Emily Brown, a 27-year-old farmer from Stagsden, Bedfordshire, has discussed the challenges facing the rural industry. She manages wheat and barley crops, as well as pigs, turkeys, and beef cows at Browns of Stagsden.
Ms Brown stated that the last three years have been "awful" for harvests, attributing this to extreme weather affecting yields. She noted that historically, a bad harvest would occur every eight to ten years.
She also highlighted the isolated nature of farming, saying, "Farming can be pretty lonely and isolated so it is super important you are checking up on one another." Ms Brown has been involved with Agrespect, an organisation that champions diversity and inclusion in the countryside. She described Agrespect as providing a "great opportunity for those in the LGBTQ+ community to meet up."
Ben Andrews, founder of Agrespect, said the organisation aims to create visibility and connection for LGBTQ+ people in farming and rural communities, organising informal meet-ups at agricultural events.