County Update
Farm Assurance consultation meeting, only 12 at the meeting. Never going to be easy getting a date that suits all. However, this was still a good meeting generating constructive feedback. All the feedback has now been submitted. Please do if you have not already done so complete your feedback. Here is the link - Farm Assurance Review survey – NFUonline
Nick Watts had an initial meeting with PPC Jenny Wilkinson candidate for the Lib Dems
Warwickshire Fly Tipping Group meeting held at HQ and chaired by Warwickshire police. This was attended by district councils and rural crime units from the county. This was an engaging meeting exploring all that the individual parties carry out and looking at ways we can better work together in dealing with fly tipping in our county. Further meetings to come and news will follow.
YFC County meeting to introduce Nick Watts, County Adviser to the group and offering support wherever we can. Nick intends to attend as many YFC branch meetings as possible.
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.
Rugby, Coventry & Lutterworth branch have the following member event:
Farm Health and Safety Day
Is your workplace safe enough?
Would HSE feel that your workplace and practices are safe enough?
NRoSo and BASIS points have been applied for.
Date
22 May 2024
Venue & Timings
10am until 3.30pm at Pailton Pastures Farm (full address available when booking)
This event is free of charge to members and lunch provided.
Bookings
Spaces are limited, to book your place(s) please contact the branch on 02476 444519 or email [email protected]
Help improve digital connectivity in Warwickshire
We are working alongside Warwickshire County Council to improve rural digital connectivity, aiming to find solutions for areas with poor connections.
The council are working with a company to provide a temporary 4G mast in the area. We are looking three farms to take part in a three-month trial which will help provide evidence for a business case.
Please get in touch with the regional office if you are interested in taking part in this trial.
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.
If you’d like to find out more on agroforestry, visit https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/trees-for-landowners-and-farmers/
Warwickshire YFC are holding the following events:
County Rally
Date
18 May 2024
Venue & Timings
9am by kind permission of Mr Martin Brandrith at Alton Hall Farm, Washbrook Lane, Allesley, CV5 9DN
Warwickshire RABI
Date
7 July 2024
Venue & Timings
2pm – 5pm – Teas at Wren Hall, Wroxall
For further information contact RABI on 01865 724 931 or 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
Warwickshire Police - Operation Recall
This is a national initiative with the Police, National Rural Crime Unit, NFU, National Sheep Association, CLA, Nature Watch Foundation and RSPCA, who have come together to raise awareness with regards to livestock worrying.
The aim is to drastically reduce the number of incidents where animals suffer, whether that’s injured livestock, wildlife or dogs killed as a consequence.
For more information contact [email protected] or visit Warwickshire Rural Watch – Closing the gate on rural crime
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.
Atherstone Branch have the following member event:
Branch Trip (being held with Lichfield, Rugeley & Tamworth branch)
We will be visiting Patshull Estate and Petsey Farm.
Lunch will be at The Cock Inn, Woodseaves, ST20 0NP
Date
21 June 2024
Venue & Timings
Departure will be at 8.30am from Curborough Farm (itinerary available when booking) – return to the farm will be by 6pm.
Cost
£15pp (lunch is to be paid separately at the venue)
Booking
To book your place(s) please contact the Lichfield branch on 01543 271378
Coffee & Cake Charity Event in aid of RABI & FCN
Date
27 July 2024
Venue & Timings
10am until 4pm at The Safari Trent Venue, Mid-England Barrow, Fenny Compton Road, Farnborough, Banbury, OX17 1FA
Booking
To book contact Karen Ellis on 07860 346086 or email [email protected]
RABI Reg Charity No 208858 – FCN Reg Charity No 1095919
Warwickshire RABI Tractor Run
The route will last around 1.5 – 2 hours and will take you through the lovely Warwickshire countryside.
A raffle will be drawn, any donations are gratefully received.
Date
27 October 2024
Venue & Timings
Please arrive by 10am for coffee & biscuits – at Budbrooke Farm, Woodway, Budbrooke, CV35 8QJ by kind permission of Bob Shelswell & Helen Moore.
Cost
Entry is £10pp including refreshments.
Booking
Please RSVP by 20 October 2024 to Richard Morton on 01926 494690 or 07483 846122