FARMERS in Somerset have taken part in a series of online sessions and videos helping to tackle IT issues in rural areas.

Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) has been delivering a series of videos after many farming businesses were struggling with technical knowledge, confidence, Wi-Fi issues and hardware/software knowledge.

Dave Knight, chairman of the EHFN, said this year has been "challenging" for farmers.

“It has a been a challenging year for us all, adapting to the new normal and entering the brave new world of Zoom calls, which let’s face it is a place no farmer ever wanted to be," he said.

"But we are embracing the challenges and even the least tech savvy of us are now comfortable conversing over laptop, although I think it’s safe to say we’d still prefer the farm table /social club and the chat amongst fellow farmers.

“But one thing the pandemic has highlighted is the importance of looking after each other’s health and wellbeing.

"And while Exmoor is a heavenly place to be stuck in a lockdown, we can perhaps all do more to reach out to our neighbours and offer a chat or some friendly support as we continue our journey through uncertain times.”

Somerset County Gazette: Dave Knight, EHFN chairman

The programme was funded by the Princes Countryside Fund, supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Fund, using its Covid-19 Grants Programme for Farmer Supports Groups.

The EHFN was established in early 2014 to improve the sustainability of Exmoor’s farming businesses and tackle rural isolation. EHFN currently supports around 330 farming businesses on Exmoor and its surrounding areas.

Seven years on, it has become the ‘go-to hub’ for information and contacts, used by a wide variety of land-based businesses and overseen by network officer, Katherine Williams.