Íæż½ã½ã

Time will tell if Jeremy Clarkson can do for agriculture what he did for the appeal of motoring journalism via Top Gear and, latterly, The Grand Tour, but his foray into farming via his new Amazon Prime show should make for entertaining viewing.

If we want to preserve the future desirability of British food, then, according to the results of a British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ (BGAJ) survey, we need to mobilise an army of Brexit voting women over the age of 55 to take charge of the nation’s shopping.

There is no doubting that a lump sum of up to £100,000 will grab the attention of some of those in the latter stages of their farming careers.

In the push for greater animal welfare standards there is every chance that some farmers will feel it is one way traffic, with the industry bearing the brunt of new rules and potential cost.

Another week and seemingly another far fetched plan emerges to bring back a long gone, but clearly not forgotten species.

Taking pride in agriculture and all that it contributes to this country is something which comes naturally to most farmers. But, as many will acknowledge, taking that pride and showcasing all farming’s positive assets to a wider audience is one of the industry’s key challenges.

Annoyance, anger and fear have all been emotions which have stalked the farming industry as the debate over climate change has intensified over the past decade.

This week’s edition of Íæż½ã½ã seems to showcase the full gamut of political interaction with agriculture, with varying degrees of success. 

Many of us are ready to see the back of lockdown. Whether it is the chance to meet friends, head to the pub, attend an agricultural show or just get back to some form or normality, the realities of lockdown are wearing thin for most.

As I write, the tourists are back in the village and the streets and footpaths are once again teeming with day trippers making the most of the spring sunshine.