A recent social media survey of UK farmers has revealed some of the strangest and funniest things they have been asked by members if the public about what they do.
Red Stag Media, an agri-business growth agency, said the findings were funny but, on a more serious note, cast light on “how far removed some members of the public are from where their food comes from”.
The agency said that the survey highlights the importance of he growth of the agritourism sector, which can provide a better understanding of farming and the countryside to members of the public.
Some of the best questions and comments that the farmers surveyed provided include:
- “Do cockerels lay eggs?”;
- “All farmers are rich and high food prices are because they are greedy.”;
- “Rearing farm animals is free as they just eat grass so the animal is 100% profit.”;
- “How many times can you harvest beef from a cow?”;
- “What type of cow produces semi-skimmed milk?”;
- “Are the numbers sprayed onto the lambs the order in which they will be killed?”;
- “Do pigs make cheese?”;
- “The farmer won’t be happy, someone’s done graffiti on them sheep.”
Commenting on the survey, founder of Pitchup.com – an online booking agency for campsites and holiday parks – Dan Yates, said that the findings show a need for a rise in popularity of farm-based staycations and agritourism.
“More and more people are discovering the joy of staying on a working farm and for many, this is a much a learning experience as it is a holiday,” he said.
“In many ways, it is a great opportunity for the farming community to engage with a captive audience and show and tell them first-hand how food is produced.
“Farmers are the best ambassadors for what they do and farm-based caravan and campsites provide a great platform from which to inform and educate visitors.
“Having a greater understanding of farming and the working countryside often leads to a more enjoyable and rewarding holiday, meaning people who book on farm-based campsites are more likely to return year after year.”
