Current Activities in the Yorkshire Dales

Group buying of Fuel/Electricity

The Network has negotiated with oil suppliers and an electricity broker to obtain discounts for volume purchase. Individuals can obtain quotes for electricity and local coordinators will organise fuel purchases on a monthly basis.This is currently a free service to members.

'Cross Check' is a new service whereby we will come to your farm and check the office paperwork. Many farmers use us to get peace of mind before a cross compliance or Farm Assurance Audit. Members get a significant discount on the fees we have to charge. See the 

Group Grant Application Service

We offer groups of members up to three days free support to apply for funding and the facility to manage these projects on their behalf, in return for a management fee.

Hill Farm Apprentice Scheme

This scheme started in April/May 2011,with funding from the Yorkshire Dales LEADER Programme.It is training six young people in the skills of hill farming.The young people are enrolled as Level 2 Livestock Production Apprentices with Askham Bryan College. The Network finds each young person 3-4 farms to work on over a 2 year period and organises some additional training that is specifically relevant to hill farming.  
 
Labour Skills Directory

This is a new service offered to members. It lists people who have different skills who can work in different parts of the county e.g. stone wallers, help with general farm tasks - gathering, milking etc.

Low Interest Loan Scheme

We are planning to introduce a new scheme for 18-30 year old. We are awaiting confirmation of the details from the funding bodies.

'Grassroots' the Farmer Network Newsletter

We produce three or four newsletters each year entitled “Grassroots.” The newsletter gives an update on current activities and topical issues.This can be seen in the 'Members' section of the website.

Office Support

We are introducing a new chargeable service to help members make sure that all paperwork in their farm office is in order for cross compliance and FABBL inspections. Further details to follow.

Plastic Recycling

We have negotiated deals with Farm Plastic Recycling (FPR) in the Southern Dales area and Adam Metcalfe in the Northern Dales (Swaledale and Wensleydale.)

In the Southern Dales members pay £20/liner at collections organised by FPR after showing their Farmer Network membership card. We can organise local collections at a cost of £15.50 -£20 per liner.

In the Northern Dales, Adam Metcalfe will collect from local collection sites organised by a volunteer at a cost of £16.50/liner if 20 liners at a time and at a location to suit (£20/liner if organised by the local Farmer Network Coordinator.)

•10% discount on products made from recycled material e.g. Stokboard

•A farm Waste Policy folder
 
'Regulation Checklist' folder

All members are given a 'Regulation Checklist' folder.This folder is to help to remind farmers of most of the different records they need to keep, including some of the more unusual policies.This is invaluable to give reassurance that records are in one place, ready for any inspections. Updates are issued when any significant changes occur.

UELS Applications

15% discount for members.