As we move further into the summer months, it has been another busy and productive period across Northumberland and North Durham, with plenty of activity on both policy and member engagement fronts.
MP Engagement
One of the highlights recently was meeting with Joe Morris MP, where discussions focused on several issues that are front of mind for local farming businesses. We explored the implications of species reintroduction proposals, including concerns around how any future policies could impact farming operations and livestock enterprises. We also discussed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding SFI budgets and future environmental scheme funding, reinforcing the importance of providing farmers with clarity and confidence when making long-term business decisions.
We do have a catch up with David Smith MP next week and we will push the same messages through. We do have to thank our Northumberland MPs for their constant time and working relationship.
Fire Vigilance
With the recent warm and dry conditions, I would also like to remind members about the importance of fire safety and remaining vigilant as we approach harvest. Machinery, dry crops, field margins and high temperatures all increase the risk of fire. Taking simple preventative measures, ensuring equipment is well maintained, checking fire extinguishers are serviceable and having clear emergency plans in place can make a significant difference. The harvest period is always demanding, and safety should remain a priority alongside productivity. I have lost count over the past couple of days of the amount of fire notices and incidents I have seen, please do be careful out there!
What’s that? A whatsapp channel?
Communication remains key, and I would encourage any members who have not already done so to join our County WhatsApp Broadcast Channel. The channel provides timely updates on key policy developments, local events, meetings and opportunities to engage with NFU activities across the county. It is proving to be a valuable way of ensuring members receive important information quickly and directly.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBsqNGG3R3nduDveL3L
Health & Safety is paramount
It has been encouraging to see strong engagement at recent member events. Our Health and Safety Pre-Harvest Breakfast Briefing, kindly hosted by NorthEast Grains, was very well attended and provided an excellent opportunity to discuss harvest safety, practical risk management and preparations ahead of what we hope will be a successful harvest season. We have had some great feedback from all members who came along!
Member development – it could be you?
We also enjoyed a fantastic Member Development Summer Social BBQ and Farm Walk, bringing members together in an informal setting to network, share experiences and hear more about the host farm. These events continue to demonstrate the strength of our local farming community and the value of bringing members together outside of formal meetings. We will be searching for our next 2 recruits to join the member development programme over the winter months, so please od think about it and if you want to get more involved, please get in touch!
Lynx on the brain
Looking ahead, we have a number of Lynx online dial-in calls planned, which will provide members with the opportunity to hear the latest developments, ask questions and feed their views into the NFU’s ongoing work on this important issue. I will include details of these calls below in the events boxes.
What’s next for Northumberland…
Alongside current activity, I have also been busy working with officeholders across the county to develop the programme of events and activities for the next membership year. We are looking at a range of opportunities to inform, support and connect members, and I look forward to sharing more details in the coming months.
As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement. If there are issues affecting your business or topics you would like the NFU to raise on your behalf, please do get in touch.