At the time of writing I am halfway through my Worshipful Company of Farmers course at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

For those readers who have undertaken the course they will understand the intensity and the pace to which you are subjected.

The course is for the most a two-week residential stay at RAU with 22 delegates, all with a fascinating range of backgrounds and job roles.

See also: What the Budget means for new Arable Insights farmer panel

About the author

Annabel Hamilton

Annabel Hamilton farms 1,030ha of arable in the Scottish Borders with her parents. The arable area grows 65% winter and 35% spring crops. She is Basis and Facts qualified and runs a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The farm finishes more than 300 Limousin cattle a year.  Follow Annabel on Twitter @annabelhami11

Read more articles by Annabel Hamilton

We operate under Chatham House rules which allows a bond of trust to form within the group, along with the most unbelievable network of knowledge exchange which will continue long after the course finishes.

This year, we have two Australian gentlemen who have joined the group, as well as a lady from Poland, sharing a fascinating insight into their agricultural world and its challenges, which are not necessarily the same as ours.

Before I came down to RAU, I was on a panel at the Northern Farming Conference held at Hexham auction mart.

I was on the farmers panel, joined by three others based in Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear.

We were asked a range of questions, including how we spend time away from the farm.

All four of us shared our positive attitudes to spending time away from work, and focusing on how important it is to take yourself “off farm” with friends and family.

This leads me onto our local agricultural discussion group which kicked off at the beginning of the month with “How I farm”.

It is always hard to attract attendees and it seems people still don’t have the urge to attend these events.

If any readers have any suggestions on boosting our attendance, they would be welcomed.

Our winter ploughing campaign has started well for spring crops, while drainage and lime applications have also been able to take place.

We were pleased to host the Reston Ploughing Association match this month which saw 54 competitors take part with vintage and modern ploughs.

Competitors came from all over Scotland, Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear, which made for a fantastic day.