The issue that has dominated conversations with members recently has been the closure of the 2026 SFI application window in under six hours. Many Cheshire members spent time preparing applications only to find the funding had already been allocated before they were able to submit.
If this affected your business, please get in touch with me at: [email protected]. We're continuing to gather examples from members to help demonstrate the impact and strengthen the NFU's case with policymakers both at national and local level.
September was a busy month, with our Cheshire Back British Farming Day at Suttons in Congleton. A big thank you to the Sutton family for being such great hosts. It was great to welcome Cheshire East councillors and Sarah Russell Congleton MP onto the farm to see first-hand the realities of running a modern dairy farm and the diversified businesses. The day sparked some really positive discussions about the challenges facing farming and gave members a valuable opportunity to speak directly with local decision-makers.
We also held the NFU North seasonal poultry marketing meeting jointly with and kindly hosted by Massey Feeds in Holmes Chapel. Seasonal poultry producers received updates on market conditions, feed costs, NFU lobbying activity and this year's #BuyMyTurkey campaign, as well as taking the opportunity to share experiences and catch up fellow turkey producers.
The month ended on a high with the 100th Cheshire Ploughing and Hedge cutting Match at Cholmondeley Castle Estate. It was fantastic to see so many members celebrating this milestone year. As always, it provided a great opportunity to catch up with members and the cottage pie was a hit once again
Political engagement remains so important and I ventured off with our County President Stuart Yarwood over to Manley Village Hall for a meeting with Sarah Pochin MP and local farmers in her constituency. It was a useful opportunity to discuss Reforms proposed agricultural policy and ensure local farmers' views and concerns were fed in directly.
Finally We're looking forward to seeing members at the NFU Cheshire Social on 21 October at The Fox and Hounds, Sproston. There's no formal agenda, no presentations and no speeches, just a chance to get together over a drink, catch up with old friends and meet some new faces. All welcome, making it a great opportunity to put faces to names, chat about what's happening locally and share views on the issues affecting farming. We hope this will be a relaxed and enjoyable evening for everyone who can make it.