Calls for more young people to join the farming industry in Cornwall
The sector says they are hoping to encourage new generations to take up roles
Last updated 9th Jun 2023
There's fresh calls for more young people to join the farming industry in Cornwall.
The sector is calling for new generations to take up roles to secure the future of farming in Cornwall and the South West - with many farmers warning they're struggling to recruit.
It's after yesterday the secretary of state Therese Coffey visited the showground, to announce ÂŁ31m of support for equipment to encourage more sustainable farming.
Grace Harry, 13, is has taken the responsibility of handling and showing pigs from Higher Chylasson Farm, at the Royal Cornwall Show today (Friday) and Saturday.
She told us: "I just love animals and I love spending time with them.
"I got a phone call if I'd like to show them, and I was like, yes.
"It's been really good because we've been going out to see the piglets, training them, just a lot of fun with them.
"It's a good opportunity to work with animals, it's different to other things."
Watch: Young Handler Grace in action at the Royal Cornwall Show
Daniel Perkin, farmer from the farm in St Ives, said: "The generation that's farming now, the younger ones are not wanting to take on because it's a lot of work with not a lot of gain.
"It's hard work, long hours, all weathers, but it's so rewarding.
"Especially at places like the Royal Cornwall Show - where we can show off our hard work.
"There is a lot of people dropping out"
"The younger ones are not wanting to come through. You don't need to come from a farming background to do it. I didn't, I started with two pigs and grew my herd up."
Another farmer, who was a guest speaker at the showground is Joe Seels, backs the calls to encourage more young people to take an interest in the sector.
He told us: "Everyone in the careers department called it a backwards step. I got a job on a graduate scheme and I did quite well at that for a couple of years, but it just wasn't farming. I needed to get back in a tractor seat."
Joe grew up in a farming family and first created a Tiktok to showcase his work on the farm - now documenting his day to day life online.
Joe added: "It spiralled into people wanting to get into farming by watching the videos. It really means a lot when I get emails from young lads or young girls that they got into farming because they watched one of my videos.
"It really hits home that.
"We've got GPS technology, we're using PCs and laptops to track the weight of our cattle, what's performing, what's not performing, and it's just an opportunity to get outside to enjoy the lovely countryside."