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Zanna Dennis on the value of British farming.

Last weekend I was pleased to attend the National Beef Association’s Beef Expo at the new state of the art facility at Darlington ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Auction Mart.

I must congratulate all on a fantastic event celebrating British Beef.

With many of our livestock markets represented at the event, the trade talk from across the auctioneers noted the continued high prices seen in the live ring.

The seasonal surge in hogget and spring lamb prices has seen heavy hoggs increase 20-30 per head, with increased demand for spring lambs as hogget numbers dry up.

The positives were not only restricted to the sheep sector, with high demand seen for dairy cattle following the recent increase in milk prices and beef in general in good demand.

Whilst at the Beef Expo I attended the Future of Agricultural Support seminar with presentations given by Defra, the Labour party and AHDB.

The resounding message however from attendees was one of dissatisfaction and disillusionment in the Government’s future farming policies, with growing evidence to suggest that pilot schemes are proving ineffective and low payment rates resulting in many farmers being worse off for taking part.

Coupled with the complexity of the schemes and poor communication channels it brings into question the Government’s true support for British agriculture.

World events
Only last week we were joined virtually by two of our Ukrainian colleagues from the Meat Industry Association of Ukraine in our monthly Livestock Chain Advisory Group meeting, attended by representatives from UK government and trade organisations.

Understandably they painted a very desperate picture of the situation in Ukraine.

The heart-breaking current world events brings food security into sharp focus.

However, our Government’s strategy to food security appears to be one based on export and international trade, making us vulnerable to long supply chains.

Food security must be built upon self-sufficiency. Whilst mindful of environmental issues and responsibilities, food production must become the primary focus and be reflected in Government policy and future farming schemes.

When faced with a Government who appears to place such little value on food production and British farming that has not only fed the nation for generations, but managed and cared for the environment and landscape;
it comes then as no surprise the declining mental health of the farming community, as so aptly communicated by Darlington ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Auction Mart Fieldsman, Stephen Dodsworth, in his recent address to the Parliamentary Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee.

As the Livestock Auctioneers Association we continue to represent the interests of, and be a voice for British livestock producers and livestock markets across England and Wales.

If Government cannot wake up to the value of British food and farming now, when?

Zanna Dennis

Zanna Dennis is the Development Officer for the Livestock Auctioneers Association call 07930 115 838 or email [email protected]