NFU South

Introducing your new @nfusouth team! 🇬🇧📷 Follow us on Instagram too: instagram.com/nfusouth

A very happy Easter from us all at NFU South - we hope you're enjoying the long weekend. Farming never stops, but we hope everyone has been able to grab a bit of down time.

Around 70 Hampshire members enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Waitrose & Partners farming operation at @leckfordestate this week - there's nothing farmers like more than a look round someone else's farm! Thanks to the estate for hosting, we had a great time.

ICYMI 📺 | NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton was interviewed on @SkyNews discussing the impact the rise in fertiliser prices, as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, is having on his livestock farm. Watch now 👉ow.ly/ZxAw50YAzt8

Meet James Smaldon, Devon member and vice chair of the South Poultry Board, who’s passionate about making a difference with the NFU. It’s dedicated members like James who make the NFU a powerful voice for our industry. 👏🐓🌾 #FarmingChampions #NFUSouth #BackBritishFarming

🌱 Somerset members: Don’t miss our important meeting on 31 March! Find out more about what the EA’s withdrawal of vegetation maintenance means for you and your land. 📅 Tuesday 31 March | 6 to 8pm 📍 Burrowbridge Coronation Hall Secure your spot—scan the code to book!

In this week's Defra questions, following a meeting with NFU members and the SoS in his constituency, Callum Anderson MP asked her to outline what work the department was doing to ensure that farmers don't face a gap in support as their SFI23 and HS agreements expire.

Members, you're invited to an exclusive two-part webinar on the EU/UK SPS negotiations and how it could impact your business🇬🇧🇪🇺 The first webinar is your beginners guide to SPS on 20 March 💻 #BackBritishFarming For more information and to register 👉ow.ly/pgG350YwesA

Members from Cornwall enjoyed a day in London today, having a look around the Palace of Westminster, hearing about the work of the external affairs team and meeting NFU President Tom Bradshaw.

Curious about the beaver comeback in the South? Here are a couple of trees which have been well gnawed! 🦫🌳 Get the latest update on their reintroduction and what it means for local nature 👇 More info: ow.ly/SONr50YqVfS

👏 A huge thank you to everyone who joined our recent animal welfare consultation meetings! Together, we held 6 sessions, gathered 100+ responses, and 85 members shared their expertise. 👉 More info: ow.ly/REsr50YqV2k

The NFU was pleased to sponsor the 2026 Rootstock conference at Westpoint, Devon - an inspiring day focused on building resilience and boosting profitability for farmers across the South. Here's our report 👇 ow.ly/94en50YqV7u

🐔 Patrick, our NFU South poultry board chair, gives us a quick rundown after this week's board meeting - a packed agenda, included avian influenza, the environment, planning and the industry outlook. Find out more about our regional commodity boards at ow.ly/MBnU50Yq50f

👏 Congratulations to Dorset's Wakely Cox, named as the winner of the 2026 Meurig Raymond Award at this year's NFU Conference. As the judges said, he is an "incredible advocate" for farming in the county. Read more: ow.ly/kgZJ50YpeIh

Education is a vital part of the NFU's work. Here are Peter and Ed at a careers day in Somerset, and Ben and Bridget having just delivered a talk to around 250 Year 8 students at Bodmin College in Cornwall. Find out more at ow.ly/saVG50Yo8Yh

📣 There's just a few days left to respond to Defra's animal health and welfare consultation, which closes on March 5. NFU members can respond at ow.ly/HPbZ50YnCIl. Our livestock board chair Mark tells us why it's so important.

🐑 There's still time to book for one of our upcoming consultation meetings to share feedback on Defra’s animal welfare proposals. Your voice matters - help us ensure farmers’ views are heard. Scan the QR code or contact us to register! #NFUSouth

Feeling a bit flat now #NFU26 is over? Recapture the excitement by tuning in to the latest edition of NFU Shed Talks, a Conference special live from an actual shed! With our own @mikesqw and Jacks Weaver. Available wherever you get your podcasts or at ow.ly/8cTn50Ym0E5

Our congratulations to our new officeholder team - particularly to @NFUSouth regional board chair and Isle of Wight chair Robyn. Thanks to outgoing officeholders Rachel and David for all they have done on behalf of members.

It's been a great first day at #NFU26 with a strong showing from South members, who have been at the heart of the action! Looking forward to tomorrow.

As NFU President Tom Bradshaw concluded his opening address at #NFU26 he said "from farmers to food service, processors to politicians and retailers to restaurants, let’s make 2026 the year we take shared responsibility for building a more productive and resilient food system for Britain".