Gillian Keegan MP visited farms in the north of the constituency, seeing some of the 118,197 acres of farmland. Gillian was shown cattle sheds, and the site where the new robotic milking machines are due to be installed at Buddington Farm. The machines are capable of monitoring the cow's weight and other indicators to ensure the herd stay healthy. Gillian was also shown the potato storage barn where crates of fresh mud covered potatoes are stored in the dark at 2°C waiting to be washed and packed for the supermarkets.
The Chichester MP, throughout her day, met with several farmers and leaders within the National Farmers Union (NFU) who shared their concerns about the agricultural industry. Rural crime was a key issue, and the NFU were particularly concerned with the number of dog attacks on livestock, this alone cost the industry £1.3million last year. Sheep worrying, a consequence of scaring sheep, is also common place in Sussex with just under 500 reported 'worrying' events since 2013, although most go unreported. This is more concerning for pregnant sheep who as a consequence of stress often abort their pregnancies. The MP has supported the NFU's calls for people to put their dogs on leads when near livestock. In the afternoon, Gillian had the opportunity to meet with some sheep on top of the South Downs.
