NEWS
Food production boost - Six new members were welcomed into the fold at the November meeting at Wroxham Barns. A total of 17 members and guests enjoyed supper before two outstanding presentations by Henry Shropshire, of G’s, and farms director Alex Duncan, of Martham-based East Coast Growers, which plans to increase salad and vegetable production by about 20pc to 800ha by 2028. See Club report in the minutes and reports tab on the left. [14/11/26]
Family connection - One of the newly-elected members, Frances Roberson follows in the family’s footsteps as her grandfather, Robbie, had farmed at Catfield. She is now leading the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s Food and Farming Discovery Trust, which has already achieved much success in promoting the importance of home-grown and local food production to schoolchildren and college students. The club supports the Trust. Other new members include Henry Catling, Simon Jenner, Tony Oakley, Toby Mermagen and Charlie Lockhart, of British Sugar. [14/11/26]
Award winners - There was also congratulation for two members. Firstly, Bob Clabon, had been the first winner of the Ken Leggett National Farmers’ Union’s award for unsung hero and outstanding leadership. And members applauded James Chapman, of Martham, for winning the 2026 Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year award and also the Arable Farmer of the Year title. [14/11/26]
INDOOR SEASON KICKS OFF - Members and guests are invited to the club's first indoor meeting at Wroxham Barns on Wednesday, November 11. Henry Shropshire, of G's, and colleague Alex Duncan, of East Coast Growers, will be speaking on the theme - "Preparing to farm for 2040, with success", from 7.30pm. However, all are welcome to join the chairman and speakers at supper beforehand from 6pm, sit down at 6.25pm.
The two-course meal, £20, will be cottage pie and Bakewell Tart, which MUST be booked in advance through the secretary Michael Pollitt. Please text 07852 718342 or email michaelbpollitt@btinternet.com or telephone
01603 486997 by Monday, November 9 (5pm). Payment may be made to the club's bank - Barclays - Stalham Farmers Club 20 99 21 Acc 40827886 or cash on the night. All bookings will be acknowledged and half a dozen places have also been booked.
[27/10/26]
GRAIN SAMPLES - Members and invited to bring samples of grain and barley to the meeting on Wednesday, November 11. It is also the 90th anniversary year of the barley cup - first presented in 1937. The club's winning sample will be judged against Jack Hammond's sample of Buccaneer, which won the Holt & District Farmers' Club's malting barley competition. Incidentally, the first winner in January 1938 was Mr Ivan Wright, of Stalham, and the runner-up, Mr James Alston, of Sloley.
Norfolk Agricultural Station, of Sprowston, was third and the reserve, Mr H J Cook, of Ludham.
Samples may be left at Sands Agricultural Machinery at Catfield, by kind permission of Neal Sands or delivered to Chris Borrett, of Adams & Howling at Little Plumstead.
Finally, it is hoped - rain and weather permitting - to judge the sugar beet competitions early next week. A total of 10 entries have been received for the whole crop and best two-acre.
[27/10/26]