The Farmers Mart Apr-May 2019 - Issue 62 | Page 20

20 FARM NEWS APR/MAY 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk WARM WINTER PRIMES APHIDS FOR EARLY FLIGHTS Aphids will start to fly about two weeks earlier than average this year, according to the AHDB Aphid News service. THE relatively early flights are due to win- ter temperatures being about 1°C above the 30-year average across most of Britain. Two forecasts are available. The forecast for cereals covers bird cherry–oat aphid, rose–grain aphid and grain aphid. The forecast for brassica and potato covers peach–potato aphid, potato aphid and mealy cabbage aphid. The estimated date ranges for the first aphids to be caught at suction trap sites across Britain are detailed in the forecasts. However, there is considerable uncertainty associated with the forecast dates at spe- cific sites. The main purpose of the fore- casts is to indicate how the current season compares with the long-term average. The information can be used to help focus in- field monitoring efforts. It is also important to note that some aphids overwinter in crops and are likely to be present before aphid flights com- mence. ahdb.org.uk/aphid-news RSPCA urges dog walkers to take extra care around livestock The RSPCA is reminding dog owners and walkers of the importance of keeping pets on the lead to avoid devastating attacks on livestock. AS spring approaches, dog owners and walkers look forward to exploring new places on foot and enjoying relaxing coun- tryside walks, but it’s likely they will meet grazing livestock along the way. A survey carried out as part of the char- ity’s #DogKind campaign revealed 24% of dog owners reported that their dogs had chased other animals, and of those only 29% sought help - prompting the RSPCA to urge owners to take extra care. Figures from livestock worrying within five Police force areas also suggest that dogs involved in incidents are more often alone than with an owner or walker present. The RSPCA is renewing its efforts to stop livestock worrying from taking place, encouraging dog owners to be mindful of other animals whilst enjoying the country- side, including a focus on ensuring dogs are kept on leads. www.npcc.police.uk/Publication/livestock%20 worrying.pdf FINANCIAL EXPERT URGES FARMERS TO ADDRESS SUCCESSION Scottish farmers are being urged to start planning for the handover of their business before it’s too late. Darren Thomson, Tax Advisor and Director at Douglas Home & Company warns farmers risk leaving behind a legal and financial mess for family members if assets are not transferred properly before they die, adding that leaving matters in a will is a dangerous approach. DARREN explained: “Pre- paring your farming business for succession is often a thorny subject, and despite the importance of planning for the handover of your business after you die, very few farmers seriously en- gage in the process, leaving behind an almighty mess. “The subject often makes farmers nervous, and there is a common perception that the process is too diffi- cult to deal with, throwing up too many unanswerable questions. But farm owners reluctant to engage with succession not only risk leaving behind a significant and costly tax problem, but potential family disputes and other legal issues.” Planning for succession is a process that the Director led accountancy firm have been guiding business owners through with great success. Darren has over 25 years’ tax experience, many of which he has spent helping farmers pass on their business in an orderly fashion before they die. Many farmers will leave the business and assets to spouses and children in a will, however this creates difficulty if there is a differ- ence in opinion on whether to carry on the business or sell up. Darren said: “It’s important to remember when there is a difference in opinion about the future successor of the business, fair doesn’t always mean equal. Farmers often think the fair approach is to leave the business and assets equally to family members through a will, but this can be the worst-case scenario for all involved, and often leads to the business in question being sold, or failing.” “Mediating with the family is an essential part of suc- cession planning as honest thoughts and an open dialogue early on can help mitigate costly disputes down the line.” Darren also warned that farmers faced fees up to fifty percent more by choosing to use an account- ant and a lawyer to mediate a succession plan. [email protected]