Good meeting with the Northern Farming and landowner group - broadband, forestry, jobs and farmers issues all discussed at recent meetingue

The NFLG does a great job representing a diverse community of farmers, food producers, foresters and more across Northumberland and the wider North East.

Their specific feedback and monthly updates are invaluable to anyone like myself who represents a diverse partly very rural community. I simply cannot meet every single farmer every single week and rely on organisations like the NFU and the NFLG to provide direct assistance and updates.

Two weeks ago I sat down and did a multitude of Any Questions with the group. As always I came away better informed and keen to help some more. The Journal came along to cover the event and their detailed report is here:
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/farming/mp-guy-opperman-tackles-rural-10320793

The Budget, one NFU and two jobs / economy hustings & debates this week

Friday sees me debating the Budget and the Conservative Party offer on jobs, business creation and the future economy with Labour and Liberal MPs at the NECC event in Durham. On Tuesday I have the pre budget debate with the CBI in London with various other MPs and business leaders.
Separately I also have the local NFU hustings later this week.

Reflections on the County Show

Two weeks on and it is right to celebrate the many successes of the County Show, and to thank all those who put in so much effort to make it happen - not least the show team, the hosts the Allendales, and all the stewards, judges, volunteers and standholders. I had a great day.
It is clear that we need the Stocksfield Station road fixed and that access was an issue this year but I am certain these minor glitches will be resolved next year. For my part I could not have got through the day without my capable sidekick Susan who worked tirelessly [again as a volunteer] to make sure the standholders had everything they wanted
I am seen pictured with the outdoor stand winners, the NFU, who produced a fantastic interactive and live animal stand that had purists and kids all fascinated. They were deserved winners.

Hexham Summer Tour - Meeting the NFU

Peter and I with Johnny Ball, Annabel the cardboard cow, and the man from the National Park ...

Arrived at Once Brewed to see the NFU roadshow in town with Annabel [A cardboard cow], and some real sheep. Had a good chat to the amazing NFU man Johnny Ball - who agreed that his life on tour promoting farming round Britain [he does a different town or location every day] was like an actor / ageing rock star on tour. Spent a good hour chatting. The disastrous impact of the sheep ID scheme cannot be underestimated.

In the evening we had an amazing Patrons Club Drinks Party in the garden at Haughton Castle - great fun until the midges descended at 9pm. Gave a short speech on what we spend the Patrons money upon and why we need to win, not just here, but in Carlisle, Tynemouth, Stockton South, Jedburgh / Borders and Hartlepool to name a few.