2016-12-14 |
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Addington Fund ‘Tup 1 Ewe’ Campaign Gathers Momentum
National farming charity, The Addington Fund, reports that its new, ground-breaking initiative to help raise vital funds for farmers in need is off to a flying start.
Launched in September, the new scheme - titled ‘Tup 1 Ewe’ - enables sheep farmers to donate live animals through participating auction markets around England and Wales, and nominate the sale proceeds of ewes or lambs to the charity.
Auction marts to sign up for the initiative to date are Craven Cattle Marts in Skipton, Thirsk, J36 Rural Auction Centre in South Lakeland, Wigton, Carlisle, Penrith, Darlington and Longtown.
Draft ewes have been sold at Longtown and J36, along with lambs at the Royal Smithfield Show and Rugby Farmers Market, while CCM Auctions are also donating part of the proceeds of special charity sales staged at its annual Christmas primestock shows last month.
Other farmers have also signed up to sell at Shrewsbury, Ruthin, Sedgemoor, Hallworthy, Thame, Bridgenorth, Worcester and Hereford Marts.
Addington Fund Chief Executive Ian Bell
“By early December, we had already raised over £1,200. We intend to run the scheme for at least a full year, as some farmers have opted for selling store or fat lambs next autumn, so we confidently expect more much-needed funds to continue to come our way,” said The Addington Fund’s chief executive Ian Bell.
“Farmers can donate a ewe and lamb, or lambs - or they can give the progeny of the ewe as a store or finished lamb. The proceeds will then be sent to the Addington Fund direct from the auction mart and, importantly, the funds raised will support farming families in the region of the market.”
The Addington Fund, which has its headquarters in Barford, Warwickshire, offers a lifeline to farmers in desperate need of housing or emergency funds. It has worked closely with the Livestock Auctioneers Association Council on the pioneering project. Strutt & Parker LLP, Shearwell Data and JG Animal Health are also supporting the initiative.
Ian commented:
“Livestock farmers have always been incredibly supportive of our charity
and our warmest and heartfelt thanks go to all the marts and farmers
who have up to now backed this new and unique scheme. We hope to add
more markets to our list of participating partners over the coming months.
“Funds will predominantly go to the provision of housing for farmers who are forced to leave their homes, though in certain counties we also offer affordable housing to anyone currently working in, or retired from an agricultural or a land-based industry.
“Livestock farmers should look out for details at their local market or ask their auctioneer. This project represents a simple and practical method of backing a worthy cause. Remember, a donation of a single animal could make a huge difference to someone’s future,” added Ian.
