Bluetongue
At the end of June we held a members' meeting at the Oswestry NFU office about bluetongue, the change in the Restricted Zone and the stance that Wales has taken.
As a border county, with cross-border farms and markets, Shropshire will be particularly hard hit by the Welsh government's decision not to allow free movement from England to Wales. Members present heard from Oli Lee, Vice-chairman of NFU Livestock Board, as well as from John Beavan from Oswestry Livestock Auction.
Shropshire County Council
On 14 July the County Chair, NFU Council Delegate and the County Adviser are meeting with the leader and deputy leader of the county council. Topics for discussion will certainly be planning and water, but also reinforcing the importance of farming to the county and its economy. If there are any specific points that you would like raised, please contact Edward Garratt.
Shropshire Hill Management Plan
On 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).
About 50 members gathered at Ludlow Livestock Market to hear from Georgie Hyde, our Regional Environment and Land Use Adviser, the County Chair and the County Adviser, for a briefing on the plan. If you farm in the National Landscapes area, it is imperative that you take the time to read the consultation and respond, as the NGOs certainly will be, and it will affect your farm.
Brocton Gun Club, NFU RABI Clay Shoot
On 25 June The Brocton Gun Club held its annual Clay Shoot for the county’s NFU branches in aid of the RABI. The winning branch was Ludlow, with Much Wenlock second and Shrewsbury third. A total of £643 was raised for the RABI on the night, so thank you to all that participated.