Issue 81 - Winter 2015/16

Pictured at the site are left to right:- Nick Todd, Business Unit Manager Clugston Construction, Heather Parry, the Society’s Deputy Chief Executive, and Adrian Taylor, Director, P+HS Architects

MAJOR MILESTONE FOR NEW HALL A major milestone has been achieved as the last bolt was fastened into position on the structural steel frame for the new £10million exhibition and events hall. The project is currently running on time and on budget, with the roof scheduled to be finished by the end of January. New Hall 1 will be completed in time for the Great Yorkshire Show as a modern and attractive setting for our Food Hall. As well as the popular cheese and dairy show, there will be a new food theatre, and a “Journey of Food” exhibition plus numerous food-related stands. It also includes a new café and dedicated seminar space. Year round the Hall will provide 4,320m2 of open span versatile space, building on the showground’s reputation as one of the north’s major events venues. It will also enable us to host a wide range of events from blue chip company conferences to large dinners, exhibitions and sporting occasions. Heather Parry, the Society’s Deputy Chief Executive said “We are delighted that our construction partner Clugston and architects P+HS have reached this exciting stage in the project, which is the largest in the Society’s history. There’s so much potential in this development for us, our region and beyond and passing each construction milestone is cause for celebration.”

SPRINGTIMeE

liv

Now We are Three!

Springtime Live will celebrate its third birthday this year and will again have a packed programme to delight and entertain. It takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Sunday 3 April and is particularly aimed at families with younger children.

Our TV celebrity guest will be Mr Bloom from CBeebies who is returning by popular demand, and there will be a full range of activities, workshops and attractions. To date the list features falconry displays, plenty of farm animals, donkey rides, the Fairy Enchantica Stage Show, and have a go opportunities including chocolate making, face painting and bread making. Doors open at 9.30am and tickets are on sale now online. Under 3’s are admitted free and car parking is free and extensive. Please see the website – www.springtimelive.co.uk for the latest news and to apply for tickets.

Inside:

Our Nuffield Scholar • Get Involved In The Society • Apple Day • Fodder Latest

OUR NUFFIELD SCHOLAR: WEEDING OUT PROBLEMS The challenge of tackling herbicide resistant weeds across the world has led to the selection of farmer Richard Hinchliffe from Thorne near Doncaster as the Society’s 2015/16 Nuffield Scholar. As part of his scholarship he plans to travel to North America, Australia, South America and Germany to look at how farmers in different climates, growing different crops under a variety of regimes are dealing with the problem.

left to right: Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive with Nuffield scholar, Richard Hinchliffe, at Richard’s farm near Doncaster as he begins his studies

Richard explained: “I am particularly interested in finding improved cultural controls to help develop the overall sustainability of our farming systems. I hope to learn from other people’s lessons, so that we don’t make the same mistakes here in the UK.” Of particular interest is the problem of black-grass, which will be included in his study.

New Role for Madge The region’s link with Defra has a new head with the appointment of Madge Moore as Chairman of the Yorkshire Food, Farming and Rural Network, succeeding Charles Mills. Based at the showground, the Network brings together rural communities, businesses and the food and farming industries, to identify and feedback local issues and concerns direct to Government. One of her first tasks was to chair the Defra consultation meeting in December held at the showground. An honours graduate in Botany, Madge was brought up on an East Yorkshire farm and lives in Roos near Withernsea. She has extensive experience - as a farmer, as hybrid wheat breeder and also on the national stage at a senior level. Most recently she was Lantra’s National Director focusing on employer engagement across the environmental and land-based businesses. Madge commented: “I am delighted to take up this appointment and look forward to building on the Network’s activity to date and Charles’s leadership. The Network is ideally placed to act as a two way channel of communication to respond proactively to Defra’s latest Food and Farming Plan. I will continue to make it a priority that the voice of Yorkshire’s food, farming and rural businesses is heard and that both national and regional agencies respond accordingly.”

Madge Moore, the new Chairman of the Yorkshire Food, Farming and Rural Network

Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive said: “This is a hugely topical subject as it’s one of the most important issues facing today’s arable farmers. Richard has the drive and the commitment to develop the research towards eradication and sustainable management. The potential benefits to the industry cannot be under estimated.” Richard is a partner in the 1,400 acre family farm and plays a key role in the day to day management including crop variety selection, crop walking, nutrient planning and purchasing inputs. On the machinery side, he is responsible for machinery procurement and maintenance as well as the practical operation elements. BASF’s agronomy and biodiversity site is hosted at one of the farms and through farm open days, around 600 visitors are welcomed annually. In addition, key influencer days are held for groups including government agencies and NGOs, supermarkets and international visitors. Richard was also the winner of the 2011 Syngenta Grass Weed Manager of the Year competition.

A Helping Hand The rising number of farmer suicides in the county continues to be a major concern for members of the Yorkshire Rural Support Network. Efforts have been redoubled to encourage those in the farming community, including YFC members, to continue to support each other and not to be reluctant to seek help for themselves or others. The aim is that asking for help should be the ‘default’ position rather than waiting until a problem becomes a crisis, says co-ordinator, Kate Dale. In similar vein, free farmer health MOTs are increasingly important with the most recent being held on Thursday 10 December at Thirsk Mart Christmas Show, with sponsorship from Greens Farm Supplies of Thirsk and Vicky Anderson Training of Northallerton and Barnard Castle. There will be similar health checks available on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 January at the Ripon Farm Services event at the Great Yorkshire Showground, and on Wednesday 3 February at the York Agricultural Machinery event at The Auction Centre, York. For the latest news and farming help contact details – please see: yas.co.uk/charitable-activities/yorkshire-rural-support-network

www.yas.co.uk

Plough Service Your Invitation Everyone is warmly invited to the Plough Service at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday 10 January which begins with refreshments at 2.30pm, before the service at 3.30pm. The speaker will be Graham Lilley, Yorkshire Chairman of The Farming Community Network and representatives from the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, TFA, CLA and NFU will attend. This year Young Farmers from Skipton will take part in the service which celebrates and supports the region’s farming community.

Rural Broadband Good News Frustration with low broadband speeds is often the reaction from those in rural areas working from home, particularly having to wait for documents to download or when trying to stream information. This is particularly so for farmers filling in Defra forms and students trying to research projects or use social media. The good news is that Yorkshire’s local authorities have been working with BD UK to improve this and about 90% of properties across Yorkshire can now receive a high speed service, says Andy Ryland, Broadband Development Officer, Rural Action Yorkshire. To find out if you can receive either a superfast fibre or wireless broadband service or to find out what’s planned for your area contact: • North Yorkshire: [email protected] • South Yorkshire: [email protected] • West Yorkshire: www.superfastwestyorkshire.co.uk/contact • East Riding: www.broadband.eastriding.gov.uk/contact-us/

www.yas.co.uk

IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED Would you relish the opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society? If so, we’d like to hear from you. Every year elections take place for positions on the Society’s Council as part of the rotation of members. This year we are looking for nominations for a total of 10 members - five for the North Yorkshire division, two each to represent East and West Yorkshire, and one from South Yorkshire. Retiring members standing for re-election are: N. Yorkshire:

Mrs C Bromet, Mrs M Chapman, Mr JM Cooper, Mr A J Penty

E. Yorkshire:

Mr HRA Chadwick and Mr J Fenton

W. Yorkshire: Mr DS Green and Mr R Sturdy S. Yorkshire:

Mrs H Rhodes

Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive said: “We are keen to encourage all those with an interest in promoting agriculture and in furthering the activities of the Society to get involved. With the on-going development work on the showground, this is one of the most exciting times in the Society’s history and I would encourage you to consider standing for election to represent your region.” Council members meet four times a year with the day to day activities of the Society managed by the Trustees. Details of all Council members can be seen on our website. Nomination forms can be downloaded from - yas.co.uk/members/downloads or for a paper copy please contact: [email protected] or telephone: 01423 546201.

Enjoying National Apple Day at the Great Yorkshire Showground

Apple Day – A First !

For the first time, the Society celebrated National Apple Day with a special extravaganza for around 150 children from six primary schools. The aim was to inspire and enthuse the youngsters about the wonderful range of apple varieties and their versatility and to show that there are so many more varieties than Granny Smiths!

The celebrations are part of the Society’s ongoing work to raise awareness amongst children about where their food comes from. The event included hands on activities and workshops using the showground’s small orchard as a resource. Primary schools attending were Hackforth & Hornby near Bedale, Holy Trinity, Halifax, Lilycroft in Bradford, Overthorpe Academy in Dewsbury, Pickhill Primary near Thirsk and Willow Tree Primary in Harrogate.

www.yas.co.uk

Another Successful Year Countryside Live may only be 13 years old compared with its much older sister, the Great Yorkshire Show, but as always, it attracted strong entries across the competitive classes, and plenty of visitors who enjoyed their day out. The event had rather a new look with the on-going building project of our new Hall1. This provided an opportunity to re-locate the cattle section to its usual home at the Great Yorkshire, and many of the stands and attractions were based in the temporary marquee structure. Around the event, there was plenty to see and do, including Bjorn the Polar Bear who proved a huge hit with youngsters and also the not so young! • Beef Supreme Championship: A British Blue x heifer, ‘Minion’, bred and shown by Mrs Sally Lloyd of Leominster • Champion Pair of Butcher’s Lambs and the Champion Single Butcher’s Lamb: David and Linda Wadland, of Daventry with Beltex X ewe lambs • Mountain & Moorland Championship: Beth Simons of Derbyshire with a Welsh Section D stallion, Ballynacoy Prince • Coloured Horse & Pony Championship: Kimberley Hinds of Durham with Volatis Diva, her 5 year old mare • Northern Show Cross Finals Champion Senior Team: ‘Horses4Sale’ of Darlington Reserve: ‘The Golden Girls and The Toy Boy’ of Penistone • Search for a Talented Showjumper: Tabby Bentley, of Ripley, Harrogate with her Welsh Section D pony, Jordie • Best Fancy Pigeon Championship: John Elsdon of Spalding with a 6 month old Dragoon • Poultry Championship: Stephen & Graham Hodge of Preston with their 6 month old black Rosecomb pullet • Honey: Blue Ribbon Award: Chris Smailes of Fadmoor, Pickering

Inspirational Careers

Shall We Stay or Shall We Go?

Inspiring secondary school pupils about their career choices is the aim of the Society’s Careers in Focus event held each autumn. The 80 or so stands attracted over 1,500 students to the 2015 event where they learnt about opportunities as diverse as livestock auctioneering, medicine, cheese-making, accountancy, vet physiotherapy and game-keeping. We were delighted to welcome back former student Jimmy Fawcett who caught the auctioneering bug at the event four years ago after selling cattle in a mock auction. He is now a successful livestock auctioneer and returned to inspire event attendees.

With a referendum over the UK’s future in Europe in the wings and polls suggesting a close battle, there are many questions that need to be answered before the implications for UK farmers of ’Brexit’ can be gauged - questions such as: How would the Government guarantee fair competition for our farmers and a level playing field on which to compete? What would a British version of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) look like? If we left the EU, would we still have access to the European market? These questions and more will be debated by the Future Farmers of Yorkshire group at 7pm on Tuesday 16 February at Pavilions of Harrogate. The headline speaker is Professor Wyn Grant, Professor of Politics at the University of Warwick. YAS members are warmly invited to this free event, which includes a hot supper. For more details and to register, please contact: [email protected]

www.yas.co.uk

LOVE LOCAL FOOD On a cold, wintry day, afternoon tea is a lovely, sociable treat. Ours includes sandwiches, savouries, scones and sweet treats, served with a pot of Yorkshire tea. Don’t forget that members receive 5% discount in both the shop and the café! Kale and squash are some of the seasonal vegetables for January and when they are at their seasonal best. Kale is an iron-packed super food with a super taste and squash is delicious, healthy and flavoursome. Pork is a lean meat and a great healthy option to go with these winter vegetables.

Roasted Pork Chops and Butternut Squash with Kale Ingredients • 1 small butternut squash — peeled, seeded and cut into 1 1⁄2 inch pieces

• 4 bone-in pork chops (each 1 inch thick; about 2 lbs total)

• ¼ cup fresh sage leaves

• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 large bunch kale, thick ribs removed and leaves roughly chopped (about 14 cups)

• Salt and black pepper Method • Heat oven to 200°C. Use a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash with the sage, 1 tablespoon of the oil, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Roast until tender for 30 to 35 minutes. • When the squash has been in the oven for 20 minutes, heat 1 teaspoon of the remaining oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the pork with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to the baking sheet

with the squash on it and roast until the pork is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes more. • Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant for 30 seconds. Add the kale, ¼ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, tossing the kale until the kale is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. • Serve with the pork and squash.

Clearer Labelling - Support the Campaign The Yorkshire Post’s ‘Clearly British’ campaign calls on retailers, food processors and the wider food industry to clearly label all dairy products so shoppers can tell at a glance when they are buying British and supporting local farmers.

Fodder was set up to support Yorkshire farmers and producers and has been ‘banging the drum’ about the benefits of eating local for six years so we are delighted to join the Yorkshire Post’s campaign. The more of us who can work together to support our amazing farmers – the better.

Celebrating Success The deliciouslyorkshire Taste Awards in October proved a huge success where winners drawn from almost 300 entries were announced in the glittering ceremony held at Pavilions of Harrogate. Congratulations to all winners and in particular to Sam Moorhouse whose traditional Icelandic yogurt, Hesper Farm Skyr, made on farm and from his home produced milk, took the Supreme Product Award. Following a busy December, this year’s diary is already filling up. First on the calendar is a breakfast meeting on Tuesday 26 January which is open to members and non-members. As well as the opportunity to network and talk to experts, there will be an update on the last year’s activity from the DY Board, and David Longbottom, founder of Pro-Pak. For further details and to register please contact [email protected] or 01423 546172.

www.yas.co.uk

Sponsor in the Spotlight: McCormicks Solicitors McCormicks Solicitors is proud to have been a sponsor of the Great Yorkshire Show for many years now. In recent years we have sponsored the bandstand alongside the main ring, home not only to the music which provides a wonderful backdrop to the Show itself but also to morning prayers for show attendees. As we are based in the Show’s home town of Harrogate, our clients include many rural enterprises and attending the Show is always a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends as well as meeting new ones. We work closely with the Yorkshire Agricultural Society all year around but the Show is always a summer highlight! Farming remains a challenging sector for many and one of our key skills is assisting estates with land diversification and commercial ventures. Attending the Show, therefore, provides an opportunity to ensure we are completely up to date with the latest thinking on ways to maximise both land use and profitability. Our Agricultural and Estates team works with many major landowners and is very active in land transactions, including sales, disposals and leasing, with a particular specialism in the acquisition and management of shooting estates. We are ranked as one of the leading firms in the region for Agriculture and Estates by both of the latest editions of the UK’s leading guides to the legal professions, Chambers 2016 and the UK Legal 500. The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the institutions of our home region. It showcases everything that is special about rural life to the general public and to a very wide geographical area. Supporting England’s premier agricultural event remains as important in 2016 as it ever has.

Dates for this year’s Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July, 2016.

Kathryn McCormick at the McCormicks sponsored bandstand at the Great Yorkshire Show

PAVILIONS OF HARROGATE & YORKSHIRE EVENT CENTRE

DIARY OF EVENTS JAN - MAY 2016 Date

Event

Organiser Tel no

Venue

Type

JANUARY Fri 22nd - Sat 24th

Antiques and Fine Art Fair

Sat 30th - Sun 31st

Burgess Premier Small Animal Show

01278 784912

P

Public

thesmallanimalshow.co.uk

Y

Public

FEBRUARY Sun 7th

What’s Cooking? 2016

0191 4328409

Y

Trade

Tues 16th – Thurs 18th

Ice Cream Expo 2016

01332 203333

Y

Trade

MARCH Sun 6th

Spring Dub

0848 5773940

Y

Public

Tues 8th

Be Inspired

07801 072222

P

Public

Fri 11th-12th

Harrogate Premier Fair

07950 647377

P

Public

Fri 18th – 20th

The Great Yorkshire Motorhome Sale

01778 391123

Y

Public

APRIL Sun 3rd

Springtime Live

01423 541000

Y

Public

Sun 10th-12th

British Craft Trade Fair

01444 246446

Y

Public

Thurs 21st- 24th

The Harrogate Spring Flower Show

01423 546157

Y

Public

Fri 29th – 1st May

Antiques and Fine Art Fair

Sat 30th April

Yorkshire Warrior 2016

01278 784912

P

Public

[email protected]

Y

Public

01472 809727

Y

Public

MAY Sat 7th - Sun 8th

Northern Shooting Show

Venue: Y = Yorkshire Event Centre • P = Pavilions of Harrogate Note: The information is correct at time of publication. Yorkshire Event Centre Ltd accepts no responsibility for any omissions, alterations, cancellations etc. Please check with the organisers to verify details prior to planning your visit. Thank you

Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Regional Agricultural Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate HG2 8NZ • t: 01423 541000 • f: 01423 541414 • e: [email protected] w: www.yas.co.uk • Registered Charity No. 513238 • Company Reg No. 1666751 • VAT Reg No. 613 0480 81 • Registered in England as a company limited by guarantee