We are now well and truly into show season and it has been kicked off in style with The Cumberland Show at the weekend.
NFU Carlisle always do a cracking job with their marquee at the show and the atmosphere in there is always great as members drop in throughout the day for a chance to have a cuppa whilst resting their weary feet and maybe even grab a bite to eat. Of course, I must mention the fantastic beef rolls that are served with beef from Carrock Meats in Dalston, and Amy’s Farmhouse Traybakes (from the incredibly talented Amy Hodgson) which are always exceedingly naughty but nice. And not forgetting a thanks to the NFU Carlisle team who do all the prepping, serving, question answering and basically keep it all running like a well-oiled machine.
I was pleased we were able to meet with Carlisle MP Julie Minns on the stand, and our County Vice Chair, Andrew Vaughan (and his first lady Christine), was able to give her a tour of the cattle lines, whilst I was off being interviewed by Val Armstrong on Cumberland’s community radio station, CRFM.
Cumbria Police Rural Crime Conference
Towards the end of May we joined with Cumbria Constabulary to host the Cumbria Police Rural Crime Conference, it was fantastic to see so many people come along to the event and hear from a varied and interesting range of speakers.
The speakers covered everything from the lobbying and policy work the NFU have carried out over the last few years to achieve the fantastic win that has resulted in the amendment to The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act meaning that the police have more enforcement powers, encourages responsible dog ownership and provides justice to farmers if they do fall victim to livestock worrying, to the wins of Cumbria’s fantastic Rural Crime Team, to an insight into the minds of criminals and the links that rural crime often has to serious organised crime gangs.
It wasn’t all crime though as the night was closed by members from Drigg YFC who spoke about their busy year at YFC and their Welly the Heli campaign, raising a whopping £100,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance.
Thanks must go to Sgt Amanda McKirdy for putting together a really fantastic event.
What works for your farm?
Make sure you don’t miss your chance to come along to one of the Cumbria SFI events we have planned over the next couple of weeks.
We will be joined by Abigail Teward, Environment and Land Use Adviser, who will be speaking about the full suite of Environmental Land Management Schemes including Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Capital Grants and the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
These meetings will provide updates on scheme options, eligibility, application processes, plus practical guidance to help farmers maximise opportunities and plan ahead with confidence.
North Cumbria - SFI, ELMs and grant schemes
Tuesday 16 June, 1pm, Lamplugh Village Hall, Lamplugh, Workington, CA14 4SF
Tuesday 16 June, 7.30pm, Low Hesket Village Hall, Southwaite Road, Low Hesket, CA4 0ES
South Cumbria - SFI, ELMs and grant schemes
Thursday 25 June, 1pm, Ulverston Auction Mart Cafe, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, LA12 9AU
Thursday 25 June, 7.30pm (supper at 7pm), Cafe Ambio, Junction 36, Crooklands, LA7 7FP.
To book onto any of these please call 02476 939401 or email [email protected] specifying which meeting you are planning to attend.
And finally…
Don’t forget that the next Let’s Talk Cumbria online meeting is happening on Thursday 9 July, at 7.30pm – this is your opportunity to have a chat with your county board and hear from them what is going on locally, regionally and nationally with the NFU, as well as a chance for you to raise issues that matter the most to you.
And of course, you will see us at a whole load of county shows and farm walks over the summer, please do say hello and take the opportunity to let us know what you'd like us to be doing in our winter programme of events and what speakers you'd like to hear from.
As always, if there is anything I can help with please do let me know.