Take a look at some of this week’s highlights.
“It has huge implications for the cost of producing the country’s food.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw talks diesel costs with BBC Radio 5 Live
Rising diesel costs
Rising diesel costs remained high on the news agenda this week as prices reached record levels, with the NFU and its members highlighting the growing pressures this is placing on farm businesses.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about the implications of increasing fuel costs on farm businesses.
NFU East member Mark Means also spoke to the BBC News channel about the impact on his farm, where diesel prices have risen significantly. The interview was subsequently shared on the broadcaster’s YouTube channel.
Bluetongue disease
News coverage has also continued this week on bluetongue disease and its impact on livestock and dairy farms.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt was quoted by several national news outlets, including The Guardian, The Independent and GB News, highlighting the impact of the disease and the importance of farmers vaccinating their animals.
Fly-tipping
Robyn has also been quoted by The Times this week in a story featuring NFU East member Alex Sell, who faces a £350,000 clean-up bill after mountains of rubbish were dumped on his farm in Essex.
Alex also spoke to several national broadcasters about the impact of the incident, including Good Morning Britain, GB News and Times Radio
Members in the spotlight
In The Guardian, NFU North member Andrea Meanwell reflected on the highs and lows of life on her farm, writing about her success securing SFI26 funding while also facing the ongoing impact of bovine TB restrictions.
NFU Student and Young Farmer Ambassador Nikita Fineran was interviewed on Farming Today about her journey into farming.
The programme also spoke to NFU member Neil Sowerby and his son Ben about the role apprenticeships can play in helping young people build careers in agriculture.
Regions in the spotlight
It has been another busy week in the regions for the NFU. In the Midlands, BBC Midlands Today has recorded a story on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) with NFU Midlands regional board vice chair Helen Fisher, NFU Council delegate, and Warwickshire member Richard Peace.
In the North, NFU North Regional Board Chair William Maughan was interviewed by BBC Look North East and Cumbria about pumpkin harvest and the impact of this summer’s drought.
Over in the East, member Alex Sell has also been speaking to regional media about his farm fly-tip, including BBC London.
The South team have been busy supporting interviews at The Dairy Show at the Bath and West showground, including with Greatest Hits Radio.
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]