The latest instalment of the NFU Midlands Younger Member Events programme saw members mingle with regional staff and commodity board chairs on a glorious spring day in a gathering at the Land Rover Experience in Rockingham, Northamptonshire.
An exhilarating morning of off-road driving in Land Rover vehicles was in store, with the members from across the region put through their paces on the rugged terrain of two testing courses at Rockingham Castle.
Their team-building skills and coordination were then challenged by having to guide their blindfolded ATV driving partner around a track without knocking over obstacles, taking the wheel of a reverse-steered Kobuta vehicle and hitting the bullseye on the airsoft shooting range.
Steering policy
After lunch, the group gathered in the Land Rover Experience meeting room for a policy-focused afternoon session. Following an introduction from NFU Midlands Regional Director Rob Newbery, they heard informative talks from Midlands Livestock Board Chair Oli Lee, Midlands Crops Board Chair and NFU Crops Board Vice-chair Andrew Williamson, and NFU Diary Board Vice-chair and Midlands Dairy Board Chair Rob Davies.
The trio gave updates on the crucial work of their respective boards on the most pressing issues of each sector, as well as their own journeys from grassroots members to prominent positions within the NFU structure, encouraging the next generation to engage with the organisation, followed by Q&As.
LNR member Iona Fyfe said: “It was a brilliant day out – a great excuse to get off the farm and meet other like-minded young people. We enjoyed the activities in the morning, followed by an interesting talk in the afternoon, highlighting what board chair roles involve and the opportunities there are in the NFU.”
And Staffordshire member Thomas Whittaker added: “I had a superb day driving some of the latest Land Rover models as well as driving ATVs blindfolded, followed by shooting practice. The event was a great opportunity to meet other young farmers from across the Midlands as well as hearing about the important work of the commodity boards.”
“It was a wonderful day and so rewarding to see our younger members get involved in all of the activities, networking and the policy session."
Gabriella Gregory
Organiser, Holland (Lincs) and Nottinghamshire County Adviser Gabriella Gregory, said: “It demonstrates to the next generation of farmers how easy and important it is to participate in our commodity board structure to then make a meaningful impact on NFU and farming policy.”