Description
With dwindling incomes from hill farming, farmers in the Yorkshire Dales have had to diversify into providing accommodation and other businesses. The main activity in the Yorkshire Dales is agriculture and the annual Kilnsey Show is an important event bringing local farmers together. The landscape and climate mean crops cannot be farmed economically. Sheep, beef and dairy farming are the main sources of income but returns from dairy farming are dwindling. Many farmers have had to diversify into other sources of income, including providing accommodation and, in a case study shown, a mail order plant business.
Classroom Ideas
Use to illustrate the changes taking place in almost any upland farming area in the UK. Students could look into changing fund provision including local grants and set-aside money. Consider the factors that limit opportunities for farming in this area, including the topography and climate and the broader economic factors affecting all farming. Look at a range of diversification options and consider the factors that will affect feasibility, such as seasonality and access to markets.
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