Herefordshire farmers are turning to new ventures to diversify their businesses as they respond to ongoing uncertainty caused by Brexit.

One family-run beef and sheep farm on the north Herefordshire border has planted four acres of sunflowers as it looked to other sources of income in response to challenges.

Hereford Times: Visitors can pick their own sunflowers at Ackhill Farm near Presteigne. Picture: Rob Davies Visitors can pick their own sunflowers at Ackhill Farm near Presteigne. Picture: Rob Davies

The Price family opened their new venture Ackhill Sunflowers between Presteigne and Whitton in mid-August, and already it has proved popular.

“We live in a very nice place, it’s nice for other people who want to come here as well,” said Jamie Price, who works on the farm with his father.

Hereford Times: Jamie Price at Ackhill Farm near Presteigne. Picture: Rob DaviesJamie Price at Ackhill Farm near Presteigne. Picture: Rob Davies

After running Ackhill for 12 years and another farm prior, the Prices wanted to start something new after seeing a gap in the market.

Jamie said: “When we started the nearest one was 40 miles away.

“Everywhere is diversifying farm-wise, even though land prices are fantastic, costs keep going up.

“We never knew what Brexit was going to bring.”

The family also have other contracts they are looking into, with calves and other means to keep a stable monthly income.

He said: “There’s lots and lots of tourism outlets in Herefordshire and mid Wales for people to stay, but we’re trying to do something that attracts people when they’re here.

“You’ve got to look at different income streams and move with the times.”

Jamie noticed that others in the farming community were moving away from traditional farming and diversifying in different ventures such as chickens, holiday lets and other tourist attractions.

Currently, they have one variety of sunflower, which has grown to about six feet, but hope to have more next year.

They plan to stay open for three to four weeks depending on weather.

Opening times for the sunflower farm is 11am to 6pm and dogs are welcome. Entry is £3 entry for adults, under 12s go in free and sunflowers are £1 a stem.

Country Pumpkins is another family-run farm that has turned to sunflowers for a new form of income.

Hereford Times: Alison Gilbert on her sunflower farmAlison Gilbert on her sunflower farm

Alison and Bruce Gilbert have worked their arable and cider farm at Little Marcle, Ledbury, for nearly 40 years.

For the last two they have allowed the public to enjoy their rows of golden sunflowers and smaller sun-rich non-pollen sunflowers and plethora of colourful cutting flowers.

With 19 varieties to choose from, visitors can make their own bouquet.

It is the second year of the Gilberts’ pumpkin patch at Little Marcle.

“We like to start small and steady and trial things and if it works, we’ll do more of it and if it does not, we’ll do less,” Mr Gilbert said. “We like the small and friendly approach.”

Last year they reported great success, with the pumpkins and the sunflowers seem to be following suit. The Gilberts hope to keep the field open for the August bank holiday weekend as some of their flowers are yet to open.

Alison’s daughter reached out to local bakers who have since made an array of cakes and brownies for customers to go alongside the light refreshments they have on offer. They’re hoping to encourage picnics at the site.