AN evening event for livestock farmers is being held at Darlington Auction Mart, with the aim of helping farmers change the way they work and make more money without reliance on subsidies.

The event on Wednesday, November 8, from 6-9pm is part of a series of ten events that Carbon Calling CIC and other sponsors are running that are being held over the north of England during the winter of 2023-24.

Carbon Calling’s aim is to spread information about the changes that farmers know they need to make to their businesses to help them earn more money, enjoy farming more and help nature.

“These meetings are aimed at farmers who know they need to change their businesses – due to reducing subsidies, rising costs and unhappiness – but don’t know where to start,” says Liz Genever, a beef and sheep farmer from Lincolnshire, and one of the founding members of Carbon Calling CIC.

“Poor mental health in farmers affects their business and, at a time when subsidies are being withdrawn and costs are rising, we want to share ideas and information that will help farmers to enjoy their lives and make more money," continues Liz.

“We want to get farmers talking to each other and sharing ideas and introduce them to people who can help them in a variety of different areas.”

On the night, mixed farmers Richard Brown and Stuart Johnson, from County Durham and Northumbria respectively, will be explaining why they needed to make changes on their farm, what they have done, how it affected their finances and how they spend their time.

There will also be a panel session with both farmers and Alan Falshaw of Vickers & Barrass.

The event is free to attend and includes food and refreshments. Demand is anticipated to be high, so farmers are encouraged to register so there is enough food to go around.

Attendees are advised to bring some thoughts and information to the meeting, to allow them to get the most out of it.

To register, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/carboncalling/1038623 or give your name to the Darlington Mart office.