Roger Colebrook wanted to increase the quality and value of his grain products and develop new markets. New crop certification regulations meant that his current drying system was inefficient. Surrey Hills LEADER programme was able to fund £27k towards the cost of a new mobile grain dryer and associated equipment. The dryer, pre cleaner, generator and grain holding pit will be used to dry his own grain and hired out to other local farmers. Roger had already secured an agreement with 4 farmers and a local feed mill so extra income was guaranteed.
Not only will the new equipment boost income but it will also bring savings in terms of less penalty claims (for lower quality grain), lower drying costs, higher quality premium payments for grain, lower energy costs and reduced transport costs. It should also ensure a better working environment for workers drying the grain. The investment will bring significant wider benefits as local producers should be able to add value to their own products hence making farm businesses more competitive. On an environmental level it also helps eliminate high fuel consumption associated with transport of grain for drying and with the current inefficient drying system.