Diversification

Being innovative and facing change head on has been central to success for Leicestershire arable farmers Leigh and Donya Donger. Clemmie Gleeson reports.

Consumers, it would appear, have rediscovered their love of local produce in lockdown. Whether it is the commitment to buy more local food, or the resurgence of the humble milkman and doorstep delivery, there certainly seems to have been a sea change since March of this year.

Building financial resilience has been at the core of decision-making for one Pembrokeshire dairy farmer who began selling pasteurised milk direct to the consumer last year, among other diversifications. Anna Bowen reports.

Barleylands Farm Park has been engaging children with the food and farming story for the last 36 years. Hannah Park spoke to director Chris Philpot to find out more.

A household name in the shearing world, Matt Smith, alongside his wife, Pip, has swapped the clippers for the butcher’s block as part of his new venison venture. Ruth Wills paid them a visit.

Covid-19 has brought mixed fortunes for diversified farm businesses. Ewan Pate and Hannah Binns report.

The temporary reduction of VAT rates from 20% to 5% will remain in place until March 31 2021

Farming families looking to ‘future-proof’ their businesses have been urged to register for the Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme.

With a view to securing a viable business future for the historic Penllyn Estate Farm, the family partnership behind it has recently added a farm shop and kitchen to their interests. Gaina Morgan finds out