Staffordshire Show
It was great to welcome so many members to the NFU and NFU Mutual marquee at the Staffordshire County Show.
Having got soaked several times pushing the water off the roof of the marquee on the Tuesday whilst setting up, it was a relief to have reasonably good weather for both days of the show.
My thanks go to the Staffordshire Group Secretary team and members of the NFU regional team who helped man the stand over the two days, and to Paul Tomkins, Chair of NFU Dairy Board, for attending on the Wednesday and speaking at the drinks reception, and to Oli Lee, Chair of NFU Midlands Livestock Board, for attending on the Thursday. Thanks also to Karen Mercer, Chair of the Farmers’ Club, for speaking at the drinks reception and for sponsoring the cheese and biscuits. These were a welcome addition to our drinks reception, and perhaps an indication of a return to normality post-covid – with the current political turmoil I’ll take any small wins!
MP lobbying
Talking politics, lobbying MPs representing Staffordshire members has been a main focus of my work since the election last year, especially since the autumn financial statement. We welcomed several MPs to the county show and, since Christmas, we have met with 12 different MPs on 21 occasions.
Generally, we have built up a good relationship with MPs representing Staffordshire constituencies and we have further meetings planned during the summer recess.
It’s vital that we keep up our lobbying efforts, particularly in relation to proposed IHT changes and I’d encourage you to write to your MP if you haven’t already done so. 91²Ö¿âhas a number of resources to help you with this, including a letter writing tool that we used successfully at the county show.
Group office changes
Sadly, we will soon be saying goodbye to Nicola Briggs, Group Secretary for the Staffordshire Moorlands branches. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Nicola for all that she’s done and wish her well for the future.
Work is also ongoing with the NFU Mutual to resolve the vacancy at the NFU’s Betley office, since Michael Nicholls left the NFU after many years in post. Thank you to the Team at Betley for your continued hard work to support your customers and NFU members.
Safe harvest
Finally, may I wish you a safe harvest and I may well see you at some of the farm walks and events organised by our Staffordshire branches over the summer, or at the Leek Show.