I hope everyone has had a successful harvest. Who would have thought it would be over so quickly?
We know that this season has been particularly challenging, and for many those challenges continue. At the NFU, we want to make sure members’ experiences are heard and properly represented.
Harvest update
The NFU has been working hard to build a national picture of this year’s harvest, gathering information on yields and quality across a range of crops.
I would really encourage you to take a few minutes to complete our harvest survey. The information you provide is incredibly valuable and gives us the evidence we need when lobbying government for further support following such a difficult, dry growing season.
Click here for more information and to complete the survey.
Dry weather and water resources
At the end of July, Defra announced that the majority of England was officially in drought, including East Anglia, following the prolonged dry weather and extreme heat we have experienced since the middle of May.
For those growing root crops and fresh produce in particular, abstraction cessations and irrigation restrictions continue to be a significant concern.
I would encourage members to remain active within their local abstraction groups and to contact the NFU water resources team with any questions or concerns.
There are also questions around what the continued dry conditions mean for agri-environment schemes and agreement holders. The NFU continues to raise these issues with government.
Please follow this link for the latest advice, information and our current lobbying asks.
Fire safety
With the exceptionally dry conditions, fire safety remains a major concern. I have been working with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. Please see below for their fire safety advice.
Local news – Joe's 100-mile challenge for MND
I wanted to share a fantastic effort from one of our group secretaries, Joe Buxton from the North Walsham branch.
Joe originally signed up to run 60 miles during August in support of the MND Association. However, as the fundraising total has grown, so has the challenge. He has increased his mileage at the £1,000, £1,500 and £2,000 milestones and is now aiming to run 90 miles.
And there is one more target: if Joe reaches £3,000, I will join him for another 10 miles to round the challenge up to 100 miles!
Joe is running in memory of NFU member Jake van Poortvliet of Poortvliet Farms Ltd. If you are able to support Joe and help get us to that £3,000 target, it would be hugely appreciated. Donate here.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and please do keep in touch with any issues you would like me or the NFU team to raise.