It turns out that a considerable number of farmers in England voted to take the UK out of Europe, courtesy of last year’s Brexit referendum. Evidence to this effect was supplied by Robert Paisley, who judged the Beef Shorthorn classes at this year’s Ballymena Show.

Along with his wife Penny, he runs a cattle and sheep farm near Ilkley in West Yorkshire.  Both are spending a few days touring Ireland.

“I voted to come out of Europe,” said Paisley.

I have no problem with the free movement of people coming in and out of the UK. But I just thought that the EU had become far too bureaucratic.

“EU leaders had an opportunity to make real changes when David Cameron highlighted the concerns of the UK, regarding Europe, when he visited Brussels at the beginning of 2016.

“But that opportunity was lost, so we are where we are today.”

Robert said that he had attended a Brexit debate prior to last June’s polling date.

“It was well attended by farmers throughout the West Yorkshire area.

“A vote taken at the end of the evening confirmed that 52% of those in the room favoured Brexit. And, as it turned out, this result mirrored the exact outcome of the actual referendum.”

Penny admitted that farming support levels could drop, once the UK leaves Europe.

“If direct payments to farmers are removed, then market prices would have to increase by around 25%, just to keep our business ticking over.

“I think it’s highly unlikely that the government will allow food prices to increase by that amount. So farmers are left facing the possibility of a future that could be extremely challenging.

“Agriculture must be supported. If consumers don’t want to pay more for food, then farmers must be compensated for the work they do in conserving the countryside for the greater public good.”