Cancel your NFU membership now

[warksfarmer]

How many members would you need ?

The more the better but surely if there are only 39,000 farmer members of the nfu then we would stand a good chance of getting the other 70,000 registered farmers in the country as long as it was just for core farming values. No pointless discount schemes for cars that are just a load of twaddle and it needs to be significantly cheaper than the NFU. Maybe the suggestion of £100 each is actually to much and should be £50 each.

 

[warksfarmer]

An acknowledgment from him that critics of RT are not backstabbers and naive would be all that's needed.

To late now over 3 weeks later though isn't it. He should of come on here the day after and cleared it up.

 

[Henarar]

For the size of our industry the NFU has massive “clout” compared the other similar industries? Just look who they have had direct talks/meetings with in the last few months. If we all bin the NFU can you imagine how much worse all the reforms that will be pushed through whilst a small group of disgruntled farmers take years and bicker and argue about the best way of setting up a new union? Oh actually let’s just block the roads and burn tyres until we get what we want as it works in other countries...

Yep it seems to and I have some to get rid of if needed

 

[Hilly]

The more the better but surely if there are only 39,000 farmer members of the nfu then we would stand a good chance of getting the other 70,000 registered farmers in the country as long as it was just for core farming values. No pointless discount schemes for cars that are just a load of twaddle and it needs to be significantly cheaper than the NFU. Maybe the suggestion of £100 each is actually to much and should be £50 each.

Yup non bull sh!t no smoke mirrors farmers Union , I’m in .

 

[hally]

Yup non bull sh!t no smoke mirrors farmers Union , I’m in .

Me too

 

[Beefsmith]

The mutual like all the others fine you for loyalty , 50 years is very loyal ! They are bumping barstewards .

No we get separate quotes every year and whilst the NFU is always the most expensive we’ve stuck with them because generally they’ve been good over the years. Normally we’d see a £2000 difference between cheapest and NFU, but this time it’s £7,250. Exactly the same details as well. I honestly think it’s because we’ve cancelled the subs to the union. I’m not even going to bother negotiating. They’ve lost us for good now with the union and insurance.

 

[steveR]

prove otherwise? not a week ago you claimed it was exclusive farmer membership...... until we gave you a link to the NFU’s own website detailing corporate and other membership options

Why not ask head office ? i doubt you will get a straight answer though

personally i cant see Tesco getting the same bill you do though ! even different farmers pay different membership fees based on size. .. so who is most important to keep happy ? little guy or big guy ?

As longs as Mr Tesco also has just ONE vote in teh new OMOV regime

 

[Humble Village Farmer]

As longs as Mr Tesco also has just ONE vote in teh new OMOV regime

They would have to be farmers though to get that vote...

 

[steveR]

No we get separate quotes every year and whilst the NFU is always the most expensive we’ve stuck with them because generally they’ve been good over the years. Normally we’d see a £2000 difference between cheapest and NFU, but this time it’s £7,250. Exactly the same details as well. I honestly think it’s because we’ve cancelled the subs to the union. I’m not even going to bother negotiating. They’ve lost us for good now with the union and insurance.

Ouch! That is a big hit, and I bet the local NFU Agent is not happy...

And the NFUM should be looking hard at the loss of clients like you. Do write and tell them of your sadness!

 

[steveR]

They would have to be farmers though to get that vote...

Well just ONE vote from each supermarkets is still only 6-8 votes in total

 

[steveR]

How many who wish to cancel have spoken to their elected representatives about how they feel? If all you get back is the official NFU line, then fair enough, but if they are prepared to represent you as members, and give your viewpoint then isn't that the way to get results. If every council member was lobbied by their membership then there would be a huge shakeup. Most members don't attend and even less are prepared to voice their opinion at meetings. My phone/email is silent. I know more about my county members feelings from what they post on here than what they say to me.

Several weeks ago, based partly on your comments, I emailed my Branch Sec and County Chair and also communicated with Regional Adviser and had emails in return from all.

County Chair is very supportive I would say, of moves to make RT fit for purpose. I was impressed at her response.

Branch Sec, was genuinely keen to retain me and we discussed the matter at length.

Regional Adviser, who I have a lot of respect for, essentially towed the party line of "RT Good". Might be interesting now 2-3 weeks later, to see if that line has changed "downhill" from HQ, as the Leadership have rowed back... a bit in their blind support for RT!!

 

[warksfarmer]

Several weeks ago, based partly on your comments, I emailed my Branch Sec and County Chair and also communicated with Regional Adviser and had emails in return from all.

County Chair is very supportive I would say, of moves to make RT fit for purpose. I was impressed at her response.

Branch Sec, was genuinely keen to retain me and we discussed the matter at length.

Regional Adviser, who I have a lot of respect for, essentially towed the party line of "RT Good". Might be interesting now 2-3 weeks later, to see if that line has changed "downhill" from HQ, as the Leadership have rowed back... a bit in their blind support for RT!!

Since I started this thread I’ve genuinely been amazed at the amount of texts, emails and calls from people saying they’ve either cancelled their memberships previously or are doing it now.
With only 35,000 ish farmer members out of 109,000 registered in the U.K. the NFU is finished as a farmers union because it’s not one is it. Far from it in fact.

We need a proper union that only deals with farmers issues and not what the NFU does.

 

[steveR]

Since I started this thread I’ve genuinely been amazed at the amount of texts, emails and calls from people saying they’ve either cancelled their memberships previously or are doing it now.
With only 35,000 ish farmer members out of 109,000 registered in the U.K. the NFU is finished as a farmers union because it’s not one is it. Far from it in fact.

We need a proper union that only deals with farmers issues and not what the NFU does.

I have had people I know, who obviously have been following the various threads here on TFF (and in the press), express support for what is happening here... Not sure how many have resigned TBH.

Even the threat of leaving, or an email to the local bod, is a positive action, that all adds pressure. Personally, I do not want to see the end of the NFU, I want it to change though!

The bullying threats by the NFUM still annoys me immensely. But they are a Mutual, and can do what they like. Maybe the loss of the Farmer clients will not concern them as they move into other areas of business...?

 

[jack6480]

Since I started this thread I’ve genuinely been amazed at the amount of texts, emails and calls from people saying they’ve either cancelled their memberships previously or are doing it now.
With only 35,000 ish farmer members out of 109,000 registered in the U.K. the NFU is finished as a farmers union because it’s not one is it. Far from it in fact.

We need a proper union that only deals with farmers issues and not what the NFU does.

start one then

 

[Sid]

Since I started this thread I’ve genuinely been amazed at the amount of texts, emails and calls from people saying they’ve either cancelled their memberships previously or are doing it now.
With only 35,000 ish farmer members out of 109,000 registered in the U.K. the NFU is finished as a farmers union because it’s not one is it. Far from it in fact.

We need a proper union that only deals with farmers issues and not what the NFU does.

Is FFA still going?

 

[Tarw Coch]

Is FFA still going?

yes

 

[Midlands Farmer]

A little bit of realism is required here I feel, we have all benefited from the NFUs work, farming has never been in the public eye for the right reasons as much as it has in the last 5yrs thanks to the NFU (though there is much more they could/should do) do a few thousand disgruntled farmers all paying a £100 really think they can make real change in a short period of time as the future of Ag is in the balance now! The NFU has status off the back of years of work and money, I’m not saying it’s perfect but I really can’t see a brand new union with no office,staff,reputation,connections,media team,advisors and very limited budget getting a word in with Defra,Liz Truss and senior government.
I do worry that there’s lots of “old school” farmers out there that really think protesting and pissing off the general public will help us move forward!!

 

[Henarar]

A little bit of realism is required here I feel, we have all benefited from the NFUs work, farming has never been in the public eye for the right reasons as much as it has in the last 5yrs thanks to the NFU (though there is much more they could/should do) do a few thousand disgruntled farmers all paying a £100 really think they can make real change in a short period of time as the future of Ag is in the balance now! The NFU has status off the back of years of work and money, I’m not saying it’s perfect but I really can’t see a brand new union with no office,staff,reputation,connections,media team,advisors and very limited budget getting a word in with Defra,Liz Truss and senior government.
I do worry that there’s lots of “old school” farmers out there that really think protesting and pissing off the general public will help us move forward!!

We know they do a good job with some things but why oh why do they fecking well push rubbish like RT/WLA when all it does is cost farmers money, its bloody stupid

 

[7610 super q]

What has the NFU done ? Rebate for diesel ? Kept us in Roundup for a few extra years maybe ? Can't think of much else ?

 

[Dukejeffries]

Quite right; the NFU is a great idea & was once fit for purpose, it needs a total reboot... or replacement.

Yes it does need to move with the times