The CLA says that unless flood defences are maintained at least to a minimum level, the winners of Westmorland County Agricultural Society’s Best Managed Farm Award could see years of investment disappear under water – along with half their business.
Lord’s Plain Farm, in the fertile Lyth Valley, has been farmed by the Martin family since 1933, and continuing investment into the business has meant that the 280 acres now supports a 200 head dairy herd, plus followers, as well as wintering sheep – an achievement in itself.
But since the Environment Agency announced plans to switch off flood defence pumps to save money, plans for future investment will be harder to justify, as it would mean more land flooding more often.
If this happens, David and Lou Martin, despite wanting to further develop their farm with future generations in mind, might have no option but to de-stock, a decision David considers the last resort.
It is increasingly rare to find an optimistic dairy farmer, but David bucks the trend. The Best Managed Farm Award is tribute to his forward thinking and good all-round business acumen. Animal welfare is second to none, and the investment in new cubicles and bedding mean that high input is rewarded with high output.
At just 39, David sees his family helping meet the growing demand for food for generations, and along with his landlord, is prepared to invest in that future. But to do so, he and the other farmers around must have some guarantee that a minimum level of flood defences will be maintained.
David says: "The Environment Agency say they haven’t got the money to keep defences but surely the benefit to the local community -and society as a whole – far outweighs any short-term cost saving.
"We’ve looked at alternatives, but going into wetland environmental schemes are not an option – this is high quality, productive farmland that we cannot afford to lose.
There must be a middle way. If the Agency looked carefully at its own costs, it will realise that keeping the pumps on just when they are most needed is a drop in the ocean financially, and there must be opportunities for saving that will not have as much impact on people’s lives.
"We are keen to invest but we did not win a best managed farm award by throwing money away, which we are in danger of doing.
"Over the years we have trebled our output, but now we are faced with an uncertain future. If we do have to cut our stock, that would not just mean less jobs on the farm, but all the suppliers who rely on our business would also be affected. My landlord wants to see us expand, but he now has to consider the possibility of us having to reduce our tenancy. The effects are widespread.
"My choice is simple. Keep the pumps going, and we will grow the business. We will continue to contribute to the prosperity of the area, continue to provide jobs and give work to local companies. Importantly, we will continue to address the issue of food security. But turn off the pumps and that’s all under threat ."
Carole Hodgson CLA Assistant Regional Director North said: "It is ironic that the Martins have done everything right, and have been recognised for doing so, yet a decision by others can destroy all their hard work. We will continue to lobby for a solution."
Christine Knipe, Westmorland County Agricultural Society Chief Executive, said: "This award was not given lightly. Judges made the decision not simply on a well maintained farm, but a well managed business with real potential.
"To put the livelihoods of farmers and numerous other businesses in jeopardy is not in anyone’s interest. People like David Martin are the future of farming, and they must be encouraged."
