< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARMINGIn a game of word association, thereare many things that spring to mindwhen someone says Lincolnshire, fromthe county’s rich arts community, to itsluxurious beaches and bountiful wildlife,but one of the most widespreadconnotations is its farming industry. Farming has played an important rolein the story of Lincolnshire’s history, andhas had a significant influence on boththe look and feel of the county and itsheritage. Archaeological evidence provesthat farming in the county stretches as farback as prehistoric times and by the timethe Romans rolled in, farming was welland truly established. It was our stock ourtrade, so to speak, and the county is stillthought of as the nation’s vegetabledrawer and fruit basket.As the population has increased, both inthe UK and globally, there has been agreater demand on agriculture.Technological developments have drivenadvancement in this regard and helpedposition the county as a main player in thefarming mix. Responding to these changesin the market and supply chain has led toLincolnshire’s agriculture sector adoptingtime and labour saving machinery such ascombine harvesters, and move away fromhorse or cattle drawn equipment andhand operated tools. Spurred on by the soaring success ofthe steam powered tractor, Lincolnshirecemented itself as one of the premierproducers of agricultural machinery withcompany’s such as Hornsby, Fosters andShuttleworth becoming famous bothnationally and across the globe. And itsreputation has only grown since. Lincolnshire is ideally suited to theneeds of agriculture, with its flat openfields and vast space catering to largescale arable farming and providing idealgrowing locations to a variety of crops. Itis responsible for producing a quarter ofthe UK’s vegetables, as well as cereals,sugar beets, bulbs and flowers. No matterwhat part of the country, it’s almost acertainty that there’ll be Lincolnshireproduce nearby.The magnificent beauty of theLincolnshire Wolds is dependent almostentirely on the area’s use for agriculture.Approximately 80 per cent of the area’snatural beauty is in arable use, with 13per cent of that used as permanentpasture and 2.5 per cent being woodlandcover. If that statistic sounds startling thenconsider that the serene Wolds setting is aresult of generations of landowners andfarmers shaping, guiding and influencingthe land. Without agriculture, it wouldlikely be a far less impressiveenvironment.As with mechanisation in the 19thcentury, modern farming is still in flux,responding to ongoing changes anddealing with new challenges. Theseinclude protective measures againstdiseases such as foot and mouth andbluetongue, but also changes inThefarmingfrontierPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/POLARPXThrough farming, Lincolnshire has become an internationallyrecognisable brand, but it has been a long and arduous journey andwith new challenges on the horizon, the journey is far from over. Thefarmingfrontier60-62_Layout 1 25/02/2016 07:57 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61FARMINGlegislation, specifically agri-environmentalschemes and policies. Any of theseoccurrences and possibilities can impactboth the landscape and the farmingcommunity, meaning the latter has to beconstantly vigilant. One of the biggest challenges facingLincolnshire farmers is the rise in harecoursing. For many farmers, this hasmeant having to deal with damage tocrops and property, intimidation fromcoursers and sleepless nights. To date, arecord number of people have beenarrested for hare coursing in the county.Under Project Galileo, which was set upto tackle coursers, Lincolnshire Policehave used targeted patrols and thetraining of local officers to combat thecoursers. Police have also stated thatvigilance and a greater willingness amongthe public to report rural crime was alsohaving a positive effect. Anti-biotic resistant bacteria, on theother hand, is perhaps the greatest threatto modern medicine. One of the biggestusers of antibiotics in the UK is thefarming industry. Nearly 45 per cent of allantibiotics in the UK are used in farming,the reason being that antibioticscompensate for disease-inducingconditions associated with factoryfarming. Furthermore, many pigs, poultryand dairy cows regularly receivePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BUDIMIR JEVTIC62 Áantibiotics, whether they are unwell ornot. Regular, low doses of antibiotics,however, create ideal conditions for theemergence of resistant bacteria. These resistant bugs can pass to humansthrough direct contact with farm animals,through air or water and, most worryingly,consumption of animal products. The usePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ZELJKO RADOJKO60-62_Layout 1 25/02/2016 07:57 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARMINGSoleDistributersinLincolnshire,Nottinghamshire&HumbersidePickupcanopiesalsoavailableYouarewelcometoviewourstockofTrailersTel:01526860317Fax:01526861357website:www.scott-trailers.co.uke-mail:office@scott-trailers.co.ukOpeninghoursMontoFri8am-5pmSat9am-12noon•OthertimesbyappointmentHorseboxCommercialLivestockUnbrakedTrailersfromCampingto3500kggrossSales•Repairs•Servicing•SparesYour Ifor Williams Trailer Distributorof Walcott LincolnSole Distributors in Lincolnshire & NottinghamshireSCOTTTRAILERSLSCOTTTRAILERSLTDTDCome and view the new Ifor Williams EventaSaturday 14th & Sunday 15th May 2016 at Newark Showground NG24 2NYSchedules and tickets from: t. 01636 705796w. nottinghamshirecountyshow.comFirst show of the seasonseasCOUNTY SHOWNottamshireinhg-----of antibiotics on farms is a significant source of resistance inhumans. With the emergence of new E.coli and MRSAsuperbugs on farms, to the rise of resistant bacterial infectionssuch as Campylobacter and Salmonella, it’s clear that this is anincreasing trend. Many groups are helping to shine a light onthe amount of antibiotics used in intensive livestock farming,and campaigning for urgent action to address these practices. Lincolnshire has helped lead the nation’s farming sector intothe modern age, both in terms of ability and innovation. Itcontinues to play an invaluable role in the UK’s food andbeverage sector and as an exporter across the world. With thechallenges spiralling in the sector and beyond, the county canonce again prove to be an industry leader and usher in positivechange once again. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ORIENTALY60-62_Layout 1 25/02/2016 07:57 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY63PETSSpring is here, the Easter holidays are imminent and for manyholidays will be approaching. But what happens to our furry familymembers when we go away, and what can be done to limit theirdistress?When it comes to time apart, the biggest problem the animal isgoing to face is that of separation anxiety. It’s commonly thoughtthat this is a condition only experienced by dogs, but recentresearch has suggested that our feline friends also experience thisanxiety, but that they show it in subtly different ways. In short,separation anxiety is a state of anxious fear that a pet goes throughwhen they are separated from their owner, or even a fellow pet. One option for limiting this anxiety is to hire a pet sitter, orhaving a family member (or friend) look after the pets in yourhome is that of comfortable and familiar surroundings. Your housewill likely be most of a pet’s world to them, and suddenly movingthem to a new location for a long period of time will only increasetheir stress and could lead to them putting themselves at risktrying to explore their new surroundings, or find you.If you don’t have the option of someone looking after your petshowever, then leaving your pet at a boarding kennel, or pet hotel,is going to be the only option. While pets left at such places likelywon’t receive the same level of individual attention and care thatthose looked after by family would. It’s worth keeping in mind thatthe people employed at such places are often more knowledgeablein pet management than family are as well, and as such, pets aremuch more likely to be safe at such places. The truth of the matter is that there is little one can do to maketheir pets happy while they are away, it’s natural to miss those whoare absent in our lives. But the important part is ensuring that theyare safe when we return. LeavingthembehindLeavingthembehindPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/YURIY RUDYYYou might be thinking ofgoing away for the Easterholidays, but who’s going tolook after your pets?You might be thinking ofgoing away for the Easterholidays, but who’s going tolook after your pets?63_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:00 Page 164 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEQUINEGuardingthedogsPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KSENIA RAYKOVAGuardingthedogsDogs and horses might not gohand-in-hand, but it’s rare to see astable yard without a dog. Thatsaid, there’s always potential foraccidents and your existing coverlikely won’t accommodate it. 64-65_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:27 Page 1Call Lincoln 01522 512345 or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk^jnbg^eZplghm\abe]lieZrUnderstanding equine law means understanding horses and their owners. Our specialists have the ^qi^kb^g\^mh^glnk^rhnk^covered for all the ups and downs. There for you for business, for lifeLINCOLNSHIRETODAY65EQUINEFOR A CARING ANDPROFESSIONAL APPROACHTO ALL YOUR VETERINARY NEEDS•Pre-purchase Examinations •Endoscopy•Stables & Theatre •Tendon Scanning•Reproductive Ultrasound •Mobile Xray Unit.Estate Office, Boston RdSPILSBYTel: 01790 752227Heath Road Trad. Est.SKEGNESSTel: 01754 767444110 High StreetMABLETHORPETel: 01507 478182Fenwold VeterinaryPractice LtdA stable yard without at least one dogis a rare sight. They often seem to haveno real purpose other than as a triphazard, but are part and parcel of theyard scene. To say that they areprofessional guard dogs would bestretching the imagination, although theycan be a watchful eye.Some premises do keep dogs as actualguard dogs, though they may not callthem that to avoid compliance with theGuard Dogs Act 1975. Nevertheless, thatis their purpose. A recent case highlightsthe need to have proper insurance coverin place for dogs at premises at all times,whether they in a guarding role or a petrole.The case is UK Insurance Ltd -v- Farrow2016.Briefly, the Farrows, mother and son,had been beef farmers, but were at thetime largely scrap dealers, though theykept some horses. They owned aRottweiler dog, which was kept chainedto a telegraph pole near a road. The dogbroke free and caused an accident with amotorcyclist, who sued the Farrows. Theysought cover from their insurance policyin the normal way.Their insurers refused to cover them.They argued that the insurance was forthe Farrows as “beef farmers” and onlycovered the dog where it was being usedas part of that business, which theinsurers argued no longer existed. Theinsurance also covered the Farrow’sbungalow home, but only covered dogsthere when they were being used for“private purposes” - in effect, pets. Bothparties agreed that the dog did guard thescrapyard, but that he also had afunction as a pet when not so doing.The Farrows argued that they shouldbe covered, as the accident happenedwhen the dog was guarding the businesspremises, including the bungalow andhorses for which there was cover.Alternatively, the dog was in its “pet” roleat the time of the accident and so wouldbe covered there.The Court agreed with the insurers. Itsaid the dog’s main role was a guard dogfor the main scrap business and therewas no evidence of a farm business underwhich the dog was covered. There wasno evidence of horses to guard in theyard where the dog was when it escapedand caused the accident. Had there been,the dog might have been covered underthe “private purpose” element of theinsurance as a pet. It wasn’t. The Farrowswere without insurance to cover whatmight have been a valuable claim andwould be at risk of losing their assets,including their home, to meet any claim.Lessons here are first of all keep dogsunder proper control so as to avoidaccidents to start with. Secondly, makesure that any insurance policy you havecovers you and your animals at all times,or at least find out when you won’t becovered and avoid that situation. If indoubt, check directly with the insurers.There’s a lot to lose with no insurance.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/IVONNE WIERINK64-65_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:27 Page 266 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENECALLING ALL EVENT ORGANISERSIf you are holding an event and would like one of our photographers to come along pleasecontact Michael Fisher at m.fisher@blmgroup.co.ukBurtonHunt BallThis year, the Lincolnshire Showground’sEpic Centre played host, once again, to theBurton Hunt Ball. The 2016 Burton Hunt Ball took place at the end of January,with members and supporters of the Hunt club descendingon the Epic Centre, at the Lincolnshire Showground – for anight of fine food, good drink and live music.Established in 1672, the Burton Hunt Club has a richhistory, and their popular annual ball has remained animportant part of this for all members. Alexander & Alice Padfield, Agnieszka Babicz, Pippa Chambers,Thomas Hood, Jessica Rowles-Nicholson“The Misfits”“The Night Owls”James Hall &Lucy GrayDonna Taylor &Tristan Gibbs66-67_Layout 1 25/02/2016 08:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67SOCIAL SCENEKatherine & Stuart Theabould, Alison Bunn, Brendan Murphy,Natashia Bradley, Daniel TheabouldPhaedra Green, Ally Williamson,Elizabeth Allan, Sue DeaconAdam & Emma Stevens, Jo Flear-Charlton,Rod MurdochEmma Sanders, ClaudiaBradbury, Naiomi BanksAngie Waite, Andrew & Gina Curtis,Jason McgiffAnna Standley, Nina Craggs,Isabel & Andrea StandleyMegan Trotman,Caroline MitchellRoger & JessParrKelly Tennison,Julie CooperVictoria Stone &Will Hengage66-67_Layout 1 25/02/2016 08:22 Page 268 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWhether it’s immortalised in the prose of Beatrix Potter orromanticised in umpteen natural documentaries, the redsquirrel is as evocative of Britain’s countryside heritage asmeadows and farmhouse cookery. It’s hard not to mourn thelarge-scale loss of its red-furred frolicking, but it’s time enoughto embrace its cousin from across the pond. A few hundredyears should be long enough to bury the hatchet anyway. Grey squirrels assume its usual stoop in treetops, sat uprightwith its big bushy tail arched over its head likea living sunshade. Its nest (or drey) is ashamble of moss, thistledown, dried grass andfeathers stuffed into a hollow tree trunk. Fromthere it surveys its playground, from farm andwoodland to more domestic settings likegardens and town parks. As it is most activeduring the day, seeing grey squirrels boundabout is hardly cause for celebration, and yetthere’s something rib-tickling in the way itscurries up trees and tumbles through the branches andhedgerows. Much to the chagrin of bird fans, the squirrel will oftenpinch food from feeders in the garden, topping up its usualforaging in trees and on ground. Bulbs, shoots, buds, fungi,Like all American imports, we’ve begrudgingly come to love the grey squirrel butit’s about time we practice what we preach and truly embrace the little critter. LincolnshirewildlifePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JILL NIGHTINGALEPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JAY ONDREICKAnuts and roots are all part of its diet as well as that staplefoodstuff – the acorn. Although they gather up nuts in the autumn, the springsees mother grey giving birth to a litter, usually before roundtwo come summer, and from now until April it’s open seasonas far as breeding’s concerned. Typically, the squirrel will livefor around 6 years, though it can be hard to tell, what with allthat grey hair and all. It might be lumbered with the lacklustre‘grey’ moniker, but the squirrel’s coat canencompass varying shades of rusty-brownhues, as well as its pearly white underside.That’s as well as the pure white and blackvarieties found in other parts of England. Sure, the grey squirrel was bigger in sizeand a better food forager, and yes it might bea carrier for the deadly parapoxvirus thatcaused a fatal infection in red squirrels, but itsgrey cousins are every bit as entertaining to watch and everybit as cute. As one of the most common animals across ourfair county, the grey squirrel is easy to overlook, but stop andstare awhile next time you see them cavorting and you won’tbe disappointed. As one of the mostcommon animalsacross our faircounty, the greysquirrel is easy tooverlook68-69_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:13 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY11PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARK LEHIGH68-69_Layout 1 24/02/2016 14:13 Page 2Next >