The farming industry, including the NFU's Student and Young Farming Ambassadors, received a warm welcome from more than half a million people as they took to the streets of London for the annual Lord Mayor’s Show, which took place on 9 September.
This year's show was an opportunity to say a huge thank you to the British public for their overwhelming support, at a time when the industry is facing unprecedented challenges.
The overwhelming response from this year's spectators showed the level of recognition the public has for the significant role farmers play in producing the nation’s food, alongside caring for the great British countryside.
A real highlight
The NFU was delighted to support the Worshipful Company of Farmers for another year, alongside Massey Ferguson, Red Tractor and the enthusiastic children and team from Surrey Docks City Farm in the parade.
Taking centre stage was an impressive MF 7370 Beta combine harvester supplied by Massey Ferguson, together with the award-wining MF 8S series tractor.
Reflecting the process of farm to fork, the float clearly demonstrated the connection between the combine and wheat harvested for flour.
As they passed the famous Mansion House, the NFU team engaged the auger on the combine to ‘salute’ the newly appointed Lord Mayor – Alderman Alastair King – before presenting him with a hamper showcasing the best of British produce.
Sharing our message
As well as being heard clearly on the streets, the NFU also took to social media to make sure our message was spread far and wide.
Our Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors shared a poem with a message for Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, as well as a message from NFU Deputy President David Exwood.
On the day, our social media content reached over half a million people across Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood (@DavidatWestons) thanks the public for backing British farmers as we walk with a combine harvester through the streets of London for the Lord Mayor’s Show. #BackBritishFarming pic.twitter.com/8hxaWoNHyf
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) November 9, 2024
Taking farming into the heart of the city
The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the best-known annual events in London as well as one of the longest-established, dating back to the 13th century.
The three-mile-long procession includes 7,000 people, 250 horses, armed forces, charity and community groups, military bands and 133 floats.
Speaking ahead of the parade, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show, bring farming into the heart of the City of London and support the amazing work of the Worshipful Company of Farmers – an organisation that provides inspirational leadership and training for anyone engaged in the agriculture industry.”
Public support comes at a crucial time
In May, the NFU commissioned OnePoll to survey 2,000 adults in England & Wales. Results found that 74% of the public have a favourable view of farmers and growers, recognising how hard they work through rain and shine, to produce food for the nation.
David stressed the importance of public support at this time, saying: “Never has this been more important.
“Farming is facing unprecedented challenges.
“Decades of tightening margins, record inflation, extreme weather and increased production costs, and now the threat to family farms from changes announced in the Budget to Agriculture Property Relief and Business Property Relief.
“Coupled with changes to the National Living Wage and National Insurance, these hard-working people could be pushed out of business, with potentially devastating impacts on our ability to produce food and remain custodians of the countryside.
“The public support we have received has been amazing, with more than 160,000 people signing our campaign to overturn this family farm tax. Saturday’s parade is our chance to say directly to the public a heartfelt thank you for backing British farming.”
Our Student and Young Farmer Ambassador’s are proud to produce your food.
— National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) November 9, 2024
But they have a message to ensure they have a future...
Add your name to stop the family farming tax👉 https://t.co/EtFrjUp3Ci#BackBritishFarming pic.twitter.com/sbsVprlZjS
Showcasing the importance of British farming
NFU Deputy President David Exwood described the The Worshipful Company of Farmers’ involvement in the historic procession with all the various stakeholders as “a wonderful example of how they brilliantly showcase the work of Britain’s farmers and growers”.
Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers Richard Crane said: “The Worshipful Company of Farmers was once again delighted to support the Lord Mayors Show and bring together representatives from the agricultural world, especially all the volunteers, ambassadors and supporters from Surrey Docks Farm, NFU and Red Tractor.
Surrey Docks City Farm Manager Gemma Hooper said: “We are thrilled to have been invited to take part in the Lord Mayor's Show, thanks to our long-standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers. Members of our Youth Committee aged eight up to 25 will be in the parade to proudly represent British farming and raise the profile of London's city farms.”
“Our machinery sponsor this year is Massey Ferguson, which has supplied the huge combine and tractor for the show, to whom we are all very grateful. I hope everyone has a very successful day.”
Proud to support British farming
Lindsay Haddon, Massey Ferguson Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager, said: “As in previous years, we were delighted and honoured to be part of this spectacular event. Massey Ferguson is proud to support these farming organisations and to be a part of the Ambassadors’ journey promoting British food and farming.”
Jim Moseley, CEO, Red Tractor, said: “At Red Tractor, we are proud to partner with farmers who produce food that is safe, traceable, and farmed with care. Participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show is a wonderful opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication of farmers in providing high-quality food for the nation.
“This event allows us to share our story in the heart of the city. Together with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, the NFU, and Surrey Docks City Farm, we’re excited to celebrate the best of British farming.”
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