Farm update 326 Heavy rain leads to flooded fields returning, we highlight EA shortcomings, again.

[@kevinharker1840]

Finally!!! are farmers starting to see past the bloody tories.. REFORM REFORM REFORM !!

[@StephenGraves-ms7zl]

Thanks for coming down to Essex to see us. We had a great evening. Thanks also for stepping up and speaking out on farmers behalf. You are not afraid to stand up for our industry, and you come across with such confidence. And thanks for giving Steeple Bumpstead Agricultural Discussion Society some welcome publicity.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

A pleasure Stephen, enjoyed it. Great to meet you. Can you spread the word about the supermarket thing this Friday please and try to make sure a few step up and take the lead and be in charge of organising each town. Thank you.

[@andykeeble1]

Brilliant update Wardy. Like many, I am appalled at the current flooding around the UK. I used to live in a small village in Leicestershire and worked on a farm near there and the flooding was featured on the national news. I am sick of hearing about global warming being the main reason for these floods. Yes I am quite aware that we now get more rain but successive governments have done nothing to prepare for this increased rain. Builders continue to get planning to build on floods plains, more and more farmland is going under concrete and no measures have ever been put in place to compensate for the loss of natural drainage. With the completely inept Environment Agency seemingly too feeble to deal with blocked rivers and drains we now have the perfect storm. There is no quick fix to this but ignoring it is not an option but surely there is someone in the Liebour government who could step up to the challenge. If not we will see repeats of the recent flooding on a more frequent basis.

[@Ady_Rickell]

Great update. So sorry to see Henry is still having a rough time. A year on and river banks still to be repaired from the floods last year and now more flooding when will it end. Something needs to drastically change.

[@Nicknofish]

Great update, Andrew, but also very sad for you farmers. I watched a sluice being modified to stop a new cut from backing up when the local river was in flood. Yep, you guessed it. The flood water went around it! Cheers from down here in somerset.

[@georgehay5929]

Another great video, Andrew. It is very informative and good to listen to.

[@markyoull6744]

great update andrew hopefull she becomes mayor for you

[@MalcolmGreves]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who considers the EA as not fit for purpose! Heartfelt sentiments expressed there - well done Andrew

[@willyfindlay4398]

Oh the dangers of being on your phone on your own land and driving into your own van. Well done for owning up. 😊😅😊

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

😂😂🤦‍♂️

[@shirleydrury5565]

The E.A want a rocket up there AXX it’s disgraceful😢 Thanks Andrew for upload all the best👍👍

[@Hesston4860s]

Our river was at the highest it’s ever been at 2.84 meters, the water still runs though the bank and down the road. Every year it gets worse and I’m fully expecting it to breech one of these times, if “more when” I’ll be flooded out as will many others !.

[@dominicrobertson5885]

I like the Reform Party lady. At last someone talking sense. I hope she wins in the May election

[@johnhyde8892]

Hi Andrew it's a must to clean water out, as it the only way. And yes the EA got to be scraped, as it not fit for purpose. I also think sfi should be a option available to farmers, to clean rivers and ditches out as farmers have equipment or contractors already.

[@bobcrawford2105]

Heart breaking to see productive farm land under water E A should be made to pay compensation to farmers for damage / loss of cropping

[@jonstephens682]

Brilliant update again Andrew. Bet it was amazing to stand there and watch the red arrows for a bit there pretty impressive, that’s a good 3 things for her to look at and hopefully she will. The EA are absolutely disgraceful and I’m glad you keeping on about it. 😊

[@peterwilson-qj2ds]

Another good update Andrew, Andrea seems to be just what is wanted 100% agree with her about time we have someone supporting the farmers. E A should be disbanded , they haven't got a clue a complete waste of time.

[@johnwarwick4105]

IDB needs to take over in the areas that they operate in. On the whole they understand how to maintain drainage

[@gunton21]

Great update, yes so frustrating the drains ect were cleaned round our area, ie main roads and country lanes last July!! Never seen flooding so bad around us since 2007. 😊

[@jasonsmith5487]

Great update Andrew I bet poor Ruben loves you keep reminding him about his combine mishap 😜 hear in mid Norfolk we've escaped the worst of the rain. I feel sorry for you all which are flooded again.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

😂😂😂

[@petergarthwaite6805]

Thanks for the update I think you should be PM ! Loved the shots of Red Arrows 😊

[@neilthreadgold1090]

My entire farm in Essex is below sea level and is home to 2 sluices (sea flaps) that let water out during low tide. Just before Christmas I spoke to the EA sluice man as he drove through the farmyard. He told me that in the last 6 months all he had done was take pictures. He explained that he wasn't allowed to work on the items as the mud was a unsafe surface, the sea side sluice counted as a confined space and access ladders have not been tested so can't be use, not to mention he's a lone worker so that's a whole other problem. I really don't know where it all ends.

[@michaelshakeshaft9815]

Hi Andrew another good up date . We are in the same boat here in Shropshire fields and crops under water nothing being done by the EA a lot of crop is going to be lost again this year after the hours we have put in to get into the ground.

[@PhilFowler-Jones]

Interesting update again. I used to love seeing the Red Arrows training when I lived at Nettleham

[@robertirving5293]

What nice video as all way's any it's. It's about time clean the river Trent out they will be lots of silt in there bye along. When they clean out take it to the sand Quarry back in the 80's and 90's see them all the time. That way lot's farmer's under water and houses as well.

[@RICHIE87622]

Like david jones said on joe seels video the other day! (enviro-MENTAL)!! Thanks Andrew.

[@ryanevans3260]

Great to see the Red Arrows on this week's update. They are doing their training at this time of year so it's normal to see them fly with fewer than nine aircraft. I believe they have already flown as a 9 before Christmas which seems earlier than usual so the pilots that joined the team this year must be getting on well! Hopefully I'll be well enough to go and watch them display at airshows later in the year as I have been stuck at home unable to travel by car since June with lower back problems which has resulted in it being very painful for me to sit down.

[@chriswarren9911]

Funny you mention Steeple Bumpstead. Used to live just outside the village (kids went to school there), but now live in Brant Broughton!

[@adrianlayen4119]

Evening Andrew, great update. I can only Imagine how frustrating it is with the flood water. My question is, when the NRA became the EA, what happened to those people who knew the benefits of keeping waterways clear. Or, where are the policies and procedures to do that. What about their duties to keep waterways clear. Like another comment says, change the EA back to the NRA but will it not be the same people running it. On a positive, I watched PX farms midweek update, great to see you with James. I would love to see you , James and Michael do a video of crops and field work. Thanks Andrew, looking forward to Sundays update.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

The 3 of us would be a fight to see who could get a word in!!! We’ll try to set it up, it would be fun.

[@charlespaynter8987]

Spot on Andrew

[@Greg-k4j]

Lincolnshire sits quite low, akin to The Netherlands. Are there any available old maps highlighting natural flooding areas..

[@Christian-g8e]

Great video Andrew why do we pay the drainage rates every year when the work is not been done

[@nicklewis1475]

The EA all have their pensions tied up in the water companies, why is nothing done!!?? It doesn't fill you with confidence, when the perspective political candidate turns up for a "farm visit" doesn't even think to bring some wellies?? Come on, think a little.. Great, informative video as always sir 😊

[@George-l5h1t]

Maybe someone backed into the ninth red arrow with their combine !!

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

😂😂😂

[@jcdeeley1]

The countryside has been left to burn by successive governments. Absolute disgrace.

[@Gearoid35]

Good update, that's some water

[@KevAshworth]

Good update Andrew! Where i live water is standing on fields where ot as neved stood ,alot of drainage was but with the help of grant's in the 70s ! Do you think they have lost some efficiency over the years?

[@penningtoncolin]

The environment agency arnt fit for purpose, let's see if they fix the Bridgewater canal breach which will cost millions to repair for no purpose spend money on dredging rivers, I agree with everything you say and net zero is absolute bullshit Angela talked so much sence what s breath of fresh air when will people see that net zero is absolute rubbish, dredge the bloody rivers let farmers produce our food ,not grow bloody wild flowers and bird feed ,it's crazy then we import poor quality food costing millions in fuel and carbon emissions why cant the government see this

[@jamesparker4631]

Did they open the gates into the flood plan just after Henry farm or are still closed like last year?

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

Open now.

[@robertwilson93]

I just can't understand why the river is so high,why the hell haven't opened the lock gates at Boston to relieve the backups.

[@Hesston4860s]

I believe they can no longer open the lock on the grand slice like they used too, as the Boston barrier is to narrow to deal with the flow if the lock is opened !.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

Will reply at start of Sundays update.

[@AdrianCalcagnile]

Iam afraid Andrew this is sad but the environment agency they do nothing the rivers are so, silted up they won’t de silt the rivers, them days are gone were rivers were managed this is not global warming it’s bad management but don’t, look to this government as you know they are out to destroy the rural countryside it’s , a deep shame.

[@robdavis5711]

So sorry for Henry. Unfair. EA are criminally incompetent but also disinterested.

[@oakhillorchard]

Great video Andrew. Thank you and I tend to share your views. Out of curiosity, has the EA explained in detail why dredging the river would have no effect? If so, would you share it? It would be interesting to hear a statement from the EA.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

I could t make head nor tail of their explanation, it didn’t make sense,

[@robdavis5711]

The EA decommissioned the Black Sluice pumping station in Boston in 2014. The Black Sluice IDB protested then, and again during storms Babet and Henk, disputing EA ‘computer modelling’ which the EA cited to claim shutting down the pumps would have no impact on land drainage. On Tuesday someone I know who lives next to the waterway in question was woken up by their young daughter who got up in the middle of the night, stating that their bathroom was ‘making a funny noise.’ Just five minutes later their house was under a foot of water, leaving just moments to rescue their kitten and their wedding photos. The South 40ft had overtopped, flooding a number of local homes and now the family can’t live in their home until it has been remedied, which could take six months. The EA were, at best, wrong in their assessment. At worst, their incompetence has rendered this family homeless for six months and has ruined their home.

[@paulireland4553]

Totally agree with these comments. In 2017 there was a “consultation in Helpringham village hall with EA regarding the decommissioning of the pumps on the South Forty Foot drain outlet in Boston where most attendees told them it was essential to have the backup of the pumps. I have land on North Fen Helpringham that was flooded in October 2023, January 24 and again this week which has rarely flooded before (2012 the only other time I recall). Flooding caused by Helpringham Eau overtopping which is flowing directly into the Forty Foot so takes its level from it. I have 20 acres flooded but with neighbours land it has flooded approximately 200 acres in the fen. Pressure must be put on the relevant authorities to provide the option of pumping water at the Black Sluice pumping station or these fields will have to be taken out of food production and put into SFI as Henry has done. I hope that the increasing risk of flooding from the Forty Foot drain may be addressed as a matter of urgency . The authorities may not consider agriculture is worth protecting but all the electricity infrastructure on the Bicker side of the drain may be regarded as being of value, so this may influence some investment.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

I’m aware of the s 40’ issues and i always mention it when i talk about sorting Boston out. Victoria Atkin’s and Robbie Moore are very active with flooding and calling out the EA and I’ve sent them both your message. We’ll keep fighting this.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

Thanks Rob. I’ll use your message.

[@paulireland4553]

Thanks for your reply Andrew. A group of farmers affected by the flooding are waiting for a date for a site meeting with our new MP Gareth Davies which is planned for January. Also 3 senior local EA people have agreed to meet with us during the next 2 weeks. Let’s see where this goes

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

Would I be able to attend?

[@stephenwatlow4830]

Absolutely disgraceful, but I am afraid if the EA was disbanded there would be someone who would just put the current EA people in charge of NRA, its the current people need a kick up the a××e, and made to sort themselves out, great respect for you, but to much money wasted by people in charge, department name change but people in charge stay the same,

[@shirleydrury5565]

Well said my friend I agree👍👍

[@BillyCollins-r5t]

Would be interesting to get a boat on the rivers in summer and plot the depth to find out how much they have silted up. As they say “ in the past men in overalls made Britain great, now men in suits are ruining it”

[@Hesston4860s]

@BillyCollins-r5tthe river Skirth was reported to need at least a meter of silt taking out and that was 10 years ago, the EA do weed cut it every year but there blades won’t go rusty in a hurry as the bucket rarely touches the water. The weed banks at both bridges in Billinghay are absolutely atrocious they span 12-15 feet out from where the toe of the bank should be !.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

@BillyCollins-r5t will do that.

[@trevorsidley7697]

EA just like rest of government really don't work. I see you are coming to Kent on 22nd, i got an invite but am pre booked. Hope the trains work OK this time.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

That’s a shame, yes, I could do without being delayed!

[@jimwadland7728]

I think your wishes for the nra to be reinstated and foreign food products to our standards is optimistic, you would have more luck if you’d asked Santa!

[@robhardingham6770]

Oh dear, It doesn't take Einstein to work out that the river overtopping or seeping through the bank will create a bigger problem the longer it is left. The wash will weaken the banks, we know the rest... I can hear the official response "..sacrifices must be made...."

[@EddieRedX5]

Great Update Andrew I think Andrea will make a brilliant Mayor It must be heart breaking seeing all your land flood like that I thought it was bad round are way buts it nothing to what you’ve to put up with The EA want a rocket up there As-se theve no idea the loss incurred last year was bad enough but to carry on to this year that’s no joke once land get flooded it’s never the same It’s great that people like you and some of your. Friends are trying to get through to the EA that there going to have to do something about it Andrew great video full of content and a pleasure to watch

[@philipedwards8492]

Great Video Andrew, lots of interesting info, the EA ? Disband now ! Bit gutting, reversing into your own vehicle, I know what that’s like, happened to me recently 😂 Fitted a camera since. Are we importing wood pellets from Canada ? and that’s green !!!🤔 Henry,s comment,s at the end tell you how fed up he is, for Gods sake EA ! how do you sleep at night!

[@brettconnors249]

Pellet fired power station costs us 1 Billion pounds a year in subsidies, and their profit margin is 958 million a year

[@paulmoore8520]

And this is a dry winter 😱

[@penningtoncolin]

It's always dad that causes damage 😂

[@Shaunalexander.99]

Why is it taking so long to repair your Manitou Andrew ??. Wasn't it a hydraulic pipe burst ??.

[@ianmckay1780]

The repair isn't as easy as you would think. It's a fixed metal pipe in the boom so that all has to be dismantled, inspected, parts ordered, then repaired and any other remedial action taken, then the boom re built, tested remedial action again if needed, then tested again, then washed, then it will be sent back to Andrew!

[@Rob-zx8lm]

Unbelievable incompetence. It's all about the wild life and farmers can whistle.

[@chrisnichols5208]

Lots of flooding in Leicestershire in fact the barrow on soar/quorn area worse than ever but still the building of houses carry on in the area in vast numbers the floods appear quickly when we have a days rain More houses warehouses just keep getting the nod from the planning department of local councils regardless of the outcome wether it’s a flood plane or not unfortunately this is the result of poor service from environmental agencies local councils who simply have no idea of what they are doing kind regards the retired farmer

[@KevAshworth]

Andrew i see there are plans for a massive solar farm around leadenham ,what is your view on this ?

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

I’ll answer at the start of Sundays waffle

[@julianchambers8372]

Heart breaking mate.

[@voxxag8054]

Could you(NFU) negotiate with EA for farmers coop to clean out the rivers that run through farm land. I know they’re against dredging of rivers but there surely has to be some middle ground at some point!

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

You’d of thought so but not with the EA!

[@simonsturrock1327]

Can you get all the townies that were flooded near you to join you in a campaign against EA ?

[@pseggons9512]

"Nuts Zero". At last someone with a grip on reality. I could not agree more with Andrea Jenkins. The carbon calculations are SO convoluted to make the Government case they become meaningless. The only way to be truly Net Zero is not to have existed. They pick and choose what to include and at what stage in a commodities life cycle the calculations commence. It has baffled me for sometime why there is this head long and often blinkered rush to an unachievable goal. Yes we are affecting the weather systems and things have to improve. Is this the only way ?

[@kevinharker1840]

The climate is changing because that's what the climate does, everytime a volcano blows it's top it spews 10s of thousands of tons of crap into the atmosphere so what are the poxy labour government going to do about that... employ Arla to stop it farting!!

[@nwhitten7306]

Majority of livestock farms are carbon neutral or thereabouts the powers that be won't admit it they want the farmers to reduce their footprint to compensate other more polluting industries!

[@jonwright7394]

The EA is a disgrace, we have gone too far down the environment comes first (or leave it alone). Everyone who has ever had a garden knows that management of land is essential otherwise it becomes wild and useless. Good to see the Red Arrows, they should be a 9-ship this year which is great to see.

[@PeterWard-gq5xv]

The EA and river authority need to listen to farmers that looked after land for centuries and knows what they talking about government to it's all about fat cats getting richer

[@Supersonic73]

When you buy a fishing licence, the EA says the fee goes towards maintaining the rivers😂😂😂

[@philipedwards8492]

They cannot be serious 😮

[@roberthiggins6401]

So sorry for Henry. EA Enything but Attention! If it makes no difference then there is no point to the EA. Take back the power one and all with hold what tax you can and tell them no until things change, including weather mod.. See dane Wigginton.

[@brettconnors249]

Everything but ACTION

[@paulbuckberry7683]

Andrew is it not the case that if the EA was disbanded the same idiots would end up working for the River Authorities?

[@lesleydumigan1308]

Yes not fit for purpose, bring on public health putting lives at risk

[@NigelSneath]

Hello Andrew , do you think that a lot of todays issues with the agricultural world go back to the labour of the late 90 / early 00’s decisions to abolish MAFF /NRA and create the absurdities that are Defra and EA . The new Labour politicians of that date were totally ignorant of the farming world and it has carried on with the ones , from a retired Lincoln farm manager.

[@michaelshakeshaft9815]

yes l total agree with you on what you say sir

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

Will reply at start of Sundays video

[@wyndhamhewlett8223]

As a Somerset dairy farmer I'd like your views on geo engineering, weather manipulation or the HAARP project?

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

I don’t know enough about it to comment

[@derek6579]

Flooding in east with broken staunches on the Ouse ( and other river systems) not even being granted money by the treasury until October 2025!! Even then money not guaranteed. Back to the Middle Ages! Disgraceful!

[@davidchalmers4969]

Interesting video again Andrew. You are in a right mess in your area, however i didnt hear you mention that Labour has finally paid out the flood compensation cash, after adding £10m to the pot. I'd like youto have told AJ that Brexit has been a disaster for the ag sector, especially in England. It is having a large negative impact on farm incomes in England right now. Reform are not the answer for the industry, or country.

[@MichaelSloyan-t8r]

No doubt Reform will sort out the flooding within months, as a viewer from the Republic of Ireland I'm interested to see reform politicians wheeled out to discuss agriculture, business etc when their BREXIT project surely has added to Britian's economic problems or am I totally mistaken

[@ginggur17]

EA should be ashamed!

[@chrismarshall45]

Reform have some great ideas and generally talk sense ; but they will never be able form a government in our lifetime. Just to small a party

[@brettconnors249]

Ok we will just carry on then, and continue to decline or be over run

[@kevinharker1840]

No they won't, not with people like you in the world Chris, you carry on voting for the Tories, they got us into the mess we're in, farmers have voted conservative since the beginning of time and all they ever got was a kick in the bollocks, time for Reform.

[@WardysWaffleAndrewWard]

I will admit, part of the reason we’re in this mess is because side the Tories were so bad and everyone got fed up with them. They did nothing to stop the boats, nothing to stop inferior imports, nothing to stop the 🇬🇧 being used on imported food, didn’t spend £358m which was destined for ag, the list is endless.

[@thelambshed6875]

Yet again I ask for the Lazy EA to be disbanded

[@sundance4980]

just goes to show should not of been on the phone

[@johnjames2704]

You would do a lot worse than Andrea 👍