It's only when the wind is howling outside I realise how lucky we've actually been with the weather this summer. Whilst other areas have had unrelenting heat and, more significantly, a distinct lack of rain, we have got away rather lightly with relatively regular showers, some of them perhaps much heavier than we’d like, but, in the main, heavy enough to keep the crops growing, but dry enough to allow silaging to continue.
I was very relieved on the evening of our Farm Safety Social that the forecasts had been wrong, and the rain stayed away, as it could have been a rather different affair. However stay away it did, and an incredible night was had. It was great to see such a mix of organisations, from old faithful’s like RABI, FCN, Cumbria Rural Crime Team and Carr’s Billington, to the new additions of Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service and Paragon Farm Vets, as well as our very own NFU Farm Safety Adviser. It was also great to do something a little bit different to our usual events, which also allowed time for everyone to have a bit of a catch up and drink together before the more serious talks (or the high tech VR headsets from Cumbria Fire and Rescue) started. We all know the proverb “a problem shared…” but sometimes just finding that time to get off the farm and share the problem IS the problem.
Low Beckside Farm was a fantastic venue for the event, and I’ve already started buttering them up to host us there again in 2027 – I think next year we will be looking to move the event down the South of the County to make sure that everyone gets a chance to attend one, and we’ll be looking to continue our joint working with Cumbria Farmer Network on them, to make sure we reach as many farmers as possible with the important messages about staying safe on farm.
Finally, it would be remiss of me to not remind everyone that we do have an NFU Cumbria Facebook page, it is a private group for members, which contains up to date information on upcoming county events, as well as updates for local branch events, and national stories. If you’re on Facebook have a search for us and join the group. Our next county forum is going to have a Water Quality theme and will be happening on Thursday 18 September, the venue is still being finalised but members of the NFU Cumbria page will be able to see as soon as it is confirmed.