East Essex Smallholders Chitchat Headline Animator

CONTACT EESG

To Contact EESG
Please Email:
Danielle.Perkins@yahoo.co.uk
or 07854595640
Showing posts with label defra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label defra. Show all posts

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Certificate of Competence for Transporting Livestock

Did you no, that if you are transporting livestock (Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Horses and Poultry) over 65KM you must have a Certificate of Competence.

You need a certificate per type of animal.

East Essex Smallholders Group are in the process of arranging a course locally to achieve this certificate.

If you are interested please contact Danni: danielle.perkins@yahoo.co.uk
 

Competence Certification

Those transporting and handling domestic species of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, domestic equidae and poultry by road on journeys over 65km in connection with an economic activity must be independently assessed in their competence.  Those assessed as competent will receive a certificate of competence.  The certificate will be specific to the role the transporter or attendant is charged with, the length of journeys to be undertaken and the species to be transported.
  • assessment of those involved in journeys over 65km and up to eight hours may be made by means of a theory test;
  • assessments of those involved in journeys over eight hours must also include practical assessment of their competence including animal handling, and if required, driving skills.
Further information of this element of the Regulation can be found in chapter 4 of the main guidance document.
As the competent authority in England, Defra has designated the following independent bodies to undertake assessments for competence and award competence certificates.

Please See:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/welfare/transport/competence-cert/

Sunday, 6 May 2012

Electronic Movements - here's what to do!

Electronic Movements - here's what to do!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.
How do I register?
Go to the ‘Home Page’ on www.eaml2.org.uk and click on ‘Producer Registration’ on the left hand panel. After filling in the details a username and password will normally be emailed to you within 48 hours.
NB: You need to type in the password rather than ‘copy’ and ‘paste’ from the email. Copy and paste sometimes copies an additional space which will prevent you from logging in the first time.
You will also find additional information and user guides on the website. Alternatively contact the eAML2 Bureau Service helpline 0844 335 8400 or email: eaml2@bpex.org.uk
2.
What if I don’t have internet access or don’t want to use a computer?
There is a free-to-use eAML2 Bureau Service operated by MLCSL as well as other third party ‘Agents’, for example marketing groups or the British Pig Association. They will enter information onto the system and also provide copies of the movement document/haulier summary, prior to the movement taking place.
3.
How do I set up a movement?
Register first - see question 1. When you have logged in with your username and password, follow the simple steps below:
3.1 when using the system for the first time you need to confirm and complete your details in ‘Production Details’, then click on ‘Save’ at the bottom of the page. This is only required for the first time but you can make amendments in the future if needed.
3.2 Click on ‘set up a movement’; select your departure site from the drop down menu, tick the type of movement, then select your destination site from the drop down menu that will appear. Click on ‘new movement’.
3.3 Complete the questions that appear on a new page as applicable. There are ‘help’ notes to the right. When you come to the end, click on ’submit movement’.
3.4 You now have a new page with a link from which you can print off the Haulier Summary – the movement document that is legally required to go with the pigs. Double-click on the link to open the document and to print it.
If your destination is non-IT enabled you will need to print out an additional copy for their record keeping.
There are ‘help’ notes next to the questions and also quick start guides in the section ‘Help and User Guides’.
3.5 On the day your consignment is due you need to confirm the actual number of pigs loaded and the vehicle registration. This is equivalent to a signature and will confirm that your consignment has actually left the premises. You need to confirm the movement on the same day either online or by text message. – See also question 8.
4.
What is a Haulier Summary?
The Haulier Summary (HS) is a 1 page movement document that is legally required to travel with the pigs. If the haulier gets stopped on the way by an inspector the haulier summary needs to be presented.
NB: The Haulier Summary is only valid with an individual movement reference in the top right hand corner. This reference is automatically created by the system when you or the Bureau Service set up the movement.
The haulier needs to keep the HS for his records for 6 months.
5.
Why do I need to confirm my sent movement?
The eAML2 system works on a pre-notification principle. You are able to set up movements days/weeks/months in advance. Confirming the actual number of pigs loaded is an essential requirement of the system to ensure the correct information is recorded. The confirmation also serves as an electronic signature.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6.
Where do I confirm movements?
You have 3 options to confirm your consignment:
Online: When you log onto your eAML2 account and click on ‘Producer Services’ you will automatically see the consignments listed that you need to confirm. Click on the blue link of the showing consignment(s) and you will come to a screen where you can enter the required information. Click on ‘submit’.
By text message: You can send a text message from your mobile phone. Register the mobile phone(s) against your site(s) beforehand.
NB: The text message must be in the specified format to go through.
By phoning the eAML2 Bureau: contact the Bureau with the individual movement reference and they will enter the information on your behalf.
7.
Can I register several mobile phones?
Yes, you can register several mobile phones for your account – when logged into your account go to ‘Register my mobile phone’ and enter the mobile number(s) in the required fields. You will then get a confirmation text with the mobile number to text to.
8.
How do I confirm a RECEIVED movement?
You can confirm receipt of a movement either online or by text message or through the Bureau.
Online: log on to your online account, click on ‘Producer Services’ where you will see the movement automatically listed.
By text message: after having registered your mobile phone for this service text the movement reference, the number of pigs received and any dead on arrivals.
NB: The text message must be in the specified format to go through.
By contacting the eAML2 Bureau: contact the Bureau with the individual movement reference and they will enter the information on your behalf.
9.
Not registered yet and received a consignment?
If you have received a consignment but are not registered yet for eAML2, simply click on ‘not registered & received a movement’ on the left hand panel of the eAML2 page. Enter the movement reference from the Haulier Summary in the box and follow the steps. This will register you and enable you to provide the required confirmation.
10.
What happens if I don’t provide the required confirmation on my sent and received movements?
The system requires you to confirm your SENT movement on the day of loading and you are legally required to confirm your RECEIVED movement within 3 days of arrival at the destination. Failure to do so will automatically be escalated as an enforcement issue for Local Authorities. Persistent occurrence of non-compliance may lead to being blocked from using the eAML2 system.
11.
How do I delete a movement?

As long as your movement is still showing in the pending section in your archive you can delete the movement yourself:

Go to your archive/pending movements/tick the box of the movement you want to delete/click on the small ‘bin’ symbol in the header of the pending section.
If you want to cancel a movement that has already been ‘sent’ you need to contact the eAML2 Bureau Service
12.
Who can I contact to sort out queries/problems?
MLCSL eAML2 helpline: 0844 335 8400 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, calls are charged 5p/minute from standard BT phone lines) or via email: eaml2@bpex.ahdb.org.uk
13.
Do I still need to fill in separate Food Chain Information (FCI)?
No. The eAML2 is covering both movement document and FCI.
14.
How can I change Food Chain Information (FCI) after the pigs have been loaded?
If you need to alter the FCI information after loading the animals do the following: amend the FCI info by hand on the Haulier Summary. Confirm the movement online where you can enter any new FCI details.
15.
What do I need to do when sending to a site without eAML2 access?
If you send to a non-IT enabled abattoir the eAML2 system will automatically prompt you to print two copies of the Haulier Summary: one for the haulier, one for the abattoir’s records.
The FSA vet/inspector at the abattoir will confirm receipt of the consignment electronically on behalf of the abattoir within three days.
If you send to a non IT-enabled farm you will need to print two copies of the Haulier Summary: one copy for the haulier and one for the destination farm records.
The non-IT enabled farm must confirm receipt of the movement via the Bureau Service (phone/fax/post) or text message within three days of arrival.
16.
What paper records must I keep?
For keepers with access to a computer, all movements will be stored electronically and securely for three years in their eAML2 account and be available to the keeper/inspectors as required by law.
Keepers without computer access will need to keep a paper copy of their movement document/ haulier summary.
Hauliers will retain the single page paper summary as required by law.
17.
Do I need to keep a paper holding register
If you have access to the eAML2 movements stored on your eAML2 account on the farm unit you don’t need to keep a paper version of your holding register as well.
If you have no access to the eAML2 movement records on the actual unit eg because it is miles from the corporate office then you will need to keep a paper register.
This change has also been made in the Red Tractor assurance scheme standard.
If a unit’s computer fails the Bureau Service can provide Trading Standards with all the movement details for the farm.
18.
What if I get an inspection from Trading Standards or the RPA?
All inspection bodies have been briefed on the new system. As with your existing paper records you should give them access to your electronic eAML2 records if you are inspected.
19.
What should I do if my internet is down?
If for some reason your internet connection is down or you temporarily have no access to your eAML2 records and want to set up a movement you can contact the Bureau Service.
The Bureau Service will set up the movement on your behalf and either fax or post the applicable number of Haulier Summaries to you. Alternatively you can note the individual movement reference given by the Bureau Service on your pre-populated haulier summaries.
NB: We strongly recommend that you print off some blank pre-populated Haulier summaries for these situations. To do that go to ‘Templates, alerts & DPP’ when logged on to your eAML2 account.
20.
Moves to/from Scotland
Scotland has its own movement system ‘ScotEID’. The eAML2 and ScotEID systems are integrated to transfer movement information seamlessly.
You can set up your movement to Scotland on eAML2 as any other move.
The consignment information is transmitted to the Scottish destination which will provide the feedback to ScotEID.
 Movements from Scotland to England and Wales:
The Scottish sender will set up the movement through ScotEID and the consignment information will be transmitted to your eAML2 account.
Note: Scottish slaughter movements will be accompanied by paper Food Chain Information (FCI).
21.
Who are BPEX and MLCSL?
BPEX is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). MLCSL (Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AHDB providing independent services to the meat and livestock Industry in the UK.
22.
Do I have to pay for this new service?
No. The new system has been paid for by Defra – no levy money is being used.


Good Luck

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Newsletter - March 2012

Newsletter:    (March 2012)

Welcome to March newsletter.

I really shouldn’t have mentioned the amazingly good weather in last month’s letter.

How many of you woke on the 5 February to inches of snow! I know we did and I had forgotten just how much harder it makes life.

Although I did have a few humorous moments with a few animals who have never seen snow before, one young goose came out of her shed and was so terrified she flew into my arms and I’m sure I saw a young cockerel shut his eyes and shake his head as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, I did chuckle to myself

On a more serious note, it’s a very worrying time for sheep owners (including myself) in our area with the arrival of the Schmallenberg virus (SBV).
Group member and veterinary surgeon Susan McCann has kindly sent some information for us, so please read on. East Essex Smallholders


The virus has now been confirmed in over 50 cases across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and Cornwall. The majority of cases so far have been diagnosed in sheep.

All farmers/small holders are being advised to be vigilant for signs that are consistent with the disease. It is believed to be have been caused by a midge-born virus, that is likely to have infected ewes and cows in summer-autumn 2011, infecting foetuses early in gestation. It only appears to infect RUMINANT foetuses ie calves, lambs and goat kids and we are now only seeing the signs at calving/lambing time.

It is likely that the midgies were blown on the wind from Germany/Holland but there may be a role played by the importation of infected stock from these countries.

· Affected ewes / cows seem to generally be healthy prior to and after giving birth

· Offspring are either dead at term, premature or poorly viable

· Deformities affect the nervous system and limbs, which tend to be flexed towards the body.

· Neck spasms, contracted limbs and dummy animals.

· Domed skulls (hydrocephalus).

Although it is not a notifiable disease, if you experience more one or two RUMINANT newborns this season with any of the following, it would:

1. deformed limbs, contracted or bent joints (more than one joint involved)

2. Showing neurological signs including paralysis or gait abnormalities

3. Still births

For more information please look at the following websites
DEFRA Animal Diseases
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency
West Point Farm Vets

Northpoint Veterinary Group, 1 Leaden Hall Chase, Stortford Road, Leaden Roding, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1RB

Tel: 01306 628489 Fax: 01279 877911

Good luck fellow sheep owners expecting lambs, all we can do is hope for the best.

On a brighter note member Numbers still growing to date we have 91.

And the blog is proving a great success with over 5000 visitors.

Why not add the blog and web page to your favourites so you don’t miss out on any news.

We are now on twitter and Facebook, so give us a tweet or a Like

Twitter – click here

Facebook - click here
East Essex Smallholders on BBC Essex

Not only have we been on the front page of a national glossy magazine, Home Farmer, had articles in another, Smallholder, and managed to get our names in the local paper, Essex Chronicle, in the past few months, Chairman Dani and Secretary Carlie have now broadcast a LIVE interview on BBC Essex Ken Crowther’s radio show on 13 February promoting our group and the Hobby Pig Keeping Course.

Girls you were great - WELL DONE. I was feeling nervous just listening so I can only guess how you felt.

Dani added to the humour when Ken asked how big is a Dexter and she gestured with her hand and you hear Carlie say “they can’t see you.” I think Dani may be preparing for The Jonathan Ross show.

The interview was really to promote the ADAS, DEFRA funded, Hobby Pig Course but it was a wonderful chance to get the group’s name out there; I have said it once but I think you both deserve another - WELL DONE.


Report on lets go Turkey mad


Yet another lovely evening was had by all!

Our “bring and share” table was up to its usual high standard and it was lovely to see so many members - old and new.

A big thank you to Philip, from Kelly Turkeys, for a wonderful insight into the life of the Kelly Bronze Turkey - past and present.

It was amazing to hear tales of the free range birds being protected from foxes by two border collies.  What a lovely life these birds have compared to the commercial flocks (although Mr Google says a group of turkeys is a rafter!)

Philip also gave tips on how to cook the Kelly Bronze to the peak of perfection, founded by the late Molly Kelly, and finished with a carving demonstration.  Finally we got to taste this famous turkey.

For more information or if you are interested in buying your own poults to rear visit their website

EESG announce 2012 calendar Competition

EESG are pleased to announce the 2012 calendar competition organised by our committee member Agnes Harris.

So come on dust those cameras off and get out there.

All entries must be emailed to Agnes at competition@eastessexsmallholder.org.uk by 31 May 2012 

Theme of the competition is “Life of East Essex smallholders”

For competition rules information 

click here

The 12 winning photographs will be published in our first ever EESG calendar for 2013. Please send maximum of two photographs per member describing any season, in colour or black and white. 

Between the 18th June and the 19th August there will be an opportunity for all members to vote online for their favourite 12 photos out of 30 selected.

There is no prize other than a winning photograph being published in the 2013 EESG Calendar with your name (if you wish). However a £10 book voucher will be awarded to highest placed under 18 year old only.

You will be sent details in due course of how you can vote online – details will also be on the website. 

HAPPY SNAPPING

Unveiling of EESG merchandise

Husband and wife team, Chris and Agnes, have been very busy designing and sourcing out our lovely new merchandise, which had its grand unveiling at our February Members meeting.  It was a universal hit.



On sale we now have, with our stunning NEW EESG logo (also designed by our very own Agnes ) the following:

EESG fabric badge £1.00 (to stitch on the groups smart green polo shirts)
Mugs £5.00
Coasters £2.00

Our supply of merchandise was SOLD OUT on the night so more are being prepared as I speak.

If anyone would like to place an order or have any ideas for other merchandise please contact

Order form click here

Report on Hobby Pig Keeping Course

An amazing 50 people attended the course on Hobby Pig Keeping at Stisted Village Hall that was  funded by DEFRA  and presented excellently by Odelle Walker from ADAS and Bev Mair from Chelmsford Trading Standards.

Odelle covered the following:
  • 5 freedoms associated with the Animal Welfare Act 2006
  • Bio Security, Disease Control - Including Notifiable Diseases, and effective quarantine.
  • Pig Health, Vaccinations and worming and fallen stock. (You can't just bury dead pigs, they legally have to be disposed of in the correct manner, which in Essex is via W Martin and Son in Braintree.)
  • Feeding and legislation - it is illegal to feed any catering waste including domestic kitchen waste even if these establishments only cater for vegetarians.
  • Record Keeping Requirements - how we must keep movement logs (even the infamous micro pigs need a walking licence) and medicine books and the length of time they must be kept.  
Bev Mair, from Chelmsford Trading Standards, then moved on to talk about
movements of pigs including the new EAML2 Online movement recorded system, which will completely replace the paper forms from the 1st April 2012. Identification of Pigs - Tags, Slapmarks or Tattoo's and the associated legislation was also covered.

The course ran from 2pm-5pm, breaking half way through for refreshments supplied by East Essex Smallholders Group with a marvellous selection of homemade cakes.

People attended from all across Essex, along with members from East Essex Smallholders Group, Herts &Essex Smallholders and Suffolk Smallholders.

The course was very informative and everyone who attended commented on how much they had learnt.

Fingers crossed DEFRA funding can be obtained for a similar course to be run on sheep.
Danielle Perkins

Events for your diary

After a suggestion from our Treasurer, Helen, it has been decided to trial a later start time to our monthly meeting. From 20 March 2012 we will meet 7.30pm -8pm (please let us know how this works for you )

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE
A chance to meet Essex Girl, Tracy, form the Giggly Pig Sausage Company and hear about her exploits in the world of Giggly Pigs.
Starts  (NEW TIME) 7.30pm -8pm don't be late

Tuesday 17 April 2012

The Rare Breed Survival Trust.............To be confirmed

Sunday 22 April 2012

A spinning event where members will learn how to prepare and spin wool to make use of fleeces that might otherwise be disposed of has been arranged.

Alongside this, there is the hope to learn about felting and making of accessories and easy headwear.

All places are taken for this event but if anyone is interested please contact
Who will add you to the new list.

Visit to Kings Seeds

We are planning a trip to Kings Seeds in June to see the sweet pea trials if you are interested please at your name to list at the meeting or email   carlie@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Exciting new course - Wet Felting

Would you like to learn how to felt wool?
Well now is your chance!

Make, Do and Mend in Chelmsford are offering the members of East Essex Smallholders the chance to learn about felting wool.
During this 3 hour workshop you will learn the basics of wet felting using soap and water and create your own piece of felt that will then be used to make a flower corsage with beads.
The Course will cost only £36.00
There are only a few places left – so book now.
We are looking at booking a course for a Saturday in March.
If you are interested please contact
Danni – 07854595640 or

Tiptree Jam – Open farm Sunday 17 June 2012

Anyone who is interested could take advantage of Open Farm Sunday 17 June and visit Tiptree Jams:  visiting the strawberry fields, sharing recipe ideas, tasting fresh strawberries and Tiptree Quince and Little Scarlet Conserves. After a quick visit to the Jam Museum most people finished the day with a Tiptree Cream Tea.
Sunday 20 May
Essex Young Farmers Show
courtesy of Farm & Country Supplies
Co-ordinator:  Carlie Mayes
8am-5pm

Tuesday 22 May
7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 19 June
Bring and Share Show Meeting - Blackwater Show
7.30pm for 8pm

Sunday 24 June
Blackwater Country Show
Co-ordinator: Danni Perkins
8am-5pm

Sunday 18 July
Southminster Flower Show
Co-ordinator:  Danni Perkins

Tuesday 21 July

7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 21 August
7.30pm for 8pm

Sunday 26 August
Bell Meadow Show, Woodham Walter
Co-ordinator:  Carlie Mayes
8am-5pm

Tuesday 18 Sept
National Sausage Week
7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 23 October
7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 20 November
7.30pm for 8pm

Tuesday 11 December
 Christmas gNosh
7.30pm for 8pm

Recipe of the Month

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.
In a large saucepan melt butter.
Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.
Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.


Add grated cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.


Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.
Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.


Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.


Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.


You can also freeze this recipe in bags for later use - once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer - pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling

Dig it


I bet you all thought we were going to get away with not seeing any snow this winter; thankfully (so far) it did not last too long.  The temperature certainly dropped, I heard it reached -11C degrees one night.  This can only do the ground good and hopefully knock over those bugs that try to hide away underground.


A little cold snap should not stop us from planning the spring sowing, especially if you have somewhere under glass or cover to get things started.  As I mentioned last time there are lots of things that can and should be sown or prepared now and in particular potatoes.  I put several trays of seed potatoes to chit and the “Swift” first early are coming on nicely with “Kestrel” following.  I shall start some main crop in the middle of the month and if you have the space try some late main crop that should get you through Christmas.


I put in a large tub of salad leaves and these are sprouting slowly but will start to be pickable by the end of the month at which point another sowing can be made.
Herbs will be happy with a March sowing under glass, I have Basil and Parsley well away and if you do not have a permanent plant then Chives are worth sowing.  Thyme, Rosemary and Sage will really need to wait until April.
forcing rhubarb


So what should we be planting in March – peas can be sown direct into the bed providing the ground is not frozen of course.  Remember it is always worth covering over a bed with polythene or carpet for a few weeks before showing.  This will stop the soil from being waterlogged and keep it a bit warmer.  Keep the cover on until germination and then remove. The seedlings should be strong enough to fend for themselves.  Peas, like potatoes come in early, mid and main crop so choose an early variety.  I will put some in containers as well as direct just to get a little bit earlier under cover.


Onion sets and shallots can go in, just protect them from birds and mice.
straw around strawbs
Tomatoes can be started under glass, always worth sowing more for swapping or selling at the shows! Early carrots, beetroot, broad beans, leeks and Swiss chard can go in from the middle to the end of the month depending on weather conditions. 
It really is the last chance to prune apple and pear trees and only to shape them up and remove winter damage.


Strawberries will wake up now so be ready to put a layer of straw or matting around them to keep the new growth off the soil.


Raspberries and cane fruit can be planted out - cut down to a few shoots above ground level after planting.  Established bushes should have all previously fruited stems cut to 4” above ground, last years growth that did not fruit will produce this year.  Tidy up raspberries by cutting out crowded stems.  Blackberries should be treated the same.  Cut the stems back by a third and tie in to support growth.  


Make your own
coldframe
Rhubarb can be forced if you have spare crowns.  Just put a dustbin or similar over the top and forget about it until April and then when the new stems are big enough you can pull what you need.  Only do this once to each crown as it does stress the plant but the result is very early, very sweet rhubarb.


General tasks –
Keep the veg plots tidy and hoe out any early weeds.  If you dug your marrow or squash trench keep putting in all your kitchen waste and green stuff like weeds, this will give a good base for the plants later on.


Room is getting a premium under glass so look to start moving some plants into a cold frame if you have one.  This does not need to be anything fancy; even some sacking draped over a few canes will help protect plants on cold nights.


The clocks ‘spring’ forward at the end of the month so we will be able to get out in the garden for an hour when you get in from work and unwind – cannot wait!


Terry


Contact details:

For information on joining:
Email:  membership@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk  
For information on Events and monthly meetings/visits:
Email:  
events@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk
For general information:          
Email:  info@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk
For news and press enquiries:
Email:  events@eastesexsmallholders.org.uk
For advertising livestock or other produce:
Email:  advertising@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk
To contact our Chair - Danielle Perkins
Email:  chair@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk
To contact our Treasurer - Helen Quinnell
Email:  treasurer@easttessexsmallholders.org.uk
To contact our Dig It - Terry Adger
Email:  digit@eastessexsmallholders.org.uk

Tuesday, 28 February 2012


PRESS RELEASE

Hobby Pig Keeping Course - Massive Success


An amazing 50 people attended the course on Hobby Pig Keeping at Stisted Village Hall that was  funded by DEFRA  and presented excellently by Odelle Walker from ADAS and Bev Mair from Chelmsford Trading Standards.
Odelle covered the following:
  • 5 freedoms associated with the Animal Welfare Act 2006
  • Bio Security, Disease Control - Including Notifiable Diseases, and effective quarantine.
  • Pig Health, Vaccinations and worming and fallen stock. (You can't just bury dead pigs, they legally have to be disposed of in the correct manner, which in Essex is via W Martin and Son in Braintree.)
  • Feeding and legislation - it is illegal to feed any catering waste including domestic kitchen waste even if these establishments only cater for vegetarians.
  • Record Keeping Requirements - how we must keep movement logs (even the infamous micro pigs need a walking licence) and medicine books and the length of time they must be kept.  
Bev Mair, from Chelmsford Trading Standards, then moved on to talk about
Odelle Walker in
full flow
movements of pigs including the new EAML2 Online movement recorded system, which will completely replace the paper forms from the 1st April 2012. Identification of Pigs - Tags, Slapmarks or Tattoo's and the associated legislation was also covered.
The course ran from 2pm-5pm, breaking half way through for refreshments supplied by East Essex Smallholders Group with a marvellous selection of homemade cakes.
People attended from all across Essex, along with members from East Essex Smallholders Group, Herts &Essex Smallholders and Suffolk Smallholders.
The course was very informative and everyone who attended commented on how much they had learnt.

Fingers crossed DEFRA funding can be obtained for a similar course to be run on sheep. 

*******************************   end ****************************

Thursday, 9 February 2012

ADAS Pig keeping course - 25 February 2012 - BOOK NOW!


Free Pig keeping course comes to Essex


After much badgering and many phone calls our Chairman has done it!  We now have a free DEFRA funded ADAS Pig Keeping Course coming to Essex on Saturday 25th February 2012 at Stisted Village Hall.  Time to be confirmed.

Members of the Suffolk, Herts and Essex smallholders groups will be attending; so a chance to meet more people with the same interests .

Anybody wishing to attend MUST email  
Georgie at 
to book a place. 

This course is open to anybody so if you have any friends that would like to attend, get them to contact Georgie ASAP

If anyone can share a lift, it will help with parking and also our carbon footprint.


Hobby Pig Keeping



ADAS invites you to the first Defra-fundedmeetings for hobby farmers with pigs.

The workshops will provide smallholders with easily accessible, relevant practical and technical training delivered by experienced pig specialists with a recognised track record in the small holder sector training; to increase the health, welfare and productivity of the small pig herd.
Topics covered:

·       Pig Welfare legislation – 5 Freedoms (Animal welfare Act 2006)
·      Biosecurity, disease control and  effective quarantine
·      Pig health, vaccinations and worming, fallen stock
·      Movements, ID and legislation
·      Feeding and legislation
·      On farm record requirements

Address for village hall is:
Stisted Village Hall
Rectory Road
Stisted
CM77 8AL