In my part of Somerset our version of the Cheltenham Festival is the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point held at Ston Easton. Well, it’s not quite that standard but to the amateur observer like me it is just as much fun.
The first of six races starts at 12.30pm and these are followed by two pony races for younger riders aged between nine and 15.
These pony races are a relatively recent innovation at point to points which provide interest and excitement for families and are a firm favourite with the crowds, rounding off the day’s racing in an informal, yet competitive and thoroughly enjoyable manner.
However, what astounds me about all point to points - the Mendip Farmers’ event is no exception - is the huge amount of work put in to make this one-day event such a great success.
There is so much to be organised, ranging from the health and safety involving doctors, ambulances and paramedics to making sure the appropriate bar licences have been secured. And that is before the course has been built, marquees erected, hospitality sorted, stewards and car parking arranged, tickets printed, trade stands set up, etc.
The list of tasks seems endless and without the generous support of many local businesses and individuals who sponsor aspects of the event, and of course all the time given freely by the committee, it would simply not be affordable.
But the racing is what it is all about and over the years the Mendip community has had its successes both locally and nationally.
For instance during the 1970s, Max Churches produced top horses, such as Rich Rose and Panmure, both of which won hunterchases, while in 1988, Mendip girl Jenny Litson, daughter of successful point to point owner Bill Gooden, achieved her goal of becoming Champion Ladies Jockey.
In recent years, more success has been seen with horses such as Double Silk, Earthmover and Double Thriller. All three set course records at the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point, reached the top of the hunterchasing field and progressed to the higher reaches of National Hunt racing.
So, why not come along on Sunday and join the fun? There will be good quality horse racing, bookies, the Tote, bars, trade stands and a great atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy and all at a very reasonable cost for a family day’s entertainment.
James Stephen MRICS FAAV
Partner
Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor, Wells
T: 01749 683381
E: james.stephen@carterjonas.co.uk
A property blog written and authored by our specialist blogging team, discussing all and any matter relating to the residential, rural and commercial property markets.
Showing posts with label Wells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wells. Show all posts
Monday, 16 March 2015
Monday, 2 June 2014
Progress since last winter's floods
Last week, as the agricultural correspondent of this paper, I was privileged to be invited by James Heappey, the Conservative candidate for Wells, to meet the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Owen Paterson MP.
Mr Paterson was in the area to visit the Bath and West Show and to investigate what progress has been made in the aftermath of last winter’s devastating floods on the Somerset Levels.
Having never met Mr Paterson before, my overriding impression was of a man who is committed to and knowledgeable about rural issues. He was questioned hard by a small group of farmers, landowners and rural professionals and he demonstrated that he had an in depth knowledge of a variety of subjects although the conversation was dominated by the ongoing impact that TB is having on so many livestock farmers in this area.
On this subject Mr Paterson was quite clear that the culling of badgers will remain part of the ongoing policy to eradicate the disease in cattle. The culling will continue in the two pilot areas in west Somerset and Gloucestershire and in the longer term he would like to see these areas extended widely throughout the counties which are badly affected by the disease.
He did also emphasise the need for continued bio-security measures in cattle which already involves a strict testing regime and culling of infected animals but this alone, he explained, will simply not eradicate the disease.
Other measures including vaccination of both cattle and badgers may become part of the strategy in the future but further research in to diagnostic tests and vaccinations and changes to European legislation will be required before such measures can be employed widely and cost effectively.
On the matter of flooding, which was another hot topic, he emphasised the need for local farmers, landowners, the Internal Drainage Boards, County and District Councils, the Environment Agency and conservation organisations to work in partnership to set up a Rivers Board to manage the rivers and other waterways in the long term to prevent a repeat of last winter’s problems.
He was keen to know how the EA was getting on with the initial dredging works on the Parrett and the Tone which has been funded by government. He was concerned that such work should not be held up by local bureaucracy, whether that be because of unnecessary health and safety or environmental hurdles but equally he emphasised the point that in the longer term it will be up to local organisations to sort this out for themselves.
He noted that in other parts of the country such as in Lincolnshire, landowners and farmers seemed to work well in partnership with the EA and he saw no reason why such arrangements cannot be put in place more effectively on the Somerset Levels. It seemed to me he was clearly setting down some parameters for the future in that although government have been willing to help with funds to “pump prime” the initial capital works, the ongoing responsibility will fall to local organisations to work much more effectively going forward with each other.
So, all in all, it was a fascinating insight in to the thinking of government at a high level and I came away with the feeling that we at least had someone in charge who understood the needs of the countryside which is a far cry from the dark years of Margaret Beckett’s leadership of DEFRA under the last Labour government.
Mr Paterson was in the area to visit the Bath and West Show and to investigate what progress has been made in the aftermath of last winter’s devastating floods on the Somerset Levels.
Having never met Mr Paterson before, my overriding impression was of a man who is committed to and knowledgeable about rural issues. He was questioned hard by a small group of farmers, landowners and rural professionals and he demonstrated that he had an in depth knowledge of a variety of subjects although the conversation was dominated by the ongoing impact that TB is having on so many livestock farmers in this area.
On this subject Mr Paterson was quite clear that the culling of badgers will remain part of the ongoing policy to eradicate the disease in cattle. The culling will continue in the two pilot areas in west Somerset and Gloucestershire and in the longer term he would like to see these areas extended widely throughout the counties which are badly affected by the disease.
He did also emphasise the need for continued bio-security measures in cattle which already involves a strict testing regime and culling of infected animals but this alone, he explained, will simply not eradicate the disease.
Other measures including vaccination of both cattle and badgers may become part of the strategy in the future but further research in to diagnostic tests and vaccinations and changes to European legislation will be required before such measures can be employed widely and cost effectively.
On the matter of flooding, which was another hot topic, he emphasised the need for local farmers, landowners, the Internal Drainage Boards, County and District Councils, the Environment Agency and conservation organisations to work in partnership to set up a Rivers Board to manage the rivers and other waterways in the long term to prevent a repeat of last winter’s problems.
He was keen to know how the EA was getting on with the initial dredging works on the Parrett and the Tone which has been funded by government. He was concerned that such work should not be held up by local bureaucracy, whether that be because of unnecessary health and safety or environmental hurdles but equally he emphasised the point that in the longer term it will be up to local organisations to sort this out for themselves.
He noted that in other parts of the country such as in Lincolnshire, landowners and farmers seemed to work well in partnership with the EA and he saw no reason why such arrangements cannot be put in place more effectively on the Somerset Levels. It seemed to me he was clearly setting down some parameters for the future in that although government have been willing to help with funds to “pump prime” the initial capital works, the ongoing responsibility will fall to local organisations to work much more effectively going forward with each other.
So, all in all, it was a fascinating insight in to the thinking of government at a high level and I came away with the feeling that we at least had someone in charge who understood the needs of the countryside which is a far cry from the dark years of Margaret Beckett’s leadership of DEFRA under the last Labour government.
James Stephen MRICS FAAV
Partner
Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor, Wells
T: 01749 683381
E: james.stephen@carterjonas.co.uk
Monday, 25 November 2013
Positive growth in the farmhouse and country cottage markets
Two reports have recently been published by Carter Jonas’ research department on the farmhouse and country cottage markets. Both reports indicate there has been positive growth in these two markets in the six months to September 2013 which reflects the improving economic sentiment in the wider economy.
However, although the brighter economic prospects may be driving demand, it is probably the lack of supply of quality property coming on the market which is as an equally important factor pushing prices up. Carter Jonas reports the average notional price of a farmhouse now stands at £1.49 million and in the south west prices have risen by 3.9% since the spring with Somerset being highlighted as a notable “hot spot”.
But the key to achieving a successful sale is getting the price right at the outset according to Kit Harding, head of Carter Jonas’ South West Farm Agency team based in Wells.
Kit commented, “We have had a successful year selling farms and farmland throughout the South West, including here in Mid Somerset but in every instance realistic pricing remains a key factor when bringing a property to the market. Properties which achieve the best prices are those being released to the market with accurate guide prices which encourage competitive bidding which often leads to best and final closed bids from multiple parties, thereby maximising value to the vendor.”
As far as the country cottage market is concerned, although there has been growth nationally, prices in this area have remained stable. It is speculated that this is largely as a result of the stamp duty threshold at £500,000 which continues to hinder price growth for properties valued just under this level although once this threshold is breached values may well move upwards.
It is also interesting to note that the rate of growth in the prime Central London residential market has slowed in 2013, in part because of the potential threat of the introduction of a “Mansion Tax”. It is speculated that this slowdown may encourage the traditional migration of young families from London to the country, especially if they see the value of rural properties beginning to rise after a long period of stagnation. Consequently values in the farmhouse market in particular are forecast to rise by 7-10% in 2014 in areas such as mid-Somerset.
However, although the brighter economic prospects may be driving demand, it is probably the lack of supply of quality property coming on the market which is as an equally important factor pushing prices up. Carter Jonas reports the average notional price of a farmhouse now stands at £1.49 million and in the south west prices have risen by 3.9% since the spring with Somerset being highlighted as a notable “hot spot”.
But the key to achieving a successful sale is getting the price right at the outset according to Kit Harding, head of Carter Jonas’ South West Farm Agency team based in Wells.
Kit commented, “We have had a successful year selling farms and farmland throughout the South West, including here in Mid Somerset but in every instance realistic pricing remains a key factor when bringing a property to the market. Properties which achieve the best prices are those being released to the market with accurate guide prices which encourage competitive bidding which often leads to best and final closed bids from multiple parties, thereby maximising value to the vendor.”
As far as the country cottage market is concerned, although there has been growth nationally, prices in this area have remained stable. It is speculated that this is largely as a result of the stamp duty threshold at £500,000 which continues to hinder price growth for properties valued just under this level although once this threshold is breached values may well move upwards.
It is also interesting to note that the rate of growth in the prime Central London residential market has slowed in 2013, in part because of the potential threat of the introduction of a “Mansion Tax”. It is speculated that this slowdown may encourage the traditional migration of young families from London to the country, especially if they see the value of rural properties beginning to rise after a long period of stagnation. Consequently values in the farmhouse market in particular are forecast to rise by 7-10% in 2014 in areas such as mid-Somerset.
James Stephen MRICS FAAV
Partner
Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor, Wells
T: 01749 683381
E: james.stephen@carterjonas.co.uk
Monday, 21 October 2013
Wells Food Festival
The inaugural Wells Food Festival certainly brought a buzz to Wells last Sunday with the market place packed with stalls and visitors tasting and purchasing the various artisan foods on offer. But of particular interest to me was the debate which was held at the Bishop’s Barn entitled “Milk Matters” and if the turnout is anything to go by the general consensus is that it does.
Over 100 people packed in to the Barn to listen to the debate which was preceded by a blind tasting of 6 different samples of milk which varied from UHT and pasteurised supermarket milk to unpasteurised Guernsey milk. Everyone had an opportunity to taste and vote for their favourite milk and in the end it was the pasteurised Jersey milk from Ivy House Farm, Beckington near Frome which was voted the audience’s favourite. This was fitting because Geoff Bowles of Ivy House Farm, stood in at the last minute for one of the panellists who was unable to attend the debate.
The debate itself was interesting, chaired by environmentalist Chris Banes with dairy farming panellists, in addition to Geoff Bowles, including Ruth Kimber from Charlton Musgrove, David Cotton from West Bradley, Judith Freene from Pilton and Steve Hook from Sussex.
Each panellist told the audience about their experiences in dairy farming including the opportunities and challenges they face in their own businesses. David Cotton, a 4th generation dairy farmer explained about milk production from the perspective of a mainstream dairy farmer, where he regards himself as the primary producer, selling his milk to a processor who will then process the milk to bring it to the market, whether that be liquid milk, butter, cream or cheese.
Ruth Kimber, similarly sells most of their milk to Wyke Farms who turn it in to farmhouse cheese, while the other panellists explained how they have taken the processing and marketing of their milk in to their own hands so as to take advantage of niche markets, bringing them closer to the customer and thereby gaining premium prices for their milk products.
Judith Freene of Brown Cow Organics explained how she moved in to yoghurt production in response to the slump in organic milk price some years ago, which alongside their other products has proved a great success. Geoff Bowles also explained his story of how, when his farm was cut in half by a new road in 1983, his family decided to process their own milk in order to survive, initially driving to London to sell milk in premium outlets and subsequently supplying customers direct and via a wide range of small retail outlets.
Similarly Steve Hook, who is featured in a documentary film about his farm, called the Moo Man, explained how he decided to sell raw, unpasteurised organic milk to the public and how he has tapped in to a niche market where he is able to command a price of up to £2/pint, as compared to the lowest price I could find on the Tesco website which was 25p/pint.
This perhaps explains the dilemma many dairy farmers find themselves in; they either have to find a niche market which usually involves processing their own milk and selling their product direct to the customer or through outlets where they can achieve a premium price or, as in the case of David Cotton and the vast majority of dairy farmers, they have to become as efficient as they possibly can to survive the highly competitive retail market dominated by the supermarkets.
Herein lies the crux of the problem facing many dairy farmers; do they go niche or remain primary producers of a commodity. Either way it is hard work, often requiring significant investment with loans which will have to be paid off by the next generation. This is why many dairy farmers, especially those without successors, continue to leave the industry; there are currently less than 15,000 left in the UK, a number which has halved over the last 15 years.
Accordingly, what came over very clearly to me was that there is one concern which cuts across niche and commodity producers alike and that is the need to attract the next generation in to dairy farming, whether that be to take on the family farm or to work for others as a herdsmen or other skilled workers. But in all instances the financial viability of the dairy business is the key in order to be able to pay such staff a competitive wage to enable them to live in the countryside which is valued by so many and which has been shaped by dairy farmers over the centuries.
Over 100 people packed in to the Barn to listen to the debate which was preceded by a blind tasting of 6 different samples of milk which varied from UHT and pasteurised supermarket milk to unpasteurised Guernsey milk. Everyone had an opportunity to taste and vote for their favourite milk and in the end it was the pasteurised Jersey milk from Ivy House Farm, Beckington near Frome which was voted the audience’s favourite. This was fitting because Geoff Bowles of Ivy House Farm, stood in at the last minute for one of the panellists who was unable to attend the debate.
The debate itself was interesting, chaired by environmentalist Chris Banes with dairy farming panellists, in addition to Geoff Bowles, including Ruth Kimber from Charlton Musgrove, David Cotton from West Bradley, Judith Freene from Pilton and Steve Hook from Sussex.
Each panellist told the audience about their experiences in dairy farming including the opportunities and challenges they face in their own businesses. David Cotton, a 4th generation dairy farmer explained about milk production from the perspective of a mainstream dairy farmer, where he regards himself as the primary producer, selling his milk to a processor who will then process the milk to bring it to the market, whether that be liquid milk, butter, cream or cheese.
Ruth Kimber, similarly sells most of their milk to Wyke Farms who turn it in to farmhouse cheese, while the other panellists explained how they have taken the processing and marketing of their milk in to their own hands so as to take advantage of niche markets, bringing them closer to the customer and thereby gaining premium prices for their milk products.
Judith Freene of Brown Cow Organics explained how she moved in to yoghurt production in response to the slump in organic milk price some years ago, which alongside their other products has proved a great success. Geoff Bowles also explained his story of how, when his farm was cut in half by a new road in 1983, his family decided to process their own milk in order to survive, initially driving to London to sell milk in premium outlets and subsequently supplying customers direct and via a wide range of small retail outlets.
Similarly Steve Hook, who is featured in a documentary film about his farm, called the Moo Man, explained how he decided to sell raw, unpasteurised organic milk to the public and how he has tapped in to a niche market where he is able to command a price of up to £2/pint, as compared to the lowest price I could find on the Tesco website which was 25p/pint.
This perhaps explains the dilemma many dairy farmers find themselves in; they either have to find a niche market which usually involves processing their own milk and selling their product direct to the customer or through outlets where they can achieve a premium price or, as in the case of David Cotton and the vast majority of dairy farmers, they have to become as efficient as they possibly can to survive the highly competitive retail market dominated by the supermarkets.
Herein lies the crux of the problem facing many dairy farmers; do they go niche or remain primary producers of a commodity. Either way it is hard work, often requiring significant investment with loans which will have to be paid off by the next generation. This is why many dairy farmers, especially those without successors, continue to leave the industry; there are currently less than 15,000 left in the UK, a number which has halved over the last 15 years.
Accordingly, what came over very clearly to me was that there is one concern which cuts across niche and commodity producers alike and that is the need to attract the next generation in to dairy farming, whether that be to take on the family farm or to work for others as a herdsmen or other skilled workers. But in all instances the financial viability of the dairy business is the key in order to be able to pay such staff a competitive wage to enable them to live in the countryside which is valued by so many and which has been shaped by dairy farmers over the centuries.
James Stephen MRICS FAAV
Partner
Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor, Wells
T: 01749 683381
E: james.stephen@carterjonas.co.uk
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