The group from across the county met near Woodhall Spa for the Back British Farming Day event with NFU county chair Henry Moreton, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, The Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, and councillors.
Discussions
The challenges for food production were discussed alongside water availability, abstraction, planning barriers and other issues stalling confidence, investment and growth across county farms.
Discussions were had on the support needed to safeguard food supplies and secure farms for the future after an exceptionally challenging year, with many stretched due to spiralling costs and other hurdles.
Very useful roundtable
Johanna Musson, NFU Lincolnshire county adviser, said: “The roundtable meeting with the mayor and councillors at Henry Moreton’s farm at Bucknall with members from Boston to Lincoln was very useful.
“We discussed planning issues and water, both of which are hot topics currently, and we looked at some of the barriers to growth and what can be done about it.
“That included how to store water on farm when we have floods so we can use it when there is a drought like there has been this summer.
“Support to do this will build resilience and ensure we have an adequate and fair supply for food production and to produce flowers and plants, which Lincolnshire is also so well known for.
The Back British Farming Day event saw local food served to celebrate Lincolnshire produce and there were panel discussion with NFU members and stakeholders.
“We will keep speaking to politicians from all parties at a national and local level to ensure our farms are supported and that we have a thriving farming sector for years to come.”
Lincolnshire County Adviser Johanna Musson
This included representatives from the police, council, NFU legal panel firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits and others.
Mayoral, women in agriculture and farming family sessions
In the mayoral session Boston farmer and NFU South Lincolnshire chair Heather Oldfield discussed growth, food security and the rural economy, with Dame Jenkyns.
There was also a session to celebrate the contribution of women farmers and growers in the county.
This included a talk from grower Steph Lacey, of L&D Flowers, of Pinchbeck, near Spalding, and dairy and arable farmer Zara Dorrington, of Dunsby, near Bourne, on leadership, careers, innovation and the different routes women are taking through modern agriculture and horticulture.
While Lincolnshire deputy chair Kate Armstrong and family, of Bardney, spoke about building the family farm of the future.
They spoke of their experiences and journey at Abbey Farm, the home of the Spud Barn, exploring how the business is evolving, diversifying and preparing for its future.
Thank you, farmers
Dame Jenkyns said she stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with NFU Lincolnshire and the farmers who help power the economy.
She said: “From field to fork, Lincolnshire proudly feeds our nation. Today and every day, thank you to our incredible farmers and agricultural community who keep Britain going."