One of the biggest Arable events of the year is based in a farm not too far from Cambridge.
Who's it for? Anyone really, but you'll get most out of it if you can tell your wheat from your oil seed rape.
Unlike other agricultural shows where you would expect animals to be parading up and down in front of judges, Arable 2010 has quite a different feel. Patches of test crops lay in the ground. Rows of sugar beat that have different fertilisers on them. As some of the crops have been planted over a year ago, much more preparation goes into this event than I first thought. Squares of test crops where arable companies can show case their very best products. To add to the numerous crop science and agronomist stands, the show is punctuated with talks and conferences from the finest of the farming world. Debating GM crops, cash crops and the future of the arable sector.
Even the brand new Agriculture Minister Jim Paice put on his wellies and came down to the show.
I think the biggest buzz of the event was GM crops. It seems that farmers are for it but it's still the consumers and supermarkets that have to be persuaded. GM crops can be hardy, disease free and produce maintained high yields. Yet the grey cloud that surrounds the "frankenstein" food has not been pierced. Recently a GM crop of potatoes have been planted in Norfolk which can withstand against blite. It's caused a lot of controversy but it hasn't seemed to dampen the scientists enthusiasm to GM test.
But it wasn't just GM that was on the minds of the people at Cereals 2010. It's the ever changing markets and the fear of a world food shortage that encroach as well. The answer? The goal posts always seem to move in the Farming world.
Rhys Rosser is part of the Young Farming Community in Wales and he's appearing in the BBC's Junior Apprentice. Alan Sugar is putting young people through their paces and making them complete business tasks to see if they've got what it takes to become his young apprentice. The Young Farmers Groups in Wales already do a lot to help young people with business and public speaking skills, but the YFC chairman for Wales wants to make the charity run more like a business. I met up with Nia Lloyd who told me about her vision for the future.
" We're working at the moment with the Welsh Assembly to establish an entrepreneurial competition to encourage the YFC clubs throughout Wales to look at themselves rather than just as a charity where they need to fund raise through sponsorship, to consider themselves more as a business social enterprise, so that's the idea of the project."
Social enterprises are businesses that have an environmental or social focus. The money that is made is put back into the business to develop it further. A sustainable model that can help the community. Nia has been holding meetings with experts so she can set up a Dragon's Den scenario where young farmers can pitch their business ideas. After going though an initial business workshop on June 26th, the final competition will take place at the Royal Welsh Show in July. The winning team will get to develop their business further and even meet the First Minister. An exciting time for young farmers. They can push themselves and work in groups to build creative social enterprises.
Social Enterprises have long been helping rural communities, so what inspiration can young farmers take from the social enterprises that are already up and running. Trevor Stringer is the founder of Work On Farms. A social enterprise that links unemployed and disadvantaged people with work on farms. The idea is that farms provide a different kind of workspace for people where they can build confidence and learn new skills. Many of the people involved in the scheme aren't from farming backgrounds, so it's also a good opportunity for them to experience a different way of life.
" We can offer practical skills that will help people get employment. We've been supported by the local communities and the farmers...they've adapted to whoever we have sent to the farms."
John and Ann Rees are farmers that have been involved in Trevor's project. They've had people on their farm to help with their free range egg business. John and Ann have had to be patient and learn how to cope with a wide variety of people, from those who come from abusive families to recovering drug addicts, but they said it's all been worth it.
" You can see their confidence building. One lad we had couldn't even look you in the eye when he first came, but gradually his social skills improved. If farmers have the time, they should think about getting involved."
The benefits of social enterprises are plain to see and after visiting a group of young farmers it seems they are keen to build on their business skills. Farming is evolving and the next generation of farmers will have to adapt to consumer demands and be able to manage their farm efficiently. Farming technology is always improving so young farmers need to be computer literate and have all the other expected skills of a farmer.
The average age of a farmer in Wales is over 50, so maybe Nia's vision of turning the Young Farmers Clubs into businesses, is a way of encouraging and nurturing an entrepreneurial change in farming. Maybe Rhys can inspire other young farmers to push themselves to their creative limits. Wales will be watching to see if this young farmer has got what it takes.
Cardiff Bay had a magical glow about it as the sun glided through the glass front of the Senedd. David Cameron arrived to supporters from the public, Lib Dem's and the Tory's. There weren't too many boo's and hisses from the crowd as the Prime Minister met employees and fellow politicains.
David Cameron described the UK as a family made up of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. And like all families they would disagree and fall out over money. The Prime Minster clearly had a soar throat from all the speeches he's been making. But he was focused and calm as he delivered his speech. The general view was that The Welsh Assembly Government and Westminster would have a better relationship from now, whether this will happen only time will tell.
I'm not much of a cider drinker but the sunshine, fresh air and willingness to try new things has caught up with me. Usually what springs to mind when you mention cider is Somerset, The Wurzels or teenage binge drinking. But not in Wales. Recently I've visited two artisan cider makers in South Wales and I've tasted some of their delights.
First stop Gwynt y Ddraig Cider, one of Wales' biggest cider producers. It's not hard to see why they are one of the biggest producers as they have a wide range of ciders for all types of cider drinker. Run by Bill George and Andrew Gronow, the family cider farm started out as a hobby which grew into a full strength business. As well as stocking supermarkets and pubs they also host a cider festival with music and madness to draw in the crowds.
My personal favourite was the Autumn Magic cider. A light cider with a refreshing fruity taste, a bit girly but I loved it! And on the subject of girly cider the next farmhouse cider maker I visited was Jessica Deathe, a sheep farmer in South Wales. Jessica's cider is only available on draught or from good old farmers markets and trade fairs. Three Saints Cider is the name she sells her cider and perry under. It's a small business that Jessica runs by herself. She began making cider because of the ancient orchards she had on her land. Now if you give her some apples she make your cider for you! Three Saints Cider and Perry has a cider for all occasions, from A bit of Rough to the award winning sweet perry Laughing Juice.
These cottage industries have tickled my taste buds and refreshed my view of cider. The beverages are for the cider connoisseur, medium, dry, sweet or sparkling take your pick.
The South Downs Way is a 100 mile pathway between Eastbourne and Winchester. The route takes you on a journey from Beachy Head where you can look over the white cliffs and ends in the historic city of Winchester.
The national trail hosts many interesting and intriguing sites along the way. From the Jack and Jill windmills to the mysterious Chanctonbury Ring. But I just walked the first part of the trail along the coast near Beachy Head and finishing up at Birling Gap but it wasn't just any old ramble.
Radio 4 were recording their Saturday morning show Ramblings hosted by Clare Baldwin. To show us the way was South Downs Way National Trail Officer Andy Gattiker and we were joined by several members of the Disabled Ramblers.
Rosie Norris, Secretary of the Disabled Ramblers Association, joined nearly fifteen years ago and users a hardy mobility scooter called a Tramper to get out and about on countryside walks.
Rosie was accompanied by David Livermore, Dorothy and Bob Matthews all of which have disabilities meaning they can't go out hiking at the drop of a hat but have to plan, plan and plan to go out and enjoy the countryside. Whilst chatting to my fellow ramblers it became apparent how much of the countryside disabled ramblers can't access. I guess I don't really think when I go over a stile or through a kissing gate, it's just a transition that gets me to another part of my journey. But for disabled ramblers they are a boundaries, stop signs and no go areas. Rosie was telling me that to get out into the country someone usually has to go out and walk the route to check that there aren't any obstacles along the way and there is good access up and down the route. Something that I wouldn't have to consider if I wanted to go on a walk on the spur of the moment.
Our route along Beachy Head was wonderful. The sun was alert in the sky and the breeze was fresh as the sea air floated by. Looking out over the ocean, you couldn't have added anything to make it the perfect day. I enjoy the escapism and the peaceful calm that the countryside brings and now after spending the day with the disabled ramblers I appreciate it even more.
What was brilliant about Rosie, Bob, Dorothy and David is that they were keen for more to be done when it comes to disabled country access. They all are great campaigners for their rights to be able to enjoy the country they live in. Bob likes going out on his own to explore new areas and even got himself out of two snow drifts over Christmas. When he started going out with the disabled ramblers about 4 years ago he felt liberated by the new found freedom the group offered. David is taking a rambling group away to the Isle of White this year. Opening up another part of the country to those who once thought it was not possible. David even attends access forums to discuss countrywide access.
"Persuasion and education is the way to make landowners change their minds."
Even along the route we took there was still some unexpected terrain that caused problems.
The rambling experience not only opened up a part of the country I'd never visited but also showed me the struggle that many have enjoying our wonderful country.
Farming is a changeable business. Adapting to consumer demands and predicting future markets is never an easy task. To coin a phrase ‘farming aint what it used to be’. Many farmers have to diversify, expanding their farm business in order to break even or hopefully make a profit. Some choose a more traditional diversification, bottling their own milk or selling ice cream. Others cash in on Farm Tourism.
Tourism has become extremely important to the Rural Economy, providing 400,000 jobs and worth 15 billion pounds a year. Jasper and Mary Hart have a selection of self-catering chalets and a campsite to bring in a regular income. There is a beautiful fishing lake and stunning views. But if it’s not peace and tranquillity you’re after do not worry. The other half of the farm is now and off road adventure playground. Quad bikes, 4x4’s and buggies are just some of the vehicles you can jump on and try your hardest at driving round the tough terrain track. Avalanche Adventure even provides clay pigeon shooting, archery and much more. So if you want a ‘staycation’ more than a vacation maybe you should have a browse at a potential Farm Stay.
The Brecon Beacons is a great place for walking, hiking, picnicking and taking in the wonderful country that is Wales. One thing I didn’t expect is a master class in rural skills, a very different kind of rural skill to what I was predicting.
No dry stone walling in sight but beautiful glass ornaments, hand crafted bags, timber bird tables and a selection of local jams and honey.
The Brecon Beacons National Park visitors centre was host to a Rural Crafts weekend. I’d only ever been to the centre as a stop off point on a Sunday ramble. A quick cup of tea in the café before heading further into the hills.But not this time.
There was a white tent on the green outside the centre with a sign "Rural Crafts This Way"-so I went in. Being a bit of a magpie I went straight over to a table that glistened in the distance and low and behold, Ten Green Bottles.
Not only does the company create lovely glass items they work with people from local communities sharing skills and boosting confidence .
Not only does the company create lovely glass items they work with people from local communities sharing skills and boosting confidence . Another way of getting people back into work and providing qualifications. Rural Wales has seen the solution and not the problem.
