Steve Bumstead
Steve Bumstead
Steve Bumstead farms
148ha (365 acre) from
Ouse Bank Farm, Great
Barford, Beds. He is a first
generation farmer and
council tenant, growing
combinable crops on three
blocks of land. He supports
LEAF and is the FWAG
county treasurer
WE have had 25mm (1in) of much needed rain in the past week.
I was becoming more than a little worried for my Paragon spring wheat, which had sat in a bone-dry cobbley seed-bed for six weeks. Germination was patchy and the two fields at Roxton, right next to the A421 look embarrassingly dreadful.
I spent the first couple of days in May in the company of like-minded farmers at the annual LEAF demonstration and supporter farmers training days, which were based at Sygentas Jeallots Hill farm and research centre complex. We had some eminent speakers, which led to thought provoking debate. Everybody taking part was allowed their say and I had to come home to rest by the end. If you are thinking of joining, do. If LEAF means nothing to you, then please find out at this summers shows. Talk to Caroline Drummond, her team and farmers that man the LEAF stand and find out about Integrated Farm Management, the sensible, sustainable way forward for UK farming.
Viking Cereals collapse has both saddened and deeply disappointed me, as in the past they have treated me well. For now I must hold fire with any further thoughts while a workable solution is found for all affected. The question is who can we be confident about trading with?
One rumour I can confirm is that The Independent On Sunday did list me as one of the UKs "Top Ten Farmers" along with another who also writes on this page. Although proud I am bewildered and somewhat humbled by this accolade. When the wild oats poke through the wheat I will come down to earth with an almighty bump.
Continuing on the big-headed theme I have put myself forward for a British Cereals Products HGCA committee post. I am convinced I can help market and sell British produced cereals – that is if the NFU has the guts to support me. *
After Vikings collapse, who can we be confident of trading with, asks Beds-grower Steve Bumstead.