There are calls to support our local farmers now more than ever as they struggle through the coronavirus pandemic.

They have seen a drop in demand - and therefore price - for their products as bars, restaurants and cafes have had to close during the pandemic.

In some instances, for example when farmers are contracted to those supplying the hospitality industry, milk has simply been poured away.

Not only that, concerns have been raised about the behaviour of those visiting the countryside during the outbreak. With car parks at beauty spots, until recently, closed and people determined to do their daily exercise, it has pushed more people to the countryside.

There have been reports of more dogs off leads, inconsiderate parking and gates being left open more frequently - it has been suggested this could be because people anxious about touching them.

Just today, police have reported a ewe has died after choking on satsuma fed to it by public. You can read that story here.

Rachel Hayball, based in Beaminster, works across 14 farms, mainly in Dorset, but also in neighbouring counties. She says there are a range of complicated issues farmers are faced with.

Nobody works as hard as farmers do

She says 'nobody works as hard as farmers do' and the coronavirus crisis couldn’t have happened at a worse time of year as they tackle lambing season.

Add to this a ‘lack of respect’ from an increased number of people visiting the countryside, she says it’s been an incredibly difficult time.

“A lot of public footpaths run alongside farms and farm buildings,” she explained. “If we were dealing with normal numbers perhaps farmers wouldn’t be as worried but it’s almost as if everybody who can go out is doing so. People who don’t normally visit the countryside, who don’t have the knowledge, seem to show less respect. We’re noticing more dogs off leads, more rubbish left around and gates left open.

“Some farmers have felt quite scared. Many are in an ‘at risk’ group, or, some farms locally are run by a family and if they get ill they don’t have anyone else to run it.

“The majority of people are really respectful but a lot of farmers have reported people not showing that respect, for example holding kids above gates to feed animals. We’ve all got to take responsibility.”

Earlier this month, West Dorset MP Chris Loder said he’d been liaising with the National Farmers Union and said it was ‘very clear’ dairy and beef industries are under ‘great stress.’

He says there’s never been a ‘more critical time’ to support British produce.

Since then, England’s dairy farmers have been able to access up to £10,000 each to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The new funding aims to help support dairy farmers – who together continue to produce over 40 million litres of milk every day.

Ms Hayball has praised how some of Dorset’s farms have adapted. Hollis Mead, Corscombe, and Eweleaze Dairy in Martinstown have introduced milk vending machines so that customers can help themselves.

“You can do your bit by buying local produce. Use your local butcher, using these vending machines and if you do use the supermarket, check the label to check where it’s been produced,” she said.

Our local farmers are incredible. All the farms I go to are a real pleasure. They genuinely care for their animals and their are incredible amounts of passion. They are grateful for all the support they get so let’s show them all that we can - Rachel Hayball

The hardship fund has been welcomed by Mr Loder and the CLA (Country Land & Business Association).

CLA president Mark Bridgeman, who said: “We welcome the news that dairy farmers have been offered much-needed financial support to help get through these challenging times.

“Many dairy farmers have been experiencing major cashflow problems for weeks due to the food service sector closing down in the midst of Covid-19.

“It’s important that we support our dairy farmers so that they are still able to produce milk for doorstep delivery, retail market and processing into butter and cheese in the future when markets return to normal.

“These grants will help overcome some of their financial losses, but the situation is urgent for many businesses so they must be straightforward to access and quick to pay out.”