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Green Futures | 13 & 19 March

Green Futures, our annual joint online event with the CLA, is back for 2025 with two topical events.

This year's Green Futures will feature the latest updates for farmers relating to schemes, grants and policy changes.Ìý

For more information and to register click here

Cyber Security – Addressing Risk in the Digital Age (free)

A joint initiative between the Staffordshire and Shropshire Growth Hubs. This webinar will provide a starting point for organisations looking to increase their resilience and signpost to free cyber security advice and services from the National Cyber Security Centre.

Topics we’ll cover

• Learn about the most prevalent cyber risks facing businesses today and how to recognise potential vulnerabilities
• Discover actionable strategies to enhance your businesses cyber readiness, helping to protect your data and systems from attack
• Get guidance on accessing free tools, advice and services from the National Cyber Security Centre to support your cyber security efforts
• Find out if your email and website security are leaving your business exposed to cybercriminals
• Learn how to check if your business credentials have already been leaked on the dark web

Key takeaways:

You will

• Understand the most common cyber risks, gain tips for getting cyber ready
• Understand how the government can help your business become more resilient to cyber attacks
• Identify quick, practical steps to secure your email, website, and business data from cyber threats
• Learn how to access free cybersecurity tools to check for vulnerabilities before hackers find them

Date

12 March 2025

Venue & Timings

10am until 11am online

Booking

To register for your free place please click

The Big Farm Tea Break

Date

24 - 30 March 2025

Spring is the time of year on a farm when it seems everywhere you look there is a job waiting. Lambing, calving and tractor work all add to the pressure, it’s easy to feel there is no time to breathe.

Due to this pressure, we miss out on visits to the local shops, markets, Young Farmers or the pub. Those communities we are part of are still there and keen to always be there for you.

It’s amazing how stopping for a conversation puts everything into perspective for you and people around you.

So, during the Big Farm Tea Break, let’s all come together as a community.

Lynda and Andy wish they could have had the chance to say the right words at the right time.Ìý They can’t but you can.

Please share your photos and #Lens Light

No one in the rural community should feel isolated or alone.

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

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.
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Register to become a member (for free) today atÌý

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 -

RABI Annual Dinner (chargeable)

Guest speaker is British formerÌýmotorcycleÌýracer, heavy vehicle mechanic and television presenter,

Dress code: Smart dress

Date

13 March 2025

Venue & Timings

Arrival for 6.45pm for 7.15pm at Ingestre Suite, Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0BD

Cost

£50±è±è** (tables of 10) to include a three-course meal (please inform of any dietary requirements when booking)

Booking

To book please contact Joan Bennett on 07971 351712 or email [email protected] or to support with sponsorship or an auction prize contact Regional Manager, Kate Jones at [email protected]

** non-refundable and payments required by BACS

Annual Branch Trip

Trip down to Daylesford Organic Farm Shop and walk, overnight stay locally and then a visit to Three Counties Show at Malvern

Date

12 – 13 June 2025

Booking

To register your interest please contact Claire Preston on 01785 817470 or email: [email protected] by 14 February

Final cost still to be confirmed but we need an approximate idea of numbers so we can arrange appropriate accommodation.

Public meeting for members of the Needwood and Bagot Wards only.

Ben Adams, Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, along with SCC County Councillor Julia Jessel and a Detective Sargeant from Burton Police Station will be available on the evening to answer your questions.

Rural crime and the lack of a police presence in Barton and surrounding areas is a key issue for the parishioners.

NFU have been encouraged to get as many farmers to attend as possible to raise any questions they may have.

Date

20 March 2025

Venue & Timings

From 7pm until 9pm at John Taylor High School, Barton under Needwood.

Financial Planning Seminar (free)

The seminar will be led by NFU Mutual Financial Advisor Jonathan Partridge, who has vast experience advising Farmers on inheritance tax and pensionÌýplanning, in maximising the available tax reliefs and avoiding the pitfalls.Ìý

Date

12 March 2025Ìý

Venue & Timings

Arrival at 11.30am with Buffet Lunch served from 11.45am at Bradley House, 28 Bradley Street, Uttoxeter ST14 7QAÌý

Bookings

Please confirm your attendance by 7th March by calling 01889 562465 or email [email protected]. Please let us know of any dietary requirements