Selling the farm's produce - now

A modern farm is unlikely to be producing such a variety of food as a farm in Victorian times. Modern farmers tend to specialise. Farming methods are more efficient so farmers are producing more food from each acre of land. They sell what they produce to other businesses who prepare it for sale to shops and supermarkets who sell it to us.

Sheep penned for sale in Truro Livestock Market	Cheese factory at Davidstow

Farmers' markets are popular again today	Truro Farmers' Market

In the last few years an increasing number of farmers have started selling what they produce directly to shoppers. One way they can do this is by attending the farmers' markets which are held on a weekly or monthly basis in towns across Cornwall.

Here in the centre of towns you will find stalls selling meat, vegetables, cheese and butter produced on local farms. Just like the old days!

ACTIVITY

Winter weather

Farmers have to take account of the weather at all times of the year but particularly in winter. In Cornwall winters are relatively mild although the high rainfall can make the work on the land very difficult.

When the ground is very wet, it is important not to damage the structure of the soil by working on the fields with heavy machinery like tractors. The weight of the machinery compacts the soil so rain water will not drain away and the land becomes waterlogged.

What is the average rainfall in Cornwall? How much of that falls in the winter months? See if you can find out.