This week’s NFU newsreel

08 July 2026 3 minute read
NFU President Tom Bradshaw during a media interview

The NFU and its members reach people across the country and further afield every week through their work championing British farming in the media.

From filming with BBC Countryfile to getting out on the airwaves on BBC Radio 2 to speak about livestock theft, we have been making our voices heard.

178 pieces of total coverage

11 mentions across all broadcast

40 pieces of national print, TV and radio coverage

“Intent alone won’t deliver a secure and affordable supply of homegrown food for the nation, nor will it care for 70% of England’s landscape.”

NFU President Tom Bradshaw quoted by The Express

Defra’s Farming Roadmap

News coverage continued this week on the government’s Farming Roadmap, which sets out its ambitions for farming over the next 25 years.

NFU President President Tom Bradshaw was quoted by The Express outlining the NFU’s reaction to the roadmap.

Tom said that while it set out a multi-year direction for farming, there is “no long-term funding to go with it”, adding that “intent alone won’t deliver a secure and affordable supply of homegrown food for the nation”.

NFU North member Chad Stevens was also quoted in the story, saying he feels “really frightened for the future of farming”.

Robyn Munt talks livestock theft with BBC Radio 2

Paul Tompkins talks water security with Farming Today

Livestock theft

NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt spoke with BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show (1:06:00) on Friday afternoon about the impact of livestock theft on farmers.

Robyn highlighted the important work of the National Rural Crime Unit, which is partially funded by NFU Mutual and has a dedicated officer to help tackle the problem.

Members in the spotlight

Several NFU members including Meryl Ward, Rosie James and Jonathan Brant have featured on the latest episode of BBC Countryfile.

The programme marked the 50th anniversary of the 149-mile Viking Way trail in Lincolnshire, which Meryl and Rosie walked in 2024 to raise money for charity.

NFU East member Jeremy Squirrel was also interviewed by The Telegraph in a story about SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive). Jeremy said he was unsure how much more he could do to restore wildlife on his farm, as he might not be able to further funding through the scheme this year.

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]

This page was first published on 17 June 2026. It was updated on 08 July 2026.

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