Agricultural Buildings Show – building on success
A confidence amongst farmers investing for the future contributed to the success of this year's Agricultural Buildings Show on Wednesday 2nd April at the Bath & West Showground. The show offered visitors the opportunity to view the latest agricultural buildings and equipment.
"Many of those who attended are either considering, or in the process of planning new buildings on their farms; the day presented the opportunity for them to see first-hand the choices available," commented Andrew Newbold, event organiser.
Alongside the exhibition a full seminar programme provided farmers with the latest on building regulations, a look at pioneering building designs and cost-saving opportunities, utilising existing buildings.
The first of the day's seminars detailed what farmers must consider when planning a new building. Speaking about recent changes to the Construction, Design and Management (CDM) rules, Antony Lowther, managing director of A J Lowther & Son explained what is now required when carrying out building work on farms.
The impact of the CDM rules and how they apply to farmers was explained by Bernardine Cooney, HM Inspector of Health and Safety in the Agriculture and Food Sector, Safety Section, Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Taking a look at innovative building design, Geoff Simpson, managing director of Roundhouse Building Solutions Ltd detailed the CLA award winning Roundhouse. Ease of management, superb animal welfare and excellent environment were described as the three main benefits of the Roundhouse. Mr Simpson reported those using the building have reduced labour input by half and lowered veterinary bills by between 50 and 75 per cent. He estimates that savings of £18,000 a year can be achieved over conventional buildings.
Cost-saving opportunities for farmers were also a focus at the event. With the rising costs of mains water, recycling rainwater is becoming a more attractive option for farmers. In the final presentation, Barrie Jackson, managing director of Receau showed how a farm with a 200 dairy cow herd could reduce its annual water bill by 40 per cent, from recycling rainwater. Detailing the costs involved and current grants available, Mr Jackson estimated the payback time on such a system would only be 2 to 2½ years.
Further details of the 2008 event, including the full seminar programme are available on the event website www.farm-smart.co.uk.
