Month: November 2023

I started this blog after being inspired by a leadership course I went on with Farming Connect. That was way back in 2018-19, and wow have things changed since then.

I find myself writing here today as a facilitator of a leadership group – which is incredibly exciting – and I am still inspired – hard not to be in a room of intelligent, excited, forward thinking people who are there because they want to be and because they are the selected few from a larger group that applied.

It is very easy to get drawn into negativity, especially now when we face a period of change as an industry. Not just change, but uncertainty as well. It is hard. Hard to realise, hard to understand and hardest of all is to change with our futures unknown. Spending time with this group is quite the opposite.

I am writing this today as I have been quite unmotivated in getting some exercise done (I would say recently, but it has been a bit long term). The scales are obviously broken to show that weight, the clothes are a little too snug (and I refuse to change size, unless it is a lower size) and I am not fit enough. To top this I am the upper side of 40 and wow does it get harder then. However, with a gentle encouraging nudge from a friend, I have signed up for a 6 week course of exercise, that I can do at home, via an app (everfit @evtraining – others are available).

Digression: That is something that has changed since 2018 – there are apps for everything – handy sometimes, but just incredibly annoying in other circumstances. The one that pops into my mind is trying to order food and drink at the airport. There are waiting staff, there are bar staff, but they cannot take any orders, we have to scan the QR code or use their app – I mean, what??? Seriously??? This is not good use of tech people c’mon.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is that maybe the new leaders have inspired me to sort myself out in a roundabout way. Their energy, their health and their ambition is in abundance, it is hard for it not to rub off on me! They are a very focused group, they are better behaved and drink less alcohol than I would have done at that point – some even went for a run in the morning – this kind of behaviour is impressive – although a little shocking to me.

I opted for the at home version of the exercise class because I don’t want to drive 30 minutes to a gym, and 30 minutes back again (don’t get me started on higher Council Tax and a depletion in services, and 20mph). I have space in our garage – it isn’t plush, but it is cold enough now to make sure I keep moving while I am in there! The down side is that I can see my reflection in the tumbledryer window….that alone is inspiration 😂

I plan for this to be a bit of an introduction – then I will aim for more after the 6 weeks. Like eating an elephant, piece by piece 🙂

So – last week I got the Garmin watch out of the drawer, dusted it (I know, bad) and started counting and recording steps again. Last night, I did a Kettlebell and boxercise work out (dusted the kettlebell too) – it was really hard, I was out of puff, sweating and dressed appallingly. This was my first proper workout in over two years. I used to be a bit fit, and able to get into exercise quite easily – not so easy now -so I have quite a challenge ahead.

Ideally I would like to lose two stone – even more ideal would be to lose a stone before the Winter Fair – but that is in less than two weeks so a bit of reality is required – but it is always good to dream…aim high!

This is about how I feel and how I look – I know I am too heavy and not fit enough (although I do always find I can chase a sheep when the need arises) and I want to be more healthy. This isn’t a blog opening myself up to people who sell diet plans or kitchen equipment I do not need to count calories – I will find what I want and go from there thank you.

This is about taking accountability for myself.

I talk about sustainable farm businesses, being fit for the future – but what about me? Ironically I preach about self care – especially for younger people, better to have the habit younger. My emotional self care has been a priority over the last couple of years, and I have been good at that with Yoga and meditation, but physical self care is so so important (although Yoga is good for the physical too, I don’t find it shifts any weight, but I am quite bendy).

Strangely, I follow @moonomens on Instagram – I like to read the horoscopes, but after the time has passed, not as a predictor. So the post I read today has me spooked – I have posted it below for you to read it – how relatable is that?!! I am starting to think the moon has me sussed.

Preparation for the future – be it for yourself, or your business, is vitally important – so let’s get to it!

Was it inspiration? Or written in the stars? Does it matter? I am going to take it and run (albeit slowly) with it 🌟

Thank you for reading – and making me accountable. xxx

I do tend to sign up for a conference, if they are good I will sign up for a second year, if not, I won’t.

Yesterday was the Wales NFU Cymru annual conference in The Metropole hotel at Llandrindod Wells. I have been attending this one for a few years, so yes I think it is well worth going to. This year was even better, as Dad came with me too.

Many people roll their eyes at the thought of attending a conference, and I wander why? It is a good opportunity to hear about your industry, listen to new speakers, and possibly learn something new. They are also a good social excuse, there are some people I only see at this conference from year to year, and it would be a shame to miss that opportunity.

I question the benefits of a conference in two ways; it is useful for me in my job, my role at Rural Advisor? Is it useful for my own personal development? Okay – actually, add another way – I question the cost!

Yesterday – it was useful for work as we had an introduction from Aled Jones (NFU Cymru President) followed by an update from the Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths on the events for Welsh Agriculture at the moment. Then we had two presentations discussing carbon, emissions, trees and hedges – particularly topical at this time for Welsh agriculture (and a consultation document pending so keep an eye out for that). The other useful thing here was that I got the contact details of the speakers, so if and when I need more information, I can go after them for it again. I also had a very quick chat at lunch time which will actually help me with a current work challenge…ideal 🙂

Yesterday was useful for my personal development as I saw many different styles of presenting – from NFU as a member organisation and lobbying body, to scientists, politicians and professors. It is so interesting to see these different styles, so much to learn!

The afternoon then took a change in direction and we had a political editor from Wales Online, discussing the state of Welsh politics at the moment (I know, what a topic), we had a speaker explaining international trade and opportunities for Welsh and British Agriculture – then we had a Professor talking about International Consumer Behaviour.

I find politics interesting but it tests my patience (I don’t know how people work in politics full time) – the speaker was excellent though, and funny too. International trade and consumer behaviour are fascinating topics – and helps me to see what I can influence or change, and what I can’t – and where is best to spend my energy.

Consumer behaviour was a fast, furious and lively presentation with a lot of information – I cannot remember it all – but I am quite the note taker so all good.

On taking notes – I do this as my brain is like a sieve – I know I have heard it, when, and what is was, but cannot remember every detail – so I have learnt to take notes. I also do it because it helps keep the creative fun side of my brain in check. I have to be a bit careful as I will be drawn in by good presenters, their style, panache and flair , but at the end I might end up wandering what they actually said. So notes allow the brain to enjoy but keep it all real too!

Final speaker of the day – Minette Batters – whether you are an NFU person or not – this lady is a tremendous public speaker, and how she has presented various arguments is quite a masterclass. I would describe her style as no messing, there is no nonsense, there is honesty – and she gets things done. Very inspiring and so much to learn! Followed by a closing part by Abi Reader (Vice Chair N

Looking back at the day – it was successful for work, personal development, and free to members so a win, win, win – excellent result.

Highlight of the day for me was meeting Minette Batters – I a quite the fan ( you may have noticed this already :-)) I have heard her on the radio, seen her at shows, conferences including NFU and Meat Business Women. I am sad that she is coming to end of her 6 year term as NFU President but grateful for the work she has done and what has been achieved. Thank you Minette!

I do have a few people in what I kind of consider my hero category, Minette Batters (previously mentioned….once or twice), Beth Dutton from Yellowstone and Laura Ryan (started MBW amongst many many other things). I know Beth is a character, but she has some awesome lines, and definitely has a no nonsense approach! So it seems my heroes are all women – this isn’t to say there aren’t men who inspire me, because there are – but just at the moment these women get things done, and I like that.

They say never meet your hero – well I did and I am well chuffed! If you are disappointed when you meet yours – pick a new hero!!

See you at the next conference 👍

Take care x