Determined rural thieves are targeting expensive quad bikes used by farmers to tend to livestock during the lambing season, latest NFU Mutual claim figures reveal.

The rural insurer’s theft claims data for 2020 reveals that while the number of quads stolen fell in 2020, thieves are increasingly targeting more expensive, higher specification models.

Farm thieves are also stealing more all-terrain (ATV), larger off-road vehicles. These machines, which often seat two people side-by side and have a load space at the back, can cost two or three times as much as a quad bike. These vehicles now represent 14% of all quad and ATV thefts, compared to 11% in 2019.

To help farmers protect their quads from increasingly sophisticated thieves, NFU Mutual is providing updated security advice. It is also launching a pilot scheme with manufacturers – starting with Yamaha and Honda – to provide customers with free tracking and immobilisation equipment on vehicles bought to replace stolen quads and ATVS, following a paid claim.

Bob Henderson, Technical Engineering Manager at NFU Mutual, said: “Quad bikes are a vital tool on modern livestock farms. During harsh, cold months and at lambing times farmers face a massive struggle to keep their sheep fed and safe if thieves strike and leave them without a quad at the busiest time of year.

“Rural thieves target quads and other farm all-terrain vehicles because they’re expensive kit with a ready resale market in this country and abroad. However, their light weight makes them easier to steal than heavier equipment such as tractors.

“We know that thieves often return to a farm where they have stolen a quad in the hope of being able to steal its new replacement. That’s why we’re working on a scheme initially with manufacturers Honda and Yamaha with Datatool to install free tracking devices and immobilisers to protect our customers from repeat crime.

“We also want to help keep farmers – who often work alone – safe. The immobiliser systems have smart technology which can raise the alarm if a machine has been impacted or rolled over.”

To help members who have been the victim of quad theft to get up and running again, NFU Mutual is covering the cost of the tracker and immobiliser installation and the first year’s subscription. The insurer is also looking to install trackers and immobilisers on other brands if they meet the required standard and fitting cost.

Bob explained that while many types of rural theft had fallen during COVID restrictions the overall cost of agricultural vehicle and machinery theft remained high, as thieves were getting more ‘bang for their buck’ by targeting high-value portable items such as quads and tractor GPS systems.

The insurer is concerned that as lockdown restrictions ease, there could be a surge in thefts from farms and other rural properties as thieves become more active again.

Welcoming the scheme DC Chris Piggott, Agricultural Vehicle Lead for the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, said: “After removal of keys, trackers and immobilisers are the most effective measures against quad theft acting as both a deterrent and also increasing the chance of police recovering the vehicle and catching the people behind these crimes.”

To help farmers cover the costs of fitting security devices to their equipment, NFU Mutual already offers insurance discounts for a range of devices from mechanical measures, CESAR marking, electronic tracking to immobilisers.

To protect quads and other ATVs from thieves, NFU Mutual and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service is issuing the following advice:

• Always remove keys and keep them stored securely, away from the vehicle
• When not in use, keep quads and all-terrain-vehicles locked up out of sight
• Install tracking devices and immobilisers to make it easier for police to recover stolen vehicles – most modern tracking devices are GPS enabled, with alarms/alerts that will send a message informing you if your machine is being tampered with. You can also set working hours and Geofences to alert you if a machine is being moved outside of a pre-set working area.
• Use CESAR marking to deter thieves and enable police to identify stolen machinery
• Target-harden your quad by creating a security cage or use a mechanical device such as steering brake/lock, ground anchor or wheel clamp when not in use – these devices are both visible and physical deterrents to thieves
• Know what you own – keep records of serial numbers and photographs of your kit including unique identifying features
• When buying a new quad insist on a chipped key and immobilisation system

More advice on farm vehicle security and details of security premium discounts is available in NFU Mutual’s 2020 Rural Crime Report:  https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/ruralcrime/

Repeat theft case study

DC Chris Piggott, Agricultural Vehicle Lead at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service which works closely with NFU Mutual to combat quad theft said: “Unfortunately the police find that once criminals know the layout of a farm they may return to steal the replacement vehicle or other goods that they have scoped out previously.”

Richard Willcox runs a 220-acre livestock farm near Highbridge in Somerset, rearing dairy heifers and a flock of 80 ewes. He grew up in a farming family and has lived and worked on the Somerset farm for over 30 years.

In May 2020, Richard had a quad bike stolen, almost exactly a year to the day from when one was stolen in broad daylight in May 2019.

Richard explained: “My quad bike was stolen from inside the workshop on the farm overnight. They also took a strimmer, some scrap batteries and other tools from the workshop too.

“A similar incident happened the year before, but that time the quad was taken in the middle of the afternoon. Returning after being out for the afternoon, I found the padlock on the gate broken and the quad was gone. CCTV from the property opposite captured a white van leaving and entering the property and they were in and gone within just a few minutes.

“I have my suspicions that it was the same gang that returned this year. The quad is such a vital piece of kit that they must have known that I would replace it.

“Since the second theft, I have invested in a steel roller shutter on the workshop and a motion sensor inside that alerts us at the house to any movement at night. The new quad also has a tracker installed.

“The theft in 2019 occurred when I had left the farm for the afternoon and you have that thought in the back of your head each time the farm is vacant that something like that might happen again.”

Richard has also experienced cases of “cold-callers” coming to the farm to stake out what is there and, having spoken to neighbours and fellow farmers, knows that there are often sightings of suspicious vehicles in the area.

“It is unsettling to think that people might be staking out the farm and trying to work out what we have here, particularly as it’s not just a place of work but my home too. I’m sure the thieves know the layout of farms in the area and come prepared to load up quads and any other equipment they can get their hands on.

“I get cold callers coming to the farm offering to buy scrap metal, but I can tell which ones are genuine and know that the others are using it as a chance to get on site and see what’s here.”

As a sole trader, Richard relies on his quad to get him out and around the farm quickly, using it for everything from rounding up sheep to getting feed to cattle.

“I use the quad almost every day so it had a real impact on my work not having one when it was stolen, I really couldn’t do without it,” he added.

n business since 1951, Valtra turns 70 in 2021 and is celebrating its milestone anniversary in a variety of different ways throughout the year.

To mark its 70th anniversary, Valtra will manufacture 70 specially equipped limited ‘Redition’ tractors. These anniversary models are available in the T Series (T174e to T254) and will be sold worldwide.

The specially equipped anniversary models feature a deep red metallic paint reminiscent of Valtra’s roots 70 years ago. The red colour is also highlighted in the details of the tractor, including in the stitching of the leather interior and the interior light. The anniversary model has black rims and a stainless steel Limited Redition badge. For every limited ‘Redition’ tractor sold in 2021, £500 will be donated by Valtra to a good cause.

Valtra tractors are now on their fifth generation. The new Valtra G Series was unveiled in August 2020 and elected Tractor of the Year 2021. It has also just received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2021 in the Red Dot: Product Design Award Series. This marks the sixth Red Dot award in Valtra’s history and demonstrates how the brand’s success story continues with the latest fifth generation tractors.

The Valtra G Series is a small giant; a compact multipurpose tractor that can be operated comfortably while performing tasks effortlessly. The G Series combines a compact size with agility and a modern design. It is also the perfect tractor for front-loader tasks, Valtra says.

Work is facilitated by easy and unobstructed access to the cab via self-cleaning steps, as well as a comfortable and spacious cab for two people with excellent visibility in all directions, including upwards, thanks to a combined glass area of 5.7 square metres. The Valtra G Series cab also features other award-winning design in the form of the Valtra SmartTouch armrest.

The popular Valtra A Series – twice the recipient of the Machine of the Year award in 2017 and in 2019 – is also going into its fifth generation with many new features that have been requested by customers. The model series continues to comprise seven models to choose from, all of them available as so-called GL-models, which feature an easy-to-use mechanical transmission. The best-selling 105 and 115 horsepower model are also available with a four-step powershift transmission. In these HiTech 4 models, transmission is controlled electronically. All A Series come with Valtra’s renowned shuttle transmission, including the integrated handbrake.

More information about the 70th anniversary celebrations and the special limited ‘Redition’ can be found at www.valtra.co.uk/70years

Ben Burgess takes a stroll down memory lane, looking back over 90 years of serving the agricultural sector – from post-war agricultural depression in the 30s, to a thriving modern business currently comprising seven depots.

Ben Burgess and Company was founded in 1931 by Ben Burgess, Edward Burgess and Norman Marshall. It was the perfect time for an agricultural engineering company to start, as it was the absolute bottom of the post-war agricultural depression.

After the success of the first tractor franchise Marshall tractors, came other franchises such as Turner Tractors, Claas Combines and Lundell Foragers. In 1964, Ben Burgess was appointed as one of the first John Deere dealers in the UK.

With the growth of the business came the need for better local coverage in Norfolk. This brought about the acquisition of Eric Matthews and Co who sold David Brown tractors in central Norfolk in 1962, which has now come to be known as Ben Burgess Beeston. Approximately 20 years later, further development led to the construction of Ben Burgess Aylsham, providing coverage in north east Norfolk.

Although agriculture has always been the primary business, over the years other companies have joined the fold; Ben Burgess Garden Equipment (now known as Ben Burgess GroundsCare Equipment) was born to serve horticultural customers throughout Norfolk in 1962. Then followed F.C Walker sheet metal engineers and eventually Thomas Wilch & High Electrical Motor Specialists 1973. A construction division selling and servicing construction machinery followed in 1998.

On 14th June 1986, Ben Burgess was awarded an MBE for services to agriculture.

He had a philosophy on business and shared an ethos that is still the cornerstone of the company’s culture 90 years after it was founded. It is an ethos and culture that the current managing director, Ben Burgess’s grandson Ben Turner, and the leadership team and managers still live by today.

“Our dedication to our customers and outstanding service has ensured our continued success, but we are also committed to ensuring our employees have an inspiring place to work. We’ve added nearly 250 people to our ranks since the beginning and seen hundreds more who have come and gone over the years, whether through retirement or progressing onto greater things,” says Ben Turner.

Today, the company has seven depots covering East Anglia and the Midlands. Each branch has specialist sales, parts, service and hire teams who work tirelessly to ensure they offer the highest standard of service to their customers – selling quality new and used machinery across the UK or for export worldwide. The sales force specialises in various fields of expertise and includes 85 highly trained technicians, dedicated parts teams and a comprehensive hire department serving agricultural, construction and grounds care customers.

A wide variety of franchises have been added over the years to give customers more choice. Brands such as Grimme, Väderstad, Kuhn, Kramer, McConnel, Yanmar, Avant, Stihl, Timberwolf, Husqvarna, Bailey, Dennis and many more.

Ben Burgess says its aftermarket team provides a second-to-none service, encompassing three support functions: maintain, protect and support.

In addition, FarmSight specialists deliver “outstanding support” on the latest technologies from John Deere to optimise your machine, the company adds. An end of year review provides an opportunity to look at the data collected by your machine and gain insight into your operations, helping you make informed decisions on future farming, saving you money and increasing your output.

Ben Burgess also holds the Royal Warrant as suppliers of agricultural machinery. It began supplying the Royal Estate at Sandringham with Marshall tractors in 1931 and has continued to the present day, supplying John Deere and many other products.

Visit the Ben Burgess website HERE.

The McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive Stage V range, launched at LAMMA 2020, is rapidly expanding McCormick’s reputation amongst arable users. Thanks to the combination of power and high technology it delivers, fully meeting its customers’ needs and the increase in engine power from 200 to 240 hp 3 new models make up the X7.6 VT offering in the stage 5 emissions class.

Equipped with a 6-cylinder, 24-valve 6.7-litre Beta Power Fuel Efficiency engine, this delivers a maximum torque of 983 Nm at 1,400 rpm with the Power Plus system that guarantees maximum power and performance combined with fuel savings, lower tractor wear and a generous 36% torque reserve. The SCR – Selective Catalyst Reduction system – with a 52-litre AdBlue tank reduces engine emissions. The SCR system is combined with the DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyser), a passive oxidising catalyst capable of reducing pollutants and meeting the most stringent anti-pollution regulations.

The engine is associated with the B.I.C. (Best in Class) system. This guarantees a decisive improvement in the use of fuel filters: the result is a reduction in oil waste and a lengthening of maintenance intervals with a reduction in costs.

The Engine Brake and Cooling Matrix systems confirm the objective of technological implementation and usability of the tractor. The first, in fact, reduces engine speed. This is thanks to the activation of the engine brake associated with the rear brakes, through the use of the turbocharger throttle valve. The Cooling Matrix system facilitates the opening of the under-hood radiators for easy and efficient cleaning.

Everything is designed to guarantee maximum productivity of the tractor in all types of operation. Making the work particularly easy for the operator to whom, as always, the utmost attention is paid.

The VT-Drive 4-stage, continuously variable transmission with 4 sets of crown wheels with wet clutches, is also designed with this in mind. With 4 speed ranges, from a minimum of 0.04 km/h to a maximum of 50 km/h, it is able to guarantee maximum productivity in every work context, always delivering full power, both at the wheels thanks to reinforced final drives and at the power take-off (PTO) available in 4 speeds. The Closed Centre Load-Sensing (CCLS) hydraulic system provides a flow rate of 160l/min.

From the previous engine, the X7.6 Stage V inherits the load-bearing chassis and front suspension with independent links. This provides a lower level of vibration and improved traction at the front axle, with maximum manoeuvrability for greater safety and driving comfort.

Attention to the needs of the operator and care in making their work simpler are objectives which have resulted in the anti-dumping semi-active suspension cab. With main features that include the high quality of the materials used, the excellent level of the ergonomics and attention to detail. All this in a context of maximum comfort and spaciousness.

The Eazysteer function, for electronic steering modulation, also contributes to the operator’s driving comfort, in combination with satellite driving options provided by Topcon Agriculture.

The ease of use of the tractor is enhanced by the configuration of the control unit, governed by Data Screen Management (DSM). Each of the 5 programmable “MyFunctions” buttons allows several functions to be stored for greater customisation of the tractor controls. The operator can also electrically adjust the steering wheel tilt with a switch and the height with a lever.

The technological level of this tractor with innovative contents is completed by the factory fit components for guidance systems, ISOBUS control, as well as McCormick’s fleet management system.

ISObus seamlessly integrates the tractor, implements and on-board computer, making it easy for the operator to manage them via the 12” DSM touch screen monitor, ensuring superior efficiency and productivity.

Also via DSM, a rear/front camera and the Advanced HMF management system can be controlled for optimal management of all headland operations.

The advanced McCormick Fleet Management system, (standard fit) on the other hand, makes it possible to manage a fleet of tractors by providing immediate and precise telematic information. Added to this are the geofencing functions for added security,   telemetry for consumption control and remote diagnostics for effective real-time monitoring of the tractor. This also permits the programming of a maintenance plan which will be effective over time.

The attention to the design integrates well with the technological research and innovations that characterise the McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive. Featuring a bonnet in line with the style of the McCormick X8 family and a roof with 12 LED work lights, positioned to ensure the operator has 360° visibility during night operations. Coupled with the Red Power package of black wheels and metallic red paint, the new McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive looks the part as well.

With flexible finance programmes, up to 5 years manufacturer’s warranty and fixed price servicing packages available, cost of ownership is a flexible and adaptable option. With a UK warehouse providing VOR parts support, linked seamlessly to McCormick’s global master warehouse in Italy, aftersales support has been an area of considerable investment by Argo Tractors, to ensure that customers are supported day and night around the clock.

Visit the McCormick website HERE.

According to new research, two thirds of users still don’t wear a helmet when they ride ATVs because they feel foolish wearing them on their own farm or don’t believe they ride fast enough to warrant them.

To help combat this issue and to ensure that the importance of wearing a helmet is highlighted among users when driving an ATV, Can-Am is introducing its seven golden rules for ATV usage as part of its responsible riding programme.

The report, carried out by Dr Amy Irwin and Jana Mihulkova from the University of Aberdeen, found that 63.5 per cent of respondents stated they owned a helmet but only a third of the sample (29.9 per cent) reported wearing a helmet frequently or always.

The research pinpointed several underlying factors, ranging from personal perceptions about helmets and personal barriers that stop farm workers wearing a helmet when using an ATV on their site.

The results highlighted the following comments:

1. Personal perceptions:

• I do not go fast enough to need head protection in a crash
• I feel that helmets are unnecessary for short rides
• Helmets are less important for those who ride their ATV infrequently
• Since I am not racing or doing any stunts I don’t really need a helmet
• Helmets are only necessary for children aged 16 and below
• If you are an experienced rider you don’t need a helmet
• Its more important to drive carefully than it is to wear a helmet
• You only need a helmet if riding on the road
• You only need a helmet if riding on hills
• I would not want to spend money on an ATV helmet

2. The norms on site:

• As an adult I feel foolish wearing a helmet just to ride round my property
• Wearing a helmet makes me look stupid if no-one else is wearing one
• Hardly anyone I know wears a helmet

3. The barriers presented by helmet cost and comfort:

• ATV helmets are uncomfortable to wear
• ATV helmets make the user too hot
• Wearing an ATV helmet can impair your hearing

4. Daily issues

• I often forget to wear my helmet
• When in a rush I am less likely to put my helmet on
• I can never find my helmet when I am getting ready to ride my ATV
• If I am tired, I am less likely to wear a helmet

To tackle this issue in 2021 and beyond and to highlight the importance of responsible riding in general, Can-Am is committing to educate new and existing users with seven golden rules as part of its global responsible rider programme:

• Always wear the correct personal protective equipment such as a helmet, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding
• Prepare an itinerary before setting off and communicate it to the people close to you (colleagues, friends or family)
• Follow the recommendations for use that are specified by the manufacturer in the operator’s guide as well as on the safety labels placed on the vehicle
• Follow maintenance instructions as recommended by the manufacturer
• Inspect the vehicle before use to make sure it is in good working order
• Take along communication devices and breakdown equipment
• Be mindful of the animals you come across and do not damage their natural habitat

James Dalke, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, says “As a brand, we are committed to upholding health & safety standards, and our partnership with EASI enables us to offer training to all Can-Am customers. The fact that people have a helmet and do not wear it and the reasons why they don’t, reflects a mindset that we are aiming to change through education, as ATVs are the vehicles of choice for farm workers to carry out daily tasks.”

P Tuckwell Ltd, the John Deere dealer across the East of England, has completed the acquisition of Burden Bros Agri Ltd covering the South East.

The acquisition, which has been agreed by respective owners James Tuckwell and Dale Burden, will see all employees and the three existing branch locations at Stockbury and Ivychurch in Kent and Framfield in East Sussex retained.

The full terms of the agreement are not being disclosed but it has been announced that this acquisition has the full support and approval of John Deere Ltd and does not involve any other businesses in the BB Group of Companies.

Burden Bros Agri Ltd was founded in 2007 when it took on the John Deere agricultural franchise for north Kent. Subsequent expansion saw the business take on additional territory in East Sussex, parts of Surrey and the remainder of Kent. The John Deere Turf franchise was added following the acquisition of the Godfreys business for the area. Tuckwells was established in 1954 and have been John Deere dealers since 1965.

Operating from seven locations across Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, the business employs over 200 people. In addition, the business runs Tuckwell Farms, a 1500 acre working farm in Suffolk. Tuckwells were one of the first dealers in the UK to take on the John Deere Turf franchise.

“Dale and his team have built a strong, agricultural and turf business throughout the south east of England since the company began in 2007,” says James Tuckwell. “We are excited to be given this opportunity to expand our business and to build on their success. We welcome the Burden Bros Agri team to the Tuckwell family and look forward to working together with them and their customers.”

“I would like to express our gratitude to Dale and the Burden family for the outstanding job they have done in supporting and growing the John Deere brand in south east England since becoming a dealer nearly 14 years ago,” said John Deere Limited division sales manager Joedy Ibbotson. “We are delighted that they have reached this agreement with Tuckwells, which ensures the continuity of the Burden Bros team and dealership outlets within the John Deere network. This is a great fit, combining two businesses with closely aligned values based on outstanding customer service with a focus on precision technology and connected support.”

Dale Burden added “Whilst this is a time of mixed emotions for me and my brothers, we are pleased that a deal has been reached between the Burden and Tuckwell families. We have known each other for many years and I am confident that the business is in safe hands and is well placed to continue its development and growth. I believe there will be many opportunities for the team, and our customers will benefit from the strengths that come from this combined dealership.”

For more information, please contact hannah@tuckwellgroup.com – 07810 5219

NFU welcomes news that eco-friendly fuel will be available by this autumn, providing a boost to UK wheat and sugar sectors, whilst helping to deliver the government’s green agenda.

The government has announced that E10 fuel – an eco-friendly blend of petrol and ethanol that could cut transport CO₂ emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year – will be available from UK petrol stations by September 2021.

Following a consultation with drivers and industry, the introduction of E10 fuel, which is made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, will boost the government’s ambitions to reach net zero by 2050.

Reductions in CO₂ emissions could be the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road, or all the cars in North Yorkshire.

The move will also boost job opportunities in the north east, securing up to 100 jobs with the reopening of AB Sugar’s Vivergo plant, and increasing production at existing biofuel plants including Ensus. This will support the UK’s wider bioeconomy by ensuring the materials needed for E10 are produced and refined in the UK.

NFU crops board chairman Matt Culley said: “The NFU has long been calling for the government to authorise E10 fuel and it is great to hear that it will start to be available at UK forecourts from September.

“Not only will this mandate provide a boost for the UK wheat and sugar sectors, it will play an important and immediate role in delivering the government’s green agenda, especially as it may be some years before we are able to make a countrywide shift to fully electric vehicles.

“E10 is a great example of how investment in farming and the rural economy can benefit the whole country. British growers have the ability to deliver more renewable fuel for the nation, alongside continuing to produce the country’s larder staples, and we should do all we can to maximise that potential to help drive green growth across the economy.”

The two petrol blends that are currently widely available in the UK contain no more than 5 per cent ethanol, known as E5; the fuel being rolled out in September has up to 10 per cent. Using bioethanol in place of traditional petrol can reduce CO₂ emissions. Therefore, increasing the ethanol content of petrol could help with meeting climate change targets.

A small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel, so supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘Super’ grade. Motorists can use the new E10 compatibility checker to see if their vehicle is compatible.

Dr Mark Carr, group chief executive of AB Sugar, said: “We are delighted to be reopening the Vivergo Fuels site today, located in the heart of the Northern Powerhouse on the back of the government’s decision to move forward with E10.

“We’ve long been calling for this introduction as E10 is one of the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective ways for the UK to reduce its carbon emissions, while providing an economic boost to sustain the British biofuels industry, and the local and national economy.

“We will be recruiting around 85 highly skilled green jobs, in addition to the core team that remained in place during its closure in the north east of England, and reopening a new market for wheat farmers in the UK.”

With over 70 years’ experience in manufacturing bulk materials handling, drying and storage equipment, Perry of Oakley Ltd provides high quality machinery to a wide variety of industries, including farms, commercial grain stores, waste and aggregate industries, feed and pet food, pharmaceutical and biomass industries, and many others.

The company has supplied machines to over 25 different countries across four continents. In 2019, Perry announced a new partnership with SiloMasters.

Together, the two companies provide an extensive range of at-bottom and hopper-bottom silos. The silos are designed and manufactured to the highest specification while remaining a cost-effective option.

Each silo is dual-branded with both company logos, as a symbol of their cooperation in providing customers with a full tailored package.

Flat-bottom silos range from 3–32m giving storage capacities from 27–26,000m. Hopper-bottom silos range from 3–13m diameter with either 45 or 60 degree cones.

The hopper silo ranges can be manufactured with either a heavy-duty hip ring or with an internal light weight hip, ensuring the most cost-effective solution can be supplied for specific requirements.

In addition, within the scope of supply will be:

• Complete aeration systems

• Temperature control systems

• Unloading equipment

• Walkways and catwalks

• Towers and structures

Perry’s also supplies a full range of handling and drying equipment. To find out how Perry’s can help with your handling, drying and storage requirements, contact the team.

The government has rejected last-ditch attempts to get dairy workers included on the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) Shortage Occupation List (SOL), after a four-month consultation.

Occupations including butchers, bricklayers and welders will be added to the list, but farmers will not, according to an announcement this week.

The MAC launched a six-week call for evidence on the skills shortage in May, with responses being used to support the evidence-based recommendations delivered to the home secretary this month.

The report said it ‘did not recommend adding farmers to the SOL’ and that much of the evidence submitted was ‘related to the more general sector than to this specific occupation code’– meaning farmer.

It is also said that because 80 per cent of farmers are classed as self-employed, the benefits to the occupation of being on the SOL were limited.

There are now serious concerns that farms relying on foreign workers could be left with a labour shortage from next year, when the new points-based immigration system is implemented.

RABDF managing director Matt Knight said: “The points-based immigration system will give priority to those with the ‘highest skills and greatest talents’, with dairy workers not falling into these categories.

“There’s no doubt this latest failure to recognise dairy workers will leave the UK dairy industry with a labour shortage, with some of the largest dairy producers in the UK relying on skilled foreign labour.

He added: “There are real concerns that post-2021, some of our largest, most technically advanced dairy farms could be lost due to their reliance on foreign labour. Should this happen the repercussions would be felt right across the industry, with associated businesses such as feed companies and veterinary practices also affected, let alone the impact on milk supply.”

A survey by RABDF in 2016 found over half of the respondents employed staff from outside of the UK in the last five years – a 24 per cent increase on 2014. Almost two-thirds said this was due to insufficient UK staff being available.

In the same survey, more than 50 per cent of migrant workers on dairy farms were classed as highly skilled or mainly highly skilled, a fact that remains unrecognised by the UK government.

RABDF says it will be exploring how farmers can fill the labour shortages left by the latest restrictions in the coming weeks.

Dairy farmer Karen Halton from Cheshire has scooped this year’s prestigious Dairy Industry Woman of the Year award at the virtual Women in Dairy (WID) conference held yesterday (30 September).

Karen is the fourth woman to win the award, sponsored by HSBC UK, beating off stiff competition from two other finalists: Abi Reader from Glamorganshire, and Hannah Lawrence from Haverfordwest.

The award aims to celebrate the achievements of women in the dairy sector and is presented to the individual who has demonstrated the core values of Women in Dairy – connect, share, and inspire.

Karen is a partner in Halton Farms with her husband Tom. Together they rent 550 acres in Congleton and milk their 530 three-way cross all-year-round calving herd three times a day.  They also have a raw milk vending machine and, just this year, decided to expand the operation by pasteurising milk and selling it directly to customers.

Starting out in legal recruitment Karen joined Tom dairy farming 11 years ago and, in that time, has been passionate about showcasing dairy farming. RABDF, which runs the award, said Karen is not afraid to share her learnings – good and bad – and as an AHDB strategic farm Halton Farms has regularly opened their doors to those within the industry as well as outside.

Karen was chosen as the winner as she is a great all-round industry ambassador and gives a lot to the sector.

Award judge and WID patron Di Wastenage said: “Karen is a passionate advocate for British farming who is an effective communicator at all levels and enjoys mentoring the next generation.

“She is an early adopter who brings new skills into our Industry and is happy to challenge, question, and lead change.

“This year’s competition was the hardest one to judge yet and when you have this calibre of entrants in one competition, we know the future of our dairy industry is in good hands,” added Mrs Wastenage.

The judges – which consisted of Mrs Wastenage; HSBC UK’s regional agriculture director Grace O’Dwyer, and Rachel Bowcutt, RABDF operations and project manager, said all three shortlisted candidates are exceptional ambassadors.

Ms O’Dwyer said: “All the candidates demonstrated fantastic commitment to their businesses making them as strong as they could be. In addition, the obvious drive to support the wider farming and rural community came across loud and clear.

“HSBC UK Agriculture has had a long association with the event, which we believe demonstrates our commitment to the sector.  It is a positive activity to be recognising individuals who push themselves and their businesses to achieve as well as be spokespeople for the dairy sector in our wider communities,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

This year’s Women in Dairy virtual conference attracted 100 delegates and included sessions on the state of the dairy market, sustainability, animal health, and marketing.