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County Update

Last week Herefordshire farmers descended on London to take part in what was one of the most extraordinary and moving events in recent farming history. We were proud to join with thousands of other farmers from across the whole country, standing together in a vast crowd of all ages to highlight the devastating impact the new 'family farm tax' will have on them.

Whilst the March was going on outside Westminster, 1,800 NFU members went inside to meet with MPs in Parliament, including a cohort of Herefordshire members. These farmers told MPs about the damage this new tax will inflict on County farms and the flawed data the government are using to defend it. Our North Herefordshire farmers secured a commitment from their MP that she will write to the Chancellor to ask that an independent impact assessment is carried out.

Aside from London we have some local events coming up before Christmas which I look forward to seeing you at. Branch AGMs are also taking place over the next few weeks so please look out for invitations to those. This includes:

• Kington AGM: Wednesday 27 November, 6pm, at the Burton Hotel in Kington
• Wormbridge AGM: Thursday 28 November, 11am, at the Gwatkins Red Cow
• Hereford AGM: Friday 29 November, 10:30am, at Hereford market ÌýÌýÌý

On Monday 2 December, Herefordshire NFU and NFU Cymru are holding a free livestock safety event at Hereford Market, HR4 7AN from 12.30pm until 4pm for NFU members. We will begin with bacon/sausage baps and a farm safety overview, before group rotations between different stations and topics. NRoSO and BASIS points have been applied for and attendance certificates will be provided. Register online HERE or contact the regional office on [email protected] or 02476 939402.

Our county AGM is taking place on Tuesday 3 December, 7pm, at Newton Court, Leominster, HR6 0PF. We will be joined by NFU Deputy President David Exwood and there will no doubt be a lot to discuss so please do come along. More information and how to book can be found HERE.

County AGM

This will take place on 3 December at Newton Court, Newton, Leominster, HR6 0PF from 7pm.

For more details and how to book place at either AGM click here (log in to NFUOnline may be required)

The Woodland Trust Giveaway 2024/2025

This winter the NFU is working with the Woodland Trust on another Tree Giveaway, aimed at providing farmers across the South West (including Herefordshire) with complimentary tree packs to enhance farm biodiversity and increase climate resilience. You can apply for up to two tree packs:

• Thorny hedgerow pack: 15x hawthorn; 10x dog rose; 10x hazel; & 10x English oak (hedge tree)
• Livestock browsing shelterbelt pack: 15x hazel; 10x grey willow; 10x aspen; & 10x rowan
• Copse pack: English oak x15; silver birch x10; crab apple x10; & wild cherry x10
• Wet field corner pack: Crack willow x15; downy birch x10; alder x10; & hornbeam x10

You can collect your packs between 11am – 3pm on Tuesday 17 December at Townsend Farm, HR9 7JE

How to participate:

1. Visit the Woodland Trust website at Ìý
2. Fill out the online application form, providing basic information about your interest in the free trees programme
3. Select the tree packs and protection that best suit your farm’s needs and choose a collection date/site across the South West
4. You will receive a confirmation email and a reminder from the Woodland Trust a couple of days before your chosen event with the final details for collection

NFU Midlands Younger Member Events

The next Midlands regional event will be on 5 December for more information and to register please click here

Farm for the Future – Royal Countryside Fund

Do you want help navigating agricultural policy changes including help with understanding ELMs and SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive)?

If you’re an owner-occupied or tenant farm in England that received BPS, The Royal Countryside Fund’s Farm for the Future programme is in its final year, offering a last chance for free support which includes a 1-2-1 session with a consultant to talk about your farm.

Its online workshops can be joined from the comfort of your own home via Zoom to help you and your farm business navigate policy changes and become more resilient and sustainable.

To find out more and sign up to the online group, contact Christina Hutchings via email [email protected] or call 07715 353 546 or visit

Call for Participants: Advancing Fairness in the UK Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Sector – University of Leicester

Are you into fresh fruit and or vegetable cultivation in the UK? University of Leicester are conducting a study on advancing fairness in fresh fruit and vegetable sector and would love to hear from you!

Participation in the study involves farmers who are into the cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK and who are suppliers to large retailers in the UK.

All data collected will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and anonymity based on University of Leicester's guideline and used solely for academic purposes.

To participate or learn more, please VisitÌýÌýor contact Nike directly throughÌý[email protected].

Members support would be invaluable to the success of this research.

Questionnaire for pilot study -

Be vigilant of scam callers

If you receive a call that looks like it is from NFU Headquarters and are unsure then please hang up, do not pass on any personal details.

You can contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 to check if we are doing any calls or promotions.

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.Ìý

Register to become a member (for free) today atÌý

Branch AGM

Guest speaker is Ellie Watkins from Watkins Rural Chartered Surveyor & Agricultural Valuers who will give an update Post Budget and Ali Parker, Herefordshire County Adviser will give an update on recent NFU activities.

Date

28 November 2024

Venue & Timings

11am at Gwatkins Red Cow, Moorhampton Park Farm, Abbey Dore, HR2 0AL

Breakfast is included

Booking

Registration is essential for catering purposes by 26 November on 01981 570555 or email [email protected]

Join ForFarmers to #Feedyourcareer

For the Future of FarmingÌýis ForFarmers’ mission. We work side-by-side with our farmers, we know their businesses, their opportunities and their challenges. We sell feed, but we also provide expert advice. By offering the best feed solutions for each individual business, we ensure a higher return, healthier livestock and improved efficiency.

Timescales:

• October 2024 toÌýDecember 2024 - ApplicationsÌý
• January 2025 - Assessment Centres
• February 2025 - Job offers

For more information and how to apply click

Branch AGM

In addition to the NFU branch AGM business we are pleased to confirm that local farmer Annie Carr who has recently won the Farmers Weekly Awards 2024 Sheep Farmer of the Year will be our guest speaker

Date

21 November 2024

Venue & Timings

6.30pm for a 6.45pm start at The Royal Oak, Much Marcle

Booking

To register your attendance please contact Lucinda Guest on 01989 563086 or via [email protected] by midday on Wednesday 20 November 2024.

Branch AGM

Date

29 November 2024

Venue & Timings

10.30am at Hereford Market, Roman Road, Hereford, HR4 7AN

For further information please contact the branch directly on 01432 269840