Steve Brine MP spent time (on Friday 1st July) at South Stoke Farm in Kings Worthy to hear about current issues facing dairy farmers in the county.
The visit to the farm focussed on dairy herd management, food production and rural workforce as the MP for Winchester met with farmer Jon Proctor. South Stoke Farm is owned by Hampshire County Council.
Whilst he has only been at the current site for just over six years, he has been farming since he was young and he highlighted to Steve the importance of farm exposure, especially in young people.
The Kings Worthy Farm, which recently held an open day, has joined together with the Country Trust to offer visits and activities to children at disadvantaged schools as part of their Farm Discovery initiative. A primary school from Gosport visited at the same time as Mr Brine.
Steve Brine MP said; “It was both interesting and useful to be with Jon out on his farm. We’ve been on contact many times since I was first elected but especially during the pandemic when milk prices were in a very bad place. As always, I am keen to get out and hear first-hand about the ongoing facing farming here in Hampshire.
“All credit to Jon, and his wife Nicki, who had been at work since 05:30 that morning and still had the energy to take me around followed by a bus load of school children!”
Jon Proctor added; “It was great to see Steve with his wellies on down on the farm. It was also good to hear him take food security seriously. Hampshire County Council have a great asset in their farming portfolio, which can be used not only to produce food but invoice schools and the wider public.”
Steve and Jon were joined by Chris Coxon an independent agricultural consultant and George Gordon, Director of LKL Services to Agricultural, Labour and Labour Contracts.
Pictured; Steve Brine talking with Jon Proctor at South Stoke Farm.
