Video PUBLISHED: 15:13 27 June 2018 | UPDATED: 15:27 27 June 2018 Craig Nield, founder of The English Shepherds Hut Company, with a couples hut at the Royal Norfolk Show 2018. Picture: Bethany Whymark Archant A Norfolk tourism business is helping farmers diversify their businesses through agriculture-themed accommodation. The English Shepherds Hut Company in Rackheath has offered 50 of its couples huts to farms around the UK. Kitted out with basic fixtures and fittings, the farmers can decorate and furnish the huts as they wish and offer them out as holiday accommodation, taking the revenue for themselves and only paying rent on the huts. Craig Nield, founder of The English Shepherds Hut Company, said the decision had been prompted by the threats which Brexit had placed on farm incomes. “Figures show the staycation market is growing 28% year on year. There is not money coming out of Brussels, but it is coming out of tourists’ pockets and farmers can take advantage of … [Read more...] about Norfolk shepherds hut provider helping farms to diversify
Farming
Farm Watch helps to reduce agri-crime in the borough
The ‘Farm Watch’ scheme currently running across the Banbridge area has shown a dramatic decrease in agri-crime in the last eight years. The scheme, which is organised through the PSNI and the local Policing and Community Safety Partnership, now has almost 200 farms on board.Statistics show that agri-crime in 2017/2018 was 52.5% lower than 2010/2011 – this is a decrease from 937 offences to 445. The figures also show a 23.5% decrease this year when compared with 2016/2017.Agri-crime includes burglaries, robberies and theft offences relating to agricultural-based activity such as the theft of livestock and machinery.“Farm Watch has proved to be a fantastic scheme and when you see these statistics it drives home just how important it is for our rural communities to come together and help each other,” Patricia Gibson, PCSP Manager, said.She added: “This reduction in crime is thanks to those who take part in Farm Watch, who look out for each other and … [Read more...] about Farm Watch helps to reduce agri-crime in the borough
Rare Breed show launched at local farm
Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal Farm provided the perfect location to launch this year’s 32nd Annual Northern Ireland Rare Breed Show and Sale which will be held on Saturday, September 1. The show takes place from 9.00am-4.00pm in Gosford Forest Park, Markethill with judging of all sections begining at 10:00am.The Annual Show and Sale at Gosford is organised by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) Northern Ireland Support Group and is the only event of its kind in Northern Ireland. Entries for show and sale will include sheep, cattle, and poultry while pigs and equines will be presented for show only. Members of the RBSTNI Support group were delighted to feature Tannaghmore animals in their show launch and to be supported at their launch by Richard McKitterick, the manager of Tannaghmore, as well as Margaret Tinsley, the Chair of Leisure Services for the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Sponsors of the RBSTNI Show and Sale. The RBST Northern Ireland Support … [Read more...] about Rare Breed show launched at local farm
Enefit Green may invest up to €150 million in Finnish wind farm
According to Aavo Kärmas, CEO of Enefit Green, the business is constantly seeking opportunities to grow its renewable energy portfolio in the Baltic Sea countries where Eesti Energia, known as Enefit Group internationally, is already operating. This March, Enefit Group began selling electricity to household customers on the Finnish market, but the goal is to begin producing renewable energy in Finland too, according to a company press release."One of the opportunities we see is the development of the Tolpanvaara wind farm," Kärmas explained. "According to the agreement, Enefit Green will invest in the Tolpanvaara development project, when the Partial Master Plan is successfully approved in the next year and a half. When Enefit Green reaches the wind farm investment decision, the potential investment will be in the range of €100-150 million."Metsähallitus is internationally known for its wind power projects," said Tuomas Hallenberg, director of Metsähallitus' … [Read more...] about Enefit Green may invest up to €150 million in Finnish wind farm
Mearns farming family “steak” a claim for the top prize
A Mearns farmer and his wife had a pleasant surprise while on holiday during the recent Royal Highland Show when they heard the family had won the Tesco/McIntosh Donald Best Scotch Steak competition. Alan and Lesley Meston’s son Stewart called them in Italy to break the good news.Stewart, 21, said: “We were runners-up a few years ago and we’ve also had a third-prize ticket but this is the first time we’ve won the top award,”He received the McIntosh Rosebowl and cash prize of £1500 by QMS chairman, Jim McLaren, one of the judging panel.The winner, from the Meston’s 400 acre farm at Chapelton, Stonehaven, was a steak from a 378kg Aberdeen-Angus cross.It was selected from an initial entry of 180 carcases, from which 12 sirloins were chosen at preliminary judging at McIntosh Donald’s Portlethen meat plant. … [Read more...] about Mearns farming family “steak” a claim for the top prize