High demand in the food sector and a prolonged period of better prices is giving the agriculture sector reason for optimism, according to the Head of Agriculture at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks.

Brian Richardson and his team spent the summer meeting with farmers and the agriculture supply industry at more than 40 shows across the UK. The Bank attended, sponsored and supported shows including the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh; the Great Yorkshire Show; the Black Isle Show near Inverness; the Royal County of Berkshire Show and the Westmorland Show in the Lake District.

Brian said: “The number of events in the show calendar is testament to the sector and a great advert for UK agriculture. We are pleased to play our part in supporting these important events, which are always well attended and provide us with valuable opportunities to network and discuss the challenges facing the agriculture community.

“It hasn’t been the easiest of summers. The issues caused by the dry weather in June and July but it did improve when the rain came during the second half of August and this wet weather has continued into September. 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.”

Brian joined the Bank in July and has attended as many shows as he could while he settled into role.

He said: “Being at the agricultural shows was incredibly important during my first months and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting customers and having the opportunity to speak to them in person. The overall theme of my conversations, and the conversations the wider team has had, are that the agriculture community remains optimistic about the future. 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.”

Now the summer shows are coming to an end, the team’s attention turns to the winter livestock events and they are also attending a number of industry conferences.

Brian 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.”