It is amazing how the weather can change and make one feel so much better. Last month when I wrote the newsletter, the land in North Northumberland was very wet, but now we are finally enjoying some lovely, warm weather.
We have all the ewes and lambs and cows and calves out enjoying the grass and sunshine. I was talking to a friend in Victoria, Australia, who tells me how dry it is there at this time of year, and the lack in grass is affecting the dairy farmers.
Here in the UK, the show season is just starting with the Balmoral Show starting this week. Chris Riddle who is one of our Trustees is retiring as Show Director of the Royal Cornwall Show after 45 years with the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association and 35 years in charge. Allan Murray, the RASC Hon Treasurer, and I are going to the show later this month to wish Chris well in his retirement.
I’m pleased to add that the Royal Smithfield Club, whom of which I am Chairman, has recently been informed that His Majesty King Charles III has officially confirmed that he will take over the Patronage of the Club, previously held by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Coming up soon is The Hamilton Fieldays in New Zealand, this will take place from 12th to 15th June. We are very lucky that Peter Nation, who runs the event, has kindly agreed to speak at our upcoming conference next month.
We have been very busy with the conference planning, and it is really coming together very well. We have an excellent programme put together for CEOs, NGs and main conference goers. The programme will start with the pre-conference tour around Perthshire, Fife and Angus and it’s fully booked already!
I look forward to seeing many of you in Edinburgh in June.
