A PROLONGED period of better prices has given farmers reason for optimism, according to the new head of agriculture at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

Brian Richardson, who joined the bank in July, has been since been busy attending as many industry events as he can – he and his team have met with farmers and the farm supply industry at more than 40 shows across the UK, including the Royal Highland Show; the Great Yorkshire Show; the Black Isle Show; the Royal County of Berkshire Show and the Westmorland Show in the Lake District.

Mr Richardson reported: “It hasn’t been the easiest of summers. Talking to our customers, there were some immediate concerns over the financial consequences of the dry weather – for example livestock diets needing to be supplemented using winter forage supplies – but the industry has again proved how resilient it is in the face of a challenge.

“The overall theme of my conversations, and the conversations the wider team has had, are that the agriculture community remains optimistic about the future," he claimed. "A reasonable prolonged period of better prices in most farm sectors, alongside good demand in the food sector, is giving people reason for positivity.

“What will happen post Brexit remains a major question mark but the timeframe provided by the Government for transition to a new support framework is giving farmers time to make decisions, once the direction of policy is fully understood.”

Mr Richardson added: “We are committed to supporting the farm and rural sector, especially as we move towards the Government setting its own agriculture policy for the first time in 40 years. We pride ourselves on the high standard of support and guidance we can give our customers to navigate these challenging times but also be in a position to allow them to take advantage of opportunities.”