Agriculture

Question 1

Brook Farm - land was in FBT what had to be done before it could be put in CSS

Answer 1

• written permission from landlord
• check length of tenancy to ensure that they will be in management control of land for duration

Question 2

Brook Farm - what options were chosen

Answer 2

GS2: Permanent grassland with very low inputs (outside SDAs) - £151 per ha
Hedges put into SFI as three payments available

Question 3

GS2 Management Requirements

Answer 3

• no more than £12t/ha fert or FYM
• no cutting before 30th June
• varied sward height
• not over graze
• no bare ground

Question 4

SFI Hedgerow Options

Answer 4

HRW1: Assess and record hedgerow condition
HRW2: Manage hedgerows and HRW3: Maintain or establish hedgerow trees.

Question 5

BPS Payments 2025

Answer 5

76% reduction on payments up to £30,000 anything above £30k has 100% reduction, therefore max payment for 2025 is £7,600

Question 6

Why would you use a CFA

Answer 6

• Maintain active farmer status (CGT entrepreneurs, IHT APR & BPR, VAT trading business claim back VAT on standard rated supplies)
• Gain skills and knowledge from contractor
• Efficient use of land and buildings
• Incentive for contractor to improve results
• Average higher returns than from FBT