HRH The Prince of Wales meets next generation of farmers at Newton Rigg College

HRH visited the College’s state-of-the-art Sheep Husbandry Centre its hill farm, Low Beckside, Mungrisdale, to see how Cumbrian farmers are preparing themselves for the future.

Students demonstrated how they use the latest technology, such as how handheld scanners can record animal data, and also displayed more traditional skills, such as tagging lambs and sheepdog training.

HRH then joined in with a discussion as part of the Fund’s ‘Preparing for Transition’ activity. Cumbrian farmers who have been supported by the Fund were brought together to share how they planned to create businesses that were fit for future generations.

Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “Today has demonstrated the many diverse and important ways that farmers are preparing for the future. It was heartening to hear the conversation between local farmers on their aspirations and plans for their businesses.

“The Fund is committed to help bring farming families together in local networks to encourage these discussions, to create a thriving and resilient farming sector.”