Using the power of technology to stay connected with UFU members

As lockdown restrictions have begun to ease with the reopening of the retail and hospitality sectors and pupils returning to school, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) headquarter staff are continuing to work from their remote locations in accordance with Government guidelines.
Tyrone countryside. Picture: Cliff DonaldsonTyrone countryside. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Tyrone countryside. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Through the power of technology, staff have been able to stay connected with members in a number of ways helping to ensure business resumes as close to normal as possible.

Email/telephone:

All UFU staff are active on their emails each day. If you have a concern or question that you would like to put to any member of the team, please do not hesitate to get in touch. All email addresses can be found on the UFU website at the following link, www.ufuni.org/about/staff.

Alternatively, you can also call 028 9037 0222, and our UFU receptionist will put you in touch with a staff member who will assist you with your query.

Microsoft Teams/Zoom:

The UFU use Microsoft Teams to conduct its policy chair and policy committee meetings and has hosted executive meetings since lockdown restrictions were put in place through Zoom. During the calls, members were given an update on the recent ongoings. They were able to ask questions (using the chat feature on zoom), and this ensured that everyone had an opportunity to speak and raise issues that were concerning them.

E-bulletin:

The UFU communications team send out the weekly e-bulletin every Friday evening at 8pm. The aim of the e-bulletin is to make it easier for members to know what the UFU is doing on issues big and small, that affect the prosperity of farm businesses across Northern Ireland.

The information is extremely accessible and easy to read on smartphones and tablets. It comes in the form of an e-mail, with the bulletin included in the body. It can then be read easily anywhere – be that on the computer in the office or on your phone. The e-bulletin is about the UFU communicating more effectively, letting our members know what we are doing for them.

If you are a UFU member and wish to receive the weekly e-bulletin contact [email protected] to have your e-mail address added to the system.

UFU Facebook group – community group:

The UFU has expanded their online services by providing a member-only Facebook community group where members can keep up to date on the latest UFU activities and interact with one another.

Managed by the UFU communications team, the Facebook group contains more member focused content, including the latest Northern Ireland agriculture news updates, DAERA content, vital information that relates to your farm business, policy information, membership services, weekly beef price watch, milk price indicator every fortnight and more.

Joining the group is easy. Members can search for the ‘Ulster Farmers’ Union members community’ on Facebook and request to join by answering three simple

membership related questions. If you have any queries just send us a direct Facebook message.