PARTIES of game shooters, pony trekkers and golfers are replacing the cows, sheep and ducks which have thrived on Britain's farms for thousands of years.

Diversification on more than half the nation's farms has meant income raised by a range of radical activities has passed £100m for the first time.

Throughout the Yorkshire and the Humber region more than 500 farmers have moved into pastures new, starting ventures in sport and recreation.

More than 600 are running tourism businesses and 500 have started up farm shops.

Nationally, 1,800 farmers earn more than £50,000 a year from a second business, while 3,600 earn between £20,000 and £50,000.

Farmers' incomes are at their highest since 1997.

Robert Nobles, group secretary for the National Farmers' Union's Huddersfield branch, said many members had been forced to branch out.

He added: "It isn't anything really new in this particular area. There have been the farm shops that have started up. There have been agricultural holiday homes and livery."

Around the UK, farmers are producing bottled spring water, developing golf driving ranges or hosting clay pigeon shooting events to boost funds.

Farnley Tyas farmer Robert Barraclough now grows coriander 700ft up in the South Pennines at his 200-acre estate.

The herb is a common crop in the Mediterranean.

Shepley farmer Anthony Smith won a Government grant to expand his business to grow wheat straw for thatching.

That replaced his traditional potato crop.

Meanwhile, Philip Coates converted part of his family farm, Castle House Farm at Berry Brow - in the shadow of Castle Hill - into holiday cottages.

Worsening economic conditions meant dairy farming was no longer viable.

He sold his 100-strong herd and has now converted three outbuildings into holiday cottages.

"It's not for everybody," said Mr Nobles. "There are still plenty of mainstream farmers who I am sure will continue successfully."

He said a younger, optimistic generation of livestock farmers was emerging from the crises of BSE and foot and mouth.

Mr Nobles said farm shops allowed them to connect directly with the public.

"There are a lot of farmers getting into that. It's a two-way relationship and I do think that's the way forward," he added.