Around 86% of holdings rely on a mains water supply, with ever-increasing costs, so at the Midlands Machinery Show, visitors will be able to see how to harvest valuable, free rainwater.
Michael Jorden, director of JRH Water Management, will ask visitors how much they pay each year for water during a seminar. He said: “Most people don’t really know: A majority of water bills are paid by direct debit and farms which are now metered find their costs have gone up because they pay for what they use – previously they were on a flat rate.”
He added that farmers should therefore consider the benefits of harvesting rainwater. “There are so many advantages, besides the fact the water costs nothing: Harvesting it offers a way to control flood risk by reducing run off – both areas of government concern – and it is chemical-free so helps improve crop performance and reduce the rate of deterioration in machinery and drinkers.”
There are also plenty of grants available to help store, manage and distribute harvested water. Mr Jorden said that growers should quiz their land agents about incentives such as the Countryside Stewardship Water Catchment grant and new opportunities such as the Farming Investment Fund and the Sustainability and Technology Fund.
“They aim to help farmers diversify through efficiency. Water harvesting is therefore covered. And if you don’t go for the grant option, don’t forget there is 100% tax relief available through the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA),” he said.
He will also touch on research results from Lincoln University, due for publication at the end of this year. These suggest that chlorine in mains water reacts with glyphosate, reducing its efficacy. If rainwater is used, less glyphosate would be required to achieve the same level of performance.
“There is also an efficiency saving as calcium in mains water leads to a buildup of limescale in sprayers and troughs. Using rainwater means cleaner equipment, resulting in reduced maintenance and labour costs,” he added. “Farmers’ profits are not going to change; all sectors of the industry will have to continue to force more out for less or the same.
“Many perhaps do not realise there is a hierarchy when it comes to water supply,” explains Mr Jorden. “Human life is the primary concern. Next is commercial and industrial demand. Farming is at the bottom so, in the next four to five years, if there is no change in the way we manage water in this country, agricultural supplies will be the first to be rationed. And water scarcity could potentially happen in the UK: Most water companies will admit they are – most of the year – just a few months shy of a water ban.”
For more information go to www.midlandsmachineryshow.com