This Saturday, the farming industry will take its place in the annual Lord Mayor's Show¹ to say a huge thank you to the British public for their overwhelming support. British farming is ranked as one of the most important and well-respected professions², second only to nursing, with 91% believing farming is important to the UK economy.

The Worshipful Company of Farmers³, one of the modern-day livery companies, will be supported in the historic procession by the NFU, Massey Ferguson, Red Tractor and Surrey Docks City Farm, showcasing to the hundreds of thousands of spectators and live BBC television audience, the importance of farmers and growers producing sustainable, climate-friendly food alongside maintaining and improving the iconic great British countryside.

Taking centre stage will be an impressive MF 7370 Beta combine harvester supplied by Massey Ferguson, together with the award-wining MF 8S series tractor. Walking alongside will be the NFU's group of Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors⁴, Red Tractor representatives and youngsters from Surrey Docks City Farm.

Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers Richard Crane said: "The Worshipful Company of Farmers is once again delighted to support the Lord Mayors Show and bring together representatives from the agricultural world, especially all the volunteers, ambassadors and supporters from Surrey Docks Farm, NFU and Red Tractor. Our machinery sponsor this year is Massey Ferguson, which has supplied the huge combine and tractor for the show, to whom we are all very grateful. I hope everyone has a very successful day."

 

NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in the Lord Mayor's Show, bring farming into the heart of the City of London and support the amazing work of the Worshipful Company of Farmers – an organisation that provides inspirational leadership and training for anyone engaged in the agriculture industry. The Company's involvement in this historic procession with all the various stakeholders is a wonderful example of how they brilliantly showcase the work of Britain's farmers and growers.

"Never has this been more important. Farming is facing unprecedented challenges; decades of tightening margins, record inflation, extreme weather and increased production costs, and now the threat to family farms from changes announced in the Budget to Agriculture Property Relief and Business Property Relief. Coupled with changes to the National Living Wage and National Insurance, these hard-working people could be pushed out of business, with potentially devastating impacts on our ability to produce food and remain custodians of the countryside.

"The public support we have received has been amazing, with more than 165,000 people signing our campaign to overturn this family farm tax. Saturday's parade is our chance to say directly to the public a heartfelt thank you for backing British farming."

Lindsay Haddon, Massey Ferguson Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager, said: "As in previous years, we are delighted and honoured to be part of this spectacular event.  Massey Ferguson is proud to support these farming organisations and to be a part of the Ambassadors' journey promoting British food and farming."  

Jim Moseley, CEO, Red Tractor, said: "At Red Tractor, we are proud to partner with farmers who produce food that is safe, traceable, and farmed with care. Participating in the Lord Mayor's Show is a wonderful opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication of farmers in providing high-quality food for the nation. This event allows us to share our story in the heart of the city. Together with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, the NFU, and Surrey Docks City Farm, we're excited to celebrate the best of British farming."

Surrey Docks City Farm Manager Gemma Hooper said: "We are thrilled to have been invited to take part in the Lord Mayor's Show, thanks to our long-standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers. Members of our Youth Committee aged eight up to 25 will be in the parade to proudly represent British farming and raise the profile of London's city farms."