Sentry

We are pleased to offer an exciting new job opportunity to join Sentry as an Operations Manager in Leicestershire. This position is perfect for someone with practical farming experience and strong people skills, looking to advance their career in an ambitious, employee-owned farming company. As Operations Manager, you'll have the chance to develop personal, managerial, and technical skills, with full support and guidance from our Farm Manager and the wider Sentry team. You’ll be working with modern equipment, state-of-the-art grain storage facilities, and a dedicated team as we move forward with ambitious plans for the future. Why Sentry? * Competitive salary and benefits * Company pension scheme * 3-4 bedroom character property close to local schools and amenities * Continuous training and development to enhance your skills * Investment and growth opportunities within an employee-owned company If you take pride in quality, have a keen eye for detail and can work independently and within a team, we would love to hear from you. This long-term role offers the chance to truly develop your career within a leading farming business. For an informal discussion, please call John Hall on 07970 549007. Send your CV (confidentially) to recruitment@sentry.co.uk quoting Job Reference 97. Photo credit to: Si Barsby #SentryCareers #AgricultureJobs #OperationsManager #FarmingOpportunities  

It was so good to get our Business Solutions team together last week. With significant changes outlined in the Government’s Autumn Statement, the team came together for a strategic planning session at Walnes Seed. It was an important opportunity to share experiences, review projects, and explore how we can continue to deliver maximum impact and value for our clients in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Alec Smith, our Business Solutions Director, shared: "Bringing the team together is essential. It gives us the chance to reflect on how we work, refine our approach, and ensure we're providing the best possible solutions for our clients." We also had the privilege of touring Walnes Seed’s impressive facilities, learning more about their seed testing lab, Seed Processing, and storage operations—a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a key part of the farming supply chain. Our focus is on staying ahead of the curve for our clients, which has never been so important given the challenges we are seeing in farming right now. Joseph Light; Joe Morrell; Rachel Cooper; Katie Scully, PhD; Matilda Worsick; George Thomas; John Hall; Nicholas Symington; Sophie Fawcett Natasha Tingey ACCA #FarmingSolutions #AgriculturalBusiness #StrategicPlanning #SustainableFarming #FutureOfFarming #OnYourFarm #ByYourSide

What is Our Land For? Last week, our Managing Director Paul Christian, joined the South of England Agricultural Society Farming Conference 2024 to discuss this critical question. Hosted by BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today presenter Charlotte Smith, the panel featured experts from across the sector, including: Tom Heap, Writer & Broadcaster; Ben Taylor Managing Director, Iford Estate and Tim Slaney, CEO, South Downs National Park. Each panelist shared their views and expertise and key themes included: *Balancing the competing demands on land: food production, carbon capture, renewable energy, and biodiversity. *The importance of regenerative farming, despite the challenges it presents. * Advocating for food production, with a focus on improving profitability for farmers while safeguarding land for future generations. Paul emphasised the need for clear government policies with macro objectives to support farmers post-CAP. He also highlighted the value of food provenance, the benefits of seasonal eating, and the great strides farmers are making in adopting sustainable practices. His message to policymakers? Stop talking about farmers and start talking to them. Thank you to the South of England Agricultural Society for hosting this important discussion. Together, we can shape a sustainable future for our land.   #FarmingFuture #SustainableAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming

Last week, Sentry was proud to take part in the 11th annual Agri-TechE REAP Conference – a pivotal event in the UK’s agri-tech calendar, with farmers at the centre of key industry conversations. Our Director of Farms, John Barrett, had the honour of opening the conference, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions around the future of agriculture. The keynote session was particularly impactful, led by Elliott Grant, who is known for his pioneering work with Mineral.ai in ‘computational agriculture’ and exploring the transformative potential of AI in farming. His insights spanned practical applications and future possibilities, structured around his ‘SAT’ framework: S – Substitution: AI can take over tasks we do today, like taking minutes or writing reports, freeing up valuable time. A – Augmentation: AI can enhance our current processes, helping us make faster and better decisions. T – Transformation: AI has the potential to redefine our work entirely, as seen with technologies like autonomous vehicles. Reflecting on the day, John concluded, “It was excellent to meet and network with innovators from across the industry, exchanging insights that will help shape a sustainable future. Dr. Grant’s presentation illustrated AI’s transformative impact – his message? AI will not only accelerate agriculture but also inspire entirely new approaches.” Thank you to all involved for another successful REAP Conference. #AgriTech #REAP2024 #FarmingInnovation #AIinAg #Agriculture #SmartFarming #FutureOfFarming #FarmTech

The Government’s Autumn Statement means several significant changes for farming businesses, impacting finances and planning for the future: * Agricultural Property Relief (APR) APR has long helped family-run farms shield land from inheritance tax, protecting against forced asset sales. With recent adjustments, farms affected by APR changes will need to reassess succession plans carefully. *Delinked Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) From 2025, Delinked BPS payments will be capped at £7,200 per business - a significant reduction that will affect income. *Employer NICs Changes in National Insurance Contributions will increase operational costs, putting further pressure on profitability.   Alec Smith, Business Solutions Director at Sentry, emphasises: “Given these changes, it’s essential for farmers to pause and assess how their individual businesses will be affected. In the short term, reviewing financial figures will be crucial, as will exploring additional income sources. Initiatives like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and diversification into non-agricultural revenue streams can provide stability amidst declining subsidies and rising costs. “For longer-term security, now is a critical time to revisit succession plans to ensure a sustainable, multi-generational transition for farming businesses. If you need guidance to work through these adjustments, we are here to help to plan for a secure future.” #Farming #Businessplanning #AutumnStatement #APR #BasicPaymentScheme #NICS  

A big thank you to our neighbours at Growing Places, a community organisation focused on creating activities for adults with disability, for gifting us this pumpkin. Our talented Purchase Ledger Administrator, Kelly, got creative and carved a perfect tractor into it, capturing a bit of our farming spirit for Halloween. With Halloween in full swing and pumpkins from our own farms making their way into homes, in time for Trick or Treating, we hope you have a great time. Do you have a farming-themed pumpkin of your own? We’d love to see it – please share your designs with us. #HappyHalloween #PumpkinSeason #FarmingLife #SentryFarms

We are pleased to share that we have officially joined Water Resources East (WRE) – a cross-sector organisation dedicated to pioneering integrated water management solutions in Eastern England and we are looking forward to our first meeting today. WRE is one of five regional groups established in 2014, tasked by the Government under the National Framework for Water Resources to create a regional water resources plan that looks ahead to 2050 and beyond. As part of this important initiative, we will represent the agricultural sector, ensuring that water management strategies support both regional agriculture and the natural environment. Alec Smith, Business Solutions Director at Sentry, says: "We’re really pleased to join WRE. With the challenges we face in water management, being part of this organisation will allow us to work alongside other sectors to find solutions that support a vibrant regional agricultural industry, alongside other environmental priorities. It's time for collective action, and we’re proud to represent the voice of farmers in this critical conversation."   #WaterResources #Agriculture #Sustainability #Collaboration #WaterManagement #EasternEngland #Farming #WRE #NaturalEnvironment #FuturePlanning 

We're excited to announce a fantastic opportunity to be part of our Business Solutions team. Within this role you’ll manage key clients, assist with grant applications, and offer strategic advice to farming businesses across the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a growing team and take your career to the next level. We are looking for someone who will help us deliver value to farmers, landowners, and Sentry’s own farms across the country. Key Responsibilities: * Work directly with clients, providing agricultural consultancy services * Explore new market opportunities and value-added initiatives * Manage grant applications and support SFI/CSS schemes * Assist with budgeting, soil management, and nutrient planning What We Offer: * Competitive salary & benefits * Career progression and personal development * Hybrid working options * Share ownership opportunities * A supportive, employee-owned company culture Location: Based in Claydon, Suffolk, with opportunities to work across the UK. If you're passionate about agriculture and advisory services, this role is for you. Send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@sentry.co.uk, quoting Rural Business Advisor (Job Ref.90) #JoinOurTeam #CareerInAgriculture #EmployeeOwnership

The Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF) is set to close on November 30, 2024, leaving farming businesses only seven weeks to utilise the free advice available through the fund. Launched in 2021 as part of the UK government's transition to a new agricultural policy framework, the fund supports farmers in adapting to new practices and environmental standards following the UK’s departure from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). We are proud to have worked with farming businesses across the UK to adapt to these changes. Throughout the scheme, we’ve helped clients make informed decisions in three key areas: 1)   Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 (SFI 2024) Navigate the new SFI scheme to unlock payments for sustainable practices, including soil health management and biodiversity enhancements. 2)   CSS Capital Grants Explore capital grants under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) to fund essential farm infrastructure improvements, such as water management and habitat restoration. 3)   Farm Diversification and Added Value Projects Identify new opportunities—be it agri-tourism, farm shops, or renewable energy—to diversify income and build resilience. John Hall, Senior Farm Business Advisor at Sentry, commented: “The fact that the FFRF is closing is a big moment for farming businesses. We really don’t want farmers to miss out on accessing this free expert advice before the fund ends. Whether you need advice on environmental schemes, farm profitability, or long-term planning, we will certainly be able to support your future beyond the FFRF and we would be delighted to talk to anyone who hasn’t yet made the most of fund.” Deadline: The FFRF will close on November 30, 2024 #TheFutureFarmingResilienceFund #FarmingSupport #GrantFunding

World Mental Health Day serves as an important reminder to prioritise our mental well-being—not just today, but every day. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable reaching out when they need help. We have Mental Health First Aiders in our team - trained colleagues who are available to offer guidance, whether it’s just someone to talk to or help in accessing the right support. Within rural and farming communities there are organisations doing amazing work to support and promote mental health and well-being, such as The Farming Community Network and Yana. Together, let’s break the stigma and build a culture of care and support. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthSupport #SupportAtSentry #FCN #Yana