THE NFU in the north-east is staging a series of winter meetings for any farmers that are already tenants or intending to rent land, on a five-year Farm Business Tenancy or on an annual let.

The four meetings across the region will provide an update on the latest tenancy legislation and look at the wider rental market, outlining the pitfalls of preparing a rental tender and suggesting ‘best practice’ ways of improving your chances of success in a competitive tendering process.

There will also be guidance on the development of land for non-agricultural use particularly for renewables or housing development and what to expect if you are a tenant.

According to regional tenancy specialist Lucinda Douglas, the meeting offers farmers an opportunity to catch up on tenancy issues in the run-up to autumn rent reviews.

“A high proportion of farmers now rent land, even if it’s only on an annual let, so these meetings should appeal to all farmers with an interest in the rental market,” she said.

“Having an understanding of how the market is performing is just as crucial when getting involved in competitive tendering as it is for people facing rent reviews.”

Speaking at each event will be NFU rural surveyor Louise Staples and representatives from the NFU’s rural surveyor panel firms. The event details are as follows:

• November 25 from 7.30pm at Kyte Hotel, Darrington WF8 3HR

• November 26 from 7.30pm at Guisborough Hall, Guisborough TS14 6PT

• December 2 from 7.30pm at Malton Rugby Club, Malton YO17 7EY

• December 3 from 7.30pm at Hexham Auction Mart, Hexham NE46 3SG

The meetings are open to all NFU members. Anyone interested in attending is asked to book a place by calling 01904 451550 or emailing north.east@nfu.org.uk