51AVÊÓƵ

Prince William shared his love and knowledge of farming on a visit to North Yorkshire to visit farmers and members of the rural community.

His first stop was with Adam Hunter at Crow Trees 51AVÊÓƵin Swaledale, where the farmer introduced the Prince of Wales to a group of neighbouring hill farmers who, like all farmers, talked first about the weather, discussing the wet start to the year and the prospect of another drought.

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Sharing a cup of tea and cakes he had bought at a local bakery, the Prince was then introduced to Philip Metcalfe and his son James who run Usha Gap Farm, and Michael and Hannah Waggett from the nearby Satron Farm.

Speaking to Ms Waggett the prince asked about how she felt about the industry at the moment, and said he understood ‘there were headwinds coming in all directions'.

Upland farming

He expressed an interest in sheep and cattle farming and asked about how easy it was for farmers in the area to diversify.

"That word gets used a lot, but it is not as easy for some," Prince William added.

Mr Hunter explained that the farmers in the group had a wide range of additional enterprises such as campsites and shops and that many upland farmers were now forced to ‘work off the farm' to support the family business.

Prince William said he understood, adding: "Farmers have to farm but they also have to be accountants, entrepreneurs and environmentalists. You have got a lot on your plates at the moment. Do you feel the pressure?"

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The group said they used each other for support and worked together whenever they could.

The Prince, who also heads up the 130,000-acre Duchy of Cornwall, also spoke to members of the wider agriculture community and about how the farming industry supports the local economy and nature restoration.

Speaking to media after the royal visit, Mr Hunter told reporters: "He understood the area and understood a lot more than you would think."