ELS & HLS
Great news for agriculture - grain prices are looking good and milk prices are rising. So is it still worth looking at the options available through stewardship? WE SAY YES!
ELS
Many markets expect good environmental practices from their suppliers. ELS will pay you to achieve standards that are in some instances legal requirement.
For example, take MANAGEMENT PLANS – assurance schemes require you to have a Manure management plan if you spread slurry, FYM or other organic waste. If you are in the NVZ you are LEGALLY obliged to have one. So why not produce a manure plan as part of an ELS agreement and earn £2 / hectare? Similarly farmers in the NVZ need to prove that they have not exceeded the field and farm nitrate limits – produce this information as a Nutrient Management Plan and earn £2 / hectare through ELS.
IF YOU TAKE UP ALL THE MANAGEMENT PLAN OPTIONS IN ELS YOU COULD EARN A QUARTER TO A THIRD OF YOUR POINTS REQUIREMENT (£7 – 9 / HA).
At Ruralscapes we believe in practical advice that will enhance your farm business. We have significant experience in stewardship, so please get in touch to discuss the options available to you.
HLS
Our success rate in HLS applications is excellent. We have entered 15 + farms into HLS schemes with a typical value of between £3,000 and £15,000 per year in annual payments for the farm. The scheme is far more competitive now and to be successful requires a targeted approach to applications and farm environment plans. At Ruralscapes we have the experience and knowledge needed to produce the best application for your business – we understand what Natural England are looking for, but will also keep your farm’s profit at the forefront of the scheme’s aim.