THE Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (DFYFC) is currently fundraising for its new head office in Cheriton Bishop, and still has a very large sum to reach.

Luscombe Maye, estate agents, were recent sponsors of a seminar entitled “The Way Ahead” on Thursday, April 21 at The Great Hall, Seale-Hayne. The seminar was jointly hosted by Luscombe Maye, Lloyds Bank and Evolution ABS and attracted landowners and farmers from across the region.

More than 200 people attended the event, benefitting from first-hand expert knowledge from professionals within the industry.

Topics included succession tax planning, the nuances of Farm Business Tenancies and planning possibilities through Permitted Development.

Guest speaker, Adam Henson, TV Presenter on "Countryfile", farmer and owner of the Cotswold Farm Park gave an insight into the varied diversification activities he and his business partner have undertaken on their farm in the Cotswolds.

At the end of the evening, Luscombe Maye presented a cheque for £10,000 to Nick Creasy, County Organiser of the Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs to aid with the renovation of a recently purchased county premises at Cheriton Bishop.

This amount was further extended by £708 which was raised by a raffle split jointly between DFYFC and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI).

Luscombe Maye said it is keen to support DFYFC to assist in the future of farming in the region.

Alan Quick