A UK Trip for U.S. Farmers?

[in-too-deep]

Easily achievable.

As others have said you will need to shrink your geographic area, or plan for longer than a week.

In August 2023 I flew to Houston, Tx and hired a car. I spent the next 2 weeks and 4,000 miles visiting interesting ranchers and farmers in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Washington.

It will mostly organised from social media, then some of those people recommended others nearby. I also found a couple of people from Google, and sometimes saw interesting things from the highway, drove up a drive and knocked on the door.

Many things transcend cultures and people were extremely welcoming.

At its most basic just book a flight, hire a car and start driving. Feel free to PM me, or message on WhatsApp +447842 071126.

Fabulous. Your trip is inspiring. Thank you!

 

[in-too-deep]

Go north/south or south/north.

You will see a huge variation in ground/stock/climate/farming in what you will think of a sort distance.

Im down in the south and it’s vastly different to other areas. Our climate varies massively

This was the other day here after moving sheep.

what time of year you thinking?

That video is the stuff of dreams. I imagine late August to maybe catch some harvest, or early June when lambing/calving is done.

 

[Macsky]

I'm thinking you're right. Is that a Cheviot in your picture? I used to raise them. Only a handful, though, when I was a teenager.

Yes, North Country, Hill/Lairg type, just approaching the end of lambing here.

 

[Jerry]

That video is the stuff of dreams. I imagine late August to maybe catch some harvest, or early June when lambing/calving is done.

August for harvest is about right but most lambing and calving be done by May. Most lowland farms will be done earlier.

 

[Wolds Beef]

Try to fit in a County show, June has several including Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland. You will see the best of the best stock wise and make some contacts. Just enquire at the breed society stand that you fancy and they would put you in touch with farms.
WB

 

[kfpben]

Try to fit in a County show, June has several including Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland. You will see the best of the best stock wise and make some contacts. Just enquire at the breed society stand that you fancy and they would put you in touch with farms.
WB

Take advice on which show to go to though- some are fantastic and others are glorified jumble sales.

 

[AndrewM]

turn up during open farm sunday

 

[2wheels]

We’re a small country compared to the US, but there’s a huge variety of things going on in relatively close proximity. If you’re planning combining with farm/people visits around Scotland, NI and northern England, youre only gonna fit in one or two visits in each place. Give yourself more time, or come back again. Come to Scotland in June, and visit the west coast before the midges come out, it’s stunning (our east coast isnt too shabby either mind)

ps. We’re actually quite friendly and nice, our teeth aren’t as bad as your media make out and contrary to Hollywood stereotypes, a British accent doesn’t automatically mean international crime lord.

don't believe what he says about our teeth.

 

[in-too-deep]

Yes, North Country, Hill/Lairg type, just approaching the end of lambing here.

Are Cheviots known to be more nervous or flighty than other breeds? Maybe it was just ours, but it took alot of the fun out of it. Perhaps I just didn't spend enough time with them.

 

[Rich_ard]

Are Cheviots known to be more nervous or flighty than other breeds? Maybe it was just ours, but it took alot of the fun out of it. Perhaps I just didn't spend enough time with them.

Gate smashers

 

[Ffermer Bach]

Try to fit in a County show, June has several including Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland. You will see the best of the best stock wise and make some contacts. Just enquire at the breed society stand that you fancy and they would put you in touch with farms.
WB

something like this would be good to see too

Da Byw Livestock | Livestock Farming Conference

Join us at the Sustainable Livestock Farming Conference in June 2024 to explore regenerative farming practices and their positive impact on the environment, economy, and communities. Book your tickets for this annual event hosted by Da Byw Livestock, focused on sustainable, low-input farming...

www.dabywlivestock.com

 

[in-too-deep]

Gate smashers

I'm glad to hear that from the folks who know. I wonder how my life would be different if I'd had less psychotic sheep...

 

[in-too-deep]

turn up during open farm sunday

What's an open farm sunday?

 

[in-too-deep]

Try to fit in a County show, June has several including Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland. You will see the best of the best stock wise and make some contacts. Just enquire at the breed society stand that you fancy and they would put you in touch with farms.
WB

Good idea. Do equipment manufacturers and dealers bring displays to stock shows? Or is the shiny new iron separate?

 

[in-too-deep]

August for harvest is about right but most lambing and calving be done by May. Most lowland farms will be done earlier.

Ok. I wouldn't think we'd want to bother anyone during lambing/calving for the stress factor.

 

[Princess Pooper]

What's an open farm sunday?

One day a year when loads of farms have an Open Day for the public. https://farmsunday.org/

 

[anzani]

something like this would be good to see too

Da Byw Livestock | Livestock Farming Conference

Join us at the Sustainable Livestock Farming Conference in June 2024 to explore regenerative farming practices and their positive impact on the environment, economy, and communities. Book your tickets for this annual event hosted by Da Byw Livestock, focused on sustainable, low-input farming...

www.dabywlivestock.com

Guess that could make the trip tax -deductable, which may help !

 

[in-too-deep]

One day a year when loads of farms have an Open Day for the public. https://farmsunday.org/

Ah! Might be a good option. Thanks!

 

[in-too-deep]

Guess that could make the trip tax -deductable, which may help !

Didn't even think of that!!! However, we don't usually struggle to get rid of income.

 

[kfpben]

Good idea. Do equipment manufacturers and dealers bring displays to stock shows? Or is the shiny new iron separate?

Yes they do. To the good shows anyway!