The NFU is launching a competition to find eight young farmers who will land starring roles representing British farming in the 2018 Lord Mayor’s show and take the Back British Farming message to the streets of the City of London.
The 803rd parade takes place on Saturday 10 November and is featured in a live BBC broadcast. The NFU will be joined by Massey Ferguson to support the Worshipful Company of Farmers in this year’s show. The entry will incorporate a tractor, combine harvester and food with the participants providing the heart and soul of the exhibit.
As an additional prize this year, Massey Ferguson is inviting one of the young farmers on a special trip to Beauvais in Northern France as a guest to tour the factory and enjoy an overnight stay.
NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts said: “It’s always great fun having the young farmers with us at the Lord Mayor’s Show as it provides the perfect platform to engage with the watching crowds and let them know about farming's role in producing their food and looking after the iconic British countryside.
“We are hoping this competition, with the added incentive of a trip to the Massey Ferguson factory in France, will help showcase another group of young farmers who’re all enthusiastic and passionate about what they do – producing the nation’s food.”
Hannah Binns, who was part of the young farmer group last year, said: “For me, participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show as the NFU North West representative was a once in a lifetime experience – after all it’s not every day that you escort a new tractor and combine down the narrow streets of the capital city live on national television.
“A particular highlight was seeing the enthusiasm the British public had for British farmers - from children high-fiving me to grown men taking selfies - and it was fantastic to see the public fully support the campaign and message we were promoting.
“I believe it is vital that we, as the future generation of farmers, open a dialogue with the public about the provenance of their food and the Lord Mayor’s Show is an excellent way to do so. If you are a young farmer who is passionate about the future of our industry then why not apply and get your voice heard - I promise you will not regret it.”
The NFU is asking for nominations for young farmers, aged 18-30, who have made an outstanding contribution to the farming sector and who are passionate about the industry. Please include as much information as possible on why you think your nominee deserves to represent British farming and the wider farming industry at this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show.
Nominations close on Friday 31 August and a shortlist of finalists will be drawn up in early September by a panel of farming experts.
The nomination form can be found here.
- To be considered, all farmer nominees must hold NFU membership. If you're not a member yet, you can join as a Student and Young Farmer for free. Nominees who have been nominated under the Back British Farming supporter category do not need to hold NFU membership.
- Please include as much information as possible on why you think your nominee deserves to represent British farming and the wider farming industry. Nominations close on 31 August and a shortlist of finalists will be drawn up early September by a panel of farming experts.