Your Shropshire county NFU update

Edward Garratt

Edward Garratt

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY ADVISER

Back British Farming Day

This month saw Back British Farming Day come to the county. County Chair.

Kate Mayne, and I took the regional trailer to Morrison’s in Shrewsbury to promote the work that farmers and growers do in the county, both producing food and looking after the environment.

Quite a few county councillors also came to show their support and we had some excellent discussions with them about how the council can help.

Big thanks to Chandlers in Bridgnorth who brought along a JCB tractor to help draw attention to us.

Ruth Griffiths

Sadly Ruth Griffiths has passed away at the wonderful age of 101.

For those of you that didn’t know Ruth, she was the first female county chair in Shropshire, so a real trailblazer for women in agriculture and the NFU.

Our thoughts go out to her brother, nephews and wider family.

UK Dairy Day

Whilst not a county event,  this month saw Dairy Day return to Shropshire at the Telford International Centre.

It was great to speak to so many members there and whilst I haven’t seen any numbers yet, it felt even busier than usual.

On the stand were both of HQ’s dairy advisers as well an many members of the national NFU Dairy Board, including its chair, Ian Harvey.

Stay connected: join the NFU Shropshire WhatsApp group

Join our county WhatsApp group to keep up to date with the latest news and events.

Sign up to the group.

Surveys and questionnaires

English Uplands Farming Survey

We'd like to hear your views on the challenges and opportunities facing upland farming. This survey will help us better understand the current pressures and priorities across the sector.

If your farm business operates in an upland area, we'd appreciate your feedback. Your input is vital in shaping NFU policy and guiding the work we do on your behalf. By taking part, you'll help ensure we're representing your interests and focusing on the issues that matter most to upland farmers

The survey should take around 10 to 12 minutes to complete and will be undertaken in line with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. All responses will be aggregated and analysed anonymously.

Strategic importance of the UK’s uplands must be recognised, say UK farming unions – NFUonline

Start date

16 September 2026 at 12:00pm

End date

30 October 2026 at 12:00am

Take part

Event

Shropshire Rural Support - Butty Van

A warm welcome awaits for the farming and rural community to connect and chat.

Join the Shropshire Rural Support for a butty and a brew on 29 October from 10.30am until midday, this event is free and will be held at Corner Farm, Bicton Heath, SY3 5DY by kind invitation of Richard & Caroline Clarke.

For more information contact Jo on 07949 780529 or email: [email protected]

Please consider bringing someone along then you can both enjoy a morning out.

Start date

29 October 2026 at 10:30am

End date

29 October 2026 at 12:00pm

Event

Farmers' Pitstop

Shropshire Rural Support are holding an event on 15 October from 7.30pm until 9pm at Arscott Farm, Arscott, Pontesford, Shrewsbury, SY5 0XP.

A relaxed night out for men in farming and rural communities, grab a slice of pizza and have a natter.

The event is funded by McPhillips Community Fund and in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation.

  • First 50 registered will receive a free pizza
  • Bring your own drinks

To register your attendance please text Jo on 07949 780526 (please confirm any dietary requirements when booking)

Start date

15 October 2026 at 7:30pm

End date

15 October 2026 at 9:00pm

Event

Midlands Seasonal Poultry Meeting

Our Midlands seasonal poultry meeting is open to all producers, not just those growing for Christmas.

We will be visiting the ForFarmers mill and packhouse in Newcastle under Lyme on 30 September at 7pm.

For more information, please click on the link provided.

Start date

30 September 2026 at 7:00pm

End date

30 September 2026 at 10:00pm

Book Now

Local news

River Severn Drought Order and abstraction requests reduction announced

As of 10 August, the West Midlands has been declared in drought, with river and reservoir levels dropping and record temperatures.

Over the last few weeks, the reduction in reservoir levels has triggered serious concerns and plans have been put in place to conserve water supplies. 

For more information please click on the link attached

Find out more

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. 

For more information and to download the app click on the link attached.

Download the App

Surveys and questionnaires

SVWMS/Marches Future Farming - Farmer Questionnaire

The University of Chester in partnership with Faulkner Mayne Sustainable Agriculture and Maesmawr Group Natur a Ni are researching how farming businesses in the Severn catchment experience water-related challenges, particularly flooding and waterlogging, and how these affect farm livelihoods, land management and local communities. 

They also want to understand farmers' views on nature-based solutions and other water management measures, and how the scheme can best support farmers through fair payment, practical guidance and access to funding. Your responses will help shape the future direction of SVWMS so that it works for farming businesses, the wider community and the environment.

To access and complete the questionnaire please click on the link attached.

Start date

03 August 2026 at 12:00am

End date

31 December 2026 at 12:00am

Take part

Local news

Severn Trent’s Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS)

STEPS 2026 is here

Familiar to many farmers, land agents and estate owners across our region, STEPS is part of our Farming for Water catchment management programme.

STEPS provides practical funding and expert advice to help farmers make improvements that work for their farms and support local water quality.

Every farm is different, and STEPS is designed to help farmers identify the right action for the right farm. Like STEPS 2025, STEPS 2026 is based around 6 core objectives, all of which are designed to support your farm and benefit water quality. 

Last date for application will be 11 December 2026.

For more information about STEPS and to apply please use the link attached.

To find your catchment click here

Apply here

Surveys and questionnaires

LNRS published

The Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin LNRS (Local Nature Recovery Strategy) has now been published.

Please read view the published LNRS, supporting information and interactive maps on the Shropshire Council website.

The next step is going into the delivery phase and what that could mean for farmers and landowners.