George Eustace says we have to improve soil health

curlietailz · Nov 16, 2017

Looks like this is the way the Govt is going to go
"A new agri-environment scheme with a strong focus on soil health will lie at the heart of new agricultural policy post-Brexit, farming minister George Eustice has announced."

capfits · Nov 16, 2017

It's the shame the c**p coming out of the houses of parliament is nae the right kind for soil conditioning.

maen · Nov 16, 2017

Give told him.

Cowabunga · Nov 16, 2017

Just what do these Government f**kers know about soil health?
They could start by penalising livestock farmers that keep their stock out too long over winter, turning soil into mud and panning the subsoil. To that end they could bring back capital allowances and grants to build sheds.

I bet they don't mean that.

Campani · Nov 16, 2017

I think its good, improving soil captures carbon and reduces nutrient losses to water, it's also good for long term food security.

B'o'B · Nov 16, 2017

It’s a shame that the EU are struggling to re-authorise the tool that has made the most pronounced improvement to soil health on this farm.

Alfie · Nov 16, 2017

Totally agree we need to work on build soil health, organic matter, worm numbers etc. However this job is made easier with cover crops, chopping straw and no-till BUT without glyphosate I'm yet to see anyone this side of the pond doing it effectively?[emoji57]

Cowabunga · Nov 16, 2017

B'o'B said:
It’s a shame that the EU are struggling to re-authorise the tool that has made the most pronounced improvement to soil health on this farm.

I guess you mean glyphosate. I bet they don't mean that either.

They almost certainly don't know what the f**k they do mean, only that its a good soundbite.

DrWazzock · Nov 16, 2017

The danger is they start prescribing what they see as the solutions to the problem.

But every farm is different. There is no right answer that fits everybody's farm.

We do the best we can with the weather, our particular crops, and stock.

Much as I like trying to make no till work, it won't or can't work in every situation. It would be a mistake to subsidise it and end up with it applied in inappropriate situations.

Cowabunga · Nov 16, 2017

It doesn't sound anything like the 'freedom to farm' that we hear from less subsidised antipodean nations.

Campani · Nov 16, 2017

Cowabunga said:
It doesn't sound anything like the 'freedom to farm' that we hear from less subsidised antipodean nations.

we are not going to get freedom to farm, and even if we get no subsidies and the freedom, most farms wouldn't survive.

Clive · Nov 16, 2017

curlietailz said:
Looks like this is the way the Govt is going to go
"A new agri-environment scheme with a strong focus on soil health will lie at the heart of new agricultural policy post-Brexit, farming minister George Eustice has announced."

this is very good news and Im glad they are finaly waking up to whats going on with UK soils and what potential there is for massive environmental gain whilst also improving financial viability of many farms

I just hope and pray they consult with and listen to the right people (farmers with experience) when designing schemes and not men in suits with no real experience of what's actually practical

DrWazzock · Nov 16, 2017

There will be freedom to farm if you don't want or need the King's Shilling.

Environmental schemes don't cost nothing. I've generally found the grant money is worked out to compensate for what could have been grown on the land in question, plus a bit more for the hassle factor. Generally the "bit more" wasn't worth the hassle.

I have ploughed up all of my ELS grass strips this year. It took more time to sort them out than it did to direct drill the rest of the field. Glad to see the back of them. Nice neat tidy fields, quick and easy.

Clive · Nov 16, 2017

DrWazzock said:
There will be freedom to farm if you don't want or need the King's Shilling.

Environmental schemes don't cost nothing. I've generally found the grant money is worked out to compensate for what could have been grown on the land in question, plus a bit more for the hassle factor. Generally the "bit more" wasn't worth the hassle.

I have ploughed up all of my ELS grass strips this year. It took more time to sort them out than it did to direct drill the rest of the field. Glad to see the back of them. Nice neat tidy fields, quick and easy.

when in comes to improving soil health its surely in any farmers interest to try and improve it, frankly we shouldn't need subs or grants to appreciate that but if thats what it takes and its a more PC way to present subs to the general public then great

gone up the hill · Nov 16, 2017

Clive said:
when in comes to improving soil health its surely in any farmers interest to try and improve it, frankly we shouldn't need subs or grants to appreciate that but if thats what it takes and its a more PC way to present subs to the general public then great

Such a scheme might work for arable farms but what about all grassland livestock farms?

Campani · Nov 16, 2017

gone up the hill said:
Such a scheme might work for arable farms but what about all grassland livestock farms?

Plenty of potential for improving soil on all grassland fields by reducing compaction.

DrWazzock · Nov 16, 2017

Clive said:
when in comes to improving soil health its surely in any farmers interest to try and improve it, frankly we shouldn't need subs or grants to appreciate that but if thats what it takes and its a more PC way to present subs to the general public then great

Fair enough but it makes it look like a lame duck charity case when actually it saves me money and boosts my profits as well as improving soil health.

Drills will get dearer. Some people will try it just for the sub, like they used to grow linseed, bale the whole crop and .... set fire to it,

I just don't like subs though. Maybe it's just the way I am.

Feldspar · Nov 16, 2017

They could well screw it up, but I am pleased and surprised that this is their focus.

gone up the hill · Nov 16, 2017

Campani said:
Plenty of potential for improving soil on all grassland fields by reducing compaction.

And how would you do that on grassland? ( esp on steep ground that you cant drive on but is good grazing ground/ wet river meadows/ land that you are not allowed to disturb the soil etc etc )

Clive · Nov 16, 2017

DrWazzock said:
Fair enough but it makes it look like a lame duck charity case when actually it saves me money and boosts my profits as well as improving soil health.

Drills will get dearer. Some people will try it just for the sub, like they used to grow linseed, bale the whole crop and .... set fire to it,

I just don't like subs though. Maybe it's just the way I am.

I dislike subs as well but also accept that many do need them especially if they are to be in a position to invest in system change that is in everyones long term benefit

Your points are valid re equipment prices and some just setting out to milk schemes but thats why its really important that whatever they come up with is well written to minimise or avoid those issues, it can be done but not by people that lack practical experience of these soil management systems over a number of years and those people are rare in the UK and currently none existent in government departments !

George Eustace says we have to improve soil health

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100% I’ve had enough of farming!

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