Charity

The founders behind Pick-Ups for Peace originally set out to provide 100 vehicles, but it has become clear that limitless numbers are needed and – thanks to huge generosity of the British farming community and, increasingly other sectors – the group are confident enough that they can double that target to 200.

Charles Thompson, who tenant farms 450 acres of arable land near Hitchin, spoke to Farmers Guide about his recent trips to deliver pickup trucks and supplies to the front line in Ukraine, and his mission to find more vehicles to help the war effort.

A group of intrepid UK farmers are looking for support in their endeavour to supply 4×4 vehicles to the Ukrainian front line. Pick-ups for Peace are looking for at least 70 more 4×4 vehicles and drivers, as well as at least £70,000 to fund their transport to Ukraine.

Corteva Agriscience has donated more than $500,000 to support people in Turkey affected by the devastating earthquake.

Emma Ledbury, who lost half of her dairy herd to TB last year, was overwhelmed by support from Clarkson’s Farm fans and resolved to donate some of the funds to the mental health charity RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution).

Since losing his wife to ovarian cancer, Emyr Wigley has raised over £121,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Trust. Now, following a recent injury, he will sell his herd of 33 cattle on 4th March.

As part of the 6th annual Mind Your Head campaign, intended to raise awareness of deteriorating mental health in the agriculture sector, Farmers Guide spoke with two mental health charities about how pressures like avian flu and price increases have affected farmer well-being.

Tom Hitchcock from Ipswich, Suffolk, is taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales over the course of three days to raise money for the Motor Neuron Disease Association in memory of his late father.

Just under 200 tractors took part in the annual Boxing Day charity event in Larling, Norfolk, raising thousands of pounds for the rural mental health organisation YANA (You Are Not Alone).

The ‘Dorset Lookouts’ is a new initiative that aims to provide a point of contact for farmers experiencing difficulties in the area, making sure they receive the help and support they need to cope with mental health struggles.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), the farming charity for England and Wales, has launched its Christmas Appeal to support farming people over the festive period, when many are having to severely cut back on their spending.

Farming charity RABI is reminding poultry farmers of the support services available following the introduction of Defra’s Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across England.