A MAJOR bank has warned the cancellation of agricultural shows could mean a significant financial loss for farmers.

A string of events in Cumbria and Yorkshire have been cancelled owing to restrictions over gatherings and general uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic, culminating in the cancellation of the County Show, which attracts tens of thousands of people to Crooklands every year, this month.

And now Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, which has a branch in Kendal, has warned these cancellations, though necessary, could have economic consequences.

Brian Richardson, UK head of agriculture for the bank, said: “These annual events showcase the best in farming and food, and bring as much celebration as they do trading platforms for businesses.

“The size and scale of the multi-day events deliver key economic benefits to the thousands of exhibitors and agricultural producers who attend, as well as the wider sector in general.”

Mr Richardson also highlighted the social aspect of agricultural shows, describing them as ‘a real chance to get out, socialise and make connections with other like-minded folk'.

“With face-to-face contact restricted, there will be reduced opportunities to connect and collaborate,” he said.

“Sharing experiences are vital components of agriculture and the shows support mental wellbeing, so at the moment keeping in touch and looking out for each other is critical for our farming and rural community.

“I certainly won’t be the only one who will miss the shows over the summer months, but I am sure they will be back even stronger next year. In the meantime, we are dedicated to keeping in contact with our customers across the UK through all other available means.”

A spokesman for Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank said the bank’s specialist agricultural team had been ‘working hard for customers to ensure they have what they need and helping them to plan for the next few months'.

The spokesman said video messaging applications were being utilised to maintain face-to-face contact where possible.