»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË

County update

Bluetongue – at the end of June, we held a member meeting at the Oswestry NFU Office about Bluetongue and the change in the Restricted Zone and the stance that Wales have taken.Ìý As a border County, with cross border farms and markets on both sides of the border, Shropshire will be particularly hard hit by the Welsh Government decision to not allow free movement from England to Wales.Ìý Members present heard from Oli Lee, Vice Chairman of the NFU National Livestock Board, as well as from John Beavan from Oswestry Livestock Auction.

Shropshire County Council – On the 14 July, the County Chair, NFU Council Delegate and the County Adviser are meeting with the Leader and Deputy Leader of the County Council.Ìý Topics for discussion will certainly be planning and water but also reinforcing the importance of Farming to the County and its economy.Ìý If there are any specific points that you would like raised, pleaseÌý contact Edward Garratt.Ìý

Shropshire Hill Management Plan – On the 26 June there was a county meeting to discuss the current consultation on the new Shropshire Hills Management Plan, which will cover the National Landscapes area (formerly the AONB).Ìý About 50 members gathered at Ludlow Livestock Market to hear from Georgie Hyde, our Environment Adviser, the County Chair and the County Adviser, for a briefing on the plan.Ìý If you farm in the National Landscapes area, I tis imperative that you take the time to read the consultation and respond, as the NGO’s certainly will be, and it will affect your farm.

Brocton Gun Club, NFU RABI Clay Shoot - On the 25 June, The Brocton Gun Club held its annual Clay Shoot for the County’s NFU branches, in aid of the RABI.Ìý The winning branch was Ludlow, with Much Wenlock 2^nd and Shrewsbury 3^rd.Ìý A total of £643 was raised for the RABI on the night, so thank you to all that participated.

Shropshire Hills National Landscape - Management Plan 2025 - 2030 - Public ConsultationÌý

This plan will guide sustainable development over the next 5 years throughout the Shropshire Hills National landscape
.Ìý
Farming is paramount within the National Landscape so it's vital that you the farmers and land managers have your say.Ìý

To view the management plan please click

Ìý

Calling all Shropshire Sheep Farmers

Shropshire Council would like to hear from farmers or anyone involved in lambing about how the season impacts your mental health and wellbeing.

If you are open to chat with health professionals about the pressures of this busy time then please contact [email protected]Ìý

West Mercia Police online survey

West Mercia Police are inviting you to take part in a short online survey to tell us how we’re doing and where we can do better.

• How visible are your local officers?
• Do you feel engaged and heard?
• How do you find out what we’re doing?
• Do we understand the issues in your area?
• How confident are you with policing in your area

This survey gives you the chance to help us understand what we’re doing well – and just as importantly, where we might need to improve.

The survey takes approx. 10 minutes to complete.

To complete the survey please click Ìý

Please share this with friends, family, and neighbours – the more voices we hear, the better we can serve you.

Ìý

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 -

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

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

Are there differences in colostrum quality between UK dairy breeds

Megan Edwards is in her final year as a master’s student at Aberystwyth University.

As part of her end of year dissertation, she is investigating the following title: Are there differences in colostrum quality between UK dairy breeds?

In order to obtain research for this title, she is naturally trying to collect data representing a wide range of dairy breeds from across the UK.

If you would like to take part in the research, please click (completion takes around 15 minutes)

Shropshire RABI Open Garden Event (chargeable)

By kind invitation of the Bradshaw family

Date

6 July 2025

Venue & Timings

2 – 5pm at The Beeches, Alkington, Whitchurch, SY13 3NG

Cost

£10 per person to include tea and cake

How to Book

To book a place(s) please contact Moira Roberts on 07713 337773

Kinnerley Kindness Tractor Run

Raising money for The Farming Community Network (FCN)

Date

12 July 2025

Venue & Timings

12pm from The Royal Hills, SY10 8ES (new route including local villages - Edgerley, Pentre, Nesscliffe, Knockin, Maesbrook finishing at Kinnerley)

Cost

£20 per tractor

How to Register

Please contact Laura on 07792 177454

Shropshire RABI Charity Luncheon (chargeable)

By kind permission of the Price family

Date

7 September 2025

Venue & Timings

12.30pm for 1pm at Grafton Farm, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, SY4 1HH

Cost

£30 per ticket includes a two course meal and coffee (payment by BACs, please request those details when booking)

How to Book

Please contact Catrin Price at [email protected] or call 07432 115609

Farmer perceptions of police resourcing and training in response to farm crime.

Andrew Corner is a PhD student at Harper Adams University studying the relationship between police and farmers within England and Wales.

As part of the study, he is asking farmers to take part in an online survey which you can view . If you would like to take part, please do so before 1 July 2025.