Bringing farming challenges to life in the South

15 August 2025

A group of people sitting in barn, listening to a talk

The Devon Countryside Day in progress

The NFU South’s annual series of ‘countryside days’ when key stakeholders are invited out onto farm to hear first-hand about some of the challenges faced by farming business has been running over the summer.

Pictured is the event in Devon, which was held at Higher Ludbrook, a dairy farm near Ivybridge.

Farmer Harry Pinsent and a team of four employees milk 330 cows, producing 1.8m litres of milk a year. Harry explained to around 40 attendees, including several county and district councillors, some of the issues faced by the business, including securing investment, the cost of renewing infrastructure, and the inconsistency of planning enforcement.

Overview of farming

There were also talks from county advisers Fiona Rew and Sophie Herd, who gave an overview of farming in the county, and Regional Policy Manager Jacks Weaver who talked about the NFU’s political lobbying work. 

Environment adviser Maddie Sweet explained about the impact of environmental regulations on farm businesses.

Delegates also heard from police officers Clark Orchard and Lucy Wyatt about some of the issues posed by rural crime in the county.

Trying some gelato

In Gloucestershire stakeholders had a chance to look around Barhouse Farm in Elmore and sample some gelato.

The Hobbs family shared their journey of diversifying their dairy farm into a thriving gelato business. It was a great example of sustainable farming led by the next generation and, of course, a chance to enjoy some award-winning ice cream.

The afternoon continued at Elmore Village Hall with a series of informative talks from local NFU members including County Chair Charles Day and Deputy Chair Chris North.

A two-way conversation

Key stakeholders from across Dorset gathered at county deputy chair Nigel Friend's farm at Gussage St Michael near Wimborne to find out more about the challenges currently facing farmers.

The event was opened by county chair Tim Gelfs, who told around 40 delegates including county and local councillors from Dorset and Bournemouth, and 

Nigel introduced the 500 acre farm on which his family have been tenants, and latterly owners, since 1963, then led a tractor tour.

Tim said: "It was a two-way conversation, including food security, SFI, the family farm tax - things that are concerning us as farmers, and the general public that they are representing. It's been a brilliant day and we are looking forward to engaging more in future."

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This page was first published on 06 August 2025. It was updated on 15 August 2025.

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