A message from Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society: 

These are times of uncertainty and worry for everyone and here at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society we want to really highlight the work that our farmers are doing to support the nation through this crisis.

Farmers are working around the clock to keep the supermarket shelves stocked and families fed, as demand rockets.

We can see this first-hand in Fodder which sells produce from over 430 local farmers and producers and we are encouraging people to keep shopping local. Fodder’s supply chain is short and in these difficult times, we need to keep supporting these local farming businesses as we all go through this dreadful time.

And with fruit picking due to get underway next month, a call has gone out for people to apply for jobs picking and packing fruit and vegetables as travel restrictions have had an impact on workers willing to travel to the UK during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Organisation HOPS is working with The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) to help gather support from the YFC community and has launched a #YFCRuralSupport campaign to find applicants. We would encourage people to get in touch. Click here for information.

At the Society, we are also mindful that as farmers work hard to support us all through this, many are already socially isolated due to the nature of their business and location. They are still dealing with the aftermath of extremely wet weather and being challenged to make their businesses more efficient ahead of government policy changes.

Some diversifications to increase farm incomes are also threatened for example those running B&Bs who have had bookings cancelled as Coronavirus tightens its grip.

There are many sources of help and support in our communities as well as helplines for anyone in need.

• Farming Community Network (7am to 11pm) 03000 111 999


• There is a lot of general and helpful information at www.farmwell.org.uk


• Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (9am to 5pm) 0808 281 9490


• The Addington Fund (9am to 5pm) 01926 620135


• Perennial (for those who work/have worked in the horticultural industry) 0800 093 8543


• Samaritans – 24/7 on 116 123

We at the Society will continue to follow the Government’s advice in this rapidly changing situation.

As organisers of Springtime Live which was due to be held on March 28, we took the decision to cancel the event due to the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19). All ticket holders will be contacted, and they will be automatically refunded.

Currently, the plan is to hold the Great Yorkshire Show on Tuesday July 14 to Thursday 16 and tickets will go on sale nearer the time, but only subject to the latest government advice.

Please keep an eye on our websites for details and we thank you for your continued support and loyalty through these difficult times.