West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin visited a county farm which produces milk for the supermarket Waitrose and Muller and saw three generations of farmers tending the cattle.

Harriett visited the farm, owned by Dave Richards, in Wichenford, near Worcester, as part of a regular meeting with members of the National Farmers Union. She was given a tour by Dave accompanied by his father, John and son, Max, who look after 1000 dairy cattle producing high quality milk for the prestige supermarket chain and other customers.

The tour was followed by a session with nearly a dozen local farmers, food producers and horticulturalists, questioning the MP on current farming policy as well as a cup of tea with locally produced milk.

Harriett said:

“I try to meet regularly with our local farmers to hear their views and for the NFU to brief me on national issues.

“Farming and food production is a central plank of the local economy and we have a strong horticulture sector producing plants for domestic and foreign markets.

“I always find these sessions to be useful and there are always some interesting viewpoints, which I am able to share with my colleagues in Westminster.

“It was also a particular highlight to visit a farm that boasts three generations of farmers working hard to produce milk for one of our supermarkets. Farming is a difficult business, and it was heartening to hear Dave Richards’ optimism about the future and his plans to invest in technology to improve his farm’s profitability.”

Photo: Dave Richards, Harriett Baldwin MP, Max Richards and John Richards.