County Update
On Tuesday 25 February our NFU Conference takes place in London. For those who are not attending in person the whole conference can be viewed online HERE. The day starts with a political session at 10am, with NFU President Tom Bradshaw and Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed.
Next Friday Herefordshire Food Alliance will be showing a screening of ‘Six Inches of Soil’ at 6pm at The Hub, Peterchurch, HR2 0RT. The film features British farmers discussing the critical top 6" of soil and why the way it is managed going forward is so important. After the film viewing there will be a panel Q&A with farmers and NFU Herefordshire County Adviser, Ali Parker. Tickets are £5 which include a light buffet of Golden Valley produce.
Join us Saturday 8 March for a day at Hereford Racecourse. Tickets are £10 for NFU members and you can buy up to 4 per person. Link to tickets can be found HERE. The discount code NFU0803 should be entered at the checkout stage in the promotional code box.
Impacts of Flooding & Drought
The impacts of flooding and drought on farmers mental health as an evidence gap that needs filling.
Whilst there is evidence in other countries that floods and droughts have an impact on the mental health of the agricultural community, there is a gap in knowledge for the UK. The NFU is promoting this UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) survey on flooding and drought impacts on mental health of farmers in England because the results will fill this important evidence gap and add weight to the NFU’s lobbying on flooding and water resources. The survey, available here, takes 15-20 minutes, is anonymous (unless you decide otherwise) and is open until 28 February 2025
NFU Midlands Younger Member Events
The next Midlands regional event will be on 5 March 2025 for more information and to register please click here
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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
National Shire Horse Show 2025 – NFU Ticket Offer.
Shire horses will be put through their paces over three days of competition in various classes giving horse lovers a unique insight into the gentle giants of the horse world.
A spectacular weekend of family fun including: National Championships, Ridden Shire Horse Classes, Daily Grand Parade, Training and Education Lecture Theatre, Children’s play area including farm animals, Farriery Demonstrations, Access to stables, Agricultural classes.
Date
7 March – 9 March 2025
Venue & Timings
7.30am -6.30pm at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0BD
Booking
Advance tickets only 20% off for members with the code NFU20
Tickets available from https://www.shire-horse.org.uk/show-tickets
Children aged 4 and under are Free
Children aged 12 and under, go Free on Sunday