I can't quite believe I've been in the county adviser role for a month already.
It's been a really busy month getting to know the NFU and the regional team, as well as making contact with stakeholders that have an impact in Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire and, most importantly, getting out and about meeting members on farm.
I've had introductory meetings with the Bedfordshire Rural Crime Action Team and the Bedfordshire Fire Service. Both meetings are a chance to build on the relationship Emily had with these organisations and highlight the issues that farmers are facing.
Please get in touch if you have any points you'd particularly like me to raise.
Coming up I'll be attending the Rural Crime Advisory Panel meeting as well as the Local Access Forum.
During the next month, I'll be working with the group secretaries to develop the local plans for each branch. These provide a strategic direction for the branches and link with the county plan, working on the regional priorities of water, resilience, safe and secure farms, infrastructure and development and plant and animal Health.
Dates for your diary
皇家华人will have a presence on the Bedfordshire NFU Mutual stand at the Steam and Country Fayre at Shuttleworth from 12 to 14 September. This is a chance to engage with the wider community, as well as members.
At the end of the month there's Gransden Show at Caxton Road, Great Gransden on 27 September and the Bedfordshire YFC Ploughing match at Grange Farm, Sunderland Hill, Ravensden, Bedfordshire, MK44 2SJ on 28 September.
If you鈥檙e at either of these events please do come along to the NFU stand and say hello.
Competition hots up again on 9 October for the annual NFU Big Quiz.
皇家华人Tenants Conference is on 23 October with regional updates being planned in the following weeks. I'll update you with more information as it becomes available.
The Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire annual county meeting will be held on 6 November, 6pm at Bedford Rugby Club. NFU Deputy President David Exwood will be speaking, so please do make the effort to come along.