County Update
Uplands Forum – The County’s elected rep on the NFU’s Southern Uplands Forum, Carol Griffiths has asked to step down owing to other commitments. At the County Meeting on the 19/03/25, Nominations were sort for a replacement for her. Our County Chair, Kate Mayne nominated Graham Price (seconded by Richard Yates). There being no other nominations, Graham Prices is duly elected as the County’s Upland Rep.
Shadow Ministerial Visit – On Wednesday this week, members who live in the South Shropshire Constituency, met with their MP, Stuart Anderson who brought along the Shadow Farming Minister, Robbie Moore. The hot topic of conversation was thew recent decision by the Government to pause SFI applications, IHT and the proposed Infrastructure and Planning Bill. The meeting was hosted at Corfton Farm by the County’s vice chairman, Stephen Povall.
County Meeting – On Wednesday, we held an emergency County Meeting (Virtual) to discuss the SFP application closure. An update was given by Andrew Williamson as the situation had been discussed at the Crops Board that day.
Future plans for keeping the IHT situation in the forefront were also discussed, and it was agreed that we will reach out to the Chamber of Commerce for their thoughts about their members who may be affected by the BPR element of the budget.
We are also planning a meeting for those members affected by the proposed Vyrnwy Frankton Pylon route. This is planned for the 31st and we will have the NFU’s infrastructure expert, Louise Staples.
East Shropshire Group – The group held its inaugural meeting for Water Abstractors in the area, to explore the option of forming a Water Abstraction Group (WAG). Members present heard from NFU water resources specialist, Mark Betson, Richard Blackwell from Water Resources West and Sarah Faulkner from Faulkner Mayne. Further meetings are planned and any East Shropshire member wishing to be involved should contact Neil Wagstaff.
Mark Pritchard MP - Mr Pritchard has agreed to meet with our County Chairman next week to discuss issues relating farming in the Wrekin Constituency. If you have any points that you would like Kate to raise, please reach out to her or the County Adviser.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Read our advice on how to deal with scam callers.
Ragwort – control & disposal
The NFU is reminding livestock farmers to remain vigilant to the risk of ragwort poisoning. Here's some advice on control and disposal.
Ragwort poses a real risk to animal health, with potentially fatal consequences if it is ingested by horses or livestock, either in its green or dried state. Left unchecked, a ragwort problem is likely to become worse, as the species is highly vigorous. A single specimen can produce up to 150,000 seeds with a germination rate of up to 70%.
For more advice on control and disposal click here
Shropshire RABI Charity Clay Shoot
Date
25 June 2025
Venue & Timings
5pm until 9pm at Brockton Gun Club, Larden Grange Farm, Brockton, Much Wenlock, TF13 6JT