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markets
The uplift in cattle prices of recent weeks slowed in week ended 11th May read more
With more new season lambs entering the market, the dynamics of the trade have started to change read more
Provisional data for April milk deliveries of approximately 1,111m litres are 93m litres (7.7%) down on the previous year read more
In April, the DAPP averaged 160.9p/kg, almost 4p up on the month. At the same time, the average retail price came down by a small amount read more
The GB weekly average price fell by £7.68/t to £295.35/t and the free-buy average fell by £22.02/t to £368.39/t. read more
The first USDA estimates for world production in 2013-14 forecast record maize and wheat production, citing larger planted areas and a rebound in yields from the US (maize) and the Former Soviet Union (wheat) read more
The USDA has released its first soyabean supply and demand estimates for the new season read more
UK malting barley export prices are at €245/t FOB (spring, South Coast) w/e 11th April. read more
The latest National Statistics produced by Defra on the activity of UK hatcheries and poultry slaughterhouses. read more
USDA’s latest quarterly stocks report, released on 28th September, estimated US maize stocks (at 1st September) at 25.1m t, down 12% on the same point in 2011 and the lowest since 2004. read more

 
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SHOWING JUST WHAT THEY ARE MADE OF AT RASE
Robert Merrall

The RASE has a vision to be much more than just a show organiser, hears Iona Walton

It is time for the Royal Agricultural Society of England to get its hands dirty and focus on its role as a business facilitator, says its new events director. Formally perceived by some to be an arrogant organisation great at telling but less so at doing, a revamp of senior management has breathed the winds of change through the charitable organisation. Robert Merrall, new on the scene as events director, says he wants to see RASE’s reputation and focus move from being the organiser of the Royal Show to encompass its wider range of other objectives. “Ending the Royal Show was a hard decision to make as it had been running for 160 years, but we’re looking forward to focussing on projects that are less risky,” Dr Merrall says. “The Royal Show has been all things to all people – a state occasion and a trade and consumer event – involving many budget and stakeholders and making change hard to achieve that has resulted in us making a loss for the past five years. While the media focus has been on its ending, we view it as the beginning of something new, with our resources freed up.” PARKLAND RESOURCE The idea is to embrace collaboration, forge partnerships with and between the public and private sectors on a national and international level. RASE’s mission is to be a forwardthinking, vibrant, independent and apolitical charity that delivers value to the agricultural industry focussing on practice with science and wider rural education, sustainability and community support. It is based in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, a 100-hectare agricultural business park within 400 hectares of agricultural parkland. “There are fantastic indoor and outdoor resources available at Stoneleigh Park that could be better used by and for the industry through operation as a commercial business,” Dr Merrall says. “We plan to develop the site as a centre for rural excellence and the agrifood sector. We even have the ability to choose which crops are rotated or produce straw for our livestock events.” Instrumental in the setting up a string of rural organisations such as the Royal Agricultural College, LEAF and FACE, RASE continues to support many charities and countryside initiatives. It all comes at a cost, however, and RASE has identified a need to concentrate attention on its own business development and income generation to finance its activities. One way is through the sustainable development of the Stoneleigh Park site. “The concept is a centre for rural business development and innovation that is a base for major agricultural and rural organisations,” Dr Merrall says. “Educational facilities will engage the public, particularly children. Events will continue to be run at Stoneleigh Park and we already have a smallholder event, a multi-disciplinary equine event and a careers convention in the diary. There is an urgent need to attract youngsters into the agricultural industry. We need to shout loudly to college leaders about why farming and agriculture is a good career choice. “The livestock event we have in mind is challenging to organise because it has to be relevant and financially sustainable, avoiding emotional attachment post-Royal Show.” The exact mode of delivery of information and advice post-Royal Show is in discussion, but it is clear that as well as events, other forms of communication will include the interpretation and dissemination of scientific research to encourage agricultural innovation, profitability and environmentally sound production and sustainability. POWERHOUSE RASE’s apolitical stance allows it to act as a facilitator between stakeholders and empower the UK’s agricultural businesses on a national and international level. “We have a wide range of technical, industrial and diplomatic contacts,” Dr Merrall explains. “As well as informing diplomatic representatives abroad what is going on in the UK, we put UK agricultural companies in touch with contacts overseas. We host structured events that facilitate interaction such as diplomatic receptions or facilitate private functions where supermarket representatives and suppliers get together. Through businesses development we champion the needs of farmers who want to be innovative. “Supermarkets have made great strides in the past four years, and although they’ll always be focussed on what consumers will purchase, they could be encouraged to forge closer relationships with suppliers.” MORE MEMBERS One challenge is membership. At 6,000 the RASE has enjoyed a short-term increase due to the interest generated by the final Royal Show, but needs a substantial boost to give it the necessary reach and resources to take it further. “We’ve identified a need to reduce the cost of membership, and review our offer, which looks set to have some imaginative aspects to it,” Dr Merrall says. “Our balance sheet is strong and the long-term financial position at RASE remains positive, as it does in agriculture as a whole. The farming industry has made great inroads in improving communication with the public, but further work could be done to engage in a positive way and reconnect with the public through initiatives such as Open Farm Sunday. HIGH END “This year’s Royal Show from 7th to 10th July at Stoneleigh Park, is a fabulous networking opportunity as there has been an astonishing uptake because it is in its last year. And RASE plans to use the show to launch future initiatives.” ● For more information visit the website at www.rase.org.uk, telelephone 02476 696969 or email info@rase.org.uk

 

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