This week we were delighted to welcome members to the Somerset County AGM at Cannington College, where the theme of the evening was Cultivating the Future. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with members, review the year's activity, and elect our new officeholders and board delegates.
We were joined by three excellent speakers, Claire Winson, Assistant Principal for Land Based Studies at Cannington College, Paul Tompkins, NFU Deputy President, and Esther Woolford, Clarke Willmott Partner, Agriculture Sector Head & Solicitor Advocate.
Claire highlighted how land based education has evolved at Cannington and emphasised the importance of working closely with the farming industry to ensure students develop the skills needed by farm businesses. The college is keen to hear directly from farmers about the knowledge and practical experience young people should gain before entering the industry, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Cannington in the year ahead.
Paul provided an update on the NFU's national work and outlined that we need “an NFU that has the credibility of government, support of the public and empowers British farmers to grow." He reinforced the importance of members being at the heart of NFU decision-making and highlighted key areas of current policy work, including SFI, Bluetongue, water, and NFU Education work.
Esther gave an update as Somerset’s NFU legal Panel Firm. Esther outlined the benefits available through the NFU Legal Assistance Scheme, including free initial legal advice, a 12.5% discount on legal fees and access to discretionary funding support. Members can access the service via NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458, who start the referral process.
Clarke Willmott also offer a free online legal health check tool helping farm businesses identify any legal issues that may need attention and ensuring they are in the strongest possible position for the future.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural NFU Somerset Rural Crime Awards. Congratulations to PCSO Will Mortimer and PC Mark Hicks, who were recognised for their outstanding commitment and contribution to tackling rural crime.
Somerset Elections
Congratulations go to our newly elected county officeholders:
- County Chair: Bridget Christensen
- Council Delegate: Mark Humphry
- Deputy Chair: Cameron Knee
- Vice Chair: Edward Hawkins
They will formally take up their positions following the National AGM in February. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Tom Kimber for his dedication and service as Somerset's outgoing Council Delegate.
The following board delegate positions were also elected:
- Dairy Board: Tom Kimber
- Livestock Board: Edward Hawkins
- Crops Board: Peter Venn
- Uplands Group: Chris Webber
We still have one vacancy for horticulture and two vacancies for Poultry so please do get in touch if you are interested in taking up a role.
Future Meeting Dates
Finally, if you were unable to join us this year, please save the date for the 2027 Somerset County AGM on Monday 8 November 2027.
Our next county meeting will take place on Friday 4 December, focusing on bovine TB in Somerset and exploring how we can continue working together to tackle the disease at a local level. Full details and booking information can be found below.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful Somerset County AGM. We look forward to seeing members at upcoming events over the winter months.