Dear Members,

I hope my message finds you well and that your harvest has been safe and productive. While yields have been lower than many of us would like, I trust field work is progressing well and that you’ve been able to take a well-earned break before we begin the next farming cycle.

We are all acutely aware of the challenges facing grain producers i.e. low prices, reduced yields, the loss of subsidies, and increasing import pressure; these issues affect every one of us. Please be assured that both the Camgrain team and I are working harder than ever to ensure our society continues to deliver value for money and supports you in every possible way. At times like these, the strength of being part of a cooperative really matters - we are in this together. To anyone who hasn’t yet paid their annual storage and handling invoice, prompt payment would be appreciated!

Looking at my own harvest, results have been disappointing against long-term averages but, in the context of such a difficult season, performance has been respectable. Crop quality has been encouraging which helps to offset the yield losses. From the combine seat it was clear that soils with a stronger history of organic matter and heavier ground, generally held up best. Conversely, late-drilled wheat on lighter land, particularly after sugar beet, delivered some of the poorest results I have seen. Fields with drainage issues also struggled after wet drilling conditions. The clear lesson is that ongoing investment in organic manures and drainage continues to pay dividends in resilience.

On a positive note, this year has seen a much lower incidence of ergot. This has allowed the Camgrain team to focus on segregation by quality rather than by ergot levels. Plans are in place for blending to extract as much value as possible from our collective harvest. Once again, our stores are at full capacity, a testament to the continued trust members place in the cooperative.

Our cost-reduction programme also remains a priority. The team are carefully balancing efficiency with effectiveness ensuring that we do not cut corners but, equally, that no unnecessary costs remain. We recognise the reality that farmers cannot afford excess in their operations, and nor can Camgrain.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire Operational team who have, once again, risen to the challenge of harvest. Under Dan Parrott’s leadership, the last 18 months have seen excellent teamwork and commitment, and I am proud of what they have achieved. Also, as harvest draws to a close, thanks to the membership team who have now seamlessly booked and administered almost 10,000 member movements so far this harvest.

I am also delighted to inform members that the Board have agreed to co-opt Henry Reynolds from Reynolds Famers Limited (Northampton) onto the Camgrain Board. Henry has already made a strong contribution to the Marketing Committee, and I look forward to seeing his skills and insights benefit the wider society. As per our society rules, Henry will stand for formal election at this year’s AGM which is due to be held on Tuesday 9^th December 2025.

As Chairman, I am determined to make sure the Board continues to evolve to ensure it is relevant, practical, and rooted in the day-to-day realities of running farming businesses.

Finally, and most importantly, I thank you, the members. Your continued support through these past few years of change has been the driving force for me, the Board, and the Executive team. As a farmer myself, with no diversifications beyond my core business, I know first-hand just how tough the current environment is but, by working together, we strengthen our position and face the future with greater resilience.

We are, truly, in this together. As always, I welcome your feedback and ideas, or if you simply want to talk, please do not hesitate to call.

With thanks and best wishes,

Carl Driver

Chair, Camgrain

Tel: 07774 128074

Email: Carl@driverfarms.co.uk