²ÝÁñÉçÇø

March is already upon us, with spring soon approaching as gauged by the daffodils, primroses and the date on the calendar. However, most days these last few weeks, the climate has been extremely changeable, with four seasons on several days, but the constant theme has been rain and more rain.

Newark Livestock Market has had its lease terminated by the local council over what it calls substantial rent arrears, but its sheep sale will take place on Saturday March 7.

A few years ago, our plan was to mitigate the loss of direct payments through diversification, but poor weather and prices mean that additional cash is being used to keep the farm afloat today, says Cornish lamb and beef farmer Rona Amiss.

The rain keeps falling. The sheds have rarely been tidier, the machinery more sparkling and the tractors more serviced. The land is just too sodden for fieldwork. There is nothing to do but wait for better conditions.

With over six million people visiting UK’s agricultural shows each year, thoughts have turned to the effect coronavirus may have on this year’s programme of events.

²ÝÁñÉçÇø thinking of branching out into tourism – or upping their existing game – need to prioritise quality, originality and a connection with their environment. In this special diversification feature, we bring you top tips

The Government’s post-Brexit agriculture reforms provide an opportunity for farms to become more prosperous, but those who resist the push to become ‘park keepers’ risk being the first to go out of business, says independent consultant Derrick Wilkinson.

The Agriculture Bill has potential to deliver for the environment, but the Government’s insistence on penny pinching during the transition period is likely to drive the farmers needed to implement the policy out of business, says Tim Farron MP, Lib Dem farming spokesman.

Labour has not always done the best job of speaking for the countryside, but farmers need us to raise their concerns now more than ever, because uber-loyal Tories afraid of Number 10 won’t, says Shadow Defra Secretary Luke Pollard.