Back British Farming - This month the NFU has been busy arranging and delivering the Back British Farming campaign. Alongside the usual Westminster activity, we are also inviting MPs and Councils out on farm across the country to encourage them to support farming. Look out for the trademark wheat pin badge in PMQ’s and on social media as well as banners across the countryside.
MP meeting - In Surrey we have met with Greg Stafford, Farnham and Bordon MP at the Downland Estate. We discussed abattoir access and water company issues as well as animal health and welfare concerns relating to AI and bluetongue.
Rural Crime - The PCC’s office is holding a Surrey Rural Crime Forum on 29 September at Wotton Village Hall, near Dorking. Members are encouraged to attend and feedback on current issues. A link to registration will be emailed.
Bluetongue - In August, East Region Livestock Board Chair, Hugh Broom visiting Hailsham market with vet Nick Pile to discuss bluetongue. The APHA bluetongue map has been updated to show hot zones to denote the density of reported cases as well as the triangles still denoting confirmed cases. Those who have been following this disease will know that the county looks steady at the moment. The message remains the same “please make sure you vaccinate all susceptible stock.” Vaccine supplies are available, but supply responds to demand so, if you have not done so order from your vet.
Edenbridge and Oxted - we sponsored some classes and are keen to support the event more so if you are involved and have ideas, please get in touch.
AGMs - We are moving into the busy branch meeting season, there’s a broad range of speakers organised and I hope to see lots of you in person. Finally, please save the date for the Surrey AGM which is on Monday 23 November at Dorking Golf Club. Our speaker is Vice-president Robyn Munt.