Aims: Explain why the period 1830 – 1870 was known as the ‘Golden Age’ of British Agriculture. Identify the reasons why the ‘Golden Age’ came to an end by the 1870s.

In this time period food prices were high so farmers in Britain had a high income. As well as this, farmers easily beat off foreign competition as new inventions and farming improvements had helped to increase production. New farming methods included: Seed Drill Horse-pulled plough Marling soil Crop rotation

Viscount Townshend introduced the idea of crop rotation. This meant that fields were not left uncultivated and crops had a greater yield. He was nicknamed ‘Turnip’ Townshend as he encouraged the cultivation of turnips across the England. This provided food for livestock and meant they could be bred all year round.

Jethro Tull invented the seed drill in Before this oxen would used to plough the land and then the seed would be sown by hand. This was not precise enough and not enough crops would be grown. This improved the crop yield up to eight times. The first seed drills were horse drawn – later on tractors would perform this role.

Changes in Farming There were many changes in farming methods and new ideas spread throughout the country. The Board of Agriculture was set up with Arthur Young as the new Secretary. He travelled the country and shared information about new farming methods and enclosures.

The End of the ‘Golden Age ’ The ‘Golden Age’ came to an end in the early 1870s. This was due to – Many wet summers and bad harvests Disease in cattle and sheep Foreign countries had caught up with British farming and could provide cheap supplies

New breeds of cattle, sheep and horses had a positive impact on farming. Lincoln sheep Aberdeen Angus Cattle Suffolk Punch Workhorse A great deal money was invested into farming such as improving drainage systems. This allowed more land to be farmed. Steam-powered machines were also being used to gather the harvests.

Post-1880s Farming By 1900 British farmers faced tough competition from other countries. Cheap food was imported from overseas. By 1914 Britain imported almost 60% of all its foodstuffs.

The First World War German submarines or U-Boats targeted ships bring food from overseas. By 1917 there was only six weeks of grain supplies left in Britain. The government had to introduce food rationing to deal with the food shortages.

The First World War With so many men away fighting in the army, there was a shortage of farm workers. Women were encouraged to join the Land Army and fill the gap. 16,000 women helped to keep the country fed. After the war ended farmers continued to face foreign competition and falling prices. The number of people working on the land continued to fall.