LATEST NEWS

Farm and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) - Announcement of 2nd round.

As in the last round of FFIS, small grants of between £2,500 to £25,000 are now available for items such as sheep weigh crates, mobile handling systems, EID readers, upgrading of cattle crushes and roofing of silage pits and manure stores.

Farm, forestry and horticulture businesses in Upland areas can apply for up to 50% of expenditure (40% in other areas) for projects around nutrient management, energy efficiency, water management, animal health and welfare, and forestry projects. There is a minumum spend of £5,000 (£6,250 in non upland areas).

The handbook can be dowloaded at http://rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk/funding-sources/farm-and-forestry-improvement-scheme, and the online application form will be available from the 22 May. The application round will close on the 17July 2012.

EVENTS

Back by popular demand -

30th May 2012 - ***Grassland visit to Wales***

A return visit to Glasnant Morgan`s farm in the Brecon Hills. Mini bus leaving Exmoor at 8.30am, returning around 9.00pm.

23rd May - Welfare of Animals in Transit.

Anyone transporting animals over 65km (40 miles) but under 8 hours must have a certificate of competance. Short training session and test, cost approxmately £66.00

Subsidised Trips to Livestock Events

We are organising subsidised trips to specialist events this year for Exmoor Farmers

4th July - NSA Sheep 2012

Please call the EHFP to book your place.

We are planning to organise the following courses in conjunction with Duchy College for May/June, subject to demand.

12th June - Trailer Reversing Training

Around a half day training in own vehicle, cost approximately £25.00.

Pest Control (Moles)- One day training, cost approximately £17.00 plus test £120.

Homeopathy on the Farm - course/taster session - further details to follow.

Please phone 01643 841455 to register your interest in any of these courses.

See our Events page for details of all upcoming courses and events.

Exmoor Women's Farming Group

The Exmoor Women's Farming Group meet regularly for events, talks, skills training and social activities. The next event is a visit to Quickes Cheeses on 20th June. Please call EHFP to book your place.

If you are interested in joining the group please contact us for more information or visit the BLOG at:

http://exmoorwomensfarming.wordpress.com/

GRANTS & FUNDING

NEW - Country Sports Southwest.

Syndicate shoots in the South West could access investment funds of between £200 and £1,000 to enhance their shoot. Read More

Moorland Management Fund

The Exmoor Moorland Management Fund - see Grants and Funding page for further details.

Farming & Forestry Improvement Scheme

The Farming & Forestry Improvement Scheme round one closed on 17th January. Round two is expected to be announced late spring. See Grants and Funding page for further details.

Woodfuel Woodland Improvement Grant - Exmoor land managers looking to increase the supply of wood from under managed or inaccessible woodland can apply for a grant from this new Forestry Commission fund - see grants & funding page for further details

FREE 1 to 1 advice on agri-environment schemes (excluding HLS)

Natural England help farmers and land managers learn more about Environmental Stewardship and related topics. You can also get a free meeting on your farm with a farming and environment specialist, plus free soil tests on five fields for new applicants. Read more.