And now for something completely different

- Published: 05 May, 2006

A fourth generation Calderdale farming family, John and Ruth Dean, have embraced the direct retailing revolution sweeping the sector by opening their own farm shop at Barkisland, near Halifax.

The Far Barsey Farm shop will sell a wide variety of local produce including the Deans' own beef and ready meal products, as well as home-cooked sweets and savouries.

Products from other well-established regional food producers will also be stocked. The Dean family was forced to switch from dairy to beef production last year as income from their dairy business fell.

Peter Atkinson, from Defra's Rural Development Service, which has backed the business, said the shop was good news for the environment and a range of local producers.