F armers across the area may have cause for celebration following a scaling down in tough foot and mouth restrictions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it would reduce the 20 day 'standstill' rule to six days from Tuesday of this week.

The current restrictions brought in by DEFRA following the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001 demand a 20 day 'total standstill' if an animal is moved.

This meant if an animal was moved on or off a farm then no other animal could be moved for the next 20 days or alternatively, the animal would have to be kept in isolation for 20 days.

The reduction to six days is welcomed but may be too little too late for some show organisers and farmers.

Organisers of traditional agricultural shows would normally be now planning cattle, sheep and goat classes. In 2001, shows were cancelled altogether and last year those that did go ahead did so without cloven footed animals - cattle, sheep and goats. But of the shows in the area, none have yet declared without a doubt that livestock will return this year.

Organiser of Arthington Show, due to take place on July 20, Sheila Dickenson said: "We are hoping to have cattle and sheep this year but are still unsure what regulations are in force. The show will definitely go ahead with all the normal show jumping classes, dogs and pony classes like last year. We are meeting in March to make a final decision."

Organiser of Weeton Show, due to take place on July 27, Alison Denman, had hoped to bring back goats to this year's show. She said: "It's a shame because it is a local agricultural show and the longer this goes on the less likely it is that farmers will return with sheep and cattle.

"But of course the show will go on and in place of the restricted animals, Weeton

are offering audiences the fun of ferret races and will concentrate more on family and children's entertainment and trade stalls."

Askwith Show, which has not gone ahead for two years since the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, will be making a return this year on June 14.

But Secretary Adele Marston confirmed there would be no cattle, sheep or goats and that side-shows, horses and dogs, crafts and handicrafts will provide the entertainment instead.

Mrs Marston said: "Lots of the regulations have been lifted so we hope to have a show this year."

Director of Wharfedale Farmer's Auction Mart Ben Atkinson said: "The current restrictions from DEFRA are unbelievably difficult to live with.

" If a cow is moved for example from auction to farm then the whole farm is under the standstill rule. Twenty days is nearly three weeks and three weeks is a long time in a farmer's cycle. It is almost impossible for a farmer to plan three weeks in advance. Anything can happen during that time. A cow might have calves during that time and the farmer may want to sell. The cow is only in peak condition after calving for one week after which it becomes 'stale' and loses its value. Under current restrictions the farmer would not be able to sell it. Even six days is difficult to work with."

And he thought there were enormous benefits for both farmers and visitors at agricultural shows.

He said: "Many farmers felt very let down last year by not being able to show. The educational element of cattle and sheep being shown should not be underestimated.

"It is good for children to see that milk comes from a dairy cow not from a bottle, and for housewives to see what type of animal they are buying meat from. The public need to know this kind of information. Anything that helps generate this kind of knowledge has got to be a good thing. If you take the cattle and sheep out of an agricultural show then it is no longer an agricultural show."

Addingham farmer Stanley Flesher believes shows are good for farmers' morale. He said: "There is a pride in showing what you have produced and achieved and of course it is a form of advertising. There is no profit for farmers in showing, they do it for pride and for the benefit of others.

"At present the restrictions are still being worked out. Farmers still need a licence to move sheep anywhere. I move sheep every week and have to fill in forms each time to be sent to Trading Standards. They may as well be going to the end of the world for all the paperwork I have to do.

"As for isolating animals - not everyone

will have enough buildings to isolate every creature brought onto the farm.

Three weeks is a long time - it's a long time for an animal to be isolated for. I don't think DEFRA have looked at that side of things - the psychology side - the effect on the animal."

Ernie Sherwin, market manager and company secretary of Wharfedale

Farmers Auction Mart, Otley, said: "These new regulations are definitely going to make life a little easier for farmers. Coming to market is also a social activity and a lot of farmers have stayed away due to foot and mouth. It has been very disappointing. This should make things a little better."