County Update
A final reminder for those who run businesses that rely on access to water to please join us on Monday 31 March to discuss the establishment of a Water Abstraction Group for the River Wye. In the future abstraction groups could play a crucial role in the management and sustainable allocation of water resources. More information on the meeting and how to book can be found below.
You should have all been sent an invitation to our joint webinar with Herefordshire Rural Hub taking place Wednesday 2 April 1-2pm. We will be discussing some important Government proposals and your feedback will be key to ensuring any land use change delivers for British agriculture, with a focus on food production. More information on this can be found below.
Establishing a formalised Water Abstraction Group for the River Wye
Does your business rely on access to water? Join us for a meeting to discuss the establishment of a formalised Water Abstraction Group for the River Wye.
Water abstraction groups are formed to bring together agricultural abstractors with a common interest in water management. In the future they could play a crucial role in the management and sustainable allocation of water resources.
In the Wye we could face significant reductions in water availability in the future. Abstraction licenses could be removed of severely reduced. What would that mean for your business?
Growers have co-operated locally as an informal Water Abstraction Group for many years. The group would now like to explore developing the group and joining a wider network of WAGs currently being established with assistance from Water Resources West the Regional Water Planning Group.
The meeting will hear from NFU Water Resources Specialist Mark Betson, East Suffolk Water Abstraction Group Representative John Patrick, and Sarah Faulkner representing Water Resources West the Regional Planning Group.
Now is the time to bring local abstracting businesses together to address future challenges related to water resources.
Date
31 March 2025
Venue & Timings
10.30am at YFC Centre, Beech Business Park, Tillington Road, Hereford, HR4 9QJ
Booking
To register for your place(s) please contact sarah@fmagri.co.uk
Grants & Government Land Proposals Webinar
NFU Herefordshire & Herefordshire Rural Hub invite you to a Grants & Government Land Proposals Webinar
Date
2 April 20025
Venue & Timings
1pm until 2pm via Teams.
For more information and to book please click here
The Big Farm Tea Break
Date
24 - 30 March 2025
Spring is the time of year on a farm when it seems everywhere you look there is a job waiting. Lambing, calving and tractor work all add to the pressure, it’s easy to feel there is no time to breathe.
Due to this pressure, we miss out on visits to the local shops, markets, Young Farmers or the pub. Those communities we are part of are still there and keen to always be there for you.
It’s amazing how stopping for a conversation puts everything into perspective for you and people around you.
So, during the Big Farm Tea Break, let’s all come together as a community.
Lynda and Andy wish they could have had the chance to say the right words at the right time. They can’t but you can.
Please share your photos and #Lens Light
No one in the rural community should feel isolated or alone.
Farm for the Future – Royal Countryside Fund
Do you want help navigating agricultural policy changes including help with understanding ELMs and SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive)?
If you’re an owner-occupied or tenant farm in England that received BPS, The Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm for the Future programme is in its final year, offering a last chance for free support which includes a 1-2-1 session with a consultant to talk about your farm.
Its online workshops can be joined from the comfort of your own home via Zoom to help you and your farm business navigate policy changes and become more resilient and sustainable.
To find out more and sign up to the online group, contact Christina Hutchings via email virtual.group@outlook.com or call 07715 353 546 or visit www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/farmforthefuture
Call for Participants: Advancing Fairness in the UK Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Sector – University of Leicester
Are you into fresh fruit and or vegetable cultivation in the UK? University of Leicester are conducting a study on advancing fairness in fresh fruit and vegetable sector and would love to hear from you!
Participation in the study involves farmers who are into the cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK and who are suppliers to large retailers in the UK.
All data collected will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and anonymity based on University of Leicester's guideline and used solely for academic purposes.
To participate or learn more, please Visit https://bit.ly/3L6VQTZ or contact Nike directly through aam77@leicester.ac.uk.
Members support would be invaluable to the success of this research.
Questionnaire for pilot study - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Ip8UzYPUFmq1UG9FIUnzVaHnAQRUG1V/view?usp=sharing
Be vigilant of scam callers
If you receive a call that looks like it is from NFU Headquarters and are unsure then please hang up, do not pass on any personal details.
You can contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 to check if we are doing any calls or promotions.
Cyber Crime
The Midlands NFU held an online member meeting with WMRCCU in autumn 2023, the opportunity to register with them is still available, this is aimed to improve your business’s cyber security.
With membership at the WMRCCU, you will receive regular tips and guidance on how to firm up your business’s cyber security.
Register to become a member (for free) today at www.wmcrc.co.uk/membership