A PANEL of young farmers are trying to encourage more youngsters into the industry.

They held a questions and answers session to provide inspiration to other young people thinking of entering an industry perceived as being long hours with poor returns.

At the moment the average age of farmers is 58 with only 3.1 per cent are under 35.

West Dorset NFU secretary Paul Bennett said the panel – Bryony Holland from Washingpool Farm Bridport, Ed Bowditch from Stoke Abbott, Simon Bugler from Pilsdon and Mark Rogers of Muckleford – were unusual in that they all four grew up desperately wanting to be farmers.

Mr Bennett said the panel was there to encourage and lead by example by providing inspiration.

He said: “There is a difficulty in getting into the industry but also because of the recession.

“It hasn’t been attractive for people to want to go in because even farmers’ sons and daughters have seen the long hours that mum or dad do, the poor returns and also seen their friends can do a five-day week and get paid well for it and have more free time.

“Unfortunately the status of farmers has slipped over the years – although I think it may well return.”

The panel of youngsters gave their views on the future of agriculture.

Branch chairman Trevor Cligg said: “The proportion of farmers under 35 halved between 1995 and 2005 with only 3.1 per cent of farm holders aged under 35. “We wanted a younger panel to give encouragement for the future and to hear their views.

“My vice-chairman Andrew Fry, a younger farmer himself, chaired the team, which was enthusiastic and positive.”

Mr Bowditch spent all his weekends and holidays on farms before going to college and returning to West Dorset.

Now, as with Mr Holland, his main interest is in dairying.

Mr Rogers spoke on establishing an organic farm with bee keeping and Miss Holland was enthusiastic about local produce sales.

The panel said the outlook was for better days to return to the industry and for younger people to realise, skilled and able staff were needed.

Mr Bennett added: “With the headline average age of farmers in the UK at 58 years old, it was good to have this young team.

“Now with the outlook for better times for farming, there will be more opportunity for young people in the industry.

“We appear to be at a turning point with food supply short and a gradual recognition by the Government that it makes sense for us to supply more of the food our climate can produce.

“We will need more young people like those in our panel to meet the increased demand in a sustainable way.”