Local branch offices are attending a range of ploughing matches across Berks, Bucks and Oxon, with stands at FFFB, Henley and District and REBBA to name a few, so do drop by and say hello if you are there, your local group secretary team and I would love to catch up.
Newbury Show
This weekend we will be at Newbury Show, one of the largest public facing events of the year. This year we have worked with NFU Mutual Offices across BBO and Wilts as well as your management teams.
Across the weekend we have a range of activities including flour milling, pedal tractors and egg hunts for younger farmers. A range of farm machinery to look round how they work from combines to tractors, and the keynote of our weekend is our live lessons in partnership with Newbury Show in their show theatre and on our stand:
Saturday 19 at 1pm: From Combine to Cake, with Alex Nelms and Mike Wilkins
Sunday 20 at 12noon: How do cows make ice cream?
Alongside this we are joined by members of the BBO and Wilts management teams and being supported by staff and group secretaries from NFU Mutual Hungerford and Reading Offices. It would be great to see you over the weekend!
Not Coffee Morning
On 16 September we held our first Not Coffee Morning at The Farmers Dog pub in partnership with Blenheim Palace and supported by Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce.
Around 50 farmers from across BBO, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire turned out for a cuppa and some great sausage roles provided by the team at the pub.
The idea of these Not Coffee Mornings (coined from the fact that our first venue does not serve coffee) is for farmers and those working in the industry to come together, have a chat and take some time away from the farm if needed, with other farmers.
We will soon be advertising our whole itinerary through to the end of January, so please do keep an eye our for emails on this and remember, there is no need to let us know if you are coming, just drop by and have a cuppa!
MP Meetings
Bucks Show saw some great engagement with local MPs with Emma Reynolds, Sarah Green and Greg Smith all spending time on the NFU stand, alongside local councillors.
Across BBO we have been engaging with all MPs as summer recess is coming along and have farm visits in the diary some of your local MP’s including Clive Jones, Yuan Yang and Tan Dhesi with more to follow. Emails will go to members as details are firmed up.
Your regional NFU team met with six MPs on Back British Farming Day in Parliament as well. As ever, if you’re interested in hosting an MP meeting then do get in touch.
Berks, Bucks and Oxon NFU AGM
Finally, a note for your diaries. The BBO AGM will be held on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at The Oxfordshire Golf Club, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. This year we are joined by NFU President Tom Bradshaw.
To book your place please do drop an email to [email protected]