NFU hosts inaugural 'Shed Talk' for over 80 UK farmers

The initiative, organized by the NFU, took place at a family-operated commercial beef and sheep upland farm in the South Pennines, Yorkshire.

Industry experts and farmers engaged in discussions about food production, green finance, environmental concerns, and ways to optimise their businesses both now and in the future.

Attendees visited Beeston Hall, a 2000-acre farm tenanted by Yorkshire Water, where the family specialises in pedigree Salers cattle.

The farm is also rich in wildlife and part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Farmers were reminded that upland farms are significant not only for the food they produce but also for their distinctive countryside landscapes.

The farm hosts special habitats, including blanket bog, heathland, and acid grassland, which carry a variety of species and homes to important upland birds such as golden plover, curlew, twite, dunlin and merlin to name a few.

The event was held at the farm of NFU vice president Rachel Hallos, who highlighted the challenges farmers face in sustaining their livelihoods.

She said: “I was delighted to have so many farmers from different parts of the country come along to have a day on our farm and listen to our farm experiences as upland and tenant farmers, and also hear from a panel of experts.

“With the changes to SFI and farm subsidies, ever changing weather conditions and running costs, a lot of farmers are really struggling to make a living.

"We want to host these events to share experiences and help each other make the most of our farm businesses.”

Amelia Stratton, NFU head of member experience, noted that the event also provided valuable networking opportunities for farmers.

She said: “It’s so important to host events like these to share experiences good and bad on how to make the most out of farm businesses and explore different opportunities."

The NFU plans to host several shed talk events across the country in the coming months.