For many years now we have run seasonal, rural courses on-farm. They are very down to earth, with lots of learning, plenty of laughs and limited numbers to ensure a hands-on experience and make sure everyone can fit around the kitchen table.

Johnny Dymond on impressive trading.

As I type, November is all but over and we have been very grateful for the kind autumn. Grass growth has meant one herd was still grazing into the third week of the month. That said, feeding of winter diet was close to 100 per cent.

Alison Warne, 16, lives in Wadebridge, Cornwall. She works on her family’s beef sheep and arable farm alongside studying for an agricultural diploma.

While financial support from the Government is becoming more targeted, opportunities still exist for farmers to access grants which could facilitate improvements or perhaps a new direction of travel. 

Andy Cureton, head of research and partnerships of UK Research and Innovation says agritech can help UK agriculture and horticulture overcome the challenges it faces.

Now open for English arable and horticultural growers under the Farming Transformation Fund, water management grants could be very appealing to those looking to install new infrastructure.

Managing rising costs, negotiating higher contract prices and the fallout of the vote against continuing the AHDB potato levy were the major topics of conversation at British Potatoes.

With a range of grants available to farming businesses, Charlie Fowler, agri-business consultant at Fisher German, offers his advice on applying for funding.