And just like that the summer holidays are done and dusted, there has been plenty going on at both work and home over the summer, and I must admit I am looking forward to heading back to some routine as we head back towards the shorter and, in theory, cooler days. However with the darker nights, the number of events does start to pick up again, and I hope to see many of you at, at least, one of our meetings over the coming months.
VENUE CHANGE:
I think excitement got the better of me and I got a little ahead of myself last month – our AGM this year is indeed happening on Thursday 19 November at 7.30pm, and we are lucky enough to have NFU President Tom Bradshaw speaking but it will instead be held at Café Ambio, J36 – so make sure to save the date in your diary with the correct venue! There will be a buffer supper from 7pm and speakers will start from 7.30pm, at Café Ambio, J36. An invite will be emailed out to all members in advance of the meeting and booking will be essential as food is being provided.
Slurry Talks
This month’s county forum is taking place at Storth Ltd, Stoneleigh Park, Station Road, Carnforth, LA6 1HR on Thursday 24 September at 7.30pm. Members will have a tour of the facilities and hear about the slurry management machinery that Storth Ltd design and manufacture. Places are strictly limited and so don’t miss your chance to book a place by calling 02476 939401 or emailing [email protected].
Bluetongue update
Bluetongue cases continue to rise both across the country and in the county. You can watch a video from NFU member and livestock farmer, Richard Stanbury, talking about his experience of bluetongue and sharing some valuable advice, as well as all the latest updates and practical guidance on the link below:
Bluetongue (BTV-3) | Latest information, guidance and updates from the NFU – NFUonline
At the start of September NFU South Lakes held a bluetongue meeting that was open to all NFU Cumbria and Northumberland members. We were joined by Bill McKinney from McKinney Vets, and NFU North Livestock Board Chair, and Acting NFU National Livestock Board Chair, Clare Wise discussing how the disease is transmitted, what to do if you suspect it and the importance of vaccination. NFU members can watch the recording of the meeting at the link below:
Meet the NFU North Livestock Board – NFUonline
Farming in Protected Landscapes
Do you farm within the Solway Coast National Landscape? Do you know that farmers and land managers can apply for funding to carry out projects that support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses that make improvements for nature, climate, people and place. The programme blends national, regional and local priorities and devolves decision making to a local panel.
The fund fills gaps which aren’t met by other funding streams out there. The funding can be used for a whole range of projects, including (but definitely not limited to…) creating wetland areas on farm, replacing stiles with gates on public footpaths to promote easier access, restoring kested hedges or conserving historic features on farm. Locally the fund has been used towards construction of The Moo Hall at Blue Dial Farm, a large shed which is free for community groups and organisations to make use of as well as somewhere dry for people to shelter whilst enjoying The Moody Cow’s delicious milkshakes, the funding has also been used to pay for the excavations at Drumburgh Castle – which led to the discovery of a rare, four-course-high section of Hadrian’s Wall and the excavations at High Tarns in Cumbria where the largest Viking Age building to be discovered in Britain was unearthed.
If you’d like to find out more about the fund click the link below:
Farming in Protected Landscapes – Solway Coast National Landscape
Finally, as always, if there is anything I can help with, or you have ideas for an event or would like to host a farm walk please do let me know.