< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYThe food sector is of enormous importance to GreaterLincolnshire – it’s the third biggest sector and, as the LEP pointsout, it contributes £2.5 billion every year to the area’s economy.Their vision is to double its economic value by 2030, andthrough a host of support and funding opportunities, and theskills of farm managers in locating opportunities, the possibilityof this being achieved looks very likely.Lincolnshire has often been at the heart of the agriculturalsector and the Lincolnshire Show remains one of the mostimportant gatherings of the farming community in the whole ofthe UK, as it’ll illustrate again this summer. Beyond that, theindustry is vitally important for not only the success of thecounty, but also for the country as well. Something worththinking about the next time you’re stuck behind a tractor onthe road. When it comes to farm machinery it’s an almost ironic thing.The agricultural sector has always had something of a reputationfor being conservative and steadfast, adapting slowly tochanges, much like the crops they harvest. Put a new piece ofmachinery on the market however, especially one that can makethe job more efficient – and farmers will snap it up in amoment. It’s that pro-active attitude towards making thingswork better which ensures the UK market can still compete withour European neighbours, who often pay less in terms of wagesand other associated costs.Cultivation equipment can range from ploughs to powerharrows, or from rollers to strip-till drills, while harvestmachinery can include anything from combines to chaser bins,or trailers to grain dryers. Sprayers can be mounted, trailed orself-propelled, or any equipment related to them such asnozzles, bowsers and nurse tanks. It’s never a single piece of kitand the costs can spiral out of control if you’re not careful. And that is a very real problem in the market right now,mostly as a result of how much supermarkets are payingAutomatedfarmingFarm machinery is by no means a new invention, butinnovation in the sector has seen benefits abound forthose willing to invest. 70-71_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:11 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71FARM & COUNTRY LINK - FARM MACHINERYKEVIN JOHNSON - AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORSLime spreading ( Lime stone and Lime x70) and can arrange soiltesting with GPS. Also Fertilizer spread including variable rates. • Drilling with 6 metre tine drill • 220 hp tractor and driver • Maize drilling with 8 row drill • Grass mowing with Triple Mowers4 Church Road, Wittering, PeterboroughTel: 01780 782924 Mobile: 07860 608825enquiries@kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.ukwww.kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk“For those times when you need ahelping hand on farm or on land”© Shutterstock / mihalec farmers. The constant price squeezes, which might becomeeven worse as a result of the national living wage, do put adamper on the market as a whole. At least, that is how it seemson the surface. More difficult farming economies will forcepeople to find efficiencies wherever they can, and there’snothing more efficient than agricultural machinery. No numberof men or women can work the same land faster, nor moreaccurately. It may be that the only way to survive is to do whatwe can to squeeze every last bit of efficiency out of the system– and that’s going to require some high quality machinery.This demand hasn’t gone unnoticed by farmers,manufacturers – or – criminals. In recent months, a fraudulentscam was highlighted in which farm machinery was sold at halfor less the market value online. While the adverts claim theprice cuts are due to cheaper manufacturing outside of thecountry, the reality is that no products are sold and thethousands of pounds in cost are soon squirrelled away bycriminal gangs. Advice from the police and the industry itself isto never consider a purchase unless you can inspect theequipment yourself, often by visiting the premises andconfirming its existence in person. The truth of the matter is often that the margins on farmmachinery, particularly from sellers is not as high as somefarmers might feel. The difficulties faced by those in theagricultural sector are felt by all, even when it’s the farmersthemselves who are out of pocket. Less money for farmersmeans less profit for farm machinery sellers, which means adrop in prices. While now might not be a convenient time toinvest in farm machinery, it certainly is one of the best. Oncethe industry recovers, and it must because the country itselfcannot survive without food grown, the price of farmmachinery could very well increase. Better perhaps to invest now with a view to not onlyimproving efficiency in a lean and difficult environment, but alsoto giving a farm the cutting edge when the market eases up.© Shutterstock / Fotokostic 70-71_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:11 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - FARM MANAGEMENTlAccounts lTax Returns lTax PlanninglPayroll lBook-Keeping lAudits lBusiness AdvicePro-active, friendly and accessible service or yourFREEConsultation contact our Horncastle team: Tel: 01507 526071Email: horncastle@dextersharpe.co.ukWeb: www.dextersharpe.co.ukOffices in Boston, Louth, Lincoln, Spilsby, Skegness, Horncastle and BourneHelping your business growChartered CertifiedAccountantsBuilding business…beyond the numbersFarm management has become an increasingly difficult taskof late, not least of all due to a range of issues facing theindustry – from exploitative supermarket contracts, to freakfloods and outbreaks of diseases that are ravishing crops. Anyone of these on their own would be an issue, but all three atthe same time have placed an increasing burden on farmers.Add to that in Lincolnshire a number of arson attacks in recentmonths, most noticeably on straw bales, and the matter onlybecomes worse.For farm managers there is now a huge raft of aspects toconsider. The efficiency of the farm is obviously paramount,since profits must come before other considerations, butshort-termism in decisions made on that can have lastingconsequences. Some farms are being plagued by such wherenew farm managers feel they need to make an impact tooquickly, and perhaps don’t intend to stay at the farm for morethan ten years. In those cases, as they will not have to dealwith the consequences, it’s easy to see why shortcuts mightbe taken to increase yields. That’s not to say that bonus yields aren’t possible, and thesugar beet yield last year was considered quite the bumperwithin Lincolnshire. But good farm management doesn’t justthink of the upcoming harvest, but rather how the farm willoperate for the following four or five, perhaps even longer.The health of soil must be considered, as fertiliser will only goso far and over-farming can rob nutrients from the soil,reducing future yields and potentially leading to fields beingleft fallow for many years. Of course, those farming livestock will have their ownconcerns, particularly the ever-difficult balance betweenefficiency and ethics. Are animals allowed to roam free and dothe benefits of this outweigh the opportunity costs?Consumers are increasingly aware of the treatment of animalsand several scandals lately – thankfully rare in Lincolnshire –have only encouraged more anger against suppliers. Thosefound to mistreat animals, or more dangerously those`believed` to mistreat animals (whether it is true or not) canfind themselves in a storm of problems. Social media hasallowed people to communicate faster than ever, and TwitterThe farmingchallengeChallenges abound, but opportunitiesbeyond. Farm management remains thedifficult task it has always been, albeit witha few new twists.72-73_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:12 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY73FARM & COUNTRY LINK - FARM MANAGEMENT-08003285492:sales@allertonuk.comwww.allertonuk.comSEWAGE&EFFLUENTTREATMENTSYSTEMSnrnssaediurooenityDrainpossehollPumpinnsforSraTheaIreassin,ahereictanieirestans,AaniTradine19leifficienr.rihemso,apptoisofngane.ThnCoistineeaaremains a means for many consumers to interact with bigbrands like supermarkets, who will quickly drop a farmer whoattracts bad attention. After all, they need to protect their ownbrands. Farmers can remain forever stigmatised by this,making it increasingly difficult to win new contracts and getback into the market.Security has also become an issue of late, too, and fornumerous reasons. Farmyard robbery remains one of the mostprevalent in the county, especially with the cost of suchexpensive tools and machinery, and the relative distance mostfarms have with neighbours. Beyond that, however, therehave been arson attacks on straw bales, and an outbreak ofhare coursing that the Lincolnshire and Humberside Policehave taken an immediate stance against. It’s not all bad news, though, just challenging news. Globalfood shortages – while not necessarily a good thing – willbreathe new life into the farming industry, and the GreaterLincolnshire LEP expects Lincolnshire’s farms to greatlyimprove the wealth of the region. Brexit is expected to lead toincreased costs for foodstuffs imported into the country, whichshould prompt supermarkets to look more at domesticproduce, and perhaps even to be willing to pay more for it. Farming isn’t going anywhere, that much is for sure – butlike many industries in the UK, it’s one faced by numerouschallenges. Those that are able to adapt to and meet thesechallenges will be in a brilliant position to excel, while thosewho struggle and ignore the issue will likely remain stagnant. © Shutterstock/iraua© ShutterstockAvatar_02372-73_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:13 Page 274 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - COUNTY SHOWSCounty shows are a large part ofLincolnshire’s heritage and go a long wayto not only highlighting the incrediblework the agricultural industry does, but also raisingunderstanding about it. This can help in a number ofways, as farmers might find more people interested in acareer with them, but it can also lead to greater empathy,with people being more understanding of the workfarmers do – and hopefully less irritated should they getstuck behind one on a long and winding Lincolnshireroad. More than any of that, however, county shows are achance for families and communities to have fun. We’refortunate here in Lincolnshire to have so many, and tohave numerous shows which remain focused on thecultural roots of the county as opposed to being focusedsolely on profit or visitor numbers. In this regardLincolnshire does well compared to other counties.There are many who just see county shows as a day out,however, and while this is not necessarily a bad way tolook at it – getting outside always being a good activity –there is much more on offer. The culture and history ofour county is a glorious and rich one, with legendsspanning back thousands of years through therenaissance, medieval and Roman eras. Many of thesethings we take for granted, but some of those samepractices have been passed down through history andcontinue today, from agriculture to falconry andeverything in between. County shows give us a chance toreconnect with the countryside and better understandthis, and that experience can be invaluable not just forchildren, but adults too. This year, instead of just enjoying what’s on offer, we’dlike to personally challenge people to try something new,be it food, an activity, or maybe even something thatmight grow into a hobby. The benefits of getting out intothe countryside are well-known but people often feel theydon’t have the time or the inclination. Give it a shot atone of Lincolnshire’s shows, however, and you might findyourself making time in the future.Moving toward the summer months, there are a host ofupcoming county shows and events – and many areattracting interest even now. The most well-known, ofcourse, is the Lincolnshire Show. The show this year is heldon the 20th and 21st of June, and is an important year forthe show as it celebrates and commemorates the 100 yearanniversary of the RAF and the end of World War 1. It’s all going on inthe countyCounty shows aren’tjust a fantastic event forgetting the familyoutside. They’re ameans of education forchildren and adultsalike, and offer plenty ofattractions to thateffect.74-75_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:14 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75FARM & COUNTRY LINK - COUNTY SHOWSwww.wintertonshow.co.ukTHE 146th7 & 8 JULY 2018The theme is being represented throughout the Show,with performances, displays and activities to get involvedin, no more so than in the Aviation Zone. Elsewhere, theMain Ring has an action packed timetable, while the FoodCourt remains the perfect place to sample and pick up awide range of local produce, and a place to sit down tolearn from top local chefs in The Lincolnshire Kitchen.Head to the Horticultural Zone to see beautiful blooms,visit the Agricultural Lines to see machinery from past andpresent, and there’s plenty for younger visitors to see,make and do in the Discovery, Sport and Education Zones. Variety is the name of the game, and remains so atother events taking place across the county. There is theBrocklesby Country Fair in June, the Heckington Show inJuly, and the Revesby County Fair in August. This is just asmall sample of the county shows coming up and thereare many more in between. Be sure to check out our`What’s On` section of the magazine each month to getan idea of what is coming up and when, and we’ll do ourbest to keep readers updated.74-75_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:14 Page 2beaten trackbeaten trackOff theThere’s nothing better than a brisk,bracing walk to get fit - it’s also agreat way to meet like minded peopleso here’s a relatively moderate one thatshould suit readers of most ages andfitness levels. 76 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY76-77_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:15 Page 1Our walk starts at Lincoln’s SouthCommon and takes you all the way toNavenby although you don’t have to walkthe entire course if you don’t quite feel upto it. You could for instance departanywhere along its path but that’d be ashame as there’s so much to see en-routeincluding wildlife, open vistas, historicarchitecture, local inns, tea rooms (mypersonal favourite) and much, muchmore.Anyway, here goes: our walk starts atLincoln’s South Common where you’llhave fantastic views of the cathedral. Thehorses and ponies you see grazing theretake advantage of the grazing rightswhich date back to Danish occupationfollowing the Roman’s departure. The rights were given when the city’spopulation spread beyond the Romanwalls and land was needed for theFreemen’s grazing. There’s a bit of a climb in our early partof the walk and this is it, but it’s worth itas heading south from Bracebridge you’llenjoy splendid views westwards. On arrival at Waddington the old villagecentre reveals a surprisingly modern church– unfortunately, the 13th century StMichael’s was demolished by a landmine in1941 and a birds eye view revealed thatthe ruins formed the shape of a cross. Thenew church was rebuilt by 1954 Nearby is Worsdell’s Mill - built in 1820and sadly derelict by 1908. There’s alsothe Horse and Jockey inn, which datesback to the 16th century and reputed tobe haunted by the “Green Lady”. Beyondthe mill a seat by the trig point atGR974632 offers a chance for a breather -with others to come at Harmston, Colebyand Boothby Graffoe.At Harmston, walkers will need to detourvia the A607 as the direct right of way toColeby disappeared when Harmston Hall,which was built by the Thorold family in1709, was converted into a mentalhospital.On the edge of Coleby, at the Hallentrance, is a replica “Roman” arch basedon Lincoln’s Newport. There are links herewith the family of Katherine Swyneford,mistress, and later wife, of John of Gaunt,who held the manor here in the 14thcentury. All Saints church still has its Saxontower – though with a 15th century spireon top. In Blind Lane are two unusualconical stone wellheads.Readers will be pleased to note there’sanother rest stop in the next village,Boothby Graffoe - look for a small greenseat and take a breather before tacklingour final section to Navenby. The market town of Navenby, which wasgranted a market charter in 1221 hasmany lovely old stone buildings and StPeter’s is famous for its outstanding EasterSepulchre. Finally take a stroll down theHigh Street to see the Lion and Royal hotelwith its sign bearing the Prince of Walesfeathers – an honour granted after a visitby Edward VII in 1870.ROUTE:Start this walk travel along thelower edge of South Common towardsCanwick Hill, then turn right uphill andright again along an enclosed path at thetop which offers panoramic views of thecity. At Cross ’O cliff hill cross carefully intoConingsby Crescent and take the first leftover a field, going right at the far side,then left after 100 yards at the nextsignpost.About a mile on you will meet a road atWaddington. Turn left here and first right,Moxon’s Lane, into High Street pass theinn and the church. Leave the village pasta housing estate keeping all houses toyour left.Cross the first lane at Harmston andthen two meadows. At the second lane goleft to the A607 traffic lights then right forhalf a mile, there’s a pavement, turningright at the first footpath sign. Anotherleft turn then resumes the way towardsColeby. On arrival in Coleby turn right then leftnear the church along High Street. TheViking Way leaves by the path oppositethe Tempest Arms. Following Blind Laneinstead will get you there too!There’s a small park in Boothby Graffoewith a welcome seat but at the far end ofthe village keep right onto a track. Onreaching the lane at the edge of Navenbygo left a few yards and then right alongthe “Cat Walk” alleyway to the church.Turn left for the village centre.FACTFILESTART: Lincoln South Common (South Park.)OS MAPS: Landranger 121 (Lincoln) • Explorer 272DISTANCE: 10 miles • 16.25 kilometres.REFRESHMENTS : Waddington – Horse & Jockey / Three HorseshoesColeby – Bell Inn (Far Lane) / Tempest ArmsNavenby – a choice of inns and tearoomsLINCOLNSHIRETODAY7776-77_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:15 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORINGMarch is the month of the highlyanticipated 88th annual Geneva MotorShow. The Geneva Palexpo conventioncentre is set to host a grand total of 180exhibitors. In the hustle and bustle it isnear impossible to make your wayaround everything, and that is whyLincolnshire Today is here to highlightsome cars to look out for.Land Rover is celebrating its 70thAnniversary this year, and to pay homageto the original Range Rover, they areexhibiting the Range Rover SV Coupé. Toallude to its heritage, in which the RangeRover launched as a two door in 1970,the SV Coupé features the same two doorsilhouette. The car remains modern,however, with up to date technologiesused throughout the cabin. The SV Coupé is the world’s first full-size luxury SUV Coupé and will be adistinct addition for the Range Roverportfolio. The car is said to have a“seductive body design and a supremelyrefined interior.” Only 999 SUV Coupéswill be made for distribution worldwide,McLaren SennaThe new schoolwhat to look out for at theGeneva Motor ShowThe Geneva Motor show is back again with a whole new range of cars todisplay, but which ones should keep your eye on?78-80_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79COUNTY MOTORINGmaking the vehicle one of rarity inownership. In fact, the GenevaMotor Show may be the only placeyou get to see one.If you are looking out for a newsaloon, look no further thanMazda’s exhibition this year. TheGeneva Motor Show will mark theworld debut of the new Mazda 6Tourer, and European reveal of theMazda 6 Saloon. The Mazda 6 willfeature a refined exterior and majorinterior revisions featuring newseating, boosted SKYACTIVpowertrain performance, enhanceddriving dynamics, greateraerodynamic efficiency, reduced NHV(noise, hardness and vibration), and abroad range of i-ACTIVSENSE safetyfeatures, which include a 360° viewmonitor and speed assist system.Mazda will also be showing off twoconcept models: the Mazda Vision CoupéRange Rover SV Coupéand Mazda Kai. The Vision Coupé wasrecently awarded ‘Most BeautifulConcept Car of the Year’, and has thebasic form of a flowing four door coupé.The car is minimalistic, taking what is saidto be a ‘less is more’ approach to itsbody styling, with a simple form,removing anything unessential.The Kai is Mazda’s revolutionary pickthis year. It is a compact hatchback thatwill showcase breakthrough technologiesand latest evolution in KODO design. Thevehicle features Mazda’s SKYACTIV-Xpowertrain, and next generationSYACTIV-vehicle architecture to maximisehow the body connects with the car. Thisvehicle will certainly reflect the meaningof its name: ‘pioneer’.80 Á78-80_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:22 Page 2Next >