²ÝÁñÉçÇø

From the editor: Farming community steps up to ongoing crisis

Why sky lanterns have not yet been banned is anyone’s guess, but the no doubt commercially inspired plan by Night Sky Lanterns to celebrate the work of the NHS with a mass lantern release is a disgrace.

Ben Briggs
Ben Briggs is the group publisher and editor in chief of Agriconnect, overseeing the media business and titles such as ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming.
clock • 2 min read
From the editor: Farming community steps up to ongoing crisis

Why sky lanterns have not yet been banned is anyone's guess, but the no doubt commercially inspired plan by Night Sky Lanterns to celebrate the work of the NHS with a is a disgrace.

Why, at a time when we are meant to be looking out for one another, do we want to encourage something so inherently selfish, namely letting off a floating fire hazard but not worrying about the consequences because it is not something you will have to clear-up.

For some in the farming community it has been another action which has added to already high levels of anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing lockdown.

As our two In Your Field writers articulate in this week's , social isolation is nothing new at lambing time, but this year there is that constant acknowledgement of a real and present danger affecting many in the wider world.

And, while people's appreciation and acknowledgement of where their food comes from is at its highest level for years, at the same time some sectors such as dairy and beef are seeing prices squeezed when, counterintuitively, demand appears to be peaking.

presents a similar paradox. When many are taking solace in the rural environment, there are others who see it is a moment of opportunism in which to blight the landscape with their rubbish.

For all the worthwhile good farmers do in feeding the nation, there still remains a disconnect for too many that the countryside is a working environment and one that needs treating with respect. 

All of which, of course, can lead to a greater feeling of stress and isolation for those living in rural areas and we at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian are still seeing a rising number of calls from readers increasingly anxious about everything that is happening.

While it is fantastic to showcase how rural communities have responded to the crisis in this week's magazine, there remains a real imperative to on family and friends at this difficult time.

Lockdown will end, but in the meantime stay safe.

1989 Claas Dominator 88S Combine

£±Ê°¿´¡

FLEMING AR10 3M AERATOR

£±Ê°¿´¡

CASEIH AXIAL FLOW 6150 AXIAL FLOW COMBINE

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Farm Life

Agri-food sector launches legal action as NI politicians vote out NAP consultation plans

Agri-food sector launches legal action as NI politicians vote out NAP consultation plans

Pressure mounting on DAERA Minister Andrew Muir over bid to extend water rules

clock 11 June 2025 • 2 min read
Letters: "It is time that farmers and graziers should take precedence [in the uplands]"

Letters: "It is time that farmers and graziers should take precedence [in the uplands]"

Fairfax Luxmoore, Plymouth, writes to draw readers' attention to the 'gross mismanagement' of Old Winchester Hill [South Downs National Park, Hampshire]

²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian
clock 10 June 2025 • 2 min read
IN PICTURES: Crowds flock to farms for Open Farm Sunday

IN PICTURES: Crowds flock to farms for Open Farm Sunday

²ÝÁñÉçÇø across the country opened their doors to the public on June 8

Alex Black
clock 09 June 2025 • 2 min read