County Update
Nick Watts had an on-farm visit with head of communications for DEFRA Ashley Winter and the NFU Head of Communication, Sharon Hockley, kindly hosted by Julian & Phil Douthwaite at Townsend Farm a mixed – arable, beef & sheep enterprise all organic. This was a good exercise informally talking about how current government funding schemes work for farmers practically. The positives and all the practical negatives around schemes currently available. (DEFRA Visit pic attached)
Nick hosted a Warwickshire Rural Wildlife & Heritage Crime Strategy meeting at HQ. This meeting involved – PCC, Trading standards, wildlife crime officer, Warwickshire Police, National Rural crime chief – Andrew Huddleston), County council & district council, Harper Adams (Analytics). This was a well-structured meeting run by the PCC team and highlighted how much work there is to do and where all these separate entities could improve by collaborating further. This will all help our membership increasing confidence in reporting crime and crime prevention. Photo attached (Rural Crime workshop)
We attended the recent Warwickshire’s Finest Livestock event on a gloriously sunny Sunday. This was very well attended by local cattle and sheep farmers showing off their prized livestock. There was a good footfall of general public so really good for engaging with families and children and the activity booklets and bags and pens/pencils went down really well. In conclusion this was a good PR event and essential to support the event. The trade stands were sold out with a multitude of representatives from food, arts & crafts, and agricultural machinery on display. All in all, a really good event. Photos attached
Nick held a further meeting with the current PCC off the back of the County strategy meeting to push home the county needs from a member’s perspective. There will be an opportunity for a full consultation to help properly define the plan for the full term of 3 years. Further information on this consultation will be made known to members in due course.
Further work on the project of rural digital connectivity has been completed and I will be approaching members to take part in some trials to demonstrate the need to find a solution for those worst affected by the lack of internet connectivity and speed.
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
NFU Midlands Future Leaders Course
Formerly NFU Midlands Farming Ambassadors, this flagship free course is designed to bring the best out of Midlands members who want to make a difference in the industry. Held over one and a half days on 15 & 16 October at NFU HQ
To find out more visit (logging into NFU online will be required)
Deadline for applications closes the 2 September.
Farm Assurance Review survey
The Independent Commission wants to hear your views – complete the UK Farm Assurance Review survey by Saturday 31 August 2024 to have your say. We have received the following information from the Independent Commission. This is separate from the individual surveys carried out on NFUOnline and in the regional farm assurance meetings earlier this year, the results of which will be used to feed into the NFU’s response to the farm assurance review.
This survey is part of a comprehensive independent evaluation of the UK’s farm assurance schemes being conducted by the Commissioners of the recently launched UK Farm Assurance Review. The project is focused on re-purposing UK farm assurance for a post-Brexit world.
This should take no longer than 10 – 15 minutes to complete, for details regarding the survey and supporting partners for the Commissioners please click here.
For further info on the review including FAQs visit
This survey will close on 31 August 2024.
Your thoughts on a Nature Recovery Strategy for Warwickshire
The Government has asked Warwickshire County Council to prepare a Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This strategy is to be produced by taking the views from all those that benefit from or impact on nature. That is every business, every organisation and every resident.
Through a detailed habitat mapping initiative across Warwickshire, they have identified existing valuable ecological areas and locations with potential for biodiversity enhancement.
To view the maps and take the survey visit
Survey closes on 29 Sep 2024
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
Staying safe this harvest
As the hum of combines start for harvest the NFU is continuing to keep health & safety at the forefront of members’ minds, reminding growers of simple but effective ways they can stay safe this summer as more agricultural vehicles take to the road and fields. For best advice to keep you safe and legal visit
#YourHarvest campaign
This is a celebration of the work that arable farmers do at harvest time and the work which has gone into producing crops throughout the year. The 2024 campaign focuses on:
- Wet weather through winter and the impacts that this has had on harvest.
- The supply chain and how the produce goes from field to fork.
- Incorporating relevant sector and manifesto asks.
Members can get involved by using the #YourHarvest on social media platforms or contacting [email protected] to share stories.
Dry weather advice
NFU HQ policy advisers have pulled together practical advice on a number of areas affected by ongoing dry weather conditions.
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
Lamb production, husbandry and management methods – take the NFU survey
NFU is seeking members’ participation in a short survey on the lamb production and husbandry and management methods.
This will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of practices within the sector and the necessary information and data to highlight the detrimental impact of introducing restrictions on these routine management procedures.
To take the survey visit
The deadline for the survey is 26 September 2024. NFU members will need to be logged in to take part.
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.
FREE Health & Wellbeing Clinics
Warwickshire Rural Hub organises free farmer health and welfare events at Rugby Farmers’ Mart café attended by Parish Nursing Ministries, Vital Massage, Farming Community Network and RABI, plus other health charities.
Remaining dates for 2024 are:
- 12 August
- 7 October
- 2 December
Read more on the Rural Hub website or contact Jane on [email protected] These events are grant-funded by a local charitable trust for 2024.
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
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
Warwickshire Police - Operation Recall
This is a national initiative with the Police, National Rural Crime Unit, NFU, National Sheep Association, CLA, Nature Watch Foundation and RSPCA, who have come together to raise awareness with regards to livestock worrying.
The aim is to drastically reduce the number of incidents where animals suffer, whether that’s injured livestock, wildlife or dogs killed as a consequence.
For more information contact [email protected] or visit Warwickshire Rural Watch – Closing the gate on rural crime
Forest of Arden Ploughing Match
Date
15 September 2024
Venue & Timings
Time to be confirmed at Station Field, The Slough, Studley, B80 7EN what3words: dame.wants.cook
Bookings
For more information, please contact Sharon Barnes on 07967 980910 or email [email protected]
Warwickshire RABI
Date
6 October 2024
Venue & Timings
2pm – 5pm – Teas at Wren Hall, Wroxall, CV35 7NF
For further information contact RABI on 01865 724 931 or email [email protected]
NFU Quiz in aid of RABI/FCN
Date
17 October 2024
Venue & Timings
7pm for a 7.30pm prompt start at NFU HQ, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, CV8 2TZ
Costs
Teams of 4 – 6 at £10pp including Food Platters.
Bring your own drink.
Bookings
For more information please contact Nick Watts, Warwickshire NFU County Adviser at [email protected]
Harvest Service & Afternoon Tea in aid of RABI
RABI welcome you to connect with and support the farming community while giving thanks for the abundance of the harvest.
Date
20 October 2024
Venue & Timings
2.30pm at St Michaels Church, Church Lane, Budbrook, CV35 8QL.
Cost
Entry is £10pp to include afternoon tea to be served at St. Michael's Church Centre.
Bookings
For more information, please contact Helen Moore on 07544 888976 or email [email protected]
Warwickshire RABI Tractor Run
The route will last around 1.5 – 2 hours and will take you through the lovely Warwickshire countryside.
A raffle will be drawn, any donations are gratefully received.
Date
27 October 2024
Venue & Timings
Please arrive by 10am for coffee & biscuits – at Budbrooke Farm, Woodway, Budbrooke, CV35 8QJ by kind permission of Bob Shelswell & Helen Moore.
Cost
Entry is £10pp including refreshments.
Booking
Please RSVP by 20 October 2024 to Richard Morton on 01926 494690 or 07483 846122
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
Hedgerow management rules: new legislation update
New legislation, (the Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024), has come into force, meaning that continued baseline hedgerow management practices will remain in place. This follows draft legislation which was published on 16 April 2024 and which passed through both relevant Houses of Parliament committees in May. The new rules will provide a consistent approach across all people operating on agricultural land. This includes:
- A 2-metre buffer strip, measured from the centre of a hedgerow, where a green cover must be established and maintained. Also, no cultivation or the application of pesticides or fertilisers should take place within this buffer strip.
- A hedgerow cutting ban from 1 March – 31 August (inclusive).
These practices will be subject to exemptions and derogations which are set out in the legislation and rules for farmers. The new legislation broadly mirrors the previous approach under cross compliance, but it is critical to carefully consider the guidance in place.