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Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm Saturday 8:30am - 12pm

https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/personal/rural/rural-insurance/

A-Plan Insurance Rural, 2 Des Roches Square, Witney (2024)

27/11/2024

Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula One world champion, has decided not to return to F1, opting instead for a new career in farming🏎️

At 37, Vettel has begun an apprenticeship in agriculture, which he finds fascinating and sees as a potential future business venture. He lives on a farmhouse in Switzerland with his wife and three
children, enjoying a quieter life and focusing on climate-friendly initiatives♻️

Despite his new path, Vettel hasn’t ruled out a return to motorsport entirely, hinting at a possible future participation in the Le Mans race.

During his illustrious F1 career, Vettel won 53 races and achieved 122 podiums, becoming the youngest-ever F1 world champion, a record previously held by Lewis Hamilton🏁

20/11/2024

The House of Commons Library figures indicate that between 2015 and 2023, farmers experienced a real terms cut equivalent to £722 million in their subsidies, with no increase since 2017.

This reduction translates to a £3,000 loss per farm in government tunding, amounting to a 17.5% cut per agricultural holding.

The Labour government’s recent budget announcement included an acceleration of the end to direct payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), leading to a 76% reduction in direct payments for farmers in England.

The research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, warns that these losses are ‘only the beginning’ following the controversial autumn budget.

UK farms closed last year alone, equivalent to one in 25 of all farms in the country.

13/11/2024

Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund has awarded a £7.3 million grant to a UK-based project aimed at reducing cattle emissions through the development of a potential new vaccine.

The project, led by The Pirbright Institute and The Royal Veterinary College (RVC), seeks to use biotechnology to understand how a vaccine could cut livestock methane emissions by more than 30%.

The Bezos Earth Fund, launched in 2020, supports various initiatives to reduce emissions, and this project is part of its portfolio.

The project has two main components:

1. RVC researchers will study the colonization of methane-producing microbes in the digestive tract of calves and the immune system’s response.

2. Pirbright Institute scientists aim to identify and characterize specific antibodies needed to target these microbes effectively.

Professor John Hammond from the Pirbright Institute clarified that the goal is to define the requirements for a successful vaccine, focusing on targeted, high-resolution immunology to provide a clear path forward for vaccine development.

This initiative represents a high-risk, high-reward approach with the potential to significantly impact climate change efforts🌎🤔

08/11/2024

A little summary for you🙌

30/10/2024

A man named Vladut Boberschi, 34, from Telford, was fined £150 for stealing and butchering five sheep in his garage.

The theft occurred in April 2020, and Boberschi fled the country until his arrest in 2023. At Birmingham Crown Court, he received a community order and the fine.

Police National Livestock Theft Coordinator, Martin Beck, highlighted the inhumane treatment of the sheep, which were kept with their legs tied and slaughtered in unsanitary conditions. The sheep were also unfit for human consumption due to prior medication by the farmer.

Livestock theft is a significant issue in the UK, costing farmers an estimated £2.7 million last year and causing animal suffering and increased disease risk.

23/10/2024

Meet Hannah, one of the passionate farmers featured on our blog, ‘A Walk In Their Wellies’🙌

From the joy of working with animals to the beauty of living in the countryside, Hannah’s journey highlights the ever-changing nature of farming and the deep connection to the seasons🍃

Discover her full story along with many others using the link in our bio!📎

16/10/2024

Since August 26, over 140 cases of bluetongue have been reported on farms in England and Wales, affecting cattle and sheep🐑

The virus, spread by midges, has led to the Government placing 18 counties under a restriction zone, including Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Yorkshire, Essex, Greater London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and Sussex.

Additionally, nine cases have been detected outside this zone in Cheshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Cumbria, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Cornwall, and North Yorkshire.

As of October 11, there have been 143 confirmed cases.

Recently, three new cases were identified in Norfolk, Hertfordshire, and North Yorkshire. To prevent further spread, all affected animals have been humanely culled.

09/10/2024

Farmers are being urged to reassess fire risks after arsonists set 70 hay bales on fire on a farm near Earlston, Berwickshire, Scotland. The fire, which occurred on 5 October 2024, was deliberately set, according to police🌾

Fortunately, no one was injured, and authorities are reviewing CCTV to identify the culprits.

Here are the steps we advise you to take here at Howden rural-

• Keep flammable materials such as fertiliser, straw, and grain separate.

• Store straw and hay in small stacks (insurance policies will often set a limit per stack e.g., £25K
per stack) and remove them as soon as possible to reduce the risk of arson.

• Keep gates locked, use CCTV, and ensure petrol and other fuels are stored securely to deter arsonists.

• Create firebreaks - natural or man-made — to prevent fires spreading if they occur.

• Inspect, clean and service machinery before using it - do not leave machinery unattended near flammable materials.

• Ensure farm workers know what to do in the event of a fire: E.g. knowing where the nearest water sources are in order to direct fire services quickly, as well as where and how to move any livestock.

• Check firefighting equipment such as extinguishers is serviced and operational.

• Clear workshops of waste, oily rags, and other combustibles.

• Ensure hot works, such as welding and grinding, take place away from combustibles.

• Consider where farm workers should smoke / discard ci******es.

• Keep electrical inspections up to date.

• Brief third parties (e.g. holiday guests staying on the farm) on fire safety and make them aware of risks.

02/10/2024

Since its first episode on January 16th, 2021, this podcast has been a platform dedicated to giving farmers and rural advocates a voice🗣️

Before the podcast even launched, Wallace began sharing stories through 26 in-depth articles, starting with in July 2020.

The podcast continues to shine a light on the real-life experiences and challenges faced by those who shape our countryside and we’re incredibly proud we’ve sponsored since episode 70 has now reached an amazing 250 episodes!

Sponsoring this podcast has allowed us to help spread awareness and support the incredible work happening in rural communities. It’s a place where stories of resilience, innovation, and passion come to life.

A huge congratulations to , here’s to many more episodes that uplift the rural community!🙌

25/09/2024

A Northern Irish farmer, Maurice Rainey from Co Antrim, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for animal neglect after breaching animal welfare laws.

An investigation by the Department of Agriculture (DAERA) followed complaints of two bovine carcasses on his farm in Randalstown. Inspections revealed multiple dead animals and others in need of urgent veterinary care, with six being euthanised due to severe suffering.

Rainey was found guilty of six charges at Antrim Court and banned from keeping animals for 10 years. DAERA called it a “shocking case” and stressed the importance of punishing such neglect.

18/09/2024

The survey, with over 280 participants undertaken at Fife Show and promoted at key agricultural events over the summer, found that while 93% recognize the benefits of taking a break, only 43% manage 2-5 nights off annually📆

Many struggle with stress and lack confidence in others managing the farm in their absence. However, 37% take a week or more off each year.

RSABI highlights the importance of breaks for farmers’ well-being, offering 24-hour support services, including emotional and financial help❤️‍🩹

13/09/2024

The UK risks losing its £522m beef export market to the EU if it fails to comply with new EU deforestation regulations by the 1 January 2025 deadline😳

These rules, adopted by the EU in June 2023, apply to products linked to deforestation, including beef. The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) criticizes the UK government for its lack of action, warning that 90% of British beef exports could halt, benefiting competitors like New Zealand and Argentina.

The BMPA urges the government to engage with EU authorities and ensure a system is in place to meet the new standards, warning of severe impacts on UK farmers and food security.

04/09/2024

A 78-year-old farmer, Howard Walters, was ordered to pay £3,500 in costs after being caught on video by a neighbor allowing his grandchild to illegally ride in his tractor. Despite a previous prohibition notice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which Walters had received after admitting to letting his grandchildren ride in the tractor, he was filmed violating the order just two months later. The incident occurred on his farm in South Wales in January 2021.

Walters, who was already under a suspended prison sentence for unrelated environmental offenses, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court on August 27. He received a 12-month community order, requiring him to attend 25 days of rehabilitation, in addition to the fine.

The HSE emphasized that children under 13 are strictly prohibited from riding in or on agricultural machinery due to the significant risks involved.
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK, with vehicles being the leading cause of work-related fatalities, including deaths of children who are often family members. The HSE inspector underscored the seriousness of the offense, stressing that safety laws must be followed to prevent such tragedies.

30/08/2024

Thieves have stolen nearly 100 sheep from a farm in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, prompting police to ask the public for information.

The theft, which occurred between August 9 and August 21, involved 69 lambs and 19 ewes, all tagged white Highlanders.

Warwickshire Police are urging farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. This incident follows another recent livestock theft in Staffordshire, where 36 lambs were stolen.

Livestock theft across the UK cost an estimated £2.7 million in 2023. The previous year also saw numerous cases of animals being butchered in fields.

22/08/2024

The new Labour government may bring significant tax changes impacting the farming and rural sectors.

According to Lucy de Greeff, a director at Saffery, the Labour manifesto hints at various potential tax implications:

1. Income Tax: Labour has pledged not to raise income tax but plans to keep income tax thresholds frozen until April 2028, which could lead to fiscal drag.

2. Capital Gains Tax (CGT): While no promises were made regarding CGT, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer assured that selling a primary home wouldn’t incur CGT. However, he hasn’t ruled out increasing CGT, leading to speculation about potential hikes.

3. Inheritance Tax (IHT): There is speculation about significant reforms to IHT, particularly in reducing the generosity of agricultural and business property reliefs. A consultation on these changes could start after the summer.

4. Business Tax: A roadmap for business tax is expected within six months, providing policy details for the next five years to help businesses plan their investments.

5. Tax Avoidance: Labour aims to increase tax revenue primarily by reducing tax avoidance.

6. Annual Fiscal Event: Labour has committed to holding one major fiscal event each year, with major tax announcements expected every autumn.

Other policies affecting the rural sector include plans for new housing developments, urban expansions, and changes to planning that may result in the loss of farmland and biodiversity.

14/08/2024

A Cornish farmer, William Salmon, 62, has been ordered to pay over £340,000 for illegally dumping waste on a wildlife sanctuary and badger sett on his land in Trerice near Newquay.

The court heard that Salmon had filled a disused quarry, home to a long-established badger sett, with construction waste, which he was paid to dispose of.

He had registered a U1 exemption but imported around 1,200 tonnes of waste from a housing development without proper permissions.

Judge Carr condemned Salmon for deliberately breaching environmental regulations and misleading the Environment Agency, resulting in severe financial penalties🧑‍⚖️

01/08/2024

In the past year, hundreds of dairy farmers have left the industry due to inflationary pressures, decreased milk prices, strong cull cow prices, and rising interest rates, according to an AHDB survey🚶

The number of dairy producers in Great Britain dropped by 440 to 7,130, a 5.8% decrease as of April 2024📉

Despite fewer producers, milk production in the 2023/24 season only fell by 0.2% year-on-year. Average milk production per farm has increased, and the overall dairy herd size has remained stable, indicating a trend towards larger farms🐄

25/07/2024

The initiative, revealed on July 22, aims to financially reward beef farmer suppliers who reduce carbon intensity and adopt regenerative farming techniques🌾

Farmers in this group will be incentivized to improve biodiversity and establish unique soil and water quality parameters for their farms. Lidl will collaborate with these farmers to enhance herd performance and farm profitability💰🥩

Hundreds of UK farms supplying Lidl have already been assessed for their carbon footprint, and they will receive guidance from agricultural consultancy Promar to lower emissions and support sustainable growth📈

Lidl, in partnership with Dunbia, has set a goal to reduce scope 3 emissions intensity by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030. Richard Bourns, Lidl’s chief commercial officer, emphasized their commitment to sustainable practices and sourcing 100% British beef🇬🇧

A-Plan Insurance Rural

27/11/2024

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13/11/2024

08/11/2024

30/10/2024

23/10/2024

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09/10/2024

02/10/2024

25/09/2024

18/09/2024

13/09/2024

04/09/2024

30/08/2024

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14/08/2024

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25/07/2024

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Friday	8:30am - 5pm
Saturday	8:30am - 12pm