Image © RSABI

RSABI has made £100,000 available to help those worst affected by the severe flooding in Scotland this month.

The charity is offering payments of up to £1,000 per farming family business for those who experienced the greatest loss as a result of the extreme rainfall and flooding – which began on 6^th October.

Those who have sustained serious losses or damage are being encouraged to complete an online application form which is available via RSABI’s website and social media platforms.

The funding will be provided, at RSABI’s discretion, to those who meet the eligibility criteria and are able to provide details and evidence of damage and losses.

RSABI is also working with the team at Forage Aid to assess what demand there is for replacement bedding, feed and forage and the charity is asking farmers who have lost these supplies due to the flooding to email forageaid@rsabi.org.uk

RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said the charity has received reports of people who have sustained damage to property, vehicles and fencing.

“The past week has been a very trying one for many farming families in the worst-hit parts of Scotland as they have been trying to recover from one of the greatest sustained periods of heavy rain for decades. We are launching this fund to show our support to those who have been significantly affected by the flooding.”

Ms McLaren said RSABI had been very touched by the offers of donations and supplies of silage and straw from farmers in other parts of the country keen to support those who had sustained losses.

“We have been moved by the support being offered by people in the agricultural community who are keen to help fellow farmers at this very difficult time for those affected. This tide of emotional support is very valuable in itself and we hope it will help to lift the spirits of those who have suffered loss in the past week.

“We would encourage anyone who has lost vital supplies needed to feed and bed livestock through the coming winter to please get in touch by emailing forageaid@rsabi.org.uk to allow us to assess the level of demand for a Forage Aid response.”

You can find further information and a link to the online form to apply for funding via https://www.rsabi.org.uk/rsabi-launches-100000-flooding-fund-for-farmers/

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Photo credit: Sarah Carr, July – winning photo

Sarah Carr took the winning photo, named ‘The Welsh Black with Cadair Idris in the background’. The photo takes its place as the top prize image. You will find the Welsh Black  on the cover of each new 2024 calendar.

There were more winners chosen, congratulations to:

Rebecca Williams; Adrienne Thorpe; Elliw Jones-Evans; Adrian Morgan; Tracey Evans; Grace Marshall; Helen Powell; Chloe Hyde; Elliw Baines Roberts; Andrew Roberts and Gwenllian Evans.

Sarah Carr is the well-deserved receiver of £250, the top prize for the front cover photograph. She will receive her prize on the Monday at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. The other winners of the competition, whose photographs will also be displayed in the calendar, will receive a free copy of the bilingual calendar.

Choosing a winner was “no easy task”

FUW President Ian Rickman has this to say about the competition:

“The competition has proven popular again this year and it was a pleasure to look through the entries. It was no easy task mind, as so many wonderful images were sent in from across Wales.

“What this competition has highlighted again is that farming matters to all of us in one way or another and that our family farms are vital in not just the way of life here in Wales, but also in looking after the countryside and our livestock. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for showcasing farming and our countryside in such a wonderful way.”

You can buy a calendar from your local county office. The FUW will update when the calendars will be available on their social channels.

They will also be sold on the FUW stand at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair for £5 each. Remember, £1 per sale will go towards the Wales Air Ambulance, a fantastic cause.

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Inclusive Farm co-founder Mike Duxbury tells us about his ambitions for a new farm in Scotland.

Mike, who lost his sight at age six, wants to provide the same opportunities to young people in Scotland.

“90% of blind people and 78% of autistic people are unemployed – but it doesn’t have to be like this. We’re seeing first-hand the impact that providing skills, such as animal husbandry, has had on the young people visiting Inclusive Farm.

“Our vision has always been simple: there are disabled people across the United Kingdom, and we plan to develop Inclusive Farms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We now have the opportunity to achieve this in Scotland and we want young people to sit in the driving seat. Too often disabled people are told what they need, and we are determined that their voices and needs are met.”

Mike wants to help more young people with diverse needs into farming.

“A golden opportunity” for students with disabilities

Inclusive Farm is seeking like-minded organisations to partner with the project. Dr Jenna Ross OBE, a Scottish environmental scientist, agricultural researcher, STEM ambassador and EDI champion, strongly encourages businesses and industry to support the project.

“Labour is one of the biggest issues plaguing our industry, but there is a demographic that is constantly overlooked.

“A golden opportunity is now available for partners to come forward and help be part of a project which is pioneering an inclusive approach to agriculture.”

Young people are encouraged to register their interest, and businesses interested in partnering the initiative should do so by emailing Mike via: info@inclusivefarm.co.uk.

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The $100,000 funding (£79,000) will allow The Country Trust to provide 70 additional farm discovery visits for 1,820 children. It will also provide up to 70 teachers with access to resources and digital activities to sustain the impact of the farm discovery programme.

The farm exploration excursions teach students about climate change, soil health, crop production, agricultural technology, food nutrition, and other essential agricultural-related topics.

The trust is a UK educational charity that connects disadvantaged children with the land that sustains us all through food, farming and countryside experiences. In 2022, 20,000 children from disadvantaged communities visited a working farm with The Country Trust.

“Supporting the next generation’s connection to farming and agriculture requires us to sow the seeds of inspiration and embrace new knowledge through farm visits, cultivating a sustainable future for our world,” said Lindsay Haddon, advisory member, AGCO Agriculture Foundation.

“Driven by our farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed the world, AGCO and the AGCO Agriculture Foundation remain committed to supporting the next generation to understand agriculture and food production from farm to table.”

Learnings from the Farm Discovery program also assist in designing targeted future programs and effective communication with schools in the most underprivileged regions to ensure they know about Farm Discovery and how it improves learning and development.

“We are facing significant environmental, health and educational challenges, the impacts of which fall disproportionately on the poorest in our society, and the need for our work has never been greater,” said JillAttenborough, CEO of The Country Trust.

“We urgently need to enable the next generation to forge a strong connection with the land, our life support system, and to help them acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to thrive and contribute to a thriving world. We are very excited to be working with AGCO to help nearly 2,000 children from the most deprived communities in the UK to take those first steps.”

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Louth Livestock Market raised £3,230 as part of the Len’s Light Tractor Relay, through hosting a charity evening.

Andy and Lynda Eadon, who farm in Napton, Warwickshire, toured 38 livestock markets across England, Scotland and Wales in a donated John Deere tractor last month.

The month-long, nationwide journey aimed to break down stigma around suicide and mental health and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

Andy and Lynda tragically lost their son Len to suicide aged 22. Since his death last year, they have raised over £100,000 for charities in their son’s name and campaigned to raise awareness of mental health issues in rural communities.

Explaining why they chose to focus on livestock markets for the relay, Andy said: “We appreciate the key role they play as rural hubs, often being the only place for some farmers to interact with others during the week.”

Lynda added: “We have really seen communities come out of their shell, and along the way have had some very poignant conversations and heart-felt moments with others who have been affected by mental health or suicide.”

Pictured l-r: Hugh Brown, CEO of Melton Mowbray Market; Lynda and Andy Eadon; and Scott Ruck, auctioneer and head of sales at Melton Mowbray Market.

Livestock markets went “above and beyond”

The couple said they were overwhelmed by the support they received from livestock markets. Markets across the route organised events, charity auctions and activities to not only help raise awareness, but also vital funds.

As well as supporting the three designated registered charities, the Farming Community Network, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus, many marts also raised funds for local rural support charities.

While donations are still coming in from the activities across the marts, the figure is already well in excess of £30,000, from just 17 markets so far.

Examples of some of the fundraising achieved include:

• £1,295 raised from the sale of a sheep with lamb at foot, along with over £200 in cash donations around the mart at Bentham
• £1,450 from the donation of the proceeds of a Limousin heifer at Frome Livestock Market. This was supplemented with proceeds from a raffle, cake sale and other donations
• £3,230 was raised by Louth Livestock Market who hosted a charity evening, welcoming Lynda and Andy during a non-market day, and also gaining coverage on regional television.
• £4, 804 was raised by Melton Mowbray Market through various activities, including donated lambs auctioned off in the weekly sale
• £8,000 was raised by Leek Auctions Ltd, who sponsored a gathering at Folker Grange Farm, where some 500 people welcomed Lynda and Andy. Activities included the opportunity to throw wet sponges at company directors!

Just the beginning

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) commented: “We wholeheartedly support and applaud the efforts of Lynda and Andy to raise awareness to mental health issues, while they still come to terms with the loss of their son.

“We have always recognised the mart’s crucial role, and responsibility, in providing that support hub and network, creating an environment where the rural community can turn to in times of need.

“The support that our member companies, and indeed their customers, have provided along the Len’s Light Tractor Relay route, really encapsulates that commitment. We wish Lynda and Andy well in their continued efforts, and will continue to support their campaign.”

Reflecting on the relay, Andy concluded: “The role markets have played during the relay, and the events they have put on, really demonstrates the strength of the livestock market industry,” says Andy.

“Not only that, the response we have received, the money raised and more importantly the conversations we have been having, means this is just the start as we continue to campaign to raise more awareness across local rural communities.”

Len’s Light is a tribute and legacy for Len Eadon who, in his short life, touched the hearts of many. You can help to raise awareness and funds through https://leneadon.muchloved.com/

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The new cards, drawn by artists Doodling Lucy and Fudgy Draws, feature vintage 1954 Massey tractors, which were donated by long-term Addington supporter and tractor enthusiast John Selley.

Nicknamed Jack and Jill the tractors were refurbished by John and donated for fundraising tractor runs and agricultural events. They are painted in the charity’s signature orange hue and are often seen at Addington events and agricultural shows.

Lucy Gray, or Doodling Lucy, is passionate about British farming and removing the stigma around mental health.

“Coming home from university I spent two years working in the local pub, speaking to local farmers, game keepers and others in the agricultural/rural sector,” she said. “I realised just how much hard work, time and effort goes into providing the nation with food to put on the table. Something we take for granted Every – Single – Day.

“When building Doodling Lucy and deciding what my core values were, I knew that backing British farming would have to fit in somewhere. Through the use of my illustrations and calligraphy I hope to open conversations surrounding what it is to work in agriculture and the importance of backing British farming and our farmers.”

This year’s Doodling Lucy calendar will also raise funds for the Addington Fund – £1 from each sale will go directly to the charity.

Richard, also known as Fudgy Draws, creates graphic illustrations alongside his homemade fudge business. The Addington Fund met Richard at the Welshpool Illuminated Tractor Run in December 2022 and his catalogue already includes a range of vintage tractor and Land Rover illustrations.

Richard was keen to support Addington Fund’s work and is donating 10% of sales of his Massey tractor prints to the charity.

“When Addington approached me to be involved in a new card design I was delighted to get involved. We visit a lot of agricultural and rural shows and we see how hard the rural community works. It was a pleasure to create the drawing and to help raise money for such a great charity,” he commented.

The cards will be available to buy from the charity’s website and from its stand at summer events: www.addingtonfund.org.uk

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This L200 was donated by the Barber family and shelled by Russians while defending Ukrainian land. All people inside survived. © Car for Ukraine.

Car for Ukraine sources pickup trucks and 4×4 SUVs, adds armour and delivers them to the frontline, where they protect Ukrainian soldiers from shrapnel and evacuates those needing medical support.

Co-founders Ivan Oleksii and Nazar Kravchuk, and Richard Lofthouse, who previously donated a vehicle, attended the Kent County Show on 7-9^th July. They presented an armoured door that held firm as a piece of debris and bullets failed to penetrate its protective shield.

The team also explained why cars are still essential at the frontline even after the Ukrainian army started receiving Challengers and Leopards.

“Pickup trucks and 4×4 SUVs don’t have to be new and perfect. 10, 15 or 20 years old cars, after proper maintenance, can bring food and supplies, evacuate wounded and additionally protect warriors if a car gets shelled,” said Ivan.

Nearly 280 donated cars have served on the frontline to date.

(l-r): Car for Ukraine co-founder Nazar Kravchuck, Judy and John Barber, and Car for Ukraine co-founder Ivan Oleksii. © Car for Ukraine.

The Car for Ukraine team spoke to a number of visitors, including those who have already supported the organisation – including the Barber family.

Judy and John Barber donated an old L200 that they personally took to Lviv. It served three weeks at the frontline and was shelled by a mortar – the armour prevented the mortar penetrating the vehicle, protecting the Ukrainian soldiers inside.

When the Barber family was asked what motivated them to donate their vehicle they said: “The world must stop Russian invasion. So donating and delivering a truck was our personal contribution to the war effort.”

To find out more, support a project financially or donate a car, visit www.car4ukraine.com or contact info@car4ukraine.com

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Photo credit to Jonathan Slack.

Each year, the vibrant ‘ladies only’ tractor run brings an air of excitement to villages near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, as more than a hundred tractors parade through the streets dressed in bright pink hues, as are the ladies who drive them.

The record number of entries this year marks the event’s 20^th anniversary, which has raised over £896,000 for Cancer Research UK. Led by organiser Annie Chapman BEM, the Pink Ladies are now looking to raise the remaining £104,000 to break the all-important one million mark.

Taking part for the 6^th time is Openfield’s Cecilia Pryce, who is also a regular Farmers Guide contributor. She will be driving her vintage Dexta to the event this Sunday (2^nd July), having done all the servicing on the tractor herself.

Speaking to Farmers Guide, she is keen to dispel one of the misconceptions associated with the event.

“A lot of people think that the ladies who drive in the tractor run all have to be ladies who are survivors of breast cancer, which isn’t true. Anybody can take part in the tractor run, as long as they’re a lady and they have access to a tractor – be it vintage or modern.”

A new addition to the outfit of Mrs Pryce’s Fordson Dexta this year are pink bobble hats stuffed with kids’ footballs.

Many farmers and locals are also keen to show their support by lending their tractor for ladies to drive. Mrs Pryce had originally been asked to drive a grey Massey Ferguson on behalf of an elderly gentleman’s, who’s niece was battling breast cancer at the time and wasn’t feeling up to driving the tractor herself.

“It was an honour to be asked, because there are only a finite number of old tractors and we didn’t have a tractor at the time, so there was no way I could take part unless somebody asked me to do it. So that was my first tractor run.”

She explains the event brings together people across several generations, adding that every single lady who’s driving a tractor has a reason for being there.

“It’s always a great community event; the most bizarre thing is that you wouldn’t think it would appeal, but it’s a winning combination because it’s amazing just how many people say yes to driving a tractor and it puts a smile on our faces, because it proves we can.

“It’s also a very good excuse to decorate tractors in highly inappropriate things,” she adds with a hint of mischief.

The tractor run is set to kick off from Thorpe Abbotts airfield this Sunday at 11:30am, heading towards Thorpe Abbotts and reaching Brockdish by midday, which is always a great spot to photograph tractors driving through the beck, although the crossing might be dry this year unless rain comes in the next few days.

The Pink Ladies will then catch up at Magpie’s Hockey Club at 12:20pm to make sure everyone is in line, followed by a drive through Harleston and arrival at Gawdy Hall in time for lunch at 1pm. The parade will then set off to Pulham St Mary at around 3:15pm, arriving back to Thorpe Abbotts airfield by 4:30pm.

An emotional ride

The event is renowned for drawing a large number of supporters onto the streets, and Mrs Pryce says the emotions run high among both drivers and the crowd.

“It chokes you up, you can’t drive through any of these villages without it bringing tears to your eyes, because so many people have been affected by breast cancer or cancer per se. People just come out on the street, and if you’ve never witnessed it, you’ve missed something.

“Harleston, which is a sleepy market town, is absolutely ram-packed. I don’t think there’s another event locally that brings people out in a way that does.

“It is a big event, with an awful lot of emotion attached.”

Although driving an old tractor means you’re open to the elements, Mrs Pryce says there’s nothing that can deter the Pink Ladies from taking part in the run.

“The tractor run goes on whether the heavens have opened, whether it’s freezing cold, whether we’re all in waterproofs or in blistering sunshine. We’re a hardy lot and we travel with our waterproofs just as much as we travel with our sunscreen.”

The event is also supported by a team of passionate volunteers, who work tirelessly throughout the day to make sure the Pink Ladies are looked after and everyone has a smile on their faces.

As for hitting the £1million target, Mrs Pryce said there is a strong determination among the ladies to make history this year. Many have put on big events such as car boot sales or quizzes to raise money, while others have gone door-to-door asking for the community’s support.

“We’re really desperate to get a huge amount of sponsorship this year to see if we can break the £1 million as that is an important number for us all.”

To help the Pink Ladies reach their target and make a real difference to the lives of those battling breast cancer, donate through Cecilia’s fundraising page here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/cecilia-2023-pink-tractor-run

To find out more about the event and view photos from previous years, visit: https://www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk/

The group photo at the end of the day is a great testament of the passion and dedication of the Pink Ladies. Photo credit to Jonathan Slack.

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Image: JustGiving

Farmers travelling the length of the UK in a combine harvester have smashed their original £10K fundraising target, hitting over £23,000 on JustGiving.

The four drivers started their journey in a Claas combine harvester on 4^th June and are due to complete the trek on Thursday 8^th.

The team comprises Olly Harrison, John Branson, James Baldini and Martin Williams, all of whom have suffered the loss of close friends to suicide – which could have been avoided through talking and communication.

They have partnered with Mind mental health charity to raise awareness, and will also raise money for Children with Cancer UK, Claas’s chosen charity this year.

‘As farmers we have chosen the biggest machine that we could find to highlight this big issue throughout the country and we are happy to have Claas on board and supporting the project,’ the group wrote on JustGiving.

The five-day route will cover a total of 875 miles, travelling around 200 miles a day with overnight stops at Sellars Agriculture Ltd Perth, Rickerby Ltd Carnforth, Cotswold Farm Park and Hamblys Ltd Launceston.

Being agricultural they cannot use motorways and the 3.49m width means the journey has required careful planning. In order to minimise their environmental impact they are running on Certas Energy HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fossil-free fuel.

After completing the trek, the combine will be on show at Cereals in Newark on 13^th and 14^th June.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/combinejogle

Watch the latest update video from Olly Harrison’s YouTube page:

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Two ambulances and a campervan are among the 104 cars delivered across four convoys, driven to Ukraine by 160 volunteers from around the UK.

Pick-ups for Peace marked the milestone with a dinner in Lviv for the most recent convoy’s drivers. They were joined by Ukrainian military and humanitarian strategists who explained how crucial the vehicles are for communities in and around the frontlines – and will continue to be until Ukraine gets back its international recognised sovereign borders as agreed in 1991.

Pick-ups for peace is now scaling up its operations to deliver the next 100 vehicles. To achieve this target, it is scoping sources of 4×4 vehicles from all sectors and all corners of the country.

Pick-ups for peace co-founder, Vince Gillingham, who has just completed his fourth mission to Ukraine in as many months, said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have donated vehicles and funds, and our drivers.

“Each convoy is getting bigger – there were 66 volunteers in the most recent one – and the momentum behind the charity is awe-inspiring. A dozen of the participants were under the age of 25 and had raised thousands of pounds each to donate and transport a vehicle. Others have given vehicles even though they will struggle to replace them.

“Our military contacts echo this gratitude, and the impact donated vehicles is having on Ukrainian communities and troops’ capacity at the front is clearly defined. Their message is sobering, however; they need our support for the long haul, until Russia has gone and Ukraine is back on its feet.”

Mark Laird, another co-founder recently back from his fourth convoy, added: “It’s incredible to think that what started out as a conversation has grown into something so big. It’s not just vehicles we’re delivering: Russia wants to break the Ukrainians’ spirit, but every convoy brings morale as well, and we make a point of celebrating each consignment in Lviv with a dinner for the drivers and our Ukrainian friends.

“I have worked with hundreds of people in Lviv and every one of them is either fighting in this war, or has family members and friends that are doing so. The Ukrainians are fighting this war on our behalf, and we are very fortunate that they are willing to do this.

“Now that we have charity status, we have a stronger platform on which to build, and we are looking to throw the net wide open to all sources of 4x4s. The UK’s farming and rural community are fundamental to this cause, and we are deeply grateful to all those who have funded us so far, as well as the 160 volunteers who have driven vehicles.

“We won’t give up. Russia wants us to get bored and back off, but we are doubling down.”

For those looking to donate a 4×4, vehicles can be up to 15 years old and have more than 100,000 miles on the clock. They need a valid MOT certificate and good tyres.

The group is also seeking urgent supplies of: quad bikes and dirt bikes, clothing, tarpaulins, spades, screen wash, diesel cans, jump leads, ratchet straps, spare fan belts, generators, tow slings, first aid kits, dry food goods, spare tyres, night vision equipment, spare batteries, old phones and cable ties of all sizes.

To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/help-cpg-ukraine

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