Your Hampshire & Isle of Wight county NFU update

Our AGM is changing.
This year, with no elections and the formal business relatively straightforward, we’re going to do things a little differently.

We’ll get the official AGM business out of the way first – reports, accounts and all the things we have to do – but we’re determined that the evening shouldn’t feel like another meeting.

Instead, we’re inviting you to stay on for a screening of the Derek vs Derek Documentary, followed by an open and informal discussion about farming, our industry and where we go from here.

The film follows two farmers with very different approaches to agriculture and land management. It raises some interesting – and sometimes challenging – questions about how we farm, what we produce, the pressures farmers face and what the future might look like. See the trailer here: Derek vs Derek Documentary - First Trailer

And that’s where we want the evening to get interesting.

What do you think?

• What does the future of farming in our area look like?
• What do consumers actually want from farmers?
• How do we balance food production, the environment and a viable farm business?
• And perhaps most importantly – what do younger farmers and the next generation actually want from the NFU?

This isn't intended to be a traditional panel discussion or a lecture. It’s an opportunity to get farmers of all ages in the same room, watch something thought-provoking and then have a proper conversation – preferably with a drink in your hand!

We particularly hope that younger members, partners and those who perhaps don't normally come along to NFU meetings will join us.

So, come along, get the AGM done and dusted, watch a good film, have a drink and tell us what you think.

We look forward to seeing you there. 

We are delighted to welcome our speakers to this year NFU North Hampshire AGM for what promises to be an informative and thought-provoking evening. We look forward to seeing you there, food will be available during the evening.

Chris Padfield, Hawthorns Estate, Gloucestershire

Chris is a highly respected landowner, farmer and rural business leader. Alongside overseeing the farming and commercial enterprises at Hawthorns Estate, he is the Lead Tutor for the prestigious John Edgar Trust Scholarship, helping to mentor and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Chris will share an insight into how the Hawthorns Estate business operates, covering both its farming activities and wider diversification enterprises. Drawing on his extensive experience, he will explain how the farm has evolved over time, how its various business interests complement one another, and the opportunities and challenges involved in managing a modern rural enterprise.

Will Mumford, ASC – AgXeed Farm Bot

We are also pleased to welcome Will Mumford of ASC, UK representative for AgXeed, the autonomous farming platform behind the well-known AgBot. Many members may have seen the technology featured on Clarkson's Farm, where autonomous cultivation and field operations have brought agricultural robotics into the spotlight.

Will will discuss the latest developments in autonomous farming technology and robotics, exploring how systems such as the AgBot are being deployed on farms today, the opportunities they present for improving efficiency, productivity and sustainability, and what the future of AgTech may look like for UK farming businesses.

On Saturday 24th October, South East Hants YFC are holding their annual tractor run raising money for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

The tractor run, is a brilliant spectacle and travels 30 miles through the Meon Valley.  The event grows year on year and last year raised £6000 for Diabetes UK. 

The route can be found here.

To donate to the fundraiser please click here.

In addition, the club is having a raffle - if anyone would like to donate a prize to the raffle please contact club chair, Jack Emery.  [email protected]

The Farm Community Network are holding their annual Farmwell event and panel discussion in December.

This is a social get together with supper.

Please put the date in your diary now - as the FCN have been supportive of NFU events.