Farming Futures workshops are a success
10 July 2008
"I cannot recall giving such a good set of marks ever. Please congratulate all!" (Peter Cox, Grange Farm)
Feedback from the first two Farming Futures workshops shows just how useful farmers and land managers found our 
on-farm climate change workshops. Taking place in June in Berkshire and Northumberland, both workshops were extremely well attended - perhaps you were there?
At Sheep drove Farm, Berkshire, Jonathon Scurlock (Chief Renewables Advisor, NFU) provided the context of how agriculture is linked to all of today's big issues: food security, energy security, carbon foot-printing and climate change. The supply chain is now beginning to take these issues seriously - plenty of good reasons for farmers to take note of the Farming Futures fact sheets providing inspiration and information on how to adapt and mitigate climate change. Next up was Liz Genever from EBLEX discussed feeding efficiencies and associated cost and risk reduction for beef and sheep farmers. Before a fantastic home grown and home cooked lunch, Jason Ball, Sustainability Manager at Sheep drove Farm guided the farm walk where much discussion on renewable energy had everyone taking notes!
Click here to read more feedback from the beef and sheep workshop attendees
Click here to see photos from the beef and sheep event
Our second workshop took place in Northumberland, hosted by Simon and Helen Henderson at the Fenton Centre. Alan Hopkins provided delegates with a full briefing on how climate change is impacting not only the UK but also global supply chains. Angus Collingwood-Cameron, the CLA's North East Director proceeded to describe the every day challenges we're all increasingly facing linked to climate change. Tenant farmer, Simon Henderson inspired delegates with how he is reducing flood risk to his farm and local communities, installing renewable energy heating and diversifying his business (an education centre, opening a delicatessen and farming for wildlife) - all actions which are reducing cost and risk in the future of a changing climate.
Click here to read more feedback from the Northumberland workshop attendees
Click here to see photos from the Northumberland workshop
To learn more about what you can do to reduce cost and risk on your farm and sign up to a workshop, visit: www.farmingfutures.org.uk.
If you haven't yet registered for one of our autumn workshops, there are still places available! Sign up to the following:
18 September - focus on anaerobic digestion - Bedford
24 September - focus on renewables - Shropshire
22 October - focus on pests and diseases and energy use for cereal growers - Lincolnshire
23 October - focus on anaerobic digestion - Dorset
All workshops are free and include refreshments, a farm walk and the opportunity to have all your questions answered by regional, sector and climate change experts.
Places are limited, so please register early by calling: 07825 204434.
