This month’s update comes hours after I have left the cereals site, with a slight coating of mud from its host farm of Diddly Squat in Chadlington.
Despite the weather in the lead up and some much-needed rainfall on the second day it was a great event and a very busy NFU stand. It was great to see members from all across Berks, Bucks and Oxon over the two days. With lot on stand it was great to see engagement across the board, such as: taking part in the health and safety challenge led by Stuart Head where members worked to identify as many of the farmyard hazards in 30 seconds as possible to win the prized NFU hi viz vest, those members who joined our meeting with Tenant Farm Commissioner Alan Laidlaw discussing issues affecting the tenant farming sector or just joining us on stand to talk about arable policy, SFI announcements or to discuss other pressing concerns, thank you.
At Day One of Cereals, Tom Bradshaw continued to highlight the importance of fertiliser resilience as a key component of farm stability and launched the Fertiliser Resilience Plan focusing on ensuring supply chain security and supporting practical solutions for growers. More details can be found on NFUOnline.
Fertiliser resilience – “We can't keep being collateral damage” – NFUonline
On stand on Day 2 we had two members of our management team who are also part of The Hawkstone Farmers Choir join us, Richard Heady (Deputy Chair) and James Florey (Witney Branch Chair) after performing on the Farmers Weekly stage. A huge congratulations to them and the who choir for their recent success, highlighting how much mental health affects the industry as a whole, and giving us all something to really cheer for.
Away from Chadlington, we have had a busy month engaging with stakeholders and MPs alongside members.
In collaboration with Berks, Bucks and Oxon fire and rescue services we have launched our Farmland safety and wildfire guide. Copies are now making their way out with group secretaries, but if you want to download a copy it can be found HERE
Your county team and group secretaries have attended all three YFC rallies over the last month, which have been a joy to attend, even in the extreme heat we had in Oxfordshire. I was lucky enough to be invited to judge the cooperation class (floats) for Berkshire, to try and bring some impartiality to the proceeds, and hope I succeeded in what was a tight fought content.
Earlier in May we were held another MP roundtable alongside our colleagues at the CLA with Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage), Charlie Maynard MP (Witney) and Alistair Carmichael MP – EFRA Committee Chair. After a farm tour by kind permission of Ed & David Clayton we met with members to discuss key concerns including lack of investment incentives on farm, concerns around planning and the price of fuel and fertiliser. A great meeting and we look forward to welcoming Alastair back later in the year also, so keep an eye on your inboxes for your chance to put questions to him.
And finally,
Last week Tom Bradshaw reported that we have seen 7 deaths in 7 weeks across the industry, a figure that is far too high. While we can all be busy and rushing around, health and safety on farm should be a priority. I did an interview at Cereals for NFUOnline around an accident I had in 2018 where a lapse in concentration resulted in long term injuries for myself, so as the stickers say, do Take 5 to Stay alive.
If you want a refresher or want to upskill your team, invites have gone out for two events later this month. Do take a look and we would love to see you there.