Farming fieldwork can only really be undertaken with the help and cooperation of a farm or farm manager.  However, if approached properly, this fieldwork can provide a valuable insight into the economics and processes of a working farm.

Themes which can be explored include:

• the geographical distribution of farming (looking at location and reasons)
• the impact of new technologies and initiatives
• economic activity and environmental impacts e.g. soil erosion, over production, salinisation, inappropriate technology, water quality, hedgerow removal, irrigation, burning
• inputs, processes and outputs on a commercial farm
• the influence of the environment on farming systems e.g. physical factors such as landform, climate and soil
• human influences on farming systems e.g. market, finance, labour, Government grants, politics and choice
• different types of farming e.g. hill sheep, pastoral, arable, mixed and market gardening, subsistence, intensive, extensive
• diversification of the rural economy, farm tourism and recreation.
• the growth of organic farming and appropriate technology

This resource was written by the RGS-IBG Education Department and reviewed by Rachel Atkins (Bristol Grammar School) and Dr John Gerrard (University of Birmingham)