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The Agroforestry Show is returning, taking place on 10–11 September 2025 at Woodoaks Farm, Hertfordshire. 

 Following its sell-out success in 2023, this unique event, co-hosted by the Woodland Trust and Soil Association, is back, bigger and bolder than ever.

 See the speaker line-up here:

NFU Gloucestershire Countryside Day

On Friday, July 11th, the NFU invited Councillors and other stakeholders from around Gloucestershire to the NFU Gloucestershire Countryside Day, an event that celebrated local agriculture. 

The day began with a visit to Wholly Gelato, where the Hobbs family shared their journey of diversifying their dairy farm into a thriving gelato business. It was a great example of sustainable farming led by the next generation and, of course, a chance to enjoy some award-winning ice cream.

The afternoon continued at Elmore Village Hall with a series of informative talks from local NFU members:

Speaker Highlights:

Charles Day, NFU Gloucestershire County Chair, opened the session with an overview of the NFU’s strategy and the pressing issue of import pressures on arable farming.

Chris North, Vice Chair, discussed the multifaceted role of the modern farmer, addressing the increasing complexity of planning, regulation, and business management.

Kathryn Hart, NFU Member Development Representative and practicing vet, shared her experience managing a Council Farm and operating a successful farm shop. She also stressed the importance of succession planning in securing the future of farming.

Allison Ractliffe, Gloucestershire Council Delegate, highlighted the essential work of rural support networks such as the Gloucestershire Young Farmers and RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution).

Liz Godsell, NFU Gloucestershire Deputy Chair, spoke candidly about livestock disease management, including the ongoing threats from Bovine TB and Bluetongue Virus, and the impact on local dairy farming.

Although there wasn’t time for Jacks Weaver, NFU Policy Manager, to present her briefing on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Inheritance Tax (IHT), key resources were provided to all attendees.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to a successful, engaging day. For more information or resources, feel free to get in touch.

On Thursday 3rd July, the NFU held a health and safety event at Lister Wilder in Bibury, open to members from both Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. The aim of the event was to provide clear and practical guidance around key safety issues on farm, particularly ahead of the busy harvest season.

The agenda included a range of expert speakers:

Stuart Head, NFU Farm Safety Adviser, spoke about general farm safety and key areas of risk.

Clarke Willmott, the NFU’s legal firm, provided advice on handling HSE investigations and managing livestock on public rights of way.

Gloucestershire Fire Service shared guidance on fire safety and emergency response planning.

BK Grain discussed structural and operational safety on farms.

SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) highlighted electrical safety during summer and harvest and introduced their annual campaign, Look out, look up and look after yourself, developed in collaboration with the NFU and farming communities.

The event was well attended, with over 50 farmers and farm workers taking part. Representatives from Gloucestershire Rural Crime Team, Gloucestershire Farming Friends, and NFU Mutual were also present, contributing to a well-rounded and informative session.

Given the positive feedback and strong turnout, the NFU is looking to host a similar event next year. Promoting safe working practices remains a key priority, especially during peak farming periods such as harvest.

Grants of between £1000-15,000 available for NFM projects to support Nature-friendly ways of reducing flood risk across the county. Funding is designed to be for landowners, farmers, local groups and organisations to carry our natural flood management that protects communities and enhance wildlife habitats. The fund is looking to support techniques such as creating wetlands and woodland, reconnecting streams with floodplains, tree planting and managing soils sustainably. 50 second video

Press release here

For those in Stroud District Council area, the Hartpury Digitial Innovation Farm Team have extended their free support to businesses until March 2026. They are also now able to include farmers and agri-businesses in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The project offers free, impartial tech support to help agricultural businesses adopt and make better use of technology — whether that’s solving a specific issue or exploring new ways to improve productivity and efficiency.

We’re offering tailored support with:

• Choosing and using digital tools
• Data management and cybersecurity
• Improving internet connectivity
• Troubleshooting issue with existing tech issues 
• Exploring or implementing new technologies

I’ve attached a poster with more details, and I’d be really grateful if you could share it with your contacts, clients, or members who might benefit. Whether they’re just starting out with tech or looking to get more from what they already have, we’re here to help.

If you’d like to know more or discuss working together, I’d be happy to arrange a quick call.

01452 702474 [email protected] ac.uk/agri-tech 

Moreton-in-Marsh branch hosted a summer farm walk at Guiting Manor Farms.

The event was hosted by Nick Bumford, who shared insights into the farm’s recent venture into hemp cultivation, in partnership with the company .

Fibra is pioneering the development of the UK’s supply chain for industrial hemp fibre and attendees toured Fibra’s newly-established industrial production facility on the farm.

This state-of-the-art decortication facility is one of only three in the country, transforming raw hemp straw into high-quality fibre for use in construction, automotive applications, and hygiene products.

Fibra’s work is helping to revive the UK’s industrial hemp industry, which has a long history but has seen limited growth in recent decades due to the lack of local processing infrastructure. By bridging the gap between farms and end markets, Fibra is creating a UK-grown, traceable, and reliable hemp supply chain.

As a spring-sown crop, hemp is typically drilled between late April and mid-May. It grows rapidly over 100–120 days and is harvested, retted, and baled by early September. With no need for pesticides or herbicides, and with proven benefits such as weed suppression, soil health improvement, and carbon sequestration, hemp offers a promising diversification option for farmers looking to replace underperforming break crops in their arable rotations.

Nick and his team also led members on a trailer tour around the farm, showcasing crop rotations, grassland management, and sheep grazing practices.

The weather was agreeable, and the talks were engaging and informative. The evening concluded with pork rolls and plenty of time for members to socialise.

Hartpury College in Gloucestershire has opened new agricultural engineering workshops and a SMART Livestock Hub, funded by Local Skills Improvement Fund, which will provide students and industry professionals with access to the latest technology for honing their skills.

Tractor simulators, which allow students to improve their tractor driving and get more practice in away from the field, are part of the new set up.