County Update
Marches Forward Partnership – Last week the County Adviser and the Regional Policy Manager attended an event at Theatre Severn about the partnership of Shropshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Montgomeryshire Councils, where we learnt about how they plan to work more collaboratively going forward. During the discussion sessions, Edward ad Sarah were able to engage with many different organisations, reinforcing how important agriculture is to the community and the economy, and must not pushed aside at the risk of “green washing”.
TB - The deadline for the completion of the TB consultation has been extended. If you have not already done so, please do take part in this. It is vital that our voice is not drowned out by those who have less understanding of what this insidious disease is doing to farming. In the past couple of weeks, the County adviser has been helping a member who has just lost over 70 cows to testing, and this is on top of already losing 114 others since 2021. Whilst the TB situation in the county is much improved by the wildlife control that many of you have taken part in, the problem has not gone away.
Politics – As we always try to do, we are engaging with all parties, especially in this election year. On the 16 May, the County Adviser is meeting with Cllr Julia Buckley, the leader of the Labour Group in the county. If you have any questions that you would like Edward to ask, please contact him.
Farm Assurance ‘Wash Up’ Meeting
Following on from our Farm Assurance event on 3 April at Shropshire & West Midlands Showground, we have now arranged a member ‘wash up’ meeting.
Date
9 May 2024
Venue & Timings
7.30pm via Teams
Booking
To register for the link please email Midlands Hub at [email protected] or call 02476 939402, alternatively you can obtain the information from NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 (please provide you NFU membership number when booking by this format)
Be vigilant of scam callers
The NFU has received reports from members who have been receiving calls that look like they come from NFU Headquarters. The company purports to be selling insulation.
These companies have no relation to the NFU, NFU Cymru or NFU Energy and should be ignored.
Please do not pass on any personal details to these callers.
You can contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 to check if we are doing any calls or promotions.
Read our advice on how to deal with scam callers.
Farming for Britain's Future: our election manifesto
Our general election manifesto – Farming for Britain's Future – outlines our key asks of the next government to ensure farmers and growers can continue to deliver for the environment, economy and local communities while producing more of the great British food we all enjoy.
We need politicians to work with us so we can fulfil our potential and continue to farm for Britain’s future.
Shropshire – proposed new bathing waters
Defra is consulting on three proposed bathing water sites throughout Shropshire
- River Severn at Shrewsbury
- River Severn at Ironbridge
- River Teme at Ludlow
As well as asking respondents whether they agree, disagree or are neutral about a proposed designation, Defra is also asking questions about the facilities or infrastructure at or near each site. This could include things like parking or changing facilities, or infrastructure such as water company assets.
The NFU is concerned about the length of consultation period, and whether upstream and downstream farmers have been adequately informed and consulted. We have already spoken to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the EA about what a designation could mean for local farmers and will continue to do so as the process continues.
In the meantime, the NFU will respond to the current consultation and would encourage you do the same – You can respond by:
- using the online survey: Consultation on Designation of 27 Sites as Bathing Waters - Defra - Citizen Space
- by email: [email protected]
If you have any concerns regarding the above please contact Georgie Hyde, Midlands Environment & Land Use Adviser via email: [email protected]
English Farmers wanted, to test agroforestry advice in ELM
Considering Implementing Agroforestry on Your Farm? Join the Woodland Trust to test different forms of advice and guidance for Defra.
The aim is to test a range of advice and guidance structures with farmers as you go through the process of designing your own bespoke agroforestry scheme. Payment available as a contribution for your time and support to apply for funding if you want to implement your scheme.
If you are interested in getting involved, please email [email protected] with subject ‘Defra Test and Trial’.
- Details of your farm size
- Location and type of farm
- A brief outline of the type of agroforestry you are interested in
- Summary of your agroforestry experience to date.
- Contact details
We will then contact you to discuss the Test in more detail. The Test is being delivered in partnership with the National Trust and the Organic Research Centre. Third party advice providers will also be commissioned.
Phase 2 activity will start from 1 September 2024.
Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you.
If you’d like to find out more on agroforestry, visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/
Shropshire RABI have the following events taking place:
- Farm Tour – All About the Cheese! – 16 May 2024 (limited places available)
- Shropshire RABI’s Open Garden, by kind invitation of Mrs Heather Vernon – 2 June 2024
- Eaton Mascott Hall Open Garden – 9 June 2024
- Golf Day – 28 June 2024
For more details about these events, costings and booking requirements visit RABI
Registered Charity No: 208858
Shrewsbury Group have the following events taking place:
Shrewsbury Flower Show
9 & 10 August 2024
We have been in discussion with Shrewsbury Flower Show about their plans for 2024. You may have seen that we used the opportunity in 2023 to talk about grassland as well as displaying locally produced foods, flowers and wine.
In 2024 we have the chance to present another positive message about farming in the format of a stand or display and your ideas would be welcomed. The Show are also planning a new category of “long borders” (3m x 1m raised beds) which will be judged and can be designed around a theme. There are three themes: 1. Together we are stronger, 2. Food for thought & 3. Blooms restored: Plants & Parking can go together. If you have any ambition to have a go at a long border, then we will be happy to help with costs and arrangements.
For more information please email: [email protected]
Cyber Crime
The Midlands NFU held an online member meeting with WMRCCU in autumn 2023, the opportunity to register with them is still available, this is aimed to improve your business’s cyber security.
With membership at the WMRCCU, you will receive regular tips and guidance on how to firm up your business’s cyber security.
Register to become a member (for free) today at www.wmcrc.co.uk/membership
Charity Clay Shoot
Date
19 June 2024
Venue & Timings
6pm onwards at Brockton Gun Club, Much Wenlock
All proceeds to RABI
For further information and costs please contact Edie Jones on 01694 771258