As summer continues and harvest is drawing to an early close, it has been another busy month across Northumberland and North Durham, with a mix of member engagement, political activity and planning for the months ahead.
One of the meetings this month was with the Police and Crime Commissioner at Jen and Rich Oglesby's Colt Park farm, bringing together local NFU members and the Rural Crime Team to discuss the challenges facing our rural communities. The session provided an opportunity for members to raise concerns directly, share experiences and hear about the work being undertaken to tackle rural crime across the county.
Theft, machinery security and anti-social behaviour continue to be important issues for many farming businesses, and it was encouraging to see members' discussions taking place but it was mentioned numerous times how budget and resourcing issues were an issue and this seemed to be the most used answer to members queries. This understandably became frustrating and so we have more asks to keep putting to the department so they can be reminded of these issues rural farmers and landowners are facing - the work does not stop here! Thank you to Jen and Rich for kindly hosting the event and to everyone who attended and contributed.
As we move through the harvest period, I would also encourage all members to remain vigilant around health and safety. Long days, busy workloads and warm weather can create additional risks on farm. Taking time to ensure machinery is maintained, staff are briefed and fire prevention measures are in place is essential. The recent dry conditions also increase the risk of field fires, so having emergency plans in place and being aware of potential hazards can make all the difference. We hopefully welcome some rain in the next coming weeks which all will be glad of.
Another issue that remains firmly on our radar is Bluetongue. Cases continue to rise in parts of the country and it is important that livestock keepers stay informed about the latest guidance and restrictions. Please remain vigilant, monitor livestock closely, and ensure you are aware of any movement requirements that may impact your business. If you have concerns, speak with your vet and keep up to date with NFU and government communications as the situation develops. The NFU are lobbying for vaccine availability and also compensation for fallen stock related to BTV issues.
Looking ahead, we are very much looking forward to Back British Farming Day on 9 September. This year we will be outside the Northumberland County Council offices in Morpeth, showcasing local produce and sharing key messages with councillors, invited guests and members of the public and we welcome back the Northumberland Members Market stall! The event provides an important opportunity to highlight the vital role that farmers play in producing food, caring for the environment and supporting rural economies. Food security remains a national priority, and Back British Farming Day allows us to demonstrate why a resilient and productive farming sector is so important for the future of our country.
Alongside our external engagement work, I have been continuing to work with county officeholders and members to develop activities and events for the upcoming membership year. Planning is well underway, with a strong focus on ensuring we provide opportunities for members to engage with policy discussions, develop their businesses and connect with one another.
Finally, a reminder to make use of the County WhatsApp Broadcast Channel, which remains one of the quickest ways to receive updates on local events, policy developments, consultations and opportunities to get involved. If you have not yet joined, please get in touch and we will ensure you are added.
As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement. I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks and hearing your views on the issues that matter most to your business.