Three generations of Ulverston farmers

The family of farmers which consists of William Case, his son Will, and his two sons, Thomas, seven, and five-year-old, Ben produce a range of livestock from their family farmhouse at Plumpton Cottage Farm in Ulverston.

The family have been running the farm for the past 25 years.

Today, the four proud farmers will head off to the annual Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show in Urswick where they will show off seven of their pedigree lambs.

William Case, said: "When you are dealing with live stock, it is just the same as dealing with people, it is just life and it is the trials and tribulations of everyday farming. We are in it to make a living and at the end of the day we have to make a profit.

The main difference from when I was farming is probably how mechanical it has all become. We are constantly trying to modernise and keep up to date with machinery. Most things can be done with a tractor these days."

Father-of-three, Will Case, said: "We are very lucky, we enjoy our work and it is a privilege to be out and about and to do what we do.

"It is not always easy, but it is a great job and we are always proud to produce food for the British public and looking after the countryside and producing good food; we don't want to go on about the hardships.

"We are just proud to be farmers and the show is a shop window and a chance to show the public a little bit about what we do and what we are producing as well a chance to engage with the public.

Mr Case, added: "Locally it is a good event and again its a chance for farming to show some of its best bits of the countryside and it is also a great opportunity for the public to see our stock and what we are producing for them. 

"It is quite a prestigious show and competition and you want to win it. It is good to show your animals up against one another.

"These shows are good for the community. It's a bit of fun, a good day out and if there is a prize or two at the end that is also nice."

Taking part in the Sheep Championship is seven-year-old Thomas.

He has been attending shows since he was a baby and tomorrow will be proudly showing off his four-month-old Texal lamb, Trixie.

Thomas, said: "I will be doing the stands and walking the sheep around. I am really excited and the best thing is I get to show our sheep. I have been going to the shows for seven years."

For those who don't know, the Texel lamb is a heavily muscled sheep which produces a lean meat carcass.

The wool is around 32 micrometres and is mostly used for hosiery yarns and knitting wools.

Mr Case whose farm also houses 12,000 free range hens, 150 beef cows and 1000 sheep, added: "Farming is always changing, it never stays the same. You could say that it is always evolving I suppose."

We are constantly having to become more efficient and we always have to be looking to improve what we do, but that can be the same for anybody in any business.

We are mindful that we are protecting the environment as well as when we work. We have got to strike a balance between looking after the land and the livestock and the business in general."

For more information, please visit:  northlonsdaleshow.com

Free bus to showground with the Evening Mail

THE Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show boasts free car parking for families travelling by car and there is also a special bus service to and from the showground.

There is a free bus from Barrow which will be leaving at 10am, 11am and noon stopping at Ramsden Square, Coronation Gardens, The White House, The Strawberry and Tudor Square, Dalton.

The Ulverston bus is free with a purchase of the Evening Mail and it leaves Victoria Road at 9am, 10am, 10.45am 11.30am and 12.15pm. The bus calls at Croftlands post office, Oakwood Drive.

Both buses will start their return journeys at 1pm and will run continually with the last bus being 4.30pm. Entry fees to the the show are £7 for adults, £5 for children and concessions (children under five years go free). A family ticket costs £18. A family ticket can be for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children.

While general parking is free, ringside parking is £10.

The public can also become a member or vice-president of the show: Membership is £12 (which provides two adult tickets). A vice-president membership costs £20 (this provides two adult tickets and ringside parking) For further details on becoming a member or vice-president, contact the secretary Margaret Coward 01229 467315.

History

In the early 20th century, farms were more diverse than today.

Most farmers raised many different crops and cared for a variety of animals.

Farmers planted corn, oats, wheat and barley, and raised cattle and hogs while women planted large gardens of potatoes, carrots, lettuce, pumpkins, beans and radishes.

They also cared for chickens and sold eggs.

Throughout the 20th century, as machinery developed, farms began to grow bigger.

As they got bigger, they also tended to become less diverse.

Many farmers raised just corn and soybeans while others raised cattle with some field crops.

Being a successful farmer today requires knowledge of advanced technology, educational preparation and business skills.

One thing remains the same about agriculture today as it did centuries ago: farm families own and operate farms.

Whether it is your next door neighbour or a farm miles away from you, farmers and their families are working hard to bring healthy and affordable food to your dinner plate.