A reminder that farmers wanting to cut their hedgerows before 31st August must apply for a derogation from the Rural Payments Agency.
To apply for a derogation email: ruralpayments@defra.gsi.gov.uk<mailto:ruralpayments@defra.gsi.gov.uk with your SBI, company name, a list of the field parcels and the reason why you are applying for the derogation (e.g. drilling oilseed rape or sowing grass).
You should not cut such hedges until their derogation has been granted.
If you need help with applying for a derogation, please the contact a member of the Agrogate team.
Previously, fields under 2 ha in size did not need to comply with GAEC1 whereby a buffer strip of at least 2m from the centre of the watercourse, or 1m on the landward side of the top of the bank, needed to be established.
From 1st January 2017, fields of under 2 ha in size also need to comply to this regulation.
For those who used catch/cover crops for greening on their 2016 BPS claim form, may we remind you that they need to be established by the following dates:
Catch Crops: Establish by 31st August 2016 and retained until at least 1st October 2016
Cover Crops: Establish by 1st October 2016 and retained until at least 15th January 2017.
If you require help with choosing an eligible seed mix, then please contact us and we will be happy to assist.
Our Agrogate team recently attended a Farm Advisory Service update where cross compliance failures were discussed. 6000 inspections were carried out last year, 75% of them remotely, i.e. using satellites.
Of the inspections carried out, 30% of farms failed on not having adequate NVZ records so it is essential that you draw up a Nutrient and Manure management plan for each cropping year to avoid penalties.
For those of you considering applying for the new Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme, requests for application packs need to be with Natural England by 31st August.
If you would like a visit to assess the feasibility of the new scheme, or wish to apply for the scheme, then please contact your local Agrovista agronomist or Agrogate team member.