And so we say farewell…

…to Peter Kendall, the President of the National Farmers’ Union, who has decided not to seek re-election next February. Farmers Weekly quotes Kendall as saying he isn’t looking for a career in politics – so I expect that’s where he’s heading. Peter Kendall has been a very popular NFU leader amongst farmers – he has…

An open letter to the new Defra Ministers

To George Eustice and Dan Rogerson. Dear Ministers Congratulations on your new ministerial appointments.  You have an unpredictable time, but no more than 568 days (less holidays, the run up to the General Election, time off sick and being moved on or sacked) to make a difference.  Given the uncertainties of Ministerial tenure you can’t…

Nicholas Watts wins Nature of Farming award.

Congratulations to Nicholas Watts of Vine House Farm who is this year’s winner of the Nature of Farming award. Vine House Farm is pleased, the RSPB is pleased, Butterfly Conservation is pleased and I am very pleased for Nicholas. Nicholas was at the Bird Fair, as he always is, and I had a chat with…

NFU failed to get it up!

  I don’t quite know how I missed this much earlier in the year but it’s never too late to point out the failures of the NFU (and their friends the CLA) in this, red tractor logo week (for more on red tractors come back tomorrow). In return for not having any regulatory requirements imposed…