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What is farming?

A farm with wind turbines in the background

Farming is:

  • the growing and harvesting of crops.

  • the raising of livestock such as cows, sheep, pigs, hens or turkeys.

It is also known as agriculture.

Crops and livestock can be used for food and products.

A farm with wind turbines in the background

Watch: Find out about food and farming in the UK

Learn about agriculture in the UK.

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How land is used for farming

People farm in rural areas of the UK. How the land is used for farming depends on:

The climate - some areas are cool and wet, other areas are warm and dry.

The altitude or height above sea level of an area - areas of higher altitude are cooler.

The type of soil and what can grow there.

The geography of the area - natural features such as mountains, hills, rivers and lakes.

The latitude, which is the distance north or south of the Equator. More northerly areas are cooler and southerly areas are warmer as they are closer to the Equator.

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Farming regions in the UK

Here are some rural areas in the UK, which are known for farming.

Arable farming is concentrated in the drier east, and dairy and hill farming is concentrated in the wetter west.

A map of the different types of farming in the UK and different produce from each area.
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Types of farming in the UK

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 5, Ripe apples growing on a tree., Arable farming Arable farming is the growing of crops such as vegetables, fruit and cereals. This is the most popular type of farming in the East of England as the flat areas of land with rich soil and temperate weather are good for arable farming.
A fish farm in a lake.

Aquaculture

As well as agriculture, there is also aquaculture, where fish, seafood and plants are farmed.Fish farming can be done in fresh, and salt water. Fish farms can be found in the sea, in lakes or in rivers where mussels, crabs and fish, such as trout and salmon, are reared there. Salmon farming in Scotland is a vital industry to many of the rural areas.

A fish farm in a lake.
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Activities

True or false: Food and farming

Tap and find: Food and farming

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