FARMERS planning a change in direction after being hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis are being offered some technical help.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is organising a series of free seminars for livestock farmers who are planning to switch to cereals.

The society's technical advisor, Douglas Thomson, said: "A number of farmers are ploughing up grassland with a view to growing cereals.

"It may be that they have little experience of cereal growing, and without the right help this could end up being a costly venture. The society is offering to help by organising good, free advice."

A series of three seminars will be held, beginning in February, and will be led by Andrew Fisher, of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants. It is planned that the meetings will be held at different farms in the Northallerton area.

The meetings will be free to those whose animals have been slaughtered because of the disease, and to society members. Others will pay £10 per meeting or £25 for all three