County Update
Politics – This week the leader of the Labour Group for Shropshire, and Labour’s PPC for Shrewsbury, Julia Buckley visited the County Adviser’s own small farm, where rural crime, wildlife control, deer and the activities of Welsh Labour were on the agenda. The NFU is looking to arrange meetings with all PPC’s from all parties if they want to, in advance of hustings events as and when the election is announced.
Shropshire Good Food Partnership – The advisory board, of which the County Adviser is part of, met this week. Main topic on the agenda was their planned Real Food and Farming Conference, which is being held in October at Babbinswood Farm, Oswestry.
Severn Valley Water Management Plan - There is a consultation out at present on this, and the Region’s Policy Manager, Sarah Faulkener, has written a draft response from the NFU. There was a meeting on Thursday with various members, IDB’s and other interested farmers to discuss the response to help Sarah finalise it.
Shropshire Rural Support – SRS are launching a new Text Message service, in partnership with Shout, developed in response to working with members of Shropshire YFC.
North Shropshire Farmers Group – The group is joint organising a Cleaner Air farming Event on 4 June, with Catchment Sensitive farming. There will be various speakers, as well as CSF advisers on hand for discussions about grant opportunities and storage, etc.
Cleaner Air Farming Tickets, Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
Be vigilant of scam callers
The NFU has received reports from members who have been receiving calls that look like they come from NFU Headquarters. The company purports to be selling insulation.
These companies have no relation to the NFU, NFU Cymru or NFU Energy and should be ignored.
Please do not pass on any personal details to these callers.
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.
Farming for Britain's Future: our election manifesto
Our general election manifesto – Farming for Britain's Future – outlines our key asks of the next government to ensure farmers and growers can continue to deliver for the environment, economy and local communities while producing more of the great British food we all enjoy.
We need politicians to work with us so we can fulfil our potential and continue to farm for Britain’s future.
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/
Shropshire RABI have the following events taking place:
- Farm Tour – All About the Cheese! – 16 May 2024 (limited places available)
- Shropshire RABI’s Open Garden, by kind invitation of Mrs Heather Vernon – 2 June 2024
- Eaton Mascott Hall Open Garden – 9 June 2024
- Golf Day – 28 June 2024
For more details about these events, costings and booking requirements visit RABI
Registered Charity No: 208858
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]
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
Charity Clay Shoot
Date
19 June 2024
Venue & Timings
6pm onwards at Brockton Gun Club, Much Wenlock
All proceeds to RABI
For further information and costs please contact Edie Jones on 01694 771258