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Recent Events and Activities
CUMBRIA ORGANICS organises events to help to put people in touch with one another and to provide information and workshops on organic production and marketing opportunities.
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REPORTS ON RECENT EVENTS 
 

4th September. North West Organic Milk Producers AGM and Soils Management Workshop. A report was given on the general market for organic milk and the progress of NWOMP Ltd in finding new markets and raising consumer awareness in the NW. The members present voiced the need for the group to continue it’s work of promoting organic milk, responding to the fears of consumers as the credit- crisis bites harder and input costs for farmers rise.

James Bretherton gave a very interesting presentation on ‘Condition scoring soil is just as important as condition scoring cattle’.  This stimulated all to think about how to encourage a healthy soil bacteria, by introducing air, reducing compaction and balancing soil nutrients. This was the key to increasing the availability of soil nutrients for feed crops and therefore cattle.  Thanks to James, the NWOMP Board and Stuart Martin.

 
 

14th September. Northeast Organic Producers discussion about feed and livestock trading options at Northumbria Meats. This discussion centred on the fact that organic feed costs were double that of conventional and yet prices for organic lamb were very similar. Steve Ramshaw outlined how he had recently reduced sheep numbers and was focussing on buying in less concentrates for

cattle and sheep, whilst improving breeding to try to maximise taste and eating quality. This was why customers were buying his Northumbria Meats produce and he hoped that the new beef enterprise would enable him to maintain his edge in the marketplace. Feed merchants, BOCM Pauls and Northumbria Feeds and soil input providers, Dunns were there to discuss cost –effective options. Chris Atkinson and Ray Keatinge covered certification issues and Nick White and Susan Woof suggested livestock marketing options. Thanks to the Ramshaws for generously providing the refreshments.

 

25th September. Growing your own feed workshop, Low Sizergh. Thanks to the Park family and Peter Storr. Peter encouraged the 16 attendees to work out an average local cost of silage and wholecrop production. 4 cuts per year were compared with the costs and quality of 2 cuts per year and the potential benefits of increasing the quality of homegrown feed and reducing bought–in protein and starch was discussed.

Those present agreed to forming a new dairy–focussed technical group with support from Dairy Co. Kevin Beaty will be arranging this.
 

9th AGM on February 6th 2008

36 people enjoyed the superb supper provided by members and organised by Ana Jones.  The Chair, Treasurer and Network Co-ordinator reported on CO activities in the past year.  Subscriptions have been reduced to £25 for Full and Associate Members.

The main issues that the Committee needs feedback on are:

1) New Management Committee members

Chris Evans has resigned from the Management Committee, due to extra business commitments.  We thank him very much for his commitment to running the group for the past 3 years.  There are now 2 places to fill.  The time commitment would be to attend up to 6 Committee meetings per year and to get involved in organising one or two events.  You could be co-opted for this year to find out if it suits you and then be elected at the next AGM .  Thank you to Jeremy Jackson and Pauline Sprott for already coming forward as co-optees willing to help.

2) Provision of services to Cumbria Organics

Paul Casson has agreed to stay on in his role as Chair.  He has been talking to the Cumbria Farmer Network and NWOC about how Cumbria Organics can replace some of the time and energy put in by the Co-ordinator for the past few years.  When potential service arrangements have been fully considered, the Management Committee will make a proposal to members.  If you have comments or ideas to share on this, please get in touch with the Committee.

 

Apple Day and Tatton Park were successful marketing opportunities and a chance to work with children to raise their awareness of organic farming and food.