchasers.

The net balance of Chartered Surveyors reporting an increase in demand for residential farmland fell for the first time since 2005 from 50 percent to -3 percent while demand for non-residential farmland remained buoyant at 65 percent. The net balance of surveyors expecting price rises in residential farmland fell from 30 percent to -25 percent. There is an expectation that lifestyle buyers will continue to retreat while the challenging financial climate persists.

The number of farmland sales surged by 50 percent year on year and farmland availability picked up by in both the residential and non-residential sectors. Sharp rising costs in food and commodity prices have pushed input prices upwards resulting in marginal farms becoming unprofitable.

RICS spokesperson, Julian Sayers said: ”Ever rising commodity prices have pushed the price of farmland to record highs as farmers and investors compete for arable land. However, the days of the lifestyle buyer are on the wane. The credit crunch is putting an end to city expansion into the country as the precarious financial situation has made city slickers re-think their lifestyle priorities.”

A major shake up in the planning system is needed along with more affordable housing and greater flexibility for rural businesses if rural communities in England are to thrive according to an independent report commissioned by the Government.

The review carried out by MP Matthew Taylor recommends new planning policies designed to shift the growth of market towns from dense housing estates to create new attractive new neighbourhoods and community extensions with shops, facilities and workplaces.

Taylor, the Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell, has also called for a new "community-led affordable housing" initiative for smaller rural communities and more flexible planning rules to encourage village businesses.

Stephen Locke, senior planner with chartered surveyors Berrys at Shrewsbury, says the report has highlighted the need for Planning Policy Statements to be reviewed to end conflicting messages over the way sustainable development and economic, social and environmental factors should be balanced.

“The report calls on the government to adopt a master planning approach to encourage the long term growth of market towns and support it at local level. Instead of concentrating on meeting short term housing delivery targets, local planning authorities should be allowed to put emphasis on longer term development of new neighborhoods and community extensions as well as new towns.

“The review says that landowners should be encouraged to offer land for affordable housing. At the moment many landowners resist selling land for affordable housing in the hope that the same site may be eligible for open development. But if the planning policy was more clearly defined with long term vision for the community this would help manage expectations,” he said.

“Landowners could also be encouraged to release land for affordable housing if they could retain an option on a small proportion of the land for family or staff needs. The report supports this and also recommends a scheme be developed enabling landowners to retain some interest or income on the land released for affordable housing”.

Taylor's report recommended the removal of planning rules and practices that encourage small businesses to move out of the countryside into urban areas as soon as they start to grow.

Mr Locke says this could increase development potential for redundant farm buildings and enable some new buildings to be created to allow existing businesses to grow and bring further jobs into the countryside.

“Home based work is also encouraged with recommendation of a more flexible approach to work-based extensions to homes, particularly start-up businesses,” he said.

The findings in the report have been welcomed by the CLA whose president, Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, said he did not want to see the report sit on shelves gathering dust.

The Bluetongue Protection Zone was extended again on Monday 28 July to cover Herefordshire, the unitary authority of Telford and Wrekin and the districts in Shropshire (North Shropshire, Shrewsbury and Atcham, South Shropshire and Bridgnorth) previously in the Surveillance Zone.  Extension into the last parts of the Surveillance Zone has been agreed following a review of  the vaccine available in the supply chain.

Vaccination is only permitted within the Protection Zone.  This completes the roll-out to the counties previously in the Surveillance Zone and means that no Surveillance Zone remains in England.  Defra will continue to expand the Protection Zone and to roll out vaccination to the free area as vaccine is delivered, in line with the vaccination
roll-out plan.

Livestock keepers in the areas coming into the Protection Zone will be able to obtain the vaccine from Monday. However, they are encouraged to order vaccine so that they can protect their livestock at the earliest opportunity.

Protection Zone restrictions will apply to those keepers coming into the extended zone. Animals can only be moved out of the Protection Zone if they are vaccinated, naturally immune or moving for slaughter, subject to meeting certain conditions. Please refer to the Defra website for further guidance.

Overall take up of vaccine in the Protection Zone remains high, although seasonal farming practices may be temporarily dampening some demand.  All livestock farmers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and to vaccinate at the earliest possible opportunity.

Crack shot Andrew Tompson, a chartered surveyor with commercial surveyors and valuers Berrys Richard Conn + Co at Northampton, has just represented England, and won, in a home nations rifle shooting competition.

Competing last Thursday at the National Shooting Centre at Bisley in Surrey Andrew, 41, was selected to join a team of 20 in the short range match against Scotland, Ireland and Wales, winning by 30 points.

The three-hour match involved four firers on each five targets.  Andrew was using a 7.62 mm target rifle with iron sights to shoot at distances of 300, 500 and 600 yards at paper targets .

This is Andrew’s third England cap having previously been picked to represent the country in the competition when held in Ireland in 2003 and in 2005 at Bisley. The team won on all occasions.

“I was absolutely thrilled to get picked for the team as the sport is extremely competitive. It is a great honour to shoot well enough to get in the team,” says Andrew who joined Berrys Richard Conn + Co in February

as Associate Director.

“It is quite nerve racking and the pressure was on as England was expected to win. The key is to keep your concentration and give an accurate shot.”

Every shot helps the other team member as the team coach uses the shot to adjust the sights for other firers.

 “Last Thursday the  weather was warm with light but variable winds. The variable winds make it interesting but the heat makes it uncomfortable.

“I shot in the West Indies last year and came off wringing with sweat!”

He has also shot in Canada in British junior team and in the GB team at West Indies in 2002 and the Great Britain goodwill team in Barbados last year.

Andrew started shooting when he was  12 and went  full bore two years later. His target shooting training is conducted most at Bisley and he is a member of his former school club the Old Wellingburian Club.

He has been a chartered surveyor since 1989 specialising in commercial, valuation, landlord and tenancy work and is now working alongside Richard Conn for Berrys Richard Conn + Co at York Road, Northampton .

Contact Andrew on 01604 630251. 

The Government has rejected the cover crops option in response to the consultation on measures to implement the Nitrates Directive but it will seek a derogation on load limit.

Defra makes the following key points:

• England will continue to designate Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) on a selective basis, based on scientific evidence, rather than adopt the whole territory approach of some Member States. Following the recent review, about 70 per cent of England needs to be designated – up from 55 per cent - and around 1.5 per cent of areas will be de-designated;
• The proposal for cover crops to reduce run-off from bare ground has been dropped;

• The Government will pursue a derogation from the European Commission on the 170 kg/ha whole farm nitrogen loading limit;

• Closed periods and storage capacity will remain as set out in the consultation, but there will be transitional arrangements for meeting the requirements. Further work will be undertaken to assess whether the risk of nitrate loss in winter months extends to January;

• A package of advice will be provided, including workshops and a helpline, to support farmers in making changes. Slurry storage facilities will be eligible for tax allowances on capital costs up to £50,000 per year;

• Maps of NVZs and guidance on the Action programme measures will be published alongside the Regulations in September;

• Defra is now developing plans for appeals against designation. Further details will be published in due course.

“Agriculture is responsible for around 60 per cent of nitrate pollution in water, and there are pressing reasons for reducing that – biodiversity, recreation, and the cost of producing clean drinking water among them. At the same time we recognise that this places responsibilities, and costs, on farmers,” the minister said.

“There are several sources of help available. The Treasury has confirmed that slurry storage facilities are eligible for plant and machinery tax allowances on capital costs up to £50,000 a year. We have committed funding of £98 million under the Rural Development Programme for, among other things, the livestock sector’s on-farm management of nutrients. We have also extended the capital grants scheme under the Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative for another years.”

He said he was keen to pursue innovative solutions for manure management like anaerobic digestion and promised to look in detail at the barriers that might exist to making anaerobic digestion a viable option for farmers.

A substantial listed residence with scope for improvement has come on the market in Shropshire offering potential buyers the rare opportunity to own a small country estate.

Chetwynd Grange at Edgmond near Newport extends to approximately 32.49 acres and is on the market with Berrys for £900,000.

This compact country estate has many attractive features including a seven bedroomed residence, an extensive range of farm buildings, pastureland and a two-acre fishing pool. The property offers excellent equestrian and recreational potential.

Situated in a slightly elevated position on the northern fringe of the village of Edgmond enjoying views over Chetwynd Deer Park, the property is just two miles north west of the popular Shropshire market town of Newport with its two noted grammar schools.

The Grade II listed house offers an exciting opportunity to restore the residential property to a fine country house, subject to the necessary consents. The traditional brick building attached to the rear of the house has potential for conversion to ancillary residential accommodation and the range of outbuildings could be converted into extensive equestrian facilities, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.

The house is approached over a concrete drive through an avenue of fruit trees leading to an enclosed yard area. A second access leads into the yard at the rear of the house and a third directly into the yard and buildings. Adjoining fields also have road access.

Accommodation briefly comprises: entrance hall, drawing room with listed cast iron fireplace, dining room, cloakroom, family room with inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove, kitchen/breakfast room with quarry tile floor, fitted units and range cooker, pantry, laundry room and cellar.

On the first floor there are seven bedrooms featuring cast iron fireplaces, beams and arched windows, bathroom with sunken bath, shower room and separate WC.

The farm buildings include livestock buildings, former milking parlour and dairy, covered yard, workshop, hay barn and former silage pits and yard.

The property also has a two-acre fishing pools stocked with a number of fish species including carp, offering excellent sporting potential.

“Chetwynd Grange is an ideal peaceful rural residence yet within easy reach of Shrewsbury, Chester and Birmingham,” said Sarah Reece, who is handling the sale on behalf of Berrys Shrewsbury office.

“This is a fine property with excellent opportunity for improvement and modernization into a substantial family residence.  The buildings and land are extremely flexible and could easily be adapted to accommodate horses. The property is in Albrighton Hunt Country and has good access to a network of country lanes and bridleways.”

“Quality country residences like this rarely come to the market so we are expecting a great deal of interest.”

Viewing is by appointment only, through the selling agents, Berrys, telephone 01743 271697.

Sale particulars can be downloaded at www.berrybros.com

Equestrianism is a growing sport and more and more land in the county is being utilised for the grazing of horses. This land use can blend well in the local landscape, especially where the land use is predominantly agricultural but landowners need to be aware of the pitfalls of letting horse grazing.

Horses have a poor reputation when it comes to grazing land. They are notoriously fussy eaters and their tendency to over-graze can be damaging to the sward.

“Fortunately, careful grassland management can overcome many of the issues regarding keeping horses out at grass,” says Mark Ferguson of Berrys Equestrian at Kettering.

“Horse owners need to be aware of the effect of their land management on the environment and they also need to ensure that they are meeting cross compliance requirement under the Single Payment Scheme, if applicable,” he added.

Berrys Equestrian team will be offering some useful tips for equestrian pasture management on their stands at regional shows this summer. Why not call in for a drink and a chat at Nantwich Show on Wednesday, July 30, Blakesley Show on Saturday, August 2, Burwarton Show on Thursday, August 7 and Minsterley Show on Saturday, August 9.

Berrys advisers can also discuss issues such as planning, property sales and lettings, environmental schemes and business management.

More details from Mark Ferguson in East Midlands on 01536 412464 or Sarah Reece (West Midlands) on 01743 271697 or Sarah massey (North West) on 01606 49200.