Cumbria Farmer Network - Farmer Activities
Farm Plastic Recycling Scheme. Over the last 6 months we have reviewed how we recycle our plastic and after some long deliberations the Board has decided to set up a joint scheme with Solway Recycling, with an agreement that runs for 12 months, with the hope that this can continue over a longer period if things work out well. The reasons for this decision are as follows:
1. We believe the service offered by Solway is more comprehensive than we can offer, with collections either from farm, from local mini-hubs or area centres across the county. They are also offering a Waste Policy folder with all the relevant documents inside, the option to buy storage bins, liners, recycled products and use a new hazardous waste collection service.
2. The price charged for collection at area centres and mini-hubs is the same as we charged this year.
3. They offer discounts to members on recycled products, storage bins and the hazardous waste collection service. The Farmer Network has negotiated a deal with Solway that will allow us to give members a rebate on their membership to the value of £2 per liner at the end of the year for every liner sent to our joint recycling scheme with Solway Recycling. Further details www.farmplastic.org.uk
FARM PLASTIC COLLECTIONS 2008
For a current list of collections from area sites, click here to view a PDF file.
Farm Assistant Scheme.
Approved for the current year, following 2 previous successful schemes. Targets 16 – 25 year olds who are new to agriculture, whilst accepting any others from within the industry.
Provides at least 20 days basic training in basic skills before staring work on farms. Typical subjects include: ATV handling, basic animal care and handling, sheep dipping, sheep shearing, health & safety, first aid, bio-security and pollution awareness, handling chemicals, basic farm maintenance, boundary Management, tractor driving including PTO. This is backed up with self-employment training so that the young people can start work as self-employed farm assistants as soon as the training is completed.
The Farmer Network help the young people to find a group of local farmers to work with, when they have finished their initial training, thereafter it is up to each young person to find their own work. Immediately after training, the young people are paid by the farmers they work for, being free to negotiate their own fee for the work they carry out. The Network does provide support to the farmers and young people to try and get each trainee established as a self-employed farm assistant, helping to sort transport arrangements and dealing with other issues as they arise. If funds allow, extra training is provided during the year that the young people are on the scheme, during which time they are obliged to work on farms in Cumbria.
Farm Demonstrations & Meetings
The Company is organising a series of on-farm demonstrations, funded by Defra and Leader+ on a wide range of technical subjects to improve knowledge such as soil management, animal health, nutrition, waste regulations, x compliance etc., as well as workshops on reducing pollution, business analysis and the like.
The Network organises these events and brings in specialist advisers and consultants to deal with the subjects that are important to the farmers in each locality. We deal with the funding agencies and try to make sure the events are delivered where and when they are most needed, so as to make best use of the funds provided.
Support for Farmer Groups
We can support any farmer group, provided they are members. This can be new groups or existing groups. We can provide up to 3 days free support to help develop a new project or new idea or apply for funding. We can manage projects for groups, liaise with funders to take away this hassle We are currently working with 8 farmer groups at a range of technical, business and marketing issues.