Arable farm-Lincolnshire

What does the EU do for farmers

They joined in 1973 and provided farmers with subsidies and grants if they met production targets. This was then changed for payments based on the size of the farm and environmental factors

How large is Glebe farm and when was it bought

It was bought in 1973 in the same year as the UK joined the EU and is 130 hectares.

What makes Glebe farm good and bad for farming

It has an optimal climate with monthly rain and cool temperatures which make it good for growing cereals and sprouts. However the soil is sandy which, whilst it drains and warms well, it doesn’t have many nutrients increasing reliance on fertilisers

What is the farming year like

In January (start of winter) there is preparation until March where they start sowing and fertilise spring crops. Then in June they begin the harvest season. Finally from October to November they plough land and in December they tidy up and rest.

How does the EU influence what farmers do and farm

They provide incentives to produce crops that aren’t being grown alot and for building/doing things that encourage wildlife. These incentives are necessary for farmers as they wouldn’t be able to make a profit without them