youngsRPS Rural Brochure - Flipbook - Page 39
sustainability. However, I do see positives in the
current prices, especially regarding livestock and I hope
that if we can keep a handle on costs, then we can
weather the storm. Regarding IHT, it’s a concern, and as
such, it’s essential that correct and sound advice is
sought, and mitigation plans put in place.
Are there any specific challenges you’ve personally
encountered that really brought home how tough
things are for farmers right now?
Every time I think of a farming business, I think it’s
tough. I know from first-hand experience how tight the
margins are, and I don’t really draw an income off the
farm, this, coupled with concerns surrounding IHT etc.
makes it a really difficult time for farmers.
How are you and your family adapting to the
changes being thrown at the industry?
We decided to launch our holiday cottage in 2021 as a
means of diversifying. It’s great for cash flow and
compliments the farm business well. Otherwise, we’re
just trying to do the best we can with what we’ve got.
I’m not really machine minded, nor tech savvy – but I
can see the merits in all of this. I think whatever
farming practice you go down, you have to have the
interest and commitment to embrace it fully, otherwise
it won’t work and it may comprise other enterprises
within the business.
How does your role at youngsRPS help you offer
practical solutions or strategic advice to other
farmers going through similar pressures?
Given that I currently farm, and have done all my life, I
can see things from the farmers perspective and from a
practical and pragmatic point of view. I’m not advising
people on what to do because I’ve read it or been
taught it, much of what I say comes from first-hand
experience which may have been complemented by
what I’ve learnt elsewhere. It’s the practical side of
things that provides the authenticity that hopefully
people warm to. This authenticity, I think, is crucial and
builds trust and relationships, from which solutions
are found.
If you could change one thing about the current
structure of the UK agricultural system, what would
it be?
I’d like to see Agricultural policy sit above politics. By
this I mean, agricultural policy to be long term, and not
changeable at the whim of a government. It takes
lifetimes to shape a landscape and a change in
government can undo all the work previously done in a
matter of months. Likewise, it takes three months to
grow a lamb, a little more an arable crop and/or a beef
animal, a shift in policy around production can quickly
have a dramatic effect on food production. There’s
currently no collective thinking regarding agricultural
policy.
What advice would you give to younger farmers or
those considering a future in agriculture right now?
Be prepared to work hard. I do see a future for farming,
especially those who want to work and are prepared to
do it and listen. Historically, we’ve been incentivised
not to produce food, both by government policies, and
also stock prices; this has resulted in a shortage, both
of stock and the younger generation.
Hopefully though, on the back of positive prices and
being rewarded for your hard work, the younger
generation will be in a good place to drive the industry
forward.
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