Farmers thank public after hard year

Local farmers are extending their thanks to the general public for their help after a difficult year.

The farming community is preparing for winter - with many still recovering from the heavy snow in March.

Thousands of animals were killed as a result of the unexpected and unprecedented snowfall.

Farmers have enjoyed a largely prosperous summer of good weather and crop production.

Chairman of the Agricultural Benevolent Fund Graham Crowe says this, coupled with the support, means people haven't given up: