Background
At Woldmarsh, we’re here to make life easier for our members - saving you time, money, and hassle by connecting you with trusted suppliers who understand farming. This real-life example shows how a simple enquiry about adding battery storage to a solar PV system turned into a valuable conversation, expert advice, and a long-term supplier relationship - all without a hard sell.
The situation
One of our members (we’ll call them Farmer A) wanted to explore adding battery storage to their existing 14-year-old solar PV system.
Their main concern? Protecting their Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payments - 75p per kWh plus an extra 6p on 50% of assumed exports. Any change to their system risked affecting this valuable income stream.
The Woldmarsh Advantage
1. Straight to a trusted supplier
Through our network, we connected Farmer A with Taylor's - a long-standing, respected renewable energy specialist within the Woldmarsh supplier base.
No trawling through search results. No wondering if the supplier was reliable. Just direct access to someone with a proven track record.
2. Impartial, expert advice
Taylor's of Spilsby took the time to:
- Assess a range of battery storage options.
- Clearly explain how each approach could affect existing FIT payments.
- Give an honest opinion that, in the current market, investing right now might not make financial sense.
3. No pressure - Just honest conversation
There was no push to sign on the dotted line. Instead, the supplier:
- Offered a thorough technical consultation, free from obligation.
- Respected the decision to hold off for now.
- Focused on education rather than chasing a sale.
4. Planning for the long term
The advice included:
- Replacing the existing inverter with a same-size model when needed to keep FIT payments intact.
- Considering modular battery solutions for future expansion.
- Keeping the lines of communication open for when the timing is right.
The outcome
Farmer A chose to delay the installation - a decision backed up by their own independent research. They wanted to:
- Safeguard their valuable FIT payments.
- Wait for either a change in market conditions or equipment failure before investing.
They thanked R&F PM Taylor for their honesty and time, saying they were extremely happy with the advice - even though no work was carried out immediately.
Why this matters for Members
Quality you can trust
- Suppliers are pre-vetted, with reputations built on years of good service.
- Poor service risks their standing in Woldmarsh - so standards stay high.
Knowledge at your fingertips
- Access to technical know-how without paying for a consultant.
- Clear explanations so you can make confident, informed decisions.
Stronger together
- Good experiences get talked about and recommended between members.
- Long-term relationships mean suppliers understand your needs and priorities.
Professional, member-first approach
- Timely communication.
- Respect for your time and decision-making.
- No gimmicks, no pushy sales.
The bigger picture
This story shows exactly what Woldmarsh membership is about - creating a supportive network where members can get expert advice and make well-informed choices, even if the answer is to wait.
It’s proof that trusted relationships, honest conversations, and reputation are just as valuable as the deals we negotiate. And when the time comes for Farmer A to go ahead, they already know exactly who they’ll call.
If you’d like to explore renewable energy options or any other on-farm project, speak to us - we’ll put you in touch with the right supplier, first time.
Speak to our Sundries team on 01507 602396 option 3, option 2 or email: sundries@woldmarsh.com
In the wake of the recent events in the news affecting the agricultural industry, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) would like to remind everyone that is involved in agriculture and horticulture in Lincolnshire and the allied industries that support is available. We have also added other resources at the bottom of this article for those outside of Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) provides a lifeline to members of the agricultural and horticultural communities and allied industries. The LRSN helpline (0800 138 1710) is available from 8am – 8pm every day, fully trained volunteers are at the end of the phone ready to listen, there is also a helpline email (helpline@lrsn.co.uk) for those who don’t feel confident to pick up the phone.
Health and Wellbeing Lead, Gilly and the team provide one-to-one support to individuals, families and businesses who are finding times difficult. Support can be a phone call periodically, a weekly visit, help with business advice, whatever you need LRSN will walk alongside you.
Richard, who initially contacted the LRSN helpline in 2023, and has worked with the team to help him get back on track, says
“Life is like a game of snakes and ladders, and I came to a period in my life where there were a lot more snake and not many ladders to climb but talking to LRSN helps put the ladders back in for me. So, I’ve managed to scramble back up to a level, so instead of being zero I’m about six or seven on the ladder, so that’s good.”
LRSN are aware of the issues that the industry are facing and are here to support in whatever capacity is needed, the LRSN team are completely confidential and are only a phone call away.
The LRSN vision is that no one in Lincolnshire’s agricultural and horticultural communities should face difficulty alone.
We understand that many of our members are based outside Lincolnshire and therefore all other resources are linked below.
Please contact any of the following the following services for help and advice:-
Lincolnshire Rural Support Network
Lincolnshire Rural & Agricultural Chaplaincy
LRAC Website | chaplains@lrac.org.uk
Farming Community Network
Yorkshire Rural Support Network
RABI
Addington Fund
Addington Fund Website | 01926 620135
Samaritans
Forage Aid
Forage Aid Website | 07967 219991
Perennial (Helping people in Horticulture)
Perennial Website | 0800 093 8543
YANA
With the bare root planting season in full swing, discover the best species for your hedgerow planting scheme.
Farm Hedging Species
A staple of the traditional English countryside view, farm hedging offers numerous benefits to both landowners and the broader landscape. Hedgerows can mark boundaries, divide fields, provide security, act as wind or snow breaks, offer shade and shelter to livestock, screen unsightly buildings, and enhance privacy. They also serve as conservation corridors and vital habitats for wildlife. Several hedging types are particularly suited for farm environments:
Types of Farm Hedging
Stewardship Hedging (Mixed Hedging)
Typically supported by Stewardship Grants, this hedging mix usually consists of 2-year-old plants. It often includes 70% Hawthorn, a native UK species, complemented by 5-6 other native species such as Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Spindleberry, Dog Rose, Buckthorn, Guelder Rose, and Holly. For self-funded projects, 1-year-old seedlings offer a more economical option, performing effectively despite being slightly thinner.
Stock Hedging
Ideal for containing livestock, stock hedging should avoid species with long thorns like Blackthorn. Hawthorn, with its shorter thorns, is suitable and discourages animals from eating the hedge. The most cost-effective option is 100% Hawthorn, though a mix can include Field Maple, Hazel, Dogwood, Dog Rose, Guelder Rose, and Hornbeam for variety.
Security Hedging
A thick, thorny hedge can add an extra layer of security. Security hedging should be planted in double, staggered rows, with 5 to 6 plants per meter. Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dog Rose make a great mix of thorny species for security hedging, and once established form a strong barrier to entry. Planting Blackthorn offers the benefit of Sloe berries should you wish to make Sloe gin for Christmas!
Field Hedging
Whilst mixed and stock hedging are suitable as borders to fields, single species can also work well. As an alternative to the usual Hawthorn, you may wish to consider Beech or Hornbeam. Both retain their dried leaves during the winter months, creating an attractive rustic appearance, whilst delivering a windbreak and habitat for wildlife.
Kitchen Garden/Domestic Hedging
Beech and Hornbeam make attractive hedges in a domestic situation. They can be managed and allowed to grow tall (as can most hedging) – disguising or hiding buildings. You may wish to consider adding Copper Beech to the mix. Whilst this can be a little more expensive, the rich leaf colour adds depth to the hedge.
For evergreen species, consider Privet, Laurel or Boxleaf Honeysuckle (also known as ‘poor man’s box’). They require more considered management to retain a neat shape but offer all year-round greenery.
Protection
Protecting young plants is crucial for their establishment. Secure the plant protection after planting, fitting a cane alongside the plant and using spiral guards or Ecowraps. Plan to remove and recycle non-biodegradable protection after about three years once the hedge is established.
To order hedging plants and protection at preferential rates, please contact our Sundries team on 01507 602396, option 3, option 2 or email sundries@woldmarsh.com.
For more information on plant species, visit British Hardwood Tree Nursery website.
Shared values lay the groundwork for meaningful and enduring collaborations between businesses. Our partnership with Systematic, a creative business from the Lincolnshire Wolds, has flourished over two decades thanks to our mutual commitment to sustainability, creativity, and excellence.
A Love of Paper
Systematic plays a key role in ensuring our printed monthly statements are securely mailed, helping us leverage the tactile power of paper communication. Working alongside digital communications, paper provides a lasting impression - it’s saved, shared, and cuts through digital noise.
Paper is one of the few truly sustainable products, as wood is a natural and renewable material. Contrary to many greenwashing claims, European forests are growing, by over 1,500 football pitches every day. (Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations data, 2005-2020)
The paper we use is FSC® certified, reflecting the highest standards of responsible forestry. This certification ensures that forests are managed sustainably, natural habitats are protected, and the rights of workers and local communities are respected.
Systematic is a member of Two Sides, a not-for-profit organisation that actively challenges organisations that share misleading anti-paper statements. Their work aligns with growing consumer sentiments; the 2023 Two Sides ‘Trend Tracker’ report found that 55% of European consumers believe companies switch to digital primarily to cut costs, while 76% want the choice to retain paper communications.
As members, our hope is that you value our responsible use of paper in our communications.
Systematic: A Good Business
Systematic’s dedication to people and the planet is evident in their accreditation with the Good Business Charter.
It’s an important backdrop to the creative design, printing, mailing and marketing support that helps their clients to grow and succeed. Within this offer sits oodle, a new design agency brand delivering ‘creativity with oomph’.
Jacqui Vear, Operations Director at Systematic, shared:
“Systematic is an SME with family values, proving that even small actions can create meaningful change. We champion sustainable business practices, especially in light of the climate emergency. Our goal is to operate as a verified carbon-neutral business by 2025, our 50th anniversary.
“This journey involves rigorous measurement of our greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) using the GHG Protocol methodology. Integrity and independent scrutiny are at the heart of our efforts. The support we receive from like-minded organisations like Woldmarsh keeps us focused and motivated. Together, we’re stronger.”
Shared Goals for a Sustainable Future
Our partnership with Systematic reflects our shared belief that sustainability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s an opportunity to innovate and thrive. By working together, we’re taking meaningful steps to support the environment while creating value for our customers and communities.
Why Purchasing Your Water Through Woldmarsh is Beneficial for Members
As a Woldmarsh member, you're already part of a group that works to secure the best deals across a range of essential services. When it comes to water, purchasing through Woldmarsh offers significant benefits tailored specifically for members, from cost savings to personalised service and expert support. Here’s why switching your water supply to Woldmarsh could be a great decision for your business:
Exclusive Group Negotiated Rates
One of the key advantages of being a Woldmarsh member is access to exclusive group-negotiated rates on utilities, including water. Woldmarsh pools the purchasing power of its entire membership to negotiate favourable terms with our water supplier, ensuring that all members benefit from lower prices than they would typically find on their own. As a result, you can see a noticeable reduction in your water bills, which directly impacts your bottom line.
Woldmarsh members enjoy the convenience of consolidated billing for all their utilities, including water, electricity, fuel, and more. This simplifies your financial management by reducing the need to track multiple payments and suppliers. With everything handled under one roof, you save time and cut down on administrative work.
Dedicated Support from the Woldmarsh Utilities Team
As the water market in the UK is deregulated, Woldmarsh members can switch water suppliers to find the best deals without being tied to a single provider. Woldmarsh navigates this deregulated landscape on your behalf, ensuring that you always receive competitive pricing and superior service. As a member, you get the advantage of a streamlined switching process, managed entirely by Woldmarsh, with no disruption to your water supply.
When you switch your water supply through Woldmarsh, you gain access to a team of experts who are there to manage your account. The Utilities Team, consisting of Debbie, Francesca, and Tracy, are dedicated to helping members optimise their utility management, ensuring you are always on the most cost-effective tariff. If any issues arise, whether it’s billing questions or operational concerns like leaks, you can rely on the team for prompt and personalised support.
If you’re interested in switching your water supplier or learning more about the benefits of purchasing water through Woldmarsh, get in touch with the Utilities Team today!
If you would like more information please contact us on 01507 Opt. 2, Opt 2.
WITHAM GROUP LAUNCHES NEW COMPREHENSIVE ANTIFREEZE & COOLANT RANGE
Witham Group, a leading UK lubricant manufacturer, is excited to announce the launch of its new, QualGuard range of antifreeze and coolants, adding the latest Si-OAT technology to two new products. Designed to meet the diverse needs of modern engines, the updated range now offers superior protection, extended lifespan, and enhanced performance to vehicles however old or new.
In addition, the innovative business has also launched a new winterisation anti-freeze, with biodegradable qualities ideal for static caravans, holiday lodges and boats.
Coolants are crucial for maintaining optimal engine temperature, preventing overheating, freezing, and corrosion. With engine technology constantly evolving, innovative coolant solutions are essential. Witham Group's new QualGuard range offers a variety of options to suit different vehicles and driving conditions.
What Is Changing in The Marketplace?
Antifreeze technology has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with advances like Si-OAT offer better corrosion protection and compatibility with modern engines and are formulated to last longer, sometimes up to 10 years or 300,000 miles depending on the type of vehicle and operating conditions. These latest coolants minimise the need for regular flushing and refilling, so reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
Innovations, driven by the need for more efficient thermal management in electric vehicles and environmental concerns, have created new more eco-friendly and efficient coolants. With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicle, coolant technology is also evolving to meet the specific needs of battery packs, electric motors and inverters. Dielectric coolants are being developed which are non-conductive fluids, ensuring that electric components will be protected from short circuit, whilst maintaining vital thermal regulation.
There is also a growing demand for more eco-friendly coolants due to increased regulatory pressure and concerns over the toxicity of traditional (ethylene glycol) anti-freezes. New formulations based on propylene glycol, which is less toxic and more biodegradable than traditional formulations are being adopted. Lower toxicity coolants are also being developed for industries like agriculture and forestry where environmental exposure risks are higher.
Selecting The Correct Coolant Is Crucial
As engines are made from a variety of metals and operate in diverse environments, selecting the right type of coolant is crucial for its performance and longevity. There are three main types: IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology), OAT (Organic Acid Technology), and Si-OAT (Silicate Organic Acid Technology). IAT is typically used in older vehicles, while OAT and Si-OAT are more common in modern engines, especially those with aluminium components. Si-OAT offers superior corrosion protection and extended lifespan, making it a preferred choice for many European car manufacturers. Using the wrong coolant can lead to compatibility issues, reduced performance, and premature wear.
Key Benefits of Witham Group's New Antifreeze and Coolant Range:
- Superior Corrosion Protection: QualGuard coolants are formulated to protect metal surfaces from rust, scale build-up, and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting engine health.
- Enhanced Heat Transfer: Efficient heat dissipation is essential for preventing engine overheating. QualGuard coolants excel in this area, ensuring optimal engine performance.
- Extended Lifespan: With advanced formulations, QualGuard coolants can offer extended service intervals, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
- Wide Range of Products: Witham’s range includes products suitable for a variety of vehicles, from classic cars to the latest type of vehicles as well as a non- toxic, biodegradable winterisation antifreeze for caravans, holiday lodges and boats.
Nigel Bottom, MD at Witham Group commented: “Selecting the right coolant for a specific engine application is crucial to ensure optimal performance, prevent damage, and extend the life of the engine. Our range of coolants are designed for the latest engines or the oldest.
At Witham Group, we're passionate about providing quality products and exceptional service. With our years of technical experience and extensive product range, we're confident that can offer the most effective and efficient products, whatever the need.
Our knowledgeable team is always ready to offer expert advice and guidance, and our online lubricant finder also ensures that customers have quick and easy access to the right recommendations to help them save time and money wherever possible.”
For more information about Witham Group's antifreeze and coolant range, please visit:
www.withamgroup.co.uk/products/workshop-and-cleaning/anti-freeze-coolants
By Mark Coleman, Terravesta customer account manager
Miscanthus is seeing increased interest from farmers looking to grow profits from less productive or flood-prone land. It's a perennial crop offering a long-term income and has huge demand from renewable energy power stations, powering local homes. If you're considering planting it, we've got some commonly asked questions to bust the Miscanthus myths...
1) Is Miscanthus good for the environment?
Yes, Miscanthus stores more carbon than it releases in its life cycle, and it helps to restore and stabilise damaged soils. It will take in carbon during its growth period and even after it has been cut, baled, driven to the power station, and burnt, it will only release the carbon it has taken in. The below-ground rhizomes will also store an additional 2.35 CO2 equivalent per hectare, per year. This makes the crop “carbon negative”, even if it is burnt to supply our renewable energy needs!
2) Does it compete with food on UK farmland?
The food versus fuel debate is a common misconception about Miscanthus. The vast majority of Miscanthus crops in the UK are planted on marginal or less productive fields which would struggle to produce sufficient yielding food crops. The Committee on Climate Change identified 700,00 hectares of land in the U.K. suitable for biomass without affecting food production in its sixth carbon budget.
Miscanthus does not affect food production, but it does improve our energy security.
3) Is Miscanthus difficult to get rid of?
Terravesta Athena Miscanthus is a sterile hybrid. The crop will not spread outside of the planted area, as the only way for it to do so, is to split the rhizome and then replant it elsewhere. With regards to the removal of the crop at the end of its use, Miscanthus is a grass and it can be removed leaving the land available to be reverted to other cropping.
In fact, the soil quality of the field will be greatly improved due to the no-till and organic matter built up over its 20-year lifespan.
4) Is Miscanthus good for biodiversity and nature?
A little-known fact about Miscanthus is that once it’s established, it requires no additional weed control. The leaf litter that falls naturally from the stems, is left on the ground. This rots down and creates a thriving environment for crawling insects, earthworms, soil-based organisms and micro-organisms. Birds also appreciate the cover miscanthus provides.
5) How profitable is Miscanthus?
Miscanthus has an economic lifespan of over 20 years as a financially viable crop, giving growers secure, long-term returns. It requires no nitrogen or fertiliser on establishment and no ongoing herbicides once established.
Demand for Miscanthus is very high and can provide you with a long-term, stable, retail index-linked income, that goes up each year. Considering this is on land that is typically more problematic for planting cereals, it is a solid income generator and fits well around other crops in the farming calendar.
Why not contact Terravesta and see what returns you can make?
7) What are the markets for Miscanthus in the UK?
Now, more than ever, our self-sufficiency regarding our energy supply is vitally important.
Miscanthus is an ideal crop for biomass which is a key part of the solution, demand is very high and more supply is always needed. That’s not all, Miscanthus also has various other uses such as animal bedding, use in composite construction materials, agri-plastics, and chemicals for the bio-pharmaceutical market. This is the beginning of the exciting uses for this wonder crop.
For more information about Miscanthus, please call our Crop Inputs team on 01507 602396 opt. 1.
Revolutionising Fertiliser Procurement
In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the agricultural landscape, Woldmarsh, Fram Farmers, and the AF Group declared an unprecedented alliance in March 2023. This monumental collaboration heralded a visionary endeavour aimed at streamlining purchases, leveraging combined volumes, and driving savings for their respective memberships. The birth of The Agri Procurement Alliance (APA) has been a culmination of tireless efforts over the past 10 months, resulting in a significant milestone: the "go-live" moment on January 5th, 2024, specifically for fertiliser procurement, excluding liquid variants.
This strategic partnership signifies a unified approach wherein the three entities will collectively negotiate preferential terms and conduct joint purchases whenever possible. Despite this huge shift, members can expect minimal disruption in their interactions with the fertiliser team. The familiar touchpoints stay intact – Ben is still the point of contact, orders come through Woldmarsh, and invoicing procedures remain unchanged. APA works as the conduit facilitating joined up negotiations with suppliers.
A notable alteration in the timeline revolves around the dispatch of annual fertiliser requirement forms, now scheduled for March. This adjustment aims to enable all three groups to engage with members, pooling tonnages for enhanced negotiation strength with suppliers. While recognising the early nature
of these inquiries in March, the alliance seeks insights from members regarding their anticipated needs, particularly focusing on nitrogen, nitrogen sulphur, and urea. Members' early input significantly fortifies the alliance's bargaining position, albeit it's a request for trust in this pioneering collaboration.
As the APA Fertiliser Director, with years of experience in the industry, the responsibility rests on me to guide Woldmarsh, Fram Farmers, and The AF Group's fertiliser managers in making well informed decisions. The past year has seen the cultivation of a robust, collaborative relationship among Ben
(Woldmarsh), Josh (AF), and India (Fram Farmers). Their commitment underscores the alliance's success, built on trust and collaboration.
The three CEOs share an unwavering commitment to the alliance's vision – to set an example of innovative success by challenging the fertiliser industry's conventional norms. Your support is pivotal as we embark on this transformative journey together.
Glyphosate was granted an extension to its current approval in Europe at the end of last year. The UK is still to grant an extension, but it is unlikely to be very different to Europe. Glyphosate 360 pricing since October has been stable at the £3.50/litre level with no strong indications that it will move from this pricing point during the coming spring season which will see a period of higher usage.
New Agchem Products
Bayer have a new fungicide approved for the spring season under the name of iblon. This SDHi active has a broad spectrum of disease control and joins a market that has several well-established alternatives. Early indications point to more competitive pricing compared to the peak of last spring which was driven by the winter 2022 energy market.
Volume planning will be more difficult this season as the crops sown are showing many different yield potentials which will mean inputs need to be carefully matched.
Parallels re-approved
Sometime this year there will be new registrations for parallel imported ag chem. They were removed from sale at the end of June 2023, but the decision has now been reversed and there will be a mechanism for the re-approval of products that are identical to UK registrations to come into the UK again. Importers are unlikely to bring in such an extensive offering as before and will only target the higher usage volumes such as Win g P, Terpal, and Signum. These registrations are unlikely to be available in time for this spring.
Soil Sampling
As many of you will now be aware of the SFI grants available, part of this is the SAM1 action, which is to “Assess soil, produce a soil management plan and test soil organic matter” yielding a payment of £6ha per year of the agreement and £97 per SFI agreement.
Of course, soil sampling is a vital tool in your ammo when making fertiliser decisions and using this input to the best of its ability to benefit your crops and soil health. The advice is soil sampling should be carried out every 3-5 years. Sampling for liming is paramount to ensure crops can access the correct nutrients at the right time, unfortunately, this is something that can often get overlooked.
We have several agreements with different suppliers to facilitate soil sampling, such as SOYL, NRM & Assured Agronomy Ltd. Enquire with the Crop Inputs team today on 01507 602396 Opt. 1, Opt. 1 or email agchem@woldmarsh.com.
Spring Broadacre Crops
The availability of spring seed is extremely limited. Many suppliers are all ‘sold out subject to outturn’. This is due to many factors that have come together to result in the difficult position the industry finds itself in today.
Looking back, Autumn 2022 was an open sowing season which presented good future prices resulting in an increased winter crop area and a reduced spring area available for seed production.
Fast-forward to Spring 2023 and it was by all counts a difficult growing season. This resulted in lower yields and poorer germination standards further reducing the tonnage of available seed to sell.
Autumn 2023 was a predictably difficult season, leading to an unprecedented demand for spring seed. Suppliers were understandably nervous about overselling their availability book and went ‘sold out’ very early.
All cereal seed is virtually sold out for the season, there could be the option to purchase imported cereal seed. Spring beans and peas are virtually sold out. Maize, linseed and OSR are still available options for this spring.
Sustainable Farming - Incentive Seeds
The interest in SFI actions that require seed inputs has increased following an exceedingly difficult autumn for establishing OSR and cereals. Legume fallows and winter bird food options are under consideration on a greater
number of farms. There is a finite limit to the availability of small seeds that are used to make up the mixtures for these actions.
Most of this seed is grown abroad in suitable climates and imported into the UK but has not been
grown in enough quantity to satisfy the new demand from UK farmers. If you are entering into SFI agreements,
please order seed as soon as possible.
Autumn's Aftermath
There's no denying that autumn 2023’s difficult conditions will have a knock-on effect on the availability of seed for autumn 2024 sowing. This includes both wheat and barley and it particularly affects the new varieties that were added to the recommended list in November. If any of the new varieties including LG Beowulf, Bamford, Blackstone and SY Cheer are of interest for next season, seed needs booking now.