Bumper crop of challenges facing farmers
It is hard to think of a time when farming faced as many challenges
Covid, climate change and Brexit are the headline issues creating unprecedented pressure on the industry. But there is no shortage of other matters giving farmers across the region plenty of sleepless nights.
Environmental issues, ever-changing weather patterns, market pressures, food standard concerns, reduced soil quality, managing biodiversity, labour shortages, land prices and changes in the way society views farming are all contributing to a period of huge uncertainty.
Long gone – if they ever truly existed – are the days when a typical farmer simply worried about growing the crops, tending the flock and putting food on the table.
Today, farmers are landowners, estate managers, ethical practitioners, environmental guardians, wildlife conservationists, animal welfare experts, biochemists, planning and rights-of-way specialists and much, much more.
That’s before they even begin to think about diversifying their business to ensure they can keep their heads above water and consider succession planning so the next generation has something successful to take over.
In these extraordinary times every farmer needs a host of experts on their side if they are to succeed. It’s our privilege to work alongside all of you.
Sarah Baugh is head of FBC Manby Bowdler’s agricultural & rural services team
