Our work behind the scenes ensures the voices of farmers and growers are heard loud and clear by the public, politicians and key decision-makers.
Catch up on where you, our members, have featured in the news, where we've been, what we've said and how the media is helping push farming up the agenda.
You can also keep up to date with all of our activity by following us on X (formerly Twitter) @NFUPress.
"[The flooding] highlights the need for long-term investment in water infrastructure, so that farmers and growers can continue to grow food for the nation."
NFU President Tom Bradshaw on water infrastructure investment
Flooding and the wet weather
NFU President Tom Bradshaw was interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme (16:57) about the impact of the wet weather on farmers across the country, coming on top of other farming pressures such as volatility in the dairy sector and milk prices.
Tom is also quoted in The Telegraph, i News and the Financial Times warning that ongoing flooding risks leaving crops rotting in the ground, as the NFU’s calls for the government to invest more in water management were picked up by LBC News (07:33:46), on LBC News bulletins (33:34) and on the BBC News channel.
Several members have also featured in the news this week discussing the impact of the wet weather on their own businesses:
- BBC Radio 5 Live’s Wake Up To Money (29:19) reported on the increasing pressures the weather is putting on farmers, compounded by falling milk prices and wider uncertainty across the sector. The programme replayed last week’s interview with NFU Dairy Board Chair Paul Tompkins (41:56), who revealed he is losing £1,000 a day due to milk price cuts.
- NFU Combinable Crops Board member Mike Greenwood-Wilkins spoke to Sky News and Channel 4 News, the latter alongside Wiltshire member Tim Carson, describing the difficulties farmers are facing as large areas of crops remain underwater.
- NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton is quoted in an article in The Financial Times stating that better weather in March and April could still salvage the situation for British cattle farmers.
- Merseyside member Olly Harrison and Nottinghamshire member Jon Hammond featured on BBC Breakfast discussing the impacts of the wet weather on farming and growing businesses.
- Somerset member James Winslade told ITV News and Farming Today how more than 90% of his land is underwater and what that means for his business.
Tom Bradshaw on the Today programme
Will Dickinson discussing fly-tipping on Talk TV
Trade negotiations
Tom Bradshaw was on Times Radio, setting out the importance of core standards in future trade negotiations, domestic public procurement and how planning red tape prevents poultry farmers meeting demand. He is also quoted in The Times’ print coverage of this topic.
The Telegraph further covered SPS negotiations with the EU, highlighting the NFU’s warning that any agreement must protect UK autonomy and preserve farmers’ freedom to make their own production choices.
Mind Your Head Week
Mind Your Head Week took place last week, with both Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian publishing a letter from NFU Deputy President David Exwood emphasising the importance of mental wellbeing and looking out for one another in times of pressure.
BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox (1:12:03) and the Daily Express also highlighted Herefordshire member Sam Stables’ fundraising walk from his farm to Westminster to raise money and awareness for farmers’ mental wellbeing.
Fly-tipping
There has been extensive national coverage of the Hertfordshire farmer in his 80s facing a £40,000 bill to clear a major fly-tipping incident on his land.
His neighbour, Hertfordshire member Will Dickinson, has represented him in interviews and is quoted across The Telegraph, The Times, The Times View, GB News, The Sun, Daily Express, Daily Mail and the Daily Star. Will also spoke to Ian Collins on Talk TV about the severe impact of fly tipping.
Further reporting in The Times, the Daily Mail and Times Radio (03:51:15) has highlighted a public fundraising campaign that has already raised more than £50,000 to support the farmer.
Livestock worrying
Following the publication of NFU Mutual’s livestock worrying figures, Nottinghamshire member Richard Baugh was interviewed on the ITV Evening News (37:40). The story was also clipped up for ITV News’ TikTok and Instagram accounts, reaching a key younger audience.
Tell your story
If you've been affected by any of the issues covered in the news this week and want to share your story, contact our press and editorial teams.
Email: [email protected]
Or contact our press team below:
Lucy Wood
NFU Press Officer