Members visiting our ring-side stand at the two-day June show had the chance to meet NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins and Director General Sophie Throup on day one.
Both addressed a packed marquee before mingling with members at an afternoon drinks reception to discuss a range of topics and issues, alongside Lincolnshire County Chair Henry Moreton, Holland (Lincs) County Chair Heather Oldfield, NFU Midlands Regional Director Rob Newbery, Lincolnshiire County Advisers Rhonda Thompson and Johanna Musson, Holland (Lincs) County Adviser Gabriella Gregory, county officeholders and group secretaries.
Politicians made a beeline for the NFU stand too, allowing a key lobbying opportunity for staff, officeholders and members. Shadow Defra Secretary of State Victoria Atkins MP, Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Robbie Moore MP, South Holland and The Deepings MP Sir John Hayes, Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh, Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson and Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns all spent time in the marquee.
NFU Sugar Board Chair Martin Emmett chaired a well attended sugar beet discussion and members had the chance to get expert advice from the NFU's Senior Adviser (Support Schemes) Richard Wordsworth, Horticulture Adviser Zoe Moore and bTB Adviser Mike Weavers on day one. On day two, Chief Livestock Adviser (Beef & Lamb) John Royle and Chief Poultry Adviser Aimee Mahoney were on-hand to speak to visiting members.
NFU Energy held a drop-n clinic, with NFU members encouraged to bring along a recent utility bill for a free energy contract review.
Visitors enjoyed a ploughman's lunch brimming with local produce and a busy bar as a cloudy and breezy first day gave way to glorious sunshine on day two.