Over 50 farm and rural professionals from across Cornwall gathered last Thursday evening at Nansmerrow Farm, Tresillian for the inaugural PKF Francis Clark Farm Professional’s Farm Walk.
The event opened with Brian Harvey, Head of Agriculture at PKF Francis Clark, welcoming guests and emphasising the importance of farm professionals across Cornwall working together to ensure that the farming community continued to be well served.
Brian then gave a brief synopsis of the challenges that the industry has faced in recent years and the continued importance of cash management.
He then went on to highlight some of the forthcoming changes that may arise out of the Brexit vote and the effect this will have in Government legislation.
Brian explained the potential implications to the agricultural sector of the Government initiative “Making Tax Digital” which will form part of HMRC’s plan to transform the current tax return process which, potentially, may have significant ramifications on small rural businesses.
The farm walk was led by Paul George whose passion for the industry and particularly his cows, was evident throughout the evening.
Paul showed the group around his impressive herd of high-yielding Holstein cattle, whilst giving an insight into his methods and decision making, with the aim of providing the best opportunity for his cows to reach their genetic potential.
In addition, Paul’s attention to detail and his willingness to work closely with his team of trusted advisors, including his Vet, Agronomist, Accountant and Consultant, was a common theme throughout the tour.
As a progressive farmer, Paul had been open to ideas put to him, some of which worked well – such as the three times a day milking; others, however, had been less successful, like his trial of growing crops under plastic.
Despite having won the Cornwall Farm Business Awards, Paul was happy to confess that his system wasn’t the perfect model for the industry, as every farm and every farmer were different, with some preferring once a day milking and others investing in robotic milking systems.
However, their common goal is for a fair price for their milk.
Jonny Alford, Head of County Farms at Cornwall Council said: “It was an excellent evening organised by PKF Francis Clark; the George family clearly are very, very good dairy farmers and their attention to detail was apparent at every stage”.
Will Sherring, Agricultural Manager at PKF Francis Clark, who had been instrumental in organising the event added: “I am delighted with the turnout and the overall success of the evening. Paul has done us proud and the challenge now will be to try and top it next year!”
