Many of you may already know me from my time with the Kent Police Rural Task Force. Having recently hung up my handcuffs after a 23-year policing career, I am delighted to have joined the NFU as assistant county adviser for Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
During my time in policing, I spent 13 years working within specialist rural crime teams, supporting farmers, landowners and rural communities across the countryside. I was fortunate to gain national recognition for my work on Operation Galileo, the UK's national operation targeting poaching and hare coursing.
Throughout my career, I worked closely with the farming community to tackle issues that have a real impact on rural businesses, including poaching, hare coursing, plant theft and other forms of rural crime. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the challenges facing farmers and the wider rural economy.
Having worked alongside rural communities for many years, I understand the importance of ensuring that farmers' voices are heard and represented. I am passionate about supporting members across Kent, Sussex and Surrey and helping to address the issues that matter most to them.
I am looking forward to meeting members over the coming months, hearing about the opportunities and challenges facing your businesses, and working together to champion British farming and the countryside.
NFU training opportunities
The NFU continues to offer a range of training courses to help members stay compliant and up to date with industry requirements.
On 27 October we’ve arranged two courses at Plumpton College, one covering the welfare of animals in transport (WATO) and the other the level 2 award in rodent management. The latter is a legal requirement for anyone purchasing or applying rodenticides professionally
County AGM
This is a breakfast meeting on 5 November at Kent Showground, with NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Click here for details and how to register.
Rural crime
As the evenings draw in members are being urged to review their farm security arrangements. Reports of poaching and hare coursing continue to be a concern across the county with criminals often targeting isolated rural locations under the cover of darkness. Remember poaching and hare coursing is a crime in progress. Report it on 999 quoting Op Galileo.
Now is a good time to assess potential vulnerabilities around your farm. Consider blocking unnecessary access points to fields, checking gates and barriers are secure, and ensuring any suspicious activity is reported promptly.
Members are also encouraged to take practical steps to reduce the risk of theft by removing GPS units from tractors when not in use, storing ATVs and quad bikes out of sight in secure buildings.
Rural Network for Kent
This has been initiated following Alan Clifton-Holt's ask at the August meeting of the Rural Police Board. It will link together key stakeholders from across the county to improve communication and collaboration. Those partners involved include Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue, EA, Kent County Council and the NFU.
The group is due to have its first meeting in November.
Member engagement
It was great to see members at ploughing matches across the county, including the Romney Marsh Ploughing Match on 5 September, Weald of Kent Ploughing Match on 12 September and the East Kent Ploughing Match on 30 September. These events doubled up as opportunities to promote the Back British Farming campaign.
Our group secretaries are organising the NFU stand at the National Fruit Show on 4 November.
If you have any county queries, please email [email protected] or call 024 7693 9403. Your regional colleagues and group secretaries are all available to support you.