County Update
Local Nature Recovery Strategy – This week the County Adviser and the Environment Adviser met with representatives from the County Council to discuss their progress with their mapping exercise for LNRS. We made it very clear that there needs to be more engagement with farmers and landowners, and not just with NGO’s over this, as it can only succeed if there is buy in from the farmers.
This mapping is a statutory obligation that the council has to undertake, but we are unsure of what tangible benefits there will be to members and what potential hazards there will be such as planning implications.
We are meeting with them again in July, where we will get first sight of the map.
Shropshire Economic Partnership Board – The Board met on Thursday to discuss the issues such as employment and skills and Business support services. Also on the agenda was the Marches Forward Partnership, a conglomeration of councils that border Shropshire.
Wrekin Constituency – members from the Wrekin Constituency met this week with Mark Pritchard (Conservatives), where they heard about Mr Pritchard’s work as an MP and had the opportunity to ask him questions about policies going forward.
They are meeting the Lib Dem candidate, Anthony Lowe, next week, but are still waiting for a response from the Reform candidate to their invite.
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.
NFU Midlands Younger Member Events
Midlands region will be holding a series of events and farm visits from 6 September, if you would like to register for the first event please visit NFU Midlands younger members' events – NFUonline
English Farmers wanted, to test agroforestry advice in ELM
Considering Implementing Agroforestry on Your Farm? Join the Woodland Trust to test different forms of advice and guidance for Defra.
The aim is to test a range of advice and guidance structures with farmers as you go through the process of designing your own bespoke agroforestry scheme. Payment available as a contribution for your time and support to apply for funding if you want to implement your scheme.
If you are interested in getting involved, please email [email protected] with subject ‘Defra Test and Trial’.
- Details of your farm size
- Location and type of farm
- A brief outline of the type of agroforestry you are interested in
- Summary of your agroforestry experience to date.
- Contact details
We will then contact you to discuss the Test in more detail. The Test is being delivered in partnership with the National Trust and the Organic Research Centre. Third party advice providers will also be commissioned.
Phase 2 activity will start from 1 September 2024.
Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you.
If you’d like to find out more on agroforestry, visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/
Burwarton Show 2024
The Show is a great day out for all the family offering the opportunity to meet and catch up with friends, new and old, in beautiful surroundings.
The showground is packed with things to see and do for all ages.The Livestock area has a wide range of classes for cattle, sheep and pigs and hosts the Shearing competition which is always popular with competitors and spectators.The Horse area offers affiliated and non-affiliated classes for a broad range of equine disciplines including dressage and British Show Jumping.
Other showground attractions to look out for include a large display of vintage tractors and machinery, the majestic heavy horses, the slow-motion Giant Aldabra Tortoises, Knowles Vintage Dairy, locally made ice cream, many trade and retail shopping opportunities and much, much more.
Members can visit the NFU Mutual marquee for a catch up with their group secretary.
Date
1 August 2024
Venue & Timings
8am until 7pm at Burwarton, Bridgnorth, WV16 6QJ
Booking
For more information and to purchase tickets visit Burwarton Show – Burwarton
Oswestry Show 2024
The 137th Oswestry Show will be back bringing together more than 120 trade stands and a large variety of displays and activities to the town, all with the aim of promoting Agriculture and Rural Ideas.
Our main sponsor this year will be JT Hughes Group who are a well-known car dealership covering Shropshire and Mid-Wales. There’s an action-packed schedule of events throughout the day with main ring entertainment from Ollie’s Equestrian Display Team plus many more!
Date
3 August 2024
Venue & Timings
Park Hall, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 4AB – timings tbc
Bookings
Tickets are available to purchase from Oswestry Show
Shrewsbury Group have the following events taking place:
Shrewsbury Flower Show
9 & 10 August 2024
We have been in discussion with Shrewsbury Flower Show about their plans for 2024. You may have seen that we used the opportunity in 2023 to talk about grassland as well as displaying locally produced foods, flowers and wine.
In 2024 we have the chance to present another positive message about farming in the format of a stand or display and your ideas would be welcomed. The Show are also planning a new category of “long borders” (3m x 1m raised beds) which will be judged and can be designed around a theme. There are three themes: 1. Together we are stronger, 2. Food for thought & 3. Blooms restored: Plants & Parking can go together. If you have any ambition to have a go at a long border, then we will be happy to help with costs and arrangements.
For more information please email: [email protected]
Minsterley Show 2024
This year’s main ring attraction is The Knights of Albion one of the UK’s premier jousting teams. With breathtaking jousting displays, original storylines, movie-quality armour and colourful costumes, the Knights of Albion really push out all the stops to make their show something extra special.
Date
17 August 2024
Venue & Timings
Manor Farm, Cruckton, SY5 8PW (The show ground is situated 5 miles Southwest of Shrewsbury on the B4386, Shrewsbury to Westbury Road).
Bookings
For more details and tickets visit Minsterley Show
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
Ludlow & Marches Food & Drink Festival 2024
Experience the ‘original’ food and drink festival. This year they are celebrating 30 years of with a dynamic programme of live cooking demonstrations, fire stage, trails, late sessions, workshops, children’s activities and talks from international chefs, producers and experts alike. Ludlow is synonymous with food and drink excellence, and we showcase the finest produce from the Marches region.
Date
13 – 15 September 2024
Venue & Timings
Ludlow Castle and external locations within the town.
Bookings
For more details and tickets visit Ludlow Food Festival
River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region Grant funding
The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region has launched a £100,000 opportunity for businesses and voluntary groups in the Severn Catchment Area to apply for funds from its Wireless Innovation Grant fund. Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and managed by Shropshire Council, this program is part of a wider £3.75m project which aims to encourage business and organisations to adopt technologies enabled by advanced wireless connectivity.
Grants of up to £5,000 each are available for businesses and organisations in the catchment area, covering Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, to assist in purchasing and installing wireless technologies.
Advanced Wireless Innovation Region | River Severn Partnership