Mega-farms... the debate continues

Factory Farming?

Given our raw experience with fighting the 'super-dairy' campaign here in Nocton, with proposals for a large dairy unit in Leighton, nr Welshpool, Powys and now a huge piggery in Foston, Derbyshire, I am not surprised this passionate debate rumbles on today.

Campaigners warn against rise of the 'mega-farms': Could massive pig, fish and dairy units harm the environment?

'Farming in the British Isles is on the verge of a dramatic step towards industrialisation with the establishment of "mega-farms"...'

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/campaigners-warn-against-rise-of-the-megafarms-could-massive-pig-fish-and-dairy-units-harm-the-environment-8612471.html

Editorial: Who needs mega-farms?

'We eat too much of the wrong sort of food. More cheap meat is no solution.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/editorials/editorial-who-needs-megafarms-8612309.html

There Is Nothing Gentle or Gradual About Building a New 25,000 Unit Mega Pig Farm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-worcester/there-is-nothing-gentle-o_b_3253630.html

Powys 'mega dairy': Public inquiry over Leighton plan

'A public inquiry has begun into Powys council's decision to refuse planning for a major expansion to a dairy farm housing 1,000 cattle next to a village primary school.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-21656072

Foston pig farm given extra time on proposals

'A firm behind plans to build a farm in Derbyshire with more than 25,000 pigs has been given until May to answer Environment Agency questions.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-21410820

Forget badgers. If we really care about animal welfare, it's time to put a stop to mega-farms

'Proposals for what are called mega-farms have been rejected in the past, but now a significant change of attitude seems to be taking place.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/forget-badgers-if-we-really-care-about-animal-welfare-its-time-to-put-a-stop-to-megafarms-8614160.html

Ag-Gag laws seek to put factory farms off-limits to whistle-blowers

It seems the UK Government has signalled its backing for large-scale farms only yesterday... let's hope they aren't too intent on following US practice. With the relaxation of planning law, there is a major risk to our countryside if inappropriate development takes place, particularly if we don't have the protection of tried and tested legislation developed over decades. It is no good trying to enforce restrictions once permissions have been granted and the mega-farms are operating!

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/298569-ag-gag-laws-seek-to-put-factory-farms-off-limits-to-whistle-blowers-

Taping of Farm Cruelty Is Becoming the Crime

'Critics call them “Ag-Gag” bills.'

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/us/taping-of-farm-cruelty-is-becoming-the-crime.html

"We did it!"

Badger campaign should be warning to all

"We did it!" is the cry of a new generation of campaigners claiming credit for, among other things, stopping 'mega-dairies'..."

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/128239/Badger-campaign-should-be-warning-to-all.htm

Maybe we did, maybe we didn't... but what I do know is that local residents had an influence on the outcome. The real success of the local campaign group (CAFFO) was in being able to lobby support from a wide-range of people and organisations, many with specialist knowledge and featuring UK-wide.

Reading between the lines of this article, I sense this says more about how Amy is feeling about her involvement with Nocton. Could it be that she is smarting a little over the failure of her PR expertise to result in a successful outcome for Nocton Dairies when faced with a campaign of national proportions?

Perhaps the application was withdrawn 'on technicalities'... one of which may have been to avoid prejudicing any possible future re-application... or perhaps it was just about avoiding the embarrassment of a formal refusal in the circumstances?

What we do know is that there were very good environmental reasons as to why this development would never have been granted permission in the sensitive location on Nocton Heath.

Financial Crisis Leading Farmers To Build 'Mega Dairies'


'A move towards milking cows in intensive American style 'mega dairies' would be bad for farmers' incomes as well damaging for the welfare of cattle, animal rights campaigners have warned.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/09/08/milk_n_953723.html

We Have to Support Dairy Farmers at Every Opportunity

'There is a well documented crisis affecting British farming - not as a result of evolutionary market forces, but of bad politics.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/zac-goldsmith/we-have-to-support_b_954194.html
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EA still object

'They think it's all over... it is now!'
[Kenneth Wolstenholme]

I understand the Environment Agency have submitted their documentation to North Kesteven District Council yesterday.

Despite the submission of further evidence in support of their application, Nocton Dairies still haven't been able to convince the Environment Agency they can mitigate all risks to the aquifer and public water supply.

Furthermore, the Environment Agency have also objected against the digestate pipeline application.

This is likely to be a big stumbling block to the future plans for the intensive dairy.

NGO's Letter

An open letter has been posted to North Kesteven District Council underwritten by Friends of the Earth, World Society for the Protection of Animals, 38 Degrees, Soil Association and Compassion in World Farming.

http://www.wspa.org.uk/Images/KestevenOpenLetter_tcm9-20458.pdf

Nocton campaigners urge Council to block plans

'AN ALLIANCE of UK charities has called on North Kesteven District Council to block Nocton Dairies’ application for a 3,770-cow unit in Lincolnshire when it meets to discuss the plans next month.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/nocton-campaigners-urge-council-to-block-plans/37227.article

Urgent update

Nocton Dairies scraps super dairy plans

'NOCTON Dairies have scrapped plans to set up the UK’s biggest dairy herd, blaming the Environment Agency for the decision.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/nocton-dairies-scraps-super-dairy-plans/37242.article

VIDEO: Nocton withdraws plans for super dairy

'Nocton Dairies has withdrawn its planning application for a 3770-cow dairy unit in Lincolnshire.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/125538/VIDEO-Nocton-withdraws-plans-for-super-dairy.htm

'Super dairy' plans withdrawn

'Plans for the UK's largest dairy farm, which would have housed 3,770 cows, have been withdrawn.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/farming/8328866/Super-dairy-plans-withdrawn.html

Plans for Lincolnshire 'super dairy' are withdrawn

'Plans for the UK's largest dairy farm have been withdrawn, the farmers behind the scheme have announced.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-12485392

Nocton awash with newspeople

We have vans with satellite dishes; we have sound equipment; there are street interviews with local residents; we have lights... cameras... and action.

Nocton is in the news... all because the intensive dairy is no more... well for the time being that is.  The battle may be won, but the war may not yet be over.  There are still the digestate pipeline and reservoir applications to be heard by Planning Committee... although why these are still needed is anyone's guess.

Watch this space... as Nocton Dairies said.
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Still counting

‘Unprecedented’ response to Nocton Dairies plan

'OVER 14,000 people have formally objected to Nocton Dairies’ plans to build a ‘super dairy’ in Lincolnshire.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/‘unprecedented’-response-to-nocton-dairies-plan/36519.article

There is much huff and bluff about the statements incorporated in the CAFFO leaflet and its influence, yet only 5,000 were issued to the local community. The number that have actually been returned will be much less of course.

Considering that over 50,000 people signed the 38 Degrees campaign, with over 14,000 people submitting formal responses objecting to the plans (many people taking the trouble to research the issue first and then submit personal letters), then surely it is possible to see there is a huge public outcry against this style of farming in the UK, not all of it instigated by CAFFO.

As I've said in this blog before, there is a much wider debate required about the implications of large industrial-style dairy units. This must take place before we rush headlong into allowing 'super-dairies' to dominate the UK countryside, alongside mega pig and poultry units too.

The proposed Nocton Dairy development is too soon, too close to a fragile aquifer, too near local villages and too big for the land owned by the applicants (as this is insufficient for the safe disposal of the effluent that would be generated).

If you really want to see the reason why there is pressure to industrialise milk production, read the following article. It is nothing at all to do with world shortages of food.

Supermarket price war fuels fear for farmers

'Pressure is mounting on the government to speed up plans for a retail watchdog amid fears that farmers will bear the brunt of a supermarket price war.'

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/125023/Supermarket-price-war-fuels-fear-for-farmers.htm

Nocton Parish Council

I have been given permission to post the local Parish Council response for you to read.

Nocton Parish Council letter to NKDC

My own submission

As my own contribution has now been accepted and posted out into the public domain, if you wish to read my objection to the Nocton Dairies planning application, click here:

Objection_Development of Nocton Dairy
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Make it count

Nocton Dairies application - last day for comments today

The 38 Degrees team will be handing in their petition to North Kesteven District Council offices in Sleaford at lunchtime today.  If you're able to join them to show your support, that would be great.

All the details are here:

http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2011/01/10/nocton-mega-dairy-petiton-delivery-want-to-come-along/

Whilst the end date for consultation is today, I do understand that NKDC has a legal obligation to consider objections after this date, if they relate to material planning considerations. It is possible that some formal consultees have requested more time in view of the complexity of the application in any case.

In Councillor Marianne Overton's monthly update email dated 10th January, she said: "Nocton Dairy: The consultation included the Christmas period, but I am assured you can still respond to the application after Jan 11th."

If your submission is going to be late, I would suggest you ring and let NKDC know.  Perhaps a holding letter would be pertinent, just in case of any misunderstanding.

Useful Links

Nocton Dairies Ltd website: http://www.noctondairies.co.uk/

CAFFO website: http://www.caffo.co.uk/

A copy of the leaflet: CAFFO Leaflet

Planning Application: 10/1397/FUL
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64,000 and counting

Super-dairy protesters to hand in petition with more than 64,000 signatures

'Nocton resident Deborah Wilson, said the 1,619 comments listed so far by the district council were just the tip of the iceberg. "Opposition to this is phenomenal," she said.'

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/64-031-signatures-super-dairy/article-3080075-detail/article.html

Thousands oppose Lincs 'super dairy'

'OVER 66,000 people have signed a petition opposing Nocton Dairies’ plans for a 3,770-cow dairy unit in Lincolnshire.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/hot-topics/super-dairies/thousands-oppose-lincs-super-dairy/36425.article

Avalanche of objections to Lincolnshire super dairy

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/124993/Avalanche-of-objections-to-Lincolnshire-super-dairy.htm

Lincs FM Programme

The edited programme last night was disappointing.  A number of issues clearly hit the 'cutting room' floor e.g. the potential business partnership with Mr Robert Beck and Nocton Fen Farms Ltd (which drew a gasp from the audience).

This was a shame. Fortunately, a colleague was taking shorthand notes of the whole event and so there is a full transcript of everything that was said, just in case some of this needs to be resurrected in the future.

I did like Alan Robson's closing statement though, that there are 'alot against this proposal' and 'very few for it'.

Having just finished analysing the submissions to North Kesteven District Council, so far I can report there are:

• Support - 2
• Neutral - 4
• Object - 1,641

Even the statement the 'vast majority' is insufficient to describe the opposition to this intensive dairy factory!

So is there an alternative one asks?

Well yes there is... and it was eloquently highlighted by Peter Lundgren, one of the panelists on Wednesday evening... a dual purpose beef and dairy model that the British public would love.


Organic industry launches £2m marketing drive

'THE organic industry is launching a high profile three-year campaign highlighting the benefits of organic food and aiming to increase consumer demand cross the UK.'

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/organic-industry-launches-£2m-marketing-drive/36418.article

Britain 6th in European Organic consumption table

'When it comes to buying organic, our European counterparts are far more aware of the benefits of organic than we are here in the UK according to a new report.'

http://www.farminguk.com/NewsHeadLine/Britain-6th-in-European-Organic-consumption-table_19582.html

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Lincs FM in Branston

Lincs FM

I was pleased to see that two of my three questions were selected during the Lincs FM event on Wednesday evening (5th January), which were:

1. It is interesting to note that land owned by Blankney Estates no longer features for the spreading of digestate - why exactly is that?

2. Nocton Fen Farms Ltd land is being used for spreading your digestate and there is already planning permission for a digester on that site - what discussions have you had with Mr Robert Beck concerning this facility?

I must admit to having been intrigued as to why Blankney Estates and Patrick Dean Ltd had pulled out of the intended land sharing role with Nocton Dairies Ltd.

Mr Willes kindly clarified that for us - telling us that the http://www.38degrees.org.uk/ lobby group had been very successful in getting these two businesses to reconsider their position. Mr Willes then went on to clarify his relationship with Nocton Fen Farms Ltd.

His comment that “we will probably be integrating our businesses in the future – either he will buy into the dairy, or we will buy into his business” was a revelation and drew an audible gasp from the audience.

It now explains why Nocton Fen Farms Ltd features so highly in the revised application. It was also stated that the build of the anaerobic digester on Nocton Fen will start later this year.  It will be interesting to see how the proposed pipeline from Nocton Heath to Wasp's Nest fits into these plans.

Now we have this snippet of information on the radar, perhaps we can do more research into the implications for the local community and surrounding area.

It may be appropriate to lobby Mr Robert Beck and his company. If his permission to make land available to Nocton Dairies Ltd was to be withdrawn because of the strength of public feeling, it could affect their potential plans, considering the huge dependency on land to spread digestate.

All that remains is for Lincs FM to broadcast the programme. We can then listen to it again... to dissect the content for useful quotes in the future.

I can also have another laugh as I listen again to the Chairperson (Alan Robson) addressing me as a 'lady' in the audience. Readers to note, I have since had my haircut!

More on Anaerobic Digestion

If you have been looking through the Nocton Dairies Ltd planning application, you may have seen a leaflet for a potential supplier of the anaerobic digestion units - UTS Biogas.

However, during the Lincs FM event at Branston on Wednesday evening, I was somewhat surprised to hear Mr Willes say that they had not yet decided on the supplier.

This seems quite odd to me. Surely planners would want to know the exact unit that is likely to be constructed, otherwise how can they begin to consider the implications of the application in its entirety?

You may like to visit the website of that supplier - there is a useful video graphic of how a digester and combined heat plant actually functions.

http://www.uts-biogas.com/index.php?id=1059

If you want to see another video of anaerobic digestion, click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZH19oxJ27w
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Nocton Dairies Ltd - 38 Degrees

Factory farms

Members of activist group 38 Degrees are calling for donations to raise £5000 to pay for full-page newspapers advertisements against "factory farms".

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/123847/Protestors-campaign-to-shame-super-dairy-planners.htm

Get thinking about slurry management

'In just over a year's time dairy farmers will have to demonstrate that they can store slurry for five months in order to comply with NVZ regulations.'

Clearly, environment issues continue to be all important.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/123851/Get-thinking-about-slurry-management.htm

Rivers at risk

Rivers that support native wildlife in the UK are being threatened by runoff pollution, over-abstraction and invasive species – but little is being done to address this.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/04/rivers-at-risk-water-pollution

Report lays bare farmgate-retail gap on milk price

SUPERMARKETS’ margins on milk and dairy products have increased while milk producers’ margins have fallen as they continue to receive a milk price well below the true cost of production.

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/business/business-news/report-lays-bare-farmgate-retail-gap-on-milk-price/34766.article

Retailers under fire for 'milk profiteering'

Retailers have come under fire this week after a DairyCo report revealed they continued to increase margins from dairy products, while farmers absorbed volatile commodity prices.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/123853/Retailers-under-fire-for-39milk-profiteering39.htm

The blame game in full motion.

Perhaps this is the cause of the downfall of many small, family-run dairy farms... and surely by moving over to large intensive dairying, pandering to the demands of supermarkets and processors for cheap milk, it is only going to exascerbate the problem?