Your North Riding and Durham county NFU update

Laurie Norris

Laurie Norris

North Riding & Durham county adviser

September Update

And that’s it, summer has been and gone, children have gone back to school and the nights are starting to draw in.  It is almost the end of the show season, but not quite, as you can still catch up with your local Group Secretary at the last few shows of the year: Stokesley, Eggleston with the very last one being Nidderdale Show. Our local offices and Group Secretaries work tirelessly over the show season to welcome members on to their stand for refreshments and a chat. The Durham Districts Team win the award for the most shows attended over the season and the Leyburn office win the most intensive Bank Holiday weekend attending both Wensleydale and Reeth shows.

Agricultural shows remain at the heart of our rural communities, bringing together farmers, families, businesses and visitors to celebrate the very best of British agriculture. They provide an important showcase for livestock, machinery and local produce, while giving farmers the opportunity to socialise off the farm and catch up with old friends. For visitors, they offer a unique opportunity to meet local farmers, learn where their food comes from and gain a better understanding of modern farming.

Shows also give a valuable boost to local businesses, charities and community groups, helping to keep our rural economy thriving. Just as importantly, they inspire the next generation by giving young people a hands-on experience of farming and countryside life. In a world where many people are increasingly disconnected from agriculture, our local shows remain a vital link between town and country. You can see the NFU at local shows, because they are not just a great day out, we want to celebrate everything that makes our rural communities strong, resilient and proud.

Your County AGM: Have Your Say on the Future of Farming

The NFU County AGM is more than a meeting, it's your opportunity to make your voice heard 

Join fellow members on 10 December at Bannatyne Hotel, Southend Ave, Darlington, DL3 7HZ for an afternoon of discussion, networking and insight into the key issues affecting farm businesses across North Riding and Durham. The AGM will provide an opportunity to hear about the work being carried out on your behalf, discuss local priorities and contribute to the future direction of the NFU in our county.

We are delighted to welcome NFU Deputy President, Paul Tompkins who will share his views and experiences on his first 9 months in office, offering valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture. We will also have an additional guest speaker, NFU Head of External Affairs, Scott Pepe.  If you want to know what's really happening in Westminster? Scott Pepe is at the sharp end of the NFU's political engagement, working daily with MPs, ministers and officials to champion British farming. Join us for an insightful update on the latest developments in Government and hear how the NFU is fighting for members' interests at the highest levels.

The AGM is a chance to catch up with fellow members, meet county officeholders and celebrate the achievements of the past year. At a time of significant change for the industry, member engagement has never been more important. Check your inbox for your invitation closer to the date.

Your NFU. Your county. Your voice. We look forward to seeing you there.

Event

North Riding and Durham County Meeting (online)

Join us for an online county meeting where you can dial in and hear updates from the County Chair and Council delegate and sector leads. Please check your emails for the invitation and dial in details. 

Start date

28 September 2026 at 7:00pm

End date

28 September 2026 at 9:00pm

Local news

North Riding and Durham county representatives

We are seeking nominations for new county representative's. Are you passionate about the NFU, do you want to be involved in policy and making change for the industry? Being part of the county team means you will represent members at county events and at the NFU north regional board. Meetings are a mix of in person and online. For more information contact [email protected]

Local news

2026 Drought and Bluetongue Emergency Grants - Forage Aid Scheme

The Addington Fund are supporting farming families who are experiencing ongoing drought, combined with the impact of the Bluetongue outbreak, which is placing significant pressure on farm businesses and creating additional worries at an already challenging time.

If these issues are affecting your ability to feed your livestock, they may be able to offer short-term assistance through a one-off grant towards essential feed costs.

The Forage Aid Scheme is designed to provide practical support to farmers experiencing unexpected and temporary financial hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control. 

Eligibility
To be eligible for support, you must:

Be a working farmer with a CPH and SBI number, with farming an agricultural holding as your main source of income.

Be experiencing temporary financial hardship as a result of circumstances beyond your control.

Require support due to the impact of the current drought and/or bluetongue outbreak.

Have insufficient feed, fodder or straw available to meet your livestock's needs and prevent an animal welfare concern.

Be unable to generate sufficient funds through the sale or reduction of stock numbers in line with available resources.

Have no accessible reserves, savings or overdraft facilities available to meet the immediate need.

Apply https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/latest-news/2026-drought-and-blue-tongue-emergency-grants

Local news

RABI Launch FarmersAid Free App

RABI – the Farmers Charity has launched FarmersAid, a pioneering free app designed to support individuals in the critical moments following a serious on-farm accident. 

The FarmersAid app is built around the "Platinum 10" minutes, a critical window where prompt action directly influences survival outcomes. In scenarios such as severe bleeding, intervention within just 60 to 90 seconds can be the difference between life and death. 

Developed with leading experts in rural emergency medicine, FarmersAid turns complex clinical guidance into simple, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow in an emergency.  

For more information: RABI officially launches FarmersAid app to support response to critical on-farm accidents - RABI

Local news

Farmers Wanted!!

On behalf of the AHDB Education Partnership, we would like to share an exciting opportunity for beef, sheep and dairy levy payers interested in welcoming schools onto their farm.

 AHDB is recruiting 80 farmers to take part in its Open Your Gate campaign through the School Farm Visit Support (SFVS) Programme.

 Whether you're completely new to hosting school visits or already have some experience, the programme is designed to help you build the confidence, skills and practical knowledge needed to provide engaging and safe educational farm visits for children.

 Successful applicants could receive a fully funded two-day Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS) training course, worth £360 + VAT.

 This is an excellent opportunity to:

Gain confidence in hosting school groups.

Learn how to deliver safe and engaging educational visits.

Inspire young people by helping them understand where their food comes from and how farming supports everyday life.

Become part of a growing network of farmers opening their gates to schools.

 For full details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit: School Farm Visits Support programme for farmers (England) | AHDB

Please contact AHDB directly if you have any further questions.

 

Local news

Farming help at hand

Stress and depression are common illnesses in the UK. People working in farming dealing with financial pressures, irregular weather patterns, and market and price volatility are as susceptible to stress as anyone else.

Knowing where to find help and support and having someone to talk to is the first step in dealing with stress and other issues. Farming is a hugely rewarding profession but it can be hugely challenging at times. Anyone can reach a point when pressures become too much and if that happens it is important to reach out for help.

Reaching out to friends, family, healthcare professionals, or organisations can be the first step that makes a big difference:

Samaritans – 116 123 (Free, 24/7 listening service for anyone in distress)

Farming Help Helpline – 03000 111 999 (Open 7am-11pm, confidential and free - operated by The Farming Community Network (FCN)

RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) – 0800 188 4444 (24-hour helpline)

Addington Fund – 01926 620135 (Will discuss individual circumstances and may be able to support businesses in distress)

Yana - [email protected] and 0300 3230400.