An independent charity, which provides training and personal development for young people aged 10-26 in rural communities, is celebrating the news that it had won a £5,000 OneFamily Foundation Community Award to help develop a new HQ and training centre. The Devon federation of young farmers' clubs', which runs 38 clubs across the region, recently acquired a redundant building as a base for its new headquarters.
The federation needed funds to make the space both usable and accessible for disabled visitors and members. Now that the charity has secured the £5,000 award, it can...
The 2016 Devon Farm Business Awards were launched on Monday 2 November, on the farm of Devon’s 2015 “Farmer of the Year”, John and Clare Clapp, at Hartnoll, near Tiverton.
The awards are organised by a partnership of the Addington Fund, the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA), and Stephens Scown Solicitors.
Speaking at the launch, DCAA Chairman, Mary Quicke MBE, said that it was when prices were low and times were tough that the farming community most needed the new ideas and business excellence that the awards scheme is designed to highlight.
The UK’s farming unions are calling for the four UK farming ministers to hold a joint meeting with them to find solutions to the serious problems facing farmers.
The dairy, lamb and arable sectors in particular are seeing serious challenges. Official figures show that the number of dairy farmers in England and Wales has gone down constantly over the time. Since January 2015, 236 farmers have left the dairy sector and the trend look set to continue.
The NFU also estimates that only around 10 per cent of dairy farmers are on contracts that track farmers’ cost of production....
Hearing a real cow moo or a sheep baa for the first time is a special moment but a new survey of primary school children has revealed that this experience is becoming increasingly rare.
The results show that more than 1 in 3 children have never heard a sheep baa (37 per cent) or a cow moo (34%) up close, with thousands only experiencing it through their TV or computer screens. The survey, which was released ahead of this weekend’s Open Farm Sunday, revealed the disconnect many children have with farming and where their food comes from. One in four children (24 per cent) surveyed...
Devon farmers will be out in force next Thursday, May 21, for the opening of the county’s premier agricultural showpiece, the Devon County Show, which this year’s celebrates its 120th show.
And there’ll be more than ever to grab their attention, with the centre of the showground now given over to farm machinery and other agricultural trade stands, a major presence from Mole Valley Farmers and all manner of farming organisations and professional advisers offering guidance on applying for the vital, but hugely complex, basic payment scheme.
Local farmers are being encouraged to sign up to a new police scheme to help drive down rural crime across Teignbridge and south Dartmoor.
Teignbridge neighbourhood policing team has set up the new Farmwatch scheme to help prevent and detect rural thefts and burglaries.
As part of the initiative farmers will receive information and crime warnings for their local area through the Force Community Messaging system, and will be assisted by police to better secure their property and premises against crime.
The launch of Farmwatch comes in response to ongoing thefts of...
HRH The Princess Royal will attend the opening day of the Devon County Show on Thursday, May 21.
It will be Princess Anne’s first visit to the Devon County Show at Westpoint, Exeter; she visited the former showground at Whipton in the city in 1985.
During her visit she will be accompanied by David Parish, President of the Devon County Agricultural Association.
He said: “Her Royal Highness is a great champion for farming and rural issues just as the Devon County Show is also a terrific showcase for farming and rural life.”
The people and businesses of Devon are rallying behind their County Show following the cancellation of the third day last year.
Advance ticket sales are up on last year, there will be a vast array of trade stands and livestock exhibitors will be coming out in force.
The 120th Devon County Show will be held on May 21-23 at Westpoint, Exeter, and promises to be the biggest event in the county’s year.
That’s the message at this year’s launch held on Thursday (April 30) at Southernhay House in Exeter. Local journalists and editors were given an update on how...
A husband and wife team are using their extensive knowledge of agriculture to provide those looking for their own slice of the West Country dream a unique opportunity to see exactly what they’ll be getting.
West Country Dream, set up by Helen and Murray Garrett, brings together a unique combination of a farm, self-catering cottage and a number of agricultural courses for those considering moving to the region in the hunt for the good life.
Helen explained, “Around 10 years ago we took the decision to relocate to the South West from our farm in the Home Counties. This...
Paul can’t find a job. Snowy can’t find himself. A tender, pertinent portrayal of rural life, unemployment, friendship and a cow called Sandy. A riotous black comedy from one of the UK’s most exciting new playwrights.
For ages 15+ Tickets: £5 Tuesdays, £10/£8 Wednesday - Saturday
