< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Method: * Heat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a shallow ovenproof casserole over a medium heat and fry the sausages for 5-8 mins, or until brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate. * Tip the onions into the pan and fry for 5-8 mins until beginning to turn golden. Sprinkle in the sugar and cook for a minute before stirring in the vinegar, tomato purée and paprika to form a paste. * Tip in the tomatoes, then pour in the wine. Stir in the bay leaves, mushrooms and beans, then arrange the sausages on top so they’re still a little exposed. * Bring the mixture to a simmer, then bake in the oven for 20 mins. Sausage and bean casserole Ingredients: * 3tbsp olive oil * 8 large pork sausages (or use vegan sausages) * 1 onion, finely sliced * Pinch of golden caster sugar * Six medium mushrooms, sliced * 1tbsp red wine vinegar * 1tbsp tomato purée * 1/2 tsp smoked paprika * 400g can chopped tomatoes * 100ml red wine * 2 bay leaves * 400g can butter beans To promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Click’em Inn Swinhope, Nr Binbrook, Market Rasen, LN8 6BS Tel: 01472 398253 Web: www.clickem-inn.co.uk The Click’em Inn is a family-owned freehouse, established for over 30 years in its current incarnation. Steeped in history, the inn is open 6 days a week, Tuesday- Sunday, offering a wide choice of drinks, including six real ales available at any time, with a regularly changing selection of personally recommended guest ales. The Kitchen is open Tuesday-Sunday for evening dining, plus lunchtimes Friday-Sunday. The menu varies from day-to-day with the chef’s specials, alongside regular meals. © stock.adobe.com/istetiana FOOD & DININGApple fritters Ingredients: * 250g all-purpose flour * 2.5tsp baking powder * 2tsp ground cinnamon * 1tsp salt * 2 eggs * 100g sugar * 2tbsp melted, unsalted butter * 180ml milk * 2tsp vanilla extract * 3 medium apples peeled, cored and cut into small pieces * Vegetable oil for frying * Icing sugar for dusting (optional) LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 Method: * Heat a large pot of vegetable oil * In a large bowl mix all the dry ingredients together. In another small bowl, whisk eggs and the sugar together, then add butter, milk and vanilla extract. * Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir. Fold in the apples. * Take a large spoon and very carefully drop balls of batter directly into the hot oil. Flip the fritters once they’ve browned. Careful not to let them burn. * Use a slotted spoon to remove the apple fritters from the oil, and work in batches as to not over crowd the pot. Repeat with remaining batter. * Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm. © stock.adobe.com/Stephanie Frey52 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY SOCIAL SCENE On Saturday 15 April, the Belton Woods Hotel in Grantham welcomed a charity ball in support of the Willow Foundation, raising over £2,600. Founded in 1999 by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31, Willow provides uplifting, unforgettable and unique Special Day experiences for young people aged 16 to 40 who are living with a life-threatening illness. Every year it aims to support 1,000 young adults, helping them share magic moments with their loved ones and create more precious memories. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 SOCIAL SCENE PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD PICKSLEY54 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY LinkMajor farmer buying groups form alliance Woldmarsh Producers (based in Lincolnshire), Fram Farmers (based in Suffolk), and AF Group (based in Norfolk) have announced a new collaborative procurement initiative – Agri Procurement Alliance (APA). The new initiative aims to secure better value to the farmer and landowner memberships of the three largest cooperative buying groups by leveraging the strength and influence of their combined 6,000 members. All three groups, each with their own unique operational methods, have a common purpose – to improve margins for their members and build stronger relationships with the supply chain. “Profound changes are taking place in the agricultural supply sector as we adjust to a post-Brexit marketplace, and transition from an EU to UK agricultural policy platform. These changes bring opportunities, challenges and new priorities for farm procurement,” explains Stuart McKenzie, APA chairman. “It has therefore never been more important for farmers to adapt to this disruption, and work together through their cooperative buying groups. APA is a response to these challenges and the continuing consolidation of the agri supply chain, including manufacture and distribution.” Farmers’ confidence slumps to lowest point since Covid began Spiralling costs of production faced by farmers and growers have driven down the confidence of people in the industry to the lowest levels since the start of Covid, with almost 90% saying they are being negatively affected by input costs such as energy, fuel and fertiliser. An NFU survey shows that the phasing out of current farming support payments is negatively impacting farm business confidence with 82% of farmers citing farm support payments as a major cause. Horticulture, livestock and poultry sectors is having the greatest impact on confidence. The evidence of this was shown on supermarket shelves with shortages of some produce including eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Despite the knock to confidence, British farmers’ intention to invest in renewable energy generation and energy efficiency has increased rapidly. This demonstrates a real ambition to future-proof farm business resilience and reach British farming’s net zero by 2040 target, as well as the importance of energy security to the nation’s food security. But the investment needed to increase climate-friendly farming capabilities is being hindered by the low levels of short- and medium-term business confidence. © stock.adobe.com/ Anthony Brown “Concerning” anxiety levels among women in farming Financial pressures, long working hours and isolation are among the causes of “concerning” levels of anxiety among farming women, a new study shows. The stresses of balancing childcare, caring responsibilities and non-farming work, gender inequalities within agriculture and, in some cases, domestic violence and rural crime, could also be exacerbating mental health issues, experts have warned. A total of 23 per cent of women who took part in the research had anxiety, a further 34.6 per cent were experiencing mild anxiety whilst 42.1 per cent were not suffering from anxiety. The factors found to have the strongest relationship with moderate and severe anxiety were concerns about the future of the farm/farming; financial pressures; workload, isolation and relationships with family. The study, published in the Journal of Agromedicine, was carried out by Dr Rebecca Wheeler and Professor Matt Lobley from the University of Exeter and funded by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI). They surveyed 15,296 members of the agricultural community and the results for this study came from a subsection of 3,487 female respondents. © stock.adobe.com/StockMediaProduction © stock.adobe.com/Budimir JevticLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 Supporting the rural community UK to invest £3m in Global Fertiliser Challenge The UK has committed to making a £3 million investment to develop more sustainable fertilisers. At the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Summit in Washington D.C., the UK announced it will join the US-led Global Fertiliser Challenge to develop, test and scale up new and alternative fertilisers that can enhance soil health, agricultural productivity, and the sustainability of agriculture globally. In partnership with the US, the UK’s investment will fund a new Efficient Fertiliser Consortium, led by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, that will carry out research to advance efficient, environmentally beneficial and cost-effective fertilisers and management practices. Farming Minister, Mark Spencer said: “Innovation is key to unlocking a more sustainable, profitable future for our farming and agriculture sectors. It is vital we join together at the international table to share expertise and best practice, and fund new research to catalyse pioneering solutions that will support farmers around the world to meet the challenges of food security while delivering for our environment.” Farming charities join forces Farming charities, the Addington Fund and Forage Aid have agreed to join forces and build on the work the two charities undertake in supporting farmers and farm workers experiencing hardship. Well known for its work in providing housing, disaster relief and young entrants’ support within the farming community, the Addington Fund will extend its on-farm disaster relief support under the Forage Aid brand. This assistance will continue the legacy of Forage Aid offering emergency, short-term relief to alleviate or relieve livestock suffering by providing feed and bedding to those in need. Peter Jinman, chairman of Addington, says: “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate, pool resources, combine networks and enhance our offering, which will in turn benefit those in need within our farming communities. With the increasing challenges that farmers and farm-workers face, we’re delighted that Addington will be able to offer a wider network of practical support.” NFU says Government missed opportunity in free trade deal with Australia NFU President Minette Batters has sounded a note of caution over a newly- signed Free Trade deal between the UK and Australia. It’s the first deal to be struck under our new independent trade policy, and as such provided a chance to set the standard for future deals which incentivise trade in food produced to higher environmental and animal welfare standards, she said. “However, it is clear from this report that the UK government has missed the opportunity to reach a genuinely innovative and world-class FTA with Australia. “While it is reassuring that this deal will not result in a change in production standards here – for instance, imports of hormone-reared beef will still be banned – the report confirms that this FTA simply opens up UK agricultural markets for Australian produce, whether or not produced to the same standards that are legally required of UK farmers. “This deal will pave the way for others to follow and I’m increasingly concerned about the cumulative impact of the government’s FTA programme, especially as its own impact assessments anticipate a negative economic impact on UK farmers.” © stock.adobe.com/ JackF © stock.adobe.com/Mose Schneider Minette Batters 56 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FARM & COUNTRY LINK Farming may be an industry that can never truly die, but as the economy struggles in other areas the knock-on effects can have a big impact on our farmers. From financial constrains to mental health and a rise in countryside crime. It’s worth thinking of our farmers who have to deal with it all. T he farming landscape is not only one of a never ending change of seasons but also a never ending change of workforces, including workers from various countries and backgrounds. After the NFU lobbied the Government, the seasonal worker scheme now includes provision to allow returnee workers from 2022 to come back into the UK sooner in 2023 and is ensuring foreign farm workers can come back into the UK after just five months instead of the previously required six months at the end of a 2022 visa. Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) added: “This is a ‘one-off re-set’ to enable workers to return at the beginning of the 2023 harvesting season and the normal rules will apply to any leave granted for 2024 onwards.” It has been discussed that, although this is a minor change, it’s important and should assist growers this season and add further weight to additional discussions over the length of visas within the scheme, ensuring a big increase in visa applications and more available workers for employers. Alongside seasonal staff improvements, as from 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates were increased, bringing the minimum hourly rate that must be, by law, paid to all employees and workers over the age of 23 years to £10.42, and employers need to make sure they are aware that they are paying the correct hourly rate, especially with consideration regarding other wage deductions. To verify that the correct wages are paid, GOV.UK/checkyourpay or ACAS can assist employers and ensure that employers are aware which employees are entitled to which hourly rate. According to the ‘NFUOnline’ website the NMW rates are: 21-22 years - £10.18, 18-20 years - £7.49, under 18 years and apprentices - £5.28. And it’s not just wages that affect an employee or employer – more and more important is general well-being becoming a bigger priority as farmers and workers are urged to discuss any issues with mental health as rising costs, environmental pressures and uncertainties caused by Brexit amongst other things, are leading to more psychological problems. This is according to the Farm Safety Foundation (FSF) which states that mental health problems have resulted a rise in risk-taking behaviours and accidents, with 94% of UK farmers under 40 agreeing that mental health, from depression to anxiety, is one of the biggest hidden problems they face on a daily basis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) The farming scene The farming scene LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 FARM & COUNTRY LINK !). #%,!"! !* "! *%/#%). /.!""*;;@@??88 Á³ גאٮבِ z(zÁ !۴JJX« ³nR۴xRJzX«« 0¨³Xxç «Xk۴xR 0³۴RÁÈ n۴z Á«0 ç n figures show in 2021 alone, 36 farmers in the UK took their own lives and 22 died in accidents – and so the Mind Your Head campaign, launched in 2018, to enlighten the concerns facing the farming industry, aims to remind people living and working in the industry to look after their mental health and encourages people not to be afraid to seek therapy and speak to a GP about medication, if they feel it’s needed. Another positive is ‘Wellbeing hubs’ which are also being set up by charities across rural England to support isolated agricultural staff with mental health support and loneliness especially as farmers can be extra vulnerable due to stress from fuel and fertiliser cost rises, poor harvests and worries finding labour, and there are in fact plans to train vets and insurance reps through this scheme to support agricultural personnel. Alongside the 58 Á ‘Wellbeing hubs’ there are other farming charities for farmers and their workers to call to gain support, such as: RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) 0800 188 4444, RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) 0808 1234 555, FCN (Farming Community Network) 03000 111999 and Yellow Wellies 01789 455198. All farmers and workers are also being encouraged through vulnerable times to be vigilant after reports of scam phone calls stating the caller is from the NFU Head Quarters trying to defraud money from people. The union states it has had many reports from members who have been targeted and so the NFU have stated anyone calling from NFU Energy should be ignored and reported, as the real NFU Energy would only ever call © stock.adobe.com/Dusan Kostic58 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FARM & COUNTRY LINK agricultural personnel to follow up on an official email or a pre-planned follow-up phone call. The NFU confirmed that, “if you suspect that it isn’t NFU Energy ask us to confirm your unique reference.” The NFU has also launched its vision for increasing farm business resilience throughout British farming with sector- specific plans - stating how farms can unlock benefits of increased efficiency and lower costs while improving sustainability. These plans look at the different areas of priority for all sectors especially business resilience and indicates which government policies are important to help achieve these. Such things are supporting climate friendly farming, incentivising recognised carbon and nutrient benchmarking and accounting, all of which are becoming essential. To overcome the increases in fuel, feed and fertiliser costs, resilience in the agri-food supply chains is needed through better efficiency and improving on farm carbon storage and producing more renewable energy. NFU Deputy President, Mr Tom Bradshaw said, “this will enable a more sustainable future for farm businesses, both financially and environmentally. Smart and efficient farming is at the heart of building business resilience with the potential to help farmers reduce costs, increase market access and build the sustainability credentials of British food, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We want British food to continue to be the product of choice for people at home and abroad.” Finally, Defra recently added six new standards to the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) available to apply for in 2023, which is likely to make the scheme more attractive to farmers, with payments available for a number of new actions that previously were not eligible for funding, these standards include: the hedgerows standard, the integrated pest management standard, the nutrient management standard, the arable and horticultural land standard, the improved grassland standard and the low input grassland standard – for all information on these contact RPA (Rural Payments Agency) on 03000 200 301 - or email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk. Farming in Lincolnshire and throughout the UK is something to always be proud of, providing a safe food system within the country, feeding the nation and providing a wide range of rural community and environmental benefits – many of which are appreciated far and wide after leaving the farmyard. © stock.adobe.com/littlewolf1989 KEVIN JOHNSON “For those times when you need a helping hand on farm or on land” 4 Church Road | Wittering | Peterborough | PE8 6AG Tel: 01780 782924 | Mobile: 07860 608825 enquiries@kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk www.kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk •Fertiliser Spreading 12m to 36m •Lime Spreading •Maize Drilling •Grass Mowing with Triple MowersLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS To find out how to get your business on the up visit www.dextersharpe.co.uk Offices in Boston, Bourne, Horncastle, Lincoln, Louth, Skegness & Spilsby We pride ourselves on providing a pro-active, friendly and accessible service. Experts in Accounts and Tax Returns Tax Planning and Book-Keeping Audits and Business Advice We’re here to get you in the right direction Keeping business on the up… T: 07702293727 E: marcus@mjpsupplies.co.uk W: www.mjp.supplies Suppliers of a range of liquid storage tanks for: • Oil • adblue • Water • Fertiliser Stockists of Portek Bird Scarers Watch your profits grow We are exhibiting at Cereals 2023 13th and 14th June Stand 856 For the purpose of importing and selling Algifol™ biostimulant products to farmers and growers of specialist crops Special offer on 1 litre bottles bought direct from our website Your Ifor Williams Trailer Distributor Trailers from Camping to 3500kg gross Sales • Repairs • Servicing • Spares Sole Distributors in Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Pickup canopies also available You are welcome to view our stock of Trailers Tel: 01526 860317 website: www.scott-trailers.co.uk e-mail: office@scott-trailers.co.uk Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12 noon HorseboxCommercial LivestockUnbraked 01205 760 638 Bakers Lane, Freiston, Boston www.jandjfuels.com jjfuelsboston@btconnect.com J & J FUELS BOSTON Oil in South Lincolnshire is available at a fair price & with a reliable service from J & J Fuels. We are here to ensure you receive the very best service & at a time that suits you. As a member of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers you can be sure of a safe service every time with quality of product also assured. We pride ourselves on our prompt delivery services as well as our competitive prices.Next >