I’m sure we’re all relieved to have seen some rain over the last few days – although of course I am assuming it has arrived for the whole county, and I know that, in reality, the weather can have changed completely within just a couple of miles. In our corner of Cumbria though we have had some overcast days and, yesterday, a day of steady rainfall, which was very much welcomed by my garden and I imagine made plenty of farmers breathe a sigh of relief.
I was thankful, however, that grey skies stayed away on Saturday for the Dalston Show, it was a scorcher and it was fantastic to see so many farmers out and about, showing off their livestock, or possibly their baking prowess, and having a great day. The show was a busy one, and the NFU Carlisle team did a sterling job of keeping people fed and watered at the NFU tent. A big thank you goes out to Cumbria Dairy Board rep Neil Young, and County Vice Chair Andrew Vaughan who spent time on the stand challenging people to identify seeds and sharing NFU activity packs with some of the younger show goers.
Bluetongue on the rise
In addition to the stresses of drought and risks of wildfire the hot dry weather across the country is also creating favourable conditions for biting midges that spread BTV-3 disease (Bluetongue). The disease is spreading at an alarming rate, with the South West being a particular hotspot for the disease. Clare Wise, NFU Acting Livestock Board Chair, has said:
“This disease can have serious consequences for cattle, sheep and other ruminants, affecting animal health, productivity, movement and trade, while also creating considerable stress and financial pressure for livestock farming businesses.”
Click below to find out more and read about how you can reduce exposure to the disease:
Bluetongue – vaccination best form of defence as concern grows over spread of virus – NFUonline
A Good Night for a Social
Last month was our Health and Safety Summer Social at College Green Farm, Heversham. It was great to see so many members, of all different ages, come along and take part in our “Spot the Risk” farm walk.
Adam Handley had kindly handed over the farm for the evening and set up a number of risks around the farm for people to try and spot, and I think plenty did get spotted, and even some Adam hadn’t set up. It was a really great night and so nice to see so many people getting involved and having a bit of fun as well as taking home some food for thought on how risks on farms are managed, and how easy it is for us to all to not see on our own farms what we would spot in an instant on someone else’s.
We were also lucky enough to be joined by NFU Vice President Robyn Munt who spoke about the importance of farm safety all year round, NFU Farm Safety and Transport Adviser Sarah Stephens, the Cumbria Rural Crime Team, FCN and Scottish Power Electricity North West and the delicious burgers were provided by Alison Thompson Catering.
A Change is Coming
Your Cumbria County board members are really keen to get more people coming along to events, we know that farmers are busy and your time is precious, but we also know that it’s so important to get off the farm and meet up with others – even if it’s just to let off a bit of steam.
So, with this in mind, from next month we are trying something a little different with our quarterly county meetings, we will be focussing more on tours and farm walks across the county – we are starting off with a tour of Storth Ltd at factory on the outskirts of Holme on 24 September. Keep an eye on NFU Cumbria Facebook page for more information.
And finally…
Unbelievably we’re already racing back towards AGM season, this year we are lucky enough to have NFU President Tom Bradshaw speaking so make sure to save Thursday 19 November in your diary – there will be a buffet supper from 7pm and speakers will start from 7.30pm, at Crooklands Hotel. An invite will be emailed out to all members in advance of the meeting and booking will be essential as food is being provided.
And of course, 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.