Shropshire

County Update

Farming Community Project – The County Adviser met with the Council, along with Shropshire Rural Support and RABI to discuss the ongoing project, involving health checks for farmers at the Markets.  The offer is going to be expanded to include diabetes and cholesterol checks, along with the existing blood pressure checks.  But of course farmers can talk about anything else too.  They are already also attending “the Butty Van”, but would like to attend other events too, so if you can think of other events, maybe where they can meet non livestock farmers too, please let the County Adviser know.

Shropshire Business Leaders – The County Adviser was invited to attend the annual Business Leaders Breakfast, organised by the County Council this week.  It was pleasing to hear farming called the traditional backbone of the County’s economy and that the NFU was the only non Council organisation to be name checked in the whole event. 

Local Nature Recovery Strategy – The County Adviser attend the County’s LNRS Steering group, standing in for our Environment Adviser who could not attend owing to prior commitments.  They are looking at having the strategy ready for just after next year’s local Government elections.

Market Drayton – This week we welcomed a new Group Secretary to the team at Market Drayton.  David Osbourne joins us after re locating from the South West, where he worked for a similar organisation to the NFU Mutual.  Market Drayton and Wem members will be being written to separately.

County AGM

This will take place on 28 November at The Wroxeter Hotel, Wroxeter, Shrewsbury, SY5 6PH from 6.30pm.

For more details and how to book place click here (log in to NFUOnline may be required)

NFU Midlands Younger Member Events

The next Midlands regional event will be on 5 December for more information and to register please click here

Healthy livestock, soils & water – how are they all connected (free)

How small management changes can improve productivity, profitability and farm eco systems.

Hear from:

• Claire Whittle, The Regenerative Vet – about strategies for parasite control that minimise chemical dependence, plus the crucial role of the dung beetle in livestock and soil health.
• Bishop’s Castle Vets – will discuss optimising health and hygiene around lambing time.

Also in attendance will be local farm advisers:

• Helen Oliver – Shropshire Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes adviser
• Denise Latham – Teme Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser

Date

22 November 2024

Venue & Timings

6.15pm for 7pm start at Clun Memorial Hall, Clun, SY7 8NY

No booking is necessary, refreshments will be available.

This event is supported by Shropshire Hills National Landscape and Catchment Sensitive Farming

Branch AGM

Date

20 November 2024

Venue & Timings

7.30pm at the Three Horseshoes, Wheathill

For further information please contact branch on 01584 872416

Branch AGM

Date

26 November 2024

Venue & Timings

7pm until 9pm at Bridgnorth Rugby Club, Edgar Davis Ground, Bandon Lane, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AD

For further information please contact the branch directly on 01746 763198

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

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

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

Join ForFarmers to #Feedyourcareer

For the Future of Farming is ForFarmers’ mission. We work side-by-side with our farmers, we know their businesses, their opportunities and their challenges. We sell feed, but we also provide expert advice. By offering the best feed solutions for each individual business, we ensure a higher return, healthier livestock and improved efficiency.

Timescales:

• October 2024 to December 2024 - Applications 
• January 2025 - Assessment Centres
• February 2025 - Job offers

For more information and how to apply click here

Ludlow Charity Race Day in aid of RABI (chargeable)

Enjoy a fabulous date featuring:

• Champagne reception
• Three course lunch
• An exciting auction
• Full access to thrilling racing

Date

20 March 2025

Venue & Timings

11am at Ludlow Racecourse, SY8 2BT

Cost

£90pp

Booking

To register for your place please click here