A SERIES of free seminars has been a launched in a bid to help the south's farming community.

The focus on the seminars, organised by business Link Wessex and the National Farmers Union, looks at the concept of farmers working together to cut costs and increase efficiency.

Rachel Potter, Business Link Wessex Farm Business Adviser, said: "The largest expenses facing farming businesses today are the costs of machinery and labour. Working more closely with neighbouring farmers and sharing machinery and labour is one possible solution to reduce these costs.

"By doing this farmers can create a strong, supportive network, reduce their individual costs and increase business profitability."

Rachel said: "This free seminar will give Hampshire farmers the opportunity to get together, meet the owners/managers of similar businesses in an informal environment, and possibly forge mutually beneficial working relationships for the future.

"Entrance to the seminars is free and registration opens at 4.00pm. The seminar starts at 4.15pm and is followed at 6.30pm with a buffet supper."

The next seminars are on Thursday December 5 at Old Thorns Hotel, Golf and Country Club near Liphook and Thursday December 12 at Sparsholt College, near Winchester.

For further details call the Business Link Wessex Events hotline 0845 458 8557.