Talk:Hill farming

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Hill farming's effects on local ecosystem

all following from external source: http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-the-land/farming-crofting/farming-wildlife/hill-farming/

Sheep farms and sheep and cattle farms constitute approximately 55% of the agricultural land in Scotland. These areas have a harsh climate, short growing seasons, relatively poor quality of soil, and long winters. Therefore, these areas are considered to e disadvantaged and the animals raised there are generally less productive and farmers will often send them down to the lowlands to be fattened up.

Hill farming practices play a significant role in supporting surrounding flora and fauna in the Scottish highlands. Through grazing, sheep and cattle maintain a variety of tall grasses and short vegetation. This in turn supports local wildlife, as the short vegetation provides breeding and nesting grounds for many species of waders, including Lapwing, Redshank, and Golden Plover. The taller grasses are an important part of the Curlew habitat, which is another species of wader. Cattle dung provides nutrition for many species of insects and carrion provides food for various species of scavenging birds.

During winter farmers will usually keep the animals indoors, supplementing the livestock's diet with hay or silage. The land used to grow winter feed that are not mowed are able to provide protection for a variety of birds including Skylarks, Partridge, and Corncrakes who build on their nests on the ground.

Agricultural use, burning, and grazing by both livestock and wild life such as deer, helps to sustain the upland grasslands, moorland and bogs. If these ecosystems were not maintained they would be colonized by trees and scrub. Rllegge (talk) 13:53, 11 October 2012 (UTC)rllegge

Hill farming organization following information found from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/standard/geography/farming/hill_farming/revision/1/

The typical hillfarm is made up of three distinct zones: the High fell, the Alotment, and the Inbye. The High fell includes peat moors and rocky areas which provide poor grazing at the top. The Alotment follows below, an enclosed area with rough grazing. The Inbye is the lowest area at the bottom, which is used as the regular grazing area as well as for growing hay.

Strain on the continuance of hill farming

(same source as above)

The harsh terrain and climate of hill farms are hard on the animals, causing them to be relatively very unproductive. Because of this, hill farming can have economic strains on the farmers who generally have low income.

For more information on economic implications and government subsidies will use: http://www.nuffieldinternational.org/rep_pdf/1287438015NUFFIELD_REPORT_FINAL_chloe_palmer_october_2010.pdf Srorourke (talk) 13:58, 11 October 2012 (UTC)Srorourke

Hill farming Location and Organization

‘Uplands’ generally refers to high ground areas of mountains, moor, and heath. Upland areas are usually covered with both dry and wet dwarf shrub heath and rough grassland. Hill farms use this land as well as either self-improved or improved grassland areas nest to rougher grazing zones and moorland. Sustainable careful maintenance is highly important in hill farming in order to protect the delicate relationship that farm manage has on the biodiversity of native flora and fauna. (https://www.gov.uk/hill-farming )

The North and South-Western regions of England and a few areas bordering Wales are home to most of the English uplands. The English uplands are significant to the local and global world in both environmental and human interests. The agriculture practices in the uplands define and shape the environment and landscape. (https://www.gov.uk/hill-farming)

The Majority of Hill Farming land in England is classified as Less Favoured Area (LFA). 17% of the total farmed land in England in LFA, made up of 67% Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDAs) and 33% Disadvantaged Areas (DAs). These areas are classified as such on account of poor climate, soils, and terrain which cause higher costs in production and transportation as well as lower yields and less productivity. In England, 30% of beef cows and 44% of breeding sheep come from LFAs, and farming distinctively shapes the ecosystems of these zones. (http://www.fbspartnership.co.uk/documents/2010_11/Hill_Farming_in_England_10-11.pdf) The typical hillfarm is made up of three distinct zones: the High fell, the Alotment, and the Inbye. The High fell includes peat moors and rocky areas which provide poor grazing at the top. The Alotment follows below, an enclosed area with rough grazing. The Inbye is the lowest area at the bottom, which is used as the regular grazing area as well as for growing hay. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/standard/geography/farming/hill_farming/revision/1/)

Hill Farming Throughout History

Since 1900: - 500% increase in the number of sheep livestock - A decrease in medium sized farms, due to increase in large farms businesses and the emergence of small-scale hobby farmers. - Increased specialization in livestock and a movement away from tradition mixed farming methods. - Fairly consistent labour employment on account of constant agricultural intensification offsetting reductions in labour output made possible by technological advancements. - high turnover rates in upland ecosystem habitat types. For example, although the percentage of land classified as dwarf shrub moor remained relatively stable between 1913 and 2000, only 55% of the dwarf moor shrub land in 1913 occupied the same area as it does in 2000. (Armsworth, Paul et al (2009). A Landscape-Scale Analysis of the Sustainability of the Hill Farming Economy and Impact of Farm Production Decisions on Upland Landscapes and Biodiversity: Full Research Report ESRC End of Award Report, RES-227-25-0028. Swindon: ESRC) The decrease in grazing caused by the farmers leaving has endangered the moorland ecosystems. Dartmoor, which was awarded national park status in 1951 and contains the largest expanse of open country in southern England, contains the largest amount of bronze age remains in England has over 10,000ha of prehistoric field systems, dating back to 1500BC. Archaeological evidence shows that these moors have been grazed for 3500 years. The decline in grazing animals accompanied with the milder winters experienced in recent years has caused an overgrowth in vegetation, putting the ecosystem, as well as various archaeological sites at risk. The Dartmoor Vision initiative is trying to return Dartmoor to its former predominatly cattle, sheep, and pony grazed landscape. (http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/42010/dartmoor_vision_leaflet_april_2008.pdf) The UK government has designated different areas in the upland as specifically valuable by certain terms of the environment, biodiversity, archaeology, cultural heritage and landscape, and seeks to protect these regions for such reasons.

“-national parks - these protect and conserve the character of landscapes, facilities for access, wildlife habitats and historic features -areas of outstanding natural beauty - these conserve and enhance naturally beautiful landscapes -countryside character areas - areas of cultural heritage which should be preserved -Natural England natural areas - each area has a unique identity created by its mix of natural features and human activities and provides a broad context for local nature conservation work -common land - areas where people who do not own the land have rights to use it for farming or other purposes -national nature reserves - these protect and provide public access to important wildlife and geological sites -special areas of conservation - these protect various wild animals, plants and habitats under the European Union’s Habitats Directive special protection areas - these protect rare and vulnerable birds and migratory species as well as geological and physiographical heritage upland experiment areas - two upland areas where Natural England/Defra predecessor bodies piloted an integrated approach to rural development and nature conservation between 1999 and 2001 ancient woodland - land that has had continuous tree cover since at least 1600” (https://www.gov.uk/hill-farming)

Hill farming and Uplands Ecosystems Sheep farms and sheep and cattle farms constitute approximately 55% of the agricultural land in Scotland. These areas have a harsh climate, short growing seasons, relatively poor quality of soil, and long winters. Therefore, these areas are considered to e disadvantaged and the animals raised there are generally less productive and farmers will often send them down to the lowlands to be fattened up. Hill farming practices play a significant role in supporting surrounding flora and fauna in the Scottish highlands. Through grazing, sheep and cattle maintain a variety of tall grasses and short vegetation. This in turn supports local wildlife, as the short vegetation provides breeding and nesting grounds for many species of waders, including Lapwing, Redshank, and Golden Plover. The taller grasses are an important part of the Curlew habitat, which is another species of wader. Cattle dung provides nutrition for many species of insects and carrion provides food for various species of scavenging birds. During winter farmers will usually keep the animals indoors, supplementing the livestock's diet with hay or silage. The land used to grow winter feed that are not mowed are able to provide protection for a variety of birds including Skylarks, Partridge, and Corncrakes who build on their nests on the ground. Agricultural use, burning, and grazing by both livestock and wild life such as deer, helps to sustain the upland grasslands, moorland and bogs. If these ecosystems were not maintained they would be colonized by trees and scrub. (http://www.snh.gov.uk/land-and-sea/managing-the-land/farming-crofting/farming-wildlife/hill-farming/) Upland ecosystems have seen a dramatic shift in the last century, associated with widespread habitat deterioration caused by human actions and exploitation. A large number of upland ecosystems have been shaped by humans for centuries, particularly by farming and agriculture. Because of this, many upland ecosystems have become dependent on hill farm land management. (Armsworth, Paul et al (2009). A Landscape-Scale Analysis of the Sustainability of the Hill Farming Economy and Impact of Farm Production Decisions on Upland Landscapes and Biodiversity: Full Research Report ESRC End of Award Report, RES-227-25-0028. Swindon: ESRC) Srorourke (talk) 21:59, 31 October 2012 (UTC)

Government Support and Subsidies

Hill farm incomes in the UK have recently seen great decrease following drops in lamb and beef prices. Therefore subsidy support has become vital for Hill farm survival, and the policies have been changing in response to continuous uncertainty in the sector. The Single Farm Payment replaced the older headage payments in 2005. Other subsidy schemes affect hill farmers, particularly the HFA and agri-environment schemes.

Analyses of the effects of economic incentives provided to hill farmers by decoupling and the introduction of the Single Farm Payment show that although these policies cause little change in average farm incomes the do encourage change in the way hill farms run. Specifically the policies promote the reduction of stocking densities, reduction of employment on additional farm labour, movement away from reliance of beef cattle, increased specialization, and to keep farming land to keep “good agricultural condition” rather than farm abandonment. (Armsworth, Paul et al (2009). A Landscape-Scale Analysis of the Sustainability of the Hill Farming Economy and Impact of Farm Production Decisions on Upland Landscapes and Biodiversity: Full Research Report ESRC End of Award Report, RES-227-25-0028. Swindon: ESRC) Because the DAs are more profitable than the SDAs, active since 2008 DAs became ineligible for funding from the Hill Farming Allowance (HFA). The HFA replaced the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances which were active as headage support to eligible beef cows and ewes. In 2010, HFAs were replaced by the Uplands Entry Level Stewardship Scheme (Uplands ELS). In addition, since the formation of the EU, farming in LFAs became supported by the Single Payment Scheme. (http://www.fbspartnership.co.uk/documents/2010_11/Hill_Farming_in_England_10-11.pdf) The payment subsidies provided to beef and sheep producers in England’s SDAs by the Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) ended in 2010. The Allowance has been replaced by the Uplands Entry Level Stewardship (Uplands ELS).

In addition to the Upland ELS, hill farmers in England’s SDAs are supported by the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), which is the primary agricultural subsidy scheme under the EU. Subsidies from the SPS are not dependent on production, granting greater freedom to farmers to meet market demands. The SPS also claims to specifically support hill farmers who follow environmentally friendly farming practices.

Certain upland farmers and communities also have access to funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) team at Defra .

In order to receive these subsidies, hill farmers must meet cross compliance rules and regulations, which mainly involves avoidance of overgrazing and unsuitable supplementary feeding on natural and semi-natural vegetation under GAEC (standard of good agricultural and environmental condition) 9. These standards were implemented to protect significant habitats and to limit soil erosion and other negative effects of soil structure in the uplands. (https://www.gov.uk/hill-farming )

The Eu’s most important land use policy in its effects on hill farms has been The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP provided production-based direct (headage) which gave incentive to stock beef cattle and sheep at high densities. This led to, in some circumstances, overgrazing which damages natural and semi-natural vegetation. Because of overgrazing and issues accumulation of surpluses, the CAP was reformed. The two most recent reforms to the CAP were Agenda 2000 in 1999 and the Mid Term Review of June 2003 and April 2004. These changes are phasing out support and protections linked to production, and are providing more support on environmental and rural developments. The EU introduced the Single Farm Payment scheme (SFP) in 2005, which replaced the majority of established crop and livestock subsidy payments. The EU plans to phase out and progressively reduce the SFP, and the SFP is guaranteed until 2013. (http://www.esds.ac.uk/doc/6363/mrdoc/pdf/6363uguide.pdf)

In recent years the cutting of farming subsidies given over past few decades has created an uncertain future for farming in many parts of Europe. (http://www.esds.ac.uk/doc/6363/mrdoc/pdf/6363uguide.pdf)

Recent Strain on Hill farming

The harsh terrain and climate of hill farms are hard on the animals, causing them to be relatively very unproductive. Because of this, hill farming can have economic strains on the farmers who generally have low income. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/standard/geography/farming/hill_farming/revision/1/) Many hill farmers earn around £12,600, with some earning as little as £8,000. This is much below the £19,820 annually a single working adult requires to live in a village in England. Hill farmer income is subject to large fluctuation above the influence of the farmers. Many farmers rely on a Single Farm Payment as a source of income. These payments are expected to arrive in November / December, but sometimes farmers do not receive the money until June. Due to this farmers are often unable to pay their bills or fix their machinery. Some farmers have to cut back on the feed given to their animals, leading to a decrease in meat production and therefore lower profit. Hill farmers below the poverty line, (defined as 60% of the average income) often do not have sufficient insurance or savings. The financial burden has taken a toll on many hill farmers, causing them to exhibit signs of mental health issues. Many hill farmers are forced to generate supplemental income outside their farms or to take out loans. Wet weather, as often experienced in the uplands, create additional animal feed costs for farmers. (http://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/oxfam/bitstream/10546/249113/1/rr-challenges-facing-farmers-in-teesdale-121012-en.pdf) In 2008, a farmer would receive a profit of £1 for a single moorland lamb. Opportunities for farmers to supplement their farm income by working in industries such as quarrying or mining are no longer available. After the Second World Ward the support payments received in Britain provided hill farmers with adequate money but in some cases this lead to an increase in animals, which can in turn lead to overgrazing. By 2012 the Single Payment Scheme, (or SPS) will only take into consideration the area of the farm. This will decrease the income in moorland farmers to only 70% of what it was 20 years ago. There is little incentive for younger generations to continue on with the hill farming. The income from calves and lambs has remained constant, while the costs of farm upkeep have risen sharply (feed, straw, fuel, fertilizer). Because hill farming is becoming increasingly less profitable an increasing number of farmers have switched from the traditional hearty but less profitable animals which graze the moors to “normal” more profitable animals. (http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/42010/dartmoor_vision_leaflet_april_2008.pdf) Without government subsidies, many hill farms would have a negative income. The high cost of land and machinery keeps many hill farmers from expanding. Hill farmers in some parts of England have reported a 75% decrease in income over the past decade. (http://www.scribd.com/doc/52830806/Hard-Times-A-research-report-into-hill-farming-and-farming-families-in-the-Peak-District) Hill farming sector in SW England, like farming in the rest of country, has experienced a decade of much change associated with economic pressures and uncertainties. On average, the financial position of hill farms in South West England is precarious. The average South West English Hill farm system in unable to match labour and capital invest in the business. (http://swuf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Hill-farming-systems-in-SW-report-2008.pdf) The average LFA farm in England only earns about 66% of their total revenue (output) from farming. 22% of this revenue comes from the Single Farm Payment, and 10% from specific agri-environment payments. The 2% balance originated from non-farm activities, which are usually associated with contracting or tourism and recreation. (http://www.fbspartnership.co.uk/documents/2010_11/Hill_Farming_in_England_10-11.pdf) Hill farmers in Peak District National Park (PDNP) constitute one of UK’s most deprived farming communities, with farms in the LFA making an average loss of £16,000 per farm, generating an average headline Farm Business Income of £10,800 (supplemented by various government subsidies), creating a net income average per farm of about £6000. (http://www.esds.ac.uk/doc/6363/mrdoc/pdf/6363uguide.pdf) Rllegge (talk) 22:03, 31 October 2012 (UTC)

MTA Education Peer Reviewer

Excellent updates to the article Rllegge & Srorourke. It seems that extensive research has been done on this topic of Hill farming You should put a reference to the first paragraph in the article. I am confused with the formats used to reference. It seems that there are two sections with bibliographic citations (Notes& References) One section has 87 references while the other has 10. I am wondering if you could possibly put the two sections into the same referencing style. I will look into editing it myself but only have limited knowledge towards these references. Hope this helps. I will update again after further tweaks and edits. Great Job! Pepephend (talk) 19:04, 14 November 2012 (UTC)