Have your say via NFU dairy and crops intention surveys
© Tim Scrivener The NFU is asking farmer-members in England and Wales to have their say on the dairy and crops sectors by completing two short online surveys.
The first survey asks dairy farmers to outline their intentions for milk production over the next two years, following unprecedented cost increases in recent months.
“We urgently need to assess the effect the appalling situation in Ukraine and input cost inflation may be having on the dairy sector, and which factors are driving milk production,” said an NFU spokesperson.
See also: NFU urges government action on red meat exports
“We would like to capture information on any plans to increase, decrease or stop milk production and capture the main reasons why.”
The Dairy Production Intentions Survey should take only five minutes to complete and will be available until Thursday 12 May.
“We know there is a lot of uncertainty right now, and things are changing almost daily. But by helping us capture the main concerns of the industry, we can ensure your voice is heard,” added the NFU spokesperson.
Input cost inflation
The NFU Crop Production Intentions Survey is asking combinable crops growers to tell the NFU how recent events have affected their production plans for both this cropping year and the next.
This survey should take 20-30 minutes to complete and is available online until 11pm, Sunday 8 May.
The results of both surveys will be used to inform the union and help its policymakers lobby governments for policy interventions to support both dairy and arable farming businesses.
NFU dairy board and Next Generation Forum – last call for applications
Applications are being sought by the NFU for its dairy board and Next Generation Forum.
The NFU is looking for four dairy farmer to join its national dairy board as appointee members.
“We are looking for active dairy farmers who are forward-thinking, with strong communication skills, to champion and represent the dairy sector,” the NFU said.
Interested members should contact the NFU’s chief dairy adviser, James Osman, by emailing clare.juland@nfu.org.uk.
Include an up-to-date CV setting out your experience, skills, interests and a personal statement on what you would bring to the board.
Applications should include “Dairy Appointee” in the subject line. The closing date for applications is 11pm on Sunday 8 May. Interviews will be held virtually on Tuesday 17 May.
Meanwhile, four new ambitious farmer-members are needed for the NFU Next Generation Forum. The deadline for applications is Thursday 12 May, with interviews taking place from Monday 23 May.
To apply, send an up-to-date CV, outlining experience, skills and interests, as well as a personal statement to clare.juland@nfu.org.uk.
Further details about the criteria for these opportunities is available at NFU Online.