I won鈥檛 be the only one who is glad to finally see some rain, and with the leaves changing on the trees it certainly seems that Autumn is upon us.
We are certainly lucky to have so many agricultural shows taking place across the county, and it has been great to see so many members this month.
These events have also provided us with key opportunities to meet with local MPs and stakeholders, allowing them to hear direct from farmers about their experiences and hear firsthand the impact of changes to policies such as IHT and SFI.
Thank you to all of the members who have given up their time to speak to their MP at shows, and also to complete the Stop The Family Farm Tax postcards 鈥� we have received a record number of postcards, and these are on their way to your MPs. We鈥檝e also hosted a number of NFU advisers on stand, with a visit from the dairy team to Holsworthy Show, and the livestock team visiting Okehampton Show meeting key sector stakeholders and answering your queries direct.
What鈥檚 coming up?
Autumn is a busy time for farms across the county and also for our NFU work, as we plan a number of key events:
Building relationships
Our second Countryside Day for this year is taking place in October and will see key stakeholders invited to visit Gooseford Farm, by kind invitation of the Courtier family. The aim of this day is to build knowledge and understanding of life and challenges within the farming community, building key agricultural champions across all sectors and political parties.
Devon YFC and NFU Harvest Festival
You and your families are warmly invited to the YFC and NFU Harvest Festival at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 26 October starting at 7pm. Please stay after the service for tea, coffee and cake. This year food donations will be made to Exeter Food Bank.
Could you be our next farmer representative?
A number of key roles within the county are coming up for election at our Winter Conference in November. We have roles available within the Dairy, Livestock, Poultry, Horticulture, Crops and Uplands boards.
If you want to put yourself forward for any of these roles, or wish to find out more about what they entail, please contact Fiona Rew via [email protected]
All that remains is to wish you a safe and happy September!