Agriculture has not exactly been top of any agenda during the election campaign, you would have had to dig deep to find mention in any manifesto.
However, the Farming journals have devoted much space questioning the implications of Brexit which was supposedly the main purpose of calling the General Election.
I was encouraged to hear Charlotte Smith’s interview with three young farmers last week, on their thoughts on the future of farming post Brexit. All three were exceptionally positive recognising the opportunities that Brexit offers. Including, establishing trade links globally, and functioning as an independent state once again.
It is irritating that certain commentators insist that British Agriculture is on its knees. Due they say to, ‘the average age of farmers being close to 60’, and the outcome of Brexit.
On both points this is utter rubbish. British Agriculture is very healthy, we lead the world in many ways, including productivity, standards, safety and animal welfare. ‘British’, has its own unique marketing label which is tried, tested and trusted globally.
Secondly, suggesting the average age of farmers as 60 is clearly wrong. Younger family members are deeply integrated into farm enterprises, and newcomers are also attracted into the industry which has never been more diverse, vibrant, technical and inspiring.
Farms no longer just rear livestock to produce milk or meat, and grow crops. Now, more than ever the opportunities to branch out, and the need for several generations to be involved on the farm with its many different enterprises, has never been greater.
Farm gate prices remain low and volatile, which makes it increasingly essential that the businesses diversify. This embraces the highly skilled, resourceful and practical capabilities of family and staff.
Most farms have already made changes producing cheese, butter and ice-cream with their milk. Marketing these products and beef, lamb, pork and chickens, not through commercial outlets but by cutting out the third party middle man, and selling directly to farm shops, local butchers, or directly to pubs, restaurants and cafes, all adding value to the commodities we produce.
Farmers are highly skilled, have many other talents, and an arsenal of machinery in their barns. Local councils and the public need tree surgeons, grass cutting and other services, thus offering additional alternative income and expanding opportunities.
There is a demand for original farm shops with cafes and tea rooms, as the public increasingly want to get out of busy towns and step into the country. Offering value for money, variety, good service, and local produce, attracts the public like a magnet. Some enterprises are labour intensive, but the opportunity to create other viable businesses opens up opportunities for all generations.
Today most farms run several businesses - we must to survive. Hard working and intelligent family members remain involved in many ways. They bring skills, added value and enthusiasm to the business.
A proper survey would demonstrate a lower average age, and that agriculture attracts intelligent young people. It I they who are ensuring that British farming, food production and the environment thrive; particularly given new opportunities post Brexit.
President Trump promised that he would ‘fulfil his solemn duty to protect America and its citizens.’ By withdrawing the USA from the questionable Paris Climate Accord, he did just that.
He said that he would begin negotiations to either re-enter the accord or an entirely new transaction, “On terms that are fairer to the USA, its businesses, workers, people and taxpayers”. Who can argue with that, it makes perfect sense.
The Wall Street Journal noted, “The reality is that withdrawing is in America’s economic interest and won’t matter much to the climate. The USA under the Trump Administration will continue to be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly country on earth.”
The hostility directed towards the President is not about ‘climate change’, it is about losing America’s billions, and control over their industry. And, of course finding fault with Trump.
Will Nigel Farage’s name appear in the Birthday Honours? It certainly should – but time will tell!
However, the Farming journals have devoted much space questioning the implications of Brexit which was supposedly the main purpose of calling the General Election.
I was encouraged to hear Charlotte Smith’s interview with three young farmers last week, on their thoughts on the future of farming post Brexit. All three were exceptionally positive recognising the opportunities that Brexit offers. Including, establishing trade links globally, and functioning as an independent state once again.
It is irritating that certain commentators insist that British Agriculture is on its knees. Due they say to, ‘the average age of farmers being close to 60’, and the outcome of Brexit.
On both points this is utter rubbish. British Agriculture is very healthy, we lead the world in many ways, including productivity, standards, safety and animal welfare. ‘British’, has its own unique marketing label which is tried, tested and trusted globally.
Secondly, suggesting the average age of farmers as 60 is clearly wrong. Younger family members are deeply integrated into farm enterprises, and newcomers are also attracted into the industry which has never been more diverse, vibrant, technical and inspiring.
Farms no longer just rear livestock to produce milk or meat, and grow crops. Now, more than ever the opportunities to branch out, and the need for several generations to be involved on the farm with its many different enterprises, has never been greater.
Farm gate prices remain low and volatile, which makes it increasingly essential that the businesses diversify. This embraces the highly skilled, resourceful and practical capabilities of family and staff.
Most farms have already made changes producing cheese, butter and ice-cream with their milk. Marketing these products and beef, lamb, pork and chickens, not through commercial outlets but by cutting out the third party middle man, and selling directly to farm shops, local butchers, or directly to pubs, restaurants and cafes, all adding value to the commodities we produce.
Farmers are highly skilled, have many other talents, and an arsenal of machinery in their barns. Local councils and the public need tree surgeons, grass cutting and other services, thus offering additional alternative income and expanding opportunities.
There is a demand for original farm shops with cafes and tea rooms, as the public increasingly want to get out of busy towns and step into the country. Offering value for money, variety, good service, and local produce, attracts the public like a magnet. Some enterprises are labour intensive, but the opportunity to create other viable businesses opens up opportunities for all generations.
Today most farms run several businesses - we must to survive. Hard working and intelligent family members remain involved in many ways. They bring skills, added value and enthusiasm to the business.
A proper survey would demonstrate a lower average age, and that agriculture attracts intelligent young people. It I they who are ensuring that British farming, food production and the environment thrive; particularly given new opportunities post Brexit.
President Trump promised that he would ‘fulfil his solemn duty to protect America and its citizens.’ By withdrawing the USA from the questionable Paris Climate Accord, he did just that.
He said that he would begin negotiations to either re-enter the accord or an entirely new transaction, “On terms that are fairer to the USA, its businesses, workers, people and taxpayers”. Who can argue with that, it makes perfect sense.
The Wall Street Journal noted, “The reality is that withdrawing is in America’s economic interest and won’t matter much to the climate. The USA under the Trump Administration will continue to be the cleanest and most environmentally friendly country on earth.”
The hostility directed towards the President is not about ‘climate change’, it is about losing America’s billions, and control over their industry. And, of course finding fault with Trump.
Will Nigel Farage’s name appear in the Birthday Honours? It certainly should – but time will tell!
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