NFU Midlands Future Leaders programme
NFU Midlands Future Leaders programme (formerly NFU Midlands Farming Ambassadors) is our flagship free course designed to bring the best out of Midlands members who want to make a difference in the industry and get more involved in NFU regional and national activity.
You will be given the very best training to help you articulate your ideas and give you confidence to speak up on issues you are passionate about.
When
Autumn 2025 (date to be confirmed)
Where
NFU HQ, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warkwickshire CV8 2TZ.
What you'll be learning
Presentation skills: Renowned trainer Margaret Hartley will give you all the skills you need to present your ideas in a professional, confident way, which will help you and your farm business in meetings and presentations.
Media training or social media training: Your choice! You can spend the afternoon with our in-house press team who will train you to be able to speak to the media and arm you with all the information and tips you’ll need to be a genuine voice for the farming industry.
Or you can be trained to polish up your social media skills on all the major platforms so you’re in the best place to show what amazing work is being done on your farm or in the industry as a whole.
*Please note, the media training element is limited to a few places and is for members who are prepared to go in front of the press to be interviewed when asked by the NFU's press team.
Chairing meetings training: Margaret Hartley will train you on how to chair meetings, keep the agenda running smoothly, how to deal with difficult attendees and a whole host of other top tips.
Lobbying skills: a run through of how to effectively lobby politicians in meetings and on-farm visits, plus the extensive work of the NFU’s Westminster team, with external affairs manager Scott Pepe.
Accommodation & meals
We will have a hotel room booked for those travelling longer distances to Stoneleigh so you don’t have the hassle of having to find accommodation and we’ll be hosting a future leaders’ dinner where you can socialise with your fellow delegates and meet key members of the NFU Midlands team. Lunch, tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided too.
What do I need to bring?
Apart from an overnight bag and a change of clothes, just yourself and your enthusiasm! We will provide all the course material and stationary.
Interested?
Contact your NFU county adviser in the first instance for an application form. Find a contact list here. You will be informed in due course if you have been successful.
Alternatively, call NFU Midlands member communications and engagement adviser James Peck on 07587 037114.
NFU Midlands Next Generation events
We have developed a compelling new programme of events for younger NFU members (20-40-years-old) aimed at being sociable and inspiring as well as having a technical and business focus.
These events will move around the Midlands region and will be advertised here.