NEWS
Congratulations to the Tallowin family - Wildlife thrives alongside food production at an award-winning Broadland farm. Willow Farm, Hickling, was the winner of the 2025 Ian MacNicol Memorial Trophy, awarded by Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. The annual competition recognises best conservation practice with commercial food production.
James Tallowin, and his father John, incidentally both members of Stalham Farmers’ Club, were congratulated for nurturing “an amazing array of wildlife” on the family farm, which adjoins one of Norfolk’s largest broads.
In the last 20 years, 180 bird species have been recorded, 11 bat species and 650 types of moth. The 230ha farm is mainly arable and includes one of the country’s top performing poultry units producing
80,000 broiler chickens.
There has also been significant investment in roof-mounted solar panels with 120Kw capacity on poultry housing, 200kw battery storage and also a 550kw biomass boiler. Full story and photographs, see EDP online, Friday, June 12.
[12/06/26]
Club's farm visit - A handful of places, literally, are still available for the club's farm walk to the Kelling Hall estate, which is organised with East Norfolk branch of the National Farmers' Union. A total of 92 places have been booked out of a maximum 100 for Tuesday evening's tour, starting at 5.30pm prompt. Text the secretary on 07852 718342 or email michaelbpollitt@btinternet.com as soon as possible. All requests will be acknowledged. [12/06/26]
Estate's blooming fields - A sea of poppies on a north Norfolk estate is making headlines on the BBC's website on Friday, May 29. Members of Stalham Farmers' Club and East Norfolk branch of the National Farmers'
Union are visiting the Kelling Hall estate, near Holt, on Tuesday, June 16. The tractor-and-trailer tour has been organised by club chairman Jason Cantrill following the invitation by the Widdowson family.. There has been keen demand for places on the visit, which starts promptly from 5.30pm. As numbers for the tour and hog roast supper are strictly limited, don't leave it too late to apply. Already almost 40 places have been booked.
BBC Weather Watcher Alan Percy, who goes by the name Walking Tractor, said it was one of the best poppy fields he had ever seen. He said: "I was on the Coasthopper bus to Wells-next-the-Sea on bank holiday monday
- a boiling hot day - and looked behind me and noticed this sea of red in the distance."
The conservation theme will form part of the focus of the visit. Meet at the estate yard, NR25 7EW. Let the secretary know - michaelbpollitt@btinternet.com or text 07852 718342. All requests will be acknowledged.
And don't forget the revived clay pigeon shoot against Holt & District Farmers' Club on Friday, July 3. A 40-bird sporting shoot followed by supper at the King's Head, Letheringsett. Details from Jason Cantrill or the secretary, Michael Pollitt. All welcome to shoot or join the supper.
[29/05/26]
Down memory lane - Half a century ago, members of North Walsham Young Farmers’ Club were photographed raising funds for charity.
One photograph in the Nostalgia feature in the Eastern Daily Press (April 11, 2026) has caused much interest especially to Stalham Farmers’ Club members. The photograph is in the Gallery on the left.
On April 23, 1976, young farmers were en route to Brighton with the aim of raising £1,000 (£6,838 today) for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Thanks to detective work (and a good memory) by Mary Beck, Tim Papworth and Mandy Sands, and help from a number of other former YFC members, it has been possible to identify those taking part in the sponsored barrow push.
From left, Maurice Quantrill, Pip Roney (with pipe), Jane Garrod, Peter Fisher (half hidden), David Tann (right), Penny Bones and front, Mary Beck. Two spectators on the right, one wearing dark glasses, Billy Tann with Freda Tann.
Behind the barrow, Judy Beck is standing next to the driver of her horse lorry. It is likely that Alan Beck was at the wheel with co-driver Andrew Sands.
Peter Beck was then a great supporter and fund-raiser for the Guide Dogs. [12/04/26]
Breakfast in the Bure – Tuesday, April 21 (9am to 11am) - This first “Breakfast in the Bure” is an opportunity to chat and enjoy a good hearty breakfast – no agenda, no presentations.
For farmers and farm staff, join Norfolk FWAG for a free breakfast at Hirst’s Farm Shop & Café , Ormesby St Margaret NR29 3LE.
The event is supported by Great Yarmouth Borough Council. The organisers request that a maximum of three attend. To register go to breakfast-in-the-bure.eventbrite.co.uk
[09/04/26]