THERE were many reasons to be optimistic about the future of farming, and the region as a whole, at the Westmorland County Show at Crooklands yesterday.

First and foremost was the return of livestock in substantial numbers.

Cattle entries were back to the full quota and even the decimated sheep industry managed to attract around 70 per cent of the maximum numbers.

The speed with which the farmers have recovered from all their troubles, not least the foot-and-mouth outbreak, which led to the cancellation of last year's show, is a great tribute to their resilience and determination.

It was Westmorland Show's fortune that the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs finally relaxed the 20-day rule over the movement of animals, which had led to disappointment at other shows.

Being DEFRA, of course, they had to make the new regulations bureaucratic and almost indecipherable.

But that is a minor gripe.

For the stockmen, the chance to show off their prize animals and take pride in their beasts must have been a great boost to morale, which can only bode well for the future.

Increasingly allied to this resurgence of agriculture is the local food industry.

It is remarkable how the home grown, locally produced and packaged food industry has gripped the public' s imagination.

This is a natural consequence of food scares, health-consciousness and increased awareness of animal welfare.

It is just a few years since the food tent at the Westmorland Show was too small to toss a pancake.

Yesterday two giant marquees dominated the tent city.

By mid-morning they were packed with hundreds of visitors drawn by the buzz, the aromas and the opportunity to meet the larger than life characters responsible for this burgeoning industry.

TV personality chef Clarissa Dickson-Wright was a welcome addition to the exhibitors, but she certainly didn't dominate proceedings.

It is noticeable that she has been joined by the likes of Rick Stein with his local food heroes and Jamie Oliver in promoting the strengths of regional food nationally.

Nor does this just mean good news for farmers.

Another feature of yesterday was the degree of confidence shown by the agricultural machinery companies, which were out in droves to promote their wares.

They wouldn't have bothered unless they believed farmers would have confidence enough to indulge in long-term investment.

It cannot be emphasised often enough that a healthy, successful and sustainable farming industry is good for everyone in the Lakes.

That way the countryside will remain well maintained and prosperous, providing the sort of scenery that attracts the holidaymakers.

If the queues on the A65 and over-spilled car parks at yesterday's Westmorland Show are any guide, then the fight back to prosperity is well on its way.