Young farmers of the future
A Warwickshire cub pack has been learning about the ways of rural life thanks to a visit from a local smallholding farmer.
Leek Wootton Cubs were recently visited by Andrew Palmer, the tenant farmer of Long Meadow Barn Farm, Kenilworth.
The farm is one of Warwickshire County Council’s 46 farms within the Smallholdings Estate which has been part of the county council since the end of the nineteenth century.
The key purpose of the estate is to provide an entry into the industry for young aspiring farmers and to provide opportunities for rural enterprise. County Farms have an important role in providing such opportunities, enabling new entrants to build up stock and equipment.
The estate contributes significantly to the county in terms of promoting sustainable rural communities, biodiversity, local food production and the protection and enhancement of the Warwickshire landscape.
Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economy, said: “Farming is very close to my heart and it is pleasing to see our farming tenants helping children to understand the relationship between food and farming.”
The visit was organised through the county council’s Smallholdings Team. Mr Palmer based his talk on what it is like to be a farmer today, when it is particularly busy for him and covered aspects of the countryside code.
The Cubs found Mr Palmer to be very knowledgeable and willing to answer all their questions as well as listen to their farming stories. The talk instigated some interesting discussions and an opportunity for the Cubs to visit the farm next April during the lambing season.
Cub leader Judith Finch said: "We were grateful to the Smallholdings Team for organising it – even as leaders I think we learnt quite a bit so hopefully the cubs are better informed now about the pros and cons of farming.”