Firstly a team update: Congratulations to Lucy on being appointed as the Dorset County Adviser and thanks for all her hard work in Devon. She has already started her new post.
At the end of June we will welcome Grace Stokes as our new assistant adviser. Grace has been in the NFU for the last two years and I am sure many of you have already met her, or will get the chance to over the summer months.
We had a fantastic week at Devon County Show, starting off by attending the Addington Fund Farm Business awards. We sponsor the Farming Champion category which was won by Trevor Wayborn of the Sheep Show, a very worthy winner.
On Day One we kicked off the day with some beautiful weather which stayed with us for the rest of the week. Across Thursday and Friday morning we were joined by our president Tom Bradshaw for a sparkling strawberries and cream reception.
On Thursday we were delighted to be joined by Vice-president Robyn Munt who hosted an uplands round table and also David Barton and the national livestock team to launch the sheep vision document.
We have some really valuable events coming up in the county before we kick off with the summer shows.
Firstly we have What Does the NFU Do For You, kindly hosted by Devon county and Regional Board Chair David Chugg on 3 July. Our newly appointed Director General Sophie Throup as well all the regional sector board chairs will give you an update on the NFU’s ongoing work for its members.
Next will be our health and safety day on Tuesday 14 July, in collaboration with Devon County Agricultural Association and being held at Westpoint.
We look forward to seeing you over the summer months at the local shows, look out for your branch newsletter to hear more about local activity.