Like all markets around the UK, here at Leek we have had to adapt to the new regulations as a result of Covid 19 to continue trading.

Be careful what you wish for. After weeks of dry weather and wishing we could have just a bit of rain after first cut, the weather broke with a vengeance and we seemed to be instantly transported into autumn.

I don’t know what it is about writing these articles, but it seems to make time fly at an even greater rate than usual.

Since I wrote my last article back in April things have changed considerably.

Diversification allowed Ian Steele the opportunity to return to the family farm in North Shropshire, where a range of diversification projects have boosted the smaller scale farming operation. Amy Stinton reports.

Although only in their fifth year of showing pedigree Herefords, the Bowen family are making a name for themselves on the show circuit, and in 2019 they took the breed championship at the Royal Welsh Show.

Nathan Rogers, 26, from Hayscastle, Pembrokeshire, is club chairman of Fishguard YFC and manages a herd of 140 British Friesian and Shorthorn cross cows.

The UK’s relationship with the EU is the most important one for the farming industry, but it’s amazing how many people forget that, says Oliver Dowding, arable farmer and agricultural spokesman for the Green Party in the south west.

As an Irish farmer, it is disappointing to see my UK counterparts are unwilling to get out on the streets to protest to protect food production standards, says County Meath beef farmer Eamon Cassells.