The Old Forge building near Cranford Hall in Northamptonshire has taken on a new lease of life, thanks to tender restoration into a tea shop.

Kettering businessman Mark Toseland discovered the building after spotting an advert in the local paper and transformed the former blacksmith’s workshop, which had languished in a state of disrepair for some time, into the new focus of village life.

Kettering property specialists Berrys, who manage Cranford Estate on behalf of owner Sir John Robinson, were looking for a new tenant that would not only look after the historic Old Forge but also introduce benefits to the village through its restoration, something Mr Toseland has certainly achieved.

“The idea of a tea shop fitted the bill and, after careful restoration and refurbishment to an incredibly high standard, Mr Toseland now has a thriving café,” said Gary Conaghan, who managed the project for Berrys.

“The restoration of The Old Forge has changed the face of Cranford. Now everyone in the village uses the café as a meeting point!”

Gary Conagahan can be contacted at Berrys on telephone 01536 532374 or email gary.conagahn@berrybros.com.

Published: May 7 2009 03:00 | Last updated: May 7 2009 03:00

The number of estate agents closing their doors appears to be coming to a halt amid evidence of a recovery in housebuying from last year's record lows, according to two of the largest listed estate agency groups.

Rightmove, the property website, yesterday reported that interest from home hunters in its website has been running at similar levels to before the downturn. During April, the website saw traffic rise for the first time relative to the same month in 2008.

The company said it was trading ahead of expectations, helped by a significant decline in the rate at which estate agents were leaving the industry. More than a fifth of estate agencies went out of business last year, with as many as 300 of its estate agency members leaving every month owing to administration.

Estate agency membership has been unchanged in 2009, and lettings membership grew as the rental market has proven more robust than sales. There is typically a traditional spring seasonal housing boost, however.

The website has seen an increase in its business letting holiday homes in the UK, rather than in Europe, owing to the weakness of sterling. Only Turkey, which is outside the eurozone, saw a rise in letting activity. The site has also seen a major shift towards self-catering as holidaymakers look to cut costs, according to Mr Williams.

The overall number of advertisers was unchanged compared with the end of 2008, with average revenue per advertiser ahead of the same period last year. Inquiries generated by the website increased 50 per cent for the first quarter of 2009 compared with the first quarter of 2008. Shares in Rightmove firmed ½p to 333½p.

There was a fall in activity among housebuilders, which has resulted in fewer developments and overseas homes being advertised. Total development numbers stand just above 3,000, down 9 per cent since the end of 2008.

The company said that the outlook for the UK property market was now cautiously positive, albeit from an unprecedented low level of activity, and that 2009 pre-tax profits should be ahead of its previous expectations.

Meanwhile Savills, the real estate adviser, also noted a lift in transactions in March in the residential market, fuelled by interest from cash buyers.

Savills said it was adopting a cautious outlook for 2009, however, given little change in market conditions and no evidence yet of any sustainable improvement.

Trading conditions for its UK commercial business remain difficult. Investment markets have seen a slight improvement in activity although this has yet to translate into transactions. Its shares eased ½p at 281p.

Agents are reporting increased enquiries for properties and the major property websites are reporting similar levels of enquiries across residential sales as 2008.

“April figures were the same as the same time in 2008, and while this is only the first month’s report of this nature it indicates the desire by purchasers to come back into the residential house market,” said Adam Farnsworth, head of agency with Berrys at Kettering.

“While the average house prices on actual sales are down to 2004 levels, there is evidence that the sales at the adjusted market level are happening. 

Provided that buyers and sellers expectations are aligned, these enquiries will be converted into sales,” Mr Farnsworth added.

Ed Williams, chief executive of Rightmove said that May bank holiday Monday was the second-busiest day ever experienced on the website.

"It is still tough but it doesn't seem to be getting worse," he said.

For advice and a free consultation, please contact Berrys on:

East Midlands: 01536 412464; West Midlands: 01743 271697 North West: 01606 49200

Farm and land market:
East Midlands - nick.bowman@berrybros.com
West Midlands - chris.jones@berrybros.com
North West - graham.bowcock@berrybros.com

Housing market:
East Midlands - adam.farnsworth@berrybros.com
West Midlands - sarah.reece@berrybros.com
North West - graham.bowcock@berrybros.com 

Commercial work:
East Midlands - andrew.tompson@berrybros.com 

Financial funding and business restructuring:
East Midlands - paul.pridmore@berrybros.com and jon.stables@berrybros.com 
West Midlands - matt.anwyl@berrybros.com 

A Shropshire-based chartered surveyor and planning consultant has played a key role in winning a major accolade for a regional planning team in a national award scheme for planning achievement.

Stephen Locke, senior planning consultant with Berrys at Shrewsbury, was part of the rural planning facilitation service commended in the rural category of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s annual awards.

The judges said that the Rural Planning Facilitation Service (RPFS) submitted by Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency and delivered locally through the Chamber of Commerce, was ‘a simple idea in a way but a model which others might follow in assisting rural diversification’.

 “I am absolutely delighted to be part of the team to win this fantastic accolade,” said Stephen, who is one of a group of planners delivering the service throughout Cheshire and the North West.

The RPFS was initiated by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) to provide professional pre-planning application advice to enable planning issues to be considered at an early stage in project development.

“I have been involved with around 60 different projects, working with a diverse range of businesses - from commercial irrigation contractors premises to caravan parks!” he said.

“The service has proved an easily deliverable, value for money transferable tool for supporting sustainable development in rural areas.”

The RFPS builds on existing successful rural support services, gives general and specialist advice on non-residential planning matters, assists in formulating diversification proposals, promotes positive working relationships with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and provides information and advice on good practice in rural diversification.

“I meet the client on site, discuss proposals and help develop ideas likely to be acceptable in planning terms. My Planning Assessment Report reviews the proposal and planning implications, assesses its likely success and makes recommendations on next steps.”

Like the rest of the advisers, Stephen is a professional planning advisor with extensive experience in rural development and diversification. His mediation work has resulted in a high level of win-win outcomes.

“The service has a key role in identifying and promoting new developments that will contribute to balance economic, social and environmental interests,” he explained.

The service has received a very positive response from clients, planning authorities and other consultees. As planning policy and practice is constantly changing, the provision of sound planning advice is a crucial part of any development scheme.

Stephen Locke can be contacted at Berrys on 01743 271697 or email stephen.locke@berrybros.com.

Defra has halved the price of its remaining Bluetongue vaccine stocks as millions of pounds worth of vaccine paid for by the taxpayer remain unsold.

The Merial-produced vaccine in 100ml bottles is nearing its expiry date and Defra hopes the reduced price will encourage uptake and reduce taxpayer liability.

If this discount is passed fully on throughout the supply chain, the end price of vaccine should fall from around 66-79p per ml plus VAT, to 33p-39p per ml plus VAT. Defra confirmed it will not offer retrospective discounts for product previously sold.

Nigel Gibbens, Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "This is an added incentive for those farmers who have not yet vaccinated their animals, or who are looking to give their stock a booster during the summer.

"With midges already active, and the Met Office predicting a warmer summer than last year, conditions for the spread of Bluetongue may be ideal.

Livestock keepers should take this opportunity to buy their vaccine at a discounted price, before the Government stocks are no longer available."

Peter Garbutt, West Midlands NFU regional livestock adviser, said: "Although the vaccine has now been discounted, which will hopefully mean greater uptake in the region, we need to sincerely thank all those farmers who have already been vigilant and protected their stock already.

"We hope cheaper vaccine will provide an incentive to increase the uptake in the West Midlands but believe the uptake has generally been very good."

NFU North West spokesman, Carl Hudspith, added: "The NFU is well aware that

some producers who vaccinated early on have paid a higher price and may feel

that this is unfair especially as there is no retrospective discount available.

"However, we also have to recognise that discounting the remaining vaccine stocks by 50 per cent could provide an incentive to increase uptake in the Northern and Western areas. We also have to appreciate the position the Government finds itself in with regards potential lost monies."

The Welsh Assembly Government is also applying the same discount to its remaining Merial stocks.

 Animal health organisations have been quick to point out that the virus spreading around the world should not be called "swine flu" as it contains avian and human components and no pig has so far been found ill with the disease.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) suggested in a statement on Monday that it would be more logical to call the virus "North American influenza", a name based on its geographic origin, like the Spanish influenza.

The European Commission said that the virus was not linked with pork and no European Union trade restrictions on imports were planned since swine flu had nothing to do with the food chain.

The World Health Organization has ruled out any risk of infection from consuming pork, saying swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork, or other products derived from pigs.

Fears of a global flu pandemic grew after more than 150 people died in Mexico and new infections were found in the United States and Canada and Europe.

Information available to the OIE does not indicate, at this time, that the influenza outbreak currently occurring in the United States and Mexico was preceded by an outbreak of swine influenza.

Within a few days, scientific investigations that are currently under way should indicate if the virus circulating in humans is capable of infecting animal species, such as pigs, chickens and horses.

While there was a sense that the agricultural market was levelling off, early spring sales and farms coming to the market now are seeing strong enquiries from a more confident farming market envisaging better years ahead, and from an increasingly wary investor market seeing the agricultural and land sector as a far more stable investment base than many of the other ‘real property’ areas.

The commercial market is reeling, and the number of empty shops and industrial units means a drastic reappraisal of many investments. Regional based professional advice is essential to realise continued income flow with some investments - it is vital to talk early rather than too late.

The house market has still to see the corrections necessary to deal with the unsustainable level of debt, and while there will be the spurs caused by seasonal trends and over optimistic buyers, the outlook into the medium term is not good in terms of capital growth.

However, liquidity is coming back into the market and funding can be very competitive for those in a position to act.

If there is a need to sell, the recommendation would be to do it now, as the combined effect of debt correction in an over-extended property market, together with the real loss in property value in a deflationary economy, means the market is not yet at its base.

There is undoubtedly considerable interest in property with enquiries this April doubling. This volume of enquiries will be translated into sales only where the property guide price reflects the market conditions and buyers can meet the more stringent mortgage funding assessments.

The other area of the house market enjoying an inflow of funds is the property investment market where cash funds enable wealthy investors to take advantage of the squeezing in the builders’ new homes market which has struggled with cash since November last year.

In this market, whether in cooperation or otherwise with the lenders, investors are buying in blocks of property at figures which in some cases represent a very large reduction in former marketing prices. While this may reflect an over inflated market price by some builders, the massive percentage reductions are less significant to investors than the opportunity to be earning a six to seven per cent return on the investment, a return not found elsewhere in the investment markets at present.

The level of transactional work in the real property market will increase as a natural consequence of the excess of demand over supply for farms, land and houses. In the case of the commercial market, the vacuum of empty commercial properties will attract new investors and business men into the commercial sector.

There is potentially a real revolution in the high street market with the feel and see walkabouts in town, followed by the transaction over the internet and the highly consumer sensitive and sophisticated supermarket sector continuing to capture retailers’ traditional areas.

For advice and a free consultation, please contact us.

Farm and land market:
East Midlands - nick.bowman@berrybros.com
West Midlands - chris.jones@berrybros.com
North West - graham.bowcock@berrybros.com

Housing market:
East Midlands - adam.farnsworth@berrybros.com  
West Midlands - sarah.reece@berrybros.com  
North West - graham.bowcock@berrybros.com  

Commercial work:
East Midlands - andrew.tompson@berrybros.com

Financial funding and business restructuring:
East Midlands - paul.pridmore@berrybros.com and jon.stables@berrybros.com
West Midlands - matt.anwyl@berrybros.com

Confidence in the rural economy is significantly more buoyant than that of the general economy according to the CLA's Rural Economy Indicator (CLA REI).

The CLA REI is conducted quarterly to sample confidence in the rural economy by those who live and work in the countryside.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: “The results outline that confidence in the rural economy is up on the previous set of results, showing that businesses are fending off the negative effects of the recession better than the rest of the economy.

“Only four percent of respondents have no confidence at all in the rural economy over the next three to six months compared with an enormous 69 percent in the general economy - a jump of 13 percent compared with the first quarter.

 “Twelve percent believe their rural business will perform well in the short-term, and around three-fifths, 58 percent, of those surveyed saw business performance as being in line with expectation over the next six months.”

However, he said we must not let the positive results cloud our view of the problems facing the rural economy.

He said: “Many businesses are suffering, with lack of cash flow being a major obstacle to productivity as well as 87 percent of respondents stating that effective and affordable broadband is vital for rural businesses – something for which the CLA is vigorously campaigning.”

A glimmer of hope remains in the equestrian property market as the general feeling is that the equestrian market may not be as depressed as the residential market.

Here, the decline in prices has been less marked and there is still a good demand for equestrian property at all ends of the scale, says Sarah Reece, equestrian specialist with Berrys.

Equine property is still scarce - very few quality equine properties with good facilities are coming forward, which helps to maintain prices.

Those looking to buy have little choice and may have to look at properties with the basic infrastructure on which to create the facilities they need.

For vendors, the key, as with all property, is realistic pricing. Get the price right and an equestrian property will have much better prospects of selling. As agents, it is our job to manage our clients’ expectations. The guide price is likely to be a compromise between our opinion and our clients’ expectations but it is vital to get the guide price right at the beginning. The most important time when selling a property is in the first 3 weeks of marketing – get the guide price right and potential purchasers will be attracted to a property which is fresh on the market. Get the guide price wrong and it will be very difficult to attract interest and the property will become stale, even if you subsequently reduce the price.

We don’t know if the market has bottomed out yet. People are still afraid that the market may come down again and may be reluctant to buy until they are convinced that the market has reached its lowest price. We need a couple of months of stable or slightly increased house prices to put confidence back into the property market.

In this difficult market it is essential that vendors receive the best possible service with attention to detail from an agent focused on the property in hand with an understanding of the market and the skills to present the property straight to the target audience.  A structured, bespoke marketing strategy is required for each property to ensure the property reaches its potential market effectively. 

Equestrian property comes in all different shapes and sizes – whether it be an exquisite estate with courtyard of stables from where a string of national hunt horses are trained to a paddock of 1 acre on which to graze the beloved family Shetland. Encompassed under the banner of equestrian property are an enormous number of property types.

Should you renovate or redecorate before selling?

It may be worth obtaining planning permission for additional facilities to increase your property’s value and marketability. Take advice from your agent.

But as for redecorating, usually the answer is no. If everything is clean and tidy, then painting and decorating is likely to involve spending money unnecessarily. However if the bedrooms are all a hideous colour, you may wish to give them a lick of magnolia. A purchaser will have their own ideas in terms of decoration.

If you are selling at the top end of the market though,  and your property is supposed to be top notch, then it needs to be immaculately presented to warrant a high guide price.

Are there any bargains?

We are currently experiencing unprecedented economic conditions. In the last 12 months we’ve have lived through the highest ever average land prices and the fastest economic slowdown ever witnessed.

Although the economic slowdown has affected the rural market slower than the residential market, these conditions will ultimately lead to opportunities for some when purchasing property. The inability of some buyers to obtain funding has resulted in the falling through of some transactions which can then be snapped up by those less reliant on funding.

Tips for buyers

If you are looking to buy an equestrian property remember the most important consideration is the infrastructure. Are the buildings structurally sound and water tight so you can move your horses in to a safe, secure and warm environment.

Location, location, location – a cliché but vital when it comes to equestrian property. The proximity to good riding, topography of the ground for fitness work, access to road network for travelling to competitions are just a few factors equestrian property purchasers should consider. 

Watch out for the words “subject to planning” on the sales particulars. Buyers need to explore planning thoroughly before proceeding. And make sure the property will provide you with the facilities you need.

Buying ‘ready-made’ can be great if the facilities are exactly what you need but these properties will always command a premium price.

Look for ways properties can be adapted or extended to create exactly what you require.

To conclude, now is the time to sell as there’s very little of quality available. If you are serious about selling and the price is right and it’s fresh to the market, an equestrian property will still sell. The initial weeks are your best time and if you don’t do your property justice then, you may be stuck with it.

Sarah Reece can be contacted at Berrys Shropshire office on 01743 267068 or email sarah.reece@berrybros.com

If you are looking for a home for your horses as well as your family, Hillwicket Cottage at Hillwicket, Childs Ercall could be just the property for you.

Set in a peaceful position overlooking open Shropshire countryside, this delightful, seven-acre equestrian property is on the market with Berrys for £600,000.

Hillwicket Cottage includes a detached house with three reception rooms and four bedrooms, detached garage and outbuildings set in a large garden surrounded by paddocks with stabling for eight horses.

The property is finished with a cream coloured render under a tiled roof. The 7.08 acres (2.86 hectares) of land comprises four free-draining paddocks and a grass ménage, all with access to water.

Situated between the popular towns of Newport (home to the highly regarded Adams Grammar School and Newport High School for Girls) and Market Drayton, the cottage has excellent road access to the M54, Shrewsbury and Chester.

“Hillwicket Cottage is a superb equestrian property with established facilities that is on the market at a realistic price,” said Sarah Reece, who is handling the sale for Berrys at Shrewsbury.

“The sale offers a rare opportunity for a horse owner to be able to move themselves and their horses to a single property without having to make any significant alterations. We are expecting a keen interest from potential purchasers within Shropshire and beyond.”

The accommodation briefly comprises: covered entrance porch with stain glass door leading to entrance hall, cloakroom, spacious drawing room with two front-facing windows and open fire place

The kitchen has a range of fitted oak units, fitted double oven, inset ceramic hob with hood, sink, integrated dishwasher and walk in pantry.

A snug and sun room both lead to a paved patio area and there is a large dining room and useful utility room.

On the first floor, the light and airy master suite (4.77m x 3.77m) overlooks the paddocks and has fitted wardrobes and dressing table. The en-suite has corner Jacuzzi bath, hand basin and w.c.

A second en-suite bedroom has fitted wardrobes and views over open countryside. Two further good sized bedrooms are served by the family shower room and separate w.c. 

The property has well maintained, extensive lawned gardens, an orchard, paved seating area, parking, garage, storage buildings and a range of equestrian buildings.

The paddocks are arranged in two blocks enclosed with post and rail and wire fences, all with access to mains water.

The stable building (18.30m x 5.80m) has six stables constructed of block walls and render, a tack room and rug store, all with mains electricity.

Two further stables are constructed of painted block walls with mains electricity connected. In addition, there is a concrete pad suitable for erection of further stables, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

A Home Information Pack is available for inspection along with the Energy Performance Certificate.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the agents, Berrys, telephone number: 01743 271697 or email sarah.reece@berrybros.com. Full details can be downloaded from www.berrybros.com

Farmers looking to take advantage of the derogation from the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone livestock manure Nitrogen farm limit should be aware of the pitfalls before making an application.

“Take care that you read the small print before opting for your exemption,” said Simon Latter, senior consultant with Berrys at Shrewsbury.

“The sub text to the announcement of the derogation from the 170kg per hectare limit for organic nitrogen could be more costly for some farmers than the original form of the NVZ Regulation that came into effect this year.

“Farms with high indices for Phosphate could find that future applications of manure are restricted by tighter RB209 recommendations than would otherwise be the case for nitrogen alone. Farmers with manures that are high in phosphate (such as pig and poultry producers) or who farm land with high levels of naturally occurring phosphate are unlikely to gain anything from this announcement, and should be careful that they land themselves with a bigger problem.”

Phosphate levels may have little to do with Nitrates in drinking water, but are likely to come under sharper scrutiny as the Water Framework Directive control measures are rolled out. The unmistakable emphasis of the DEFRA led derogation process is to encourage nutrient management planning and to challenge traditional farming methods. The unfortunate impact is the creation of an ever more intricate web of regulation that is as dangerous as an open manhole cover to the unwary.

“There is a huge amount of support and advice available (much of it free of charge) but the most difficult challenge for many is to get as excited about muck as the European Union, DEFRA and Environment Agency clearly are at present,” Simon said.

“It is, however, worth noting that the most striking feature of a set of farm accounts for most organic farmers is the gap where fertiliser costs would otherwise be shown. Making better use of manures on the farm and using Berrys NVZ Nutrient Exchange service to broker excess Nitrogen off the farm can be useful tools to beat the 170kg limit without the hassle of the derogation.

Main criteria of the derogation are:
• 80% of agricultural area must be in grass
• Farmers must apply each year to the Environment Agency
• No manures on grassland that is to be autumn cultivated
• Ploughed grass must be followed by an N-hungry crop
• Phosphate fertilisation plan for each field
• Each farm must have N and P soil analysis results

For further information contact Simon Latter at Berrys on 01743 271 697

It became clear at the beginning of this year that the Government intends to implement a new approach to replace the environmental benefits previously obtained from set aside. 

This was initially thought to involve a shake up of cross compliance requirements to enforce farmers to manage up to five per cent of arable land for environmental purposes, with the only form of compensation (if any) being through Entry Level Stewardship (ELS). 

Defra has now launched a consultation to collect views on two different approaches to enhancing farmland and wildlife habitats.

As expected, the first approach (Options A) will require farmers to manage a small percentage of cultivated land for environmental purposes.  This will be a mandatory approach but incentives will also be offered to go over and above the requirements with new ‘top up’ Entry Level Scheme (ELS) options.  Changes will be made to cross compliance requirements to ensure that the environmental benefits are achieved. 

Option B involves an industry led voluntary scheme building on incentives.  It is thought that this would be based around the creation of a FEAP – Farm Environment Action Plan.  This would be managed and led by farmers to encourage the retention and management of uncropped land. 

Many farming bodies are supporting a voluntary approach but it is important to note that if the required environmental benefits are not delivered, the Government can still implement cross compliance changes.  

The consultation process will last for a total of 12 weeks and ends on 27^th May 2009.

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

While sterling's weakness against the euro is causing problems in the city, farmers may be able to benefit from future currency gains.

Every year, farmers receive a single farm payment from Europe, which is set in euros, and with sterling currently so comparatively weak, future payments could be worth significantly more.

With currency being so volatile, farmers should look at the options for locking into current exchange rates sooner rather than later.  One option would be to take their single payment in euros, rather than in pounds, a choice on the single payment scheme claim form to be submitted by May 15,” says James Fulton of Berrys.

Although this payment won’t come through until February 2010, a currency trader can fix a percentage of it now, crystallizing today’s favorable exchange rate. All the currency trader will require is a down payment in sterling. 

Another way to achieve the same end result is to use a currency option to effectively give a minimum exchange rate. 

“No one knows for sure what the exchange rate will do so we would not advise setting the exchange rate on the full amount of the single payment - just part of it - to manage the risk,” he added.

Clearly, specialist advice is essential when considering these types of arrangements but locking into the current exchange rate could be extremely worthwhile.

James Fulton is a practitioner in the rural business team with property and business consultants, Berrys, in Kettering. He can be contacted on 01536 532 386 or visit www.berrybros.com

A survival plan setting out a comprehensive set of actions for farmers, milk buyers, retailers, government, the NFU and other industry bodies has been launched to help secure long-term future milk supplies for Britain.

 Dairy farmers were given their first glimpse of the NFU dairy team's plan during the breakout session at this year’s NFU conference on Monday and NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones is keen to point out the sector has a bright future providing steps are taken to build farmers’ confidence and avoid a real erosion of critical mass.

“There are many reasons to be positive about the future of dairying,” he said. “Firstly the global demand for dairy products continues to grow, in fact it is predicted to double by 2050, and closer to home there is the growing interest consumers are showing in buying quality, British produce. There are also the beginnings of some proper supply chain relationships and increasing levels of product innovation

“However, the ability of dairy farmers to stand back and appreciate that the long term prospects for their industry are positive is understandably very difficult when faced with some very significant short-term challenges including TB, NVZs, high and volatile input costs, and unstable milk prices. The consequences mean there is a lack of confidence, low levels of investment and expansion, and high numbers of farmers are leaving the industry which in turn leads to falling milk production. 

“The NFU survival plan shows leadership to the supply chain by identifying remedies and solutions to some of these challenges. However we cannot be naïve to some of the very real burdens affecting dairy farmers’ confidence. I hope the plan is received positively by the industry and that each part of the chain is ready and willing to play its part in building confidence and boosting supply.”

The survival plan sets out a comprehensive set of actions for farmers, milk buyers, retailers, government, the NFU and other industry bodies.

A Shropshire surveyor is celebrating after gaining a double success in her professional examinations.

Clare Parkinson has just been elected full membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has also become a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

A practitioner with property and business specialists Berrys at Shrewsbury,  Clare was awarded her RICS Assessment of Professional Competence last month after submitting a lengthy critical analysis of her work and passing a gruelling interview in front of a panel of three chartered surveyors.

She was also elected a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, having passed a two-day examination in November.

A graduate in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University College, Clare, 28, joined Berrys in 2006 after spending three years working in the agricultural team with a high street bank in Shrewsbury.

She has been assisting Chris Jones and Sarah Reece with many aspects of professional work including valuations, compensation claims, farm and property sales and management.

Chris Jones, Berrys’ partner in charge of Agency at Shrewsbury said: “We are delighted that Clare passed her exams at first sitting which highlights the firm’s commitment towards personal training and development.

“Clare will continue to develop her range of professional work and will now be able to able to take on more responsibility and work with her own clients.”

A farmer’s daughter from Lancashire, Clare now lives at Purlogue near Clun.

Clare Parkinson can be contacted at Berrys’ Shrewsbury Office on 01743 267 067.

Proposals have been put forward to revise cross compliance requirements which may mean that farmers have to manage up to five per cent of their arable land for environmental purposes.

The proposals are being examined by Sir Don Curry’s Higher Level Group who are trying to establish a solution to replace the environmental benefits lost by the removal of set aside.  Although proposals are at an early stage and have yet to go to consultation, it is thought that they may require ‘in field’ management for environmental benefit with such as over-winter stubble, margins, or skylark plots. Management requirements such as these may reduce output but it is believed that there will be no new financial payments available.

Mandy Seedhouse, environment adviser with Berrys in Shropshire, says the only potential compensation for these new requirements will be through Entry Level Stewardship (ELS). If the new requirements are not complied with it could mean a breech of cross compliance and a reduction in Single Payment.

“One school of thought is that the new cross compliance requirements could relate to ELS options meaning that existing ELS agreement holders may not need to carry out any further environmental management under the proposals.  However, there will be targeted environmental benefits and only certain ELS options will count,” Mandy explains.

“If an existing ELS agreement does not deliver the right benefits, further environmental management will still be required. The number of changes Natural England will allow to existing agreements to bring them in line with the suggested new cross compliance proposals is not clear. 

“Farmers not in existing ELS agreements may be encouraged to enter the scheme in order to receive some compensation for the new requirements.  For new applications, it will be important to choose the ELS options carefully to ensure that they fit in with the proposed cross compliance requirements.”

It is expected that the proposals will be finalised in the spring. In the meantime, for advice on how the new cross compliance proposals could affect you or for details of Environmental Stewardship, contact Mandy Seedhouse or Stephen Locke at Berrys on 01743 271697 or email mandy.seedhouse@berrybros.com.

British shoppers are becoming increasingly engaged with standards of animal welfare when buying food, according to recent research into shopper behaviour from international food and grocery expert IGD.

One fifth of shoppers (20%) now say that knowing about the standards of animal welfare has become one of their key drivers of product choice, which is up from 13% in 2008, according to Shopper Trends 2009, IGD’s latest research.  When asked about concerns they have relating to food production, almost half (46%) of respondents mentioned animal living conditions compared with 38% in 2008.

Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive, IGD comments: “As one would expect in the current economic climate, price remains a key driver for shoppers. However, the stronger focus on standards of animal welfare demonstrates that consumers continue to grow more engaged with their food. People are making well-informed decisions on their food choices and looking for value for money without compromising on their values.

“British farmers employ many world-leading practices in animal welfare, so the growing public interest provides an excellent opportunity to differentiate and gain more shopper loyalty.”

An East Midlands business advisor is celebrating after gaining a hat trick of professional qualifications.

James Fulton has just been elected a professional member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has also gained full membership of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants.

James, a practitioner with property and business specialists, Berrys, at Kettering, gained his RICS membership last November after submitting a lengthy critical analysis of his work and passing a nerve-racking interview in front of a panel of three chartered surveyors.

He was elected a member of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants earlier this month following an interview at The Farmers Club at Whitehall in London.

He is already a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, having passed a gruelling two-day examination in 2007.

An honours graduate in agriculture from The University of Nottingham, James, 26, joined Berrys in 2004 and is based at the Kettering office specialising in rural business management, agricultural consultancy, land and asset management plus government schemes such as the Single Farm Payment and Environmental Stewardship.

Jon Stables, Berrys’ corporate partner and head of business, said: “We are delighted with James’s success which highlights the firm’s commitment towards personal training and development and the continual delivery of a first class service to our clients.”

James lives at Lamport near Northampton and in his spare time enjoys rough shooting, fishing, training dogs and looking after his small flock of sheep.

James Fulton can be contacted at Berrys’ Kettering Office on 01536 532 386.

Farmers and property owners looking to let out a vacant house or cottage should be aware of the legal issues and pitfalls of becoming a private landlord.

Graham Bowcock, partner at Berrys’ Cheshire office, said the main pitfall to avoid is an undesirable tenant, so the number one priority is tenant referencing.

“Even if you know your potential tenant you must have them checked out. We at Berrys use an external agency which has access to credit checks and previous landlord and employer history. You must know your potential tenant’s credit rating and you must follow up all references,” Mr Bowcock said.

The two important legal requirements for letting property concern tenants’ deposits and energy certificates.

“We would recommend that you always take a deposit - at least one month’s rent but sometimes more if the house is furnished or if pets are allowed,” Mr Bowcock advised.

“To comply with the Tenants Deposit Scheme this deposit must be protected, either through an insurance-based scheme or by registering it with the government’s Deposit Protection Service.

“If you are not protecting a tenant’s deposit you will lose the right to serve notice to regain possession of the property and you may be fined.”

From October 2008, it became a legal requirement to provide an Energy Performance Certificate for all rented properties being re-let. Specialist agencies offer this service and the certificate lasts 10 years.

While the majority of larger landlords and agents are complying with the deposit scheme many private landlords are not. A recent survey of private landlords, conducted from Berrys’ Cheshire office, revealed that many landlords are not protecting the deposit or providing an energy certificate.

Contact Berrys’ specialist letting team on 01743 271 697 (Shrewsbury) 01606 49200 (Northwich) or 01536 412464 (Kettering) or email graham.bowcock@berrybros.com

The new pesticides package moved a step nearer to reality today when MEPs from across the EU voted in favour of the legislation in the Strasbourg plenary session this morning (January 13).

 Although the version that was approved by MEPs is better than previous versions agreed last year, and by the Environment Committee in November, there is disappointment and concern that a range of important products used safely by farmers and growers could still be removed from the market.  

Speaking from Strasbourg, NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: “Pesticides are already one of the most heavily regulated groups of chemicals in the EU. I remain very worried that these further restrictions could lead to reductions in crop yields and quality and a rise in food prices for household staples like potatoes and broccoli.

“Some MEPs made significant efforts to amend and improve the text and these are the people that recognise that it would not be possible to produce the quality, healthy fruit and vegetables that we currently produce without all the necessary tools. I am disappointed that they didn’t get the support of the majority."

 The NFU has been in discussions with MEPs and others for many years about the potential impact of this legislation on European farming.  

“Comparing previous versions of the text to what was agreed today shows that our work to improve EU legislation for our farmers and growers pays off. If earlier versions of this text were adopted the impact on our members would have been much more severe. Our task now is to make certain that this legislation, through the national action plan, is implemented in a practical manner that doesn’t make our agriculture and horticulture uncompetitive. We are particularly conscious that these rules do not apply to products from outside the EU.

“Overall, we remain convinced that legislation should be based on a foundation of sound science and regret that there are still so many uncertainties associated with the agreed text and the lack of an impact assessment. These concerns are shared by Defra and the PSD who have also worked hard to highlight the shortcomings associated with this legislation."

“An exporting farmer needs to demonstrate that muck will leave the farm, especially if the adequacy of storage capacity calculations must be proved, whilst importers need the certainty of knowing they will have the nutrients when and where they require them” explains Simon Latter, business consultant with Berrys at Shrewsbury.

Proposals to reduce whole farm manure limits under new Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations will have a major impact on livestock enterprises but need not cut stocking rates to uneconomic levels for farm viability. 

“The absence of a clear derogation from the reduction of permitted organic nitrate application on grassland from 250kg N/ha to 170kg N/ha does create massive uncertainty but preventative planning and exploiting opportunities to export manures will alleviate the need to reduce stock numbers to unrealistic levels”.

“The key is to plan for the nutrient requirement of your farm in order to minimise the risk of over application and maximize the potential return from muck, be it used on the farm or exported.  With fertiliser prices set to remain so high, it pays to fully utilise every kilo of muck produced on the farm.”

By April 30, 2009 all farms within NVZ areas should have assessed their muck storage requirements. Simple changes or improvements to existing farm buildings may reduce the need for expensive new storage facilities. There is an expectation that a limited amount of grant aid will be available to assist with such alterations.

“Don’t delay making your assessment and formulating your plans. Be prepared, and remember the new restriction on the timing of application of organic manures with high available nitrogen does not include farm yard manure or dirty water”.

Research has previously suggested that up to 80 per cent of livestock farms can improve the handling and containment of dirty water.

“It is imperative that you check that you are only storing slurry, not dirty water. Guttering and drain pipes need to be installed to ensure they don’t leak on to yards where they will add to slurry volume. Roof run-off could be stored elsewhere; umbilical application may require dilute slurry but you don’t need to store such a volume for five months! It may also be worth covering over an open stock yard or feeding area to prevent rainwater from ending up in the slurry store,” he added.

 NVZ facts:

·         Storage for high available nitrogen manures (cattle slurry and pig/poultry muck) must have sufficient capacity for five months (six months for pigs and poultry) by  January 1, 2012.

·         From January 1, 2009, closed periods for the application of organic manures with high available nitrogen content will be applied to all soil types.  This does not include FYM and dirty water.

·         By 30th April 2009 you must have planned how you intend to meet the five months storage requirement in time for the deadline (January 1, 2012). Please don’t forget the health and safety aspects of storage.

·         Closed periods for the application of manufactured nitrogen will still apply - unless there is a crop requirement.

·         If livestock are not present or not housed, you will not require storage capacity for them.

·         Tighter guidance will be issued for the maximum level of nitrogen that can be applied to crops (Nmax).

·         Farmers will have to show evidence that they have planned how much nitrogen will be applied to a given crop by 1st January, on an annual basis.

·         The use of “high trajectory” application of slurry is banned.

·         Whole farm manure nitrogen limits will change.  The exact amount of this change will not be known for some time as Europe must give a ruling.  You should plan for the worst (170kg N/ha) by considering exporting muck to farms with lower stocking densities.
The sooner you do this the closer these farms are likely to be!

“Whilst it is to be hoped that a light touch will be applied to enforcement, if you do not meet the standard of practice and record keeping expected by the Environment Agency, your Single Payment could be reduced and you might also face prosecution and a fine,” Mr Latter added.

For a free NVZ guide or details of NVZ Exchange contact Berrys on 01743 267065 or email simon.latter@berrybros.com

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.