Shropshire NFU chair calls on farmers to 'look out for each other' after difficult 2024

Ludlow livestock farmer Graham Price,  chair of NFU Shropshire, was reflecting on the challenges of 2024, which have included, in recent weeks, a 'devastating' Budget decision which has seen the government propose a tax of 20 per cent on agricultural property worth over £1m.

Though Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that in some cases the threshold could in practice be about £3 million, it has sparked anger, with farmers descending on London last month, for mass lobby and separate protests. 

Coupled with the weather and further challenges, it has been another tough year and Mr Price said:  "I do not know anyone in the farming community that 2024 has not had a huge impact on.

"Fellow farmers across the Midlands region and beyond will be looking back wondering exactly what happened - the turbulent winter storms we had certainly set the tone for the remainder of the year.

"To say it has been a challenge is an understatement and, as my term as Shropshire NFU chair comes to a close, I can only hope that some of that concern and real worry for all farming families will soon be lifted.

"If not then the NFU will continue to challenge and push hard for that change for its members.

"Of course, the impact of the Budget is at the centre of all of this, but what a 12 months it has been with extreme weather, continued spiralling costs and pressure from all sides when all we want to do is go about our business - rear stock, grow crops and care for our part of the countryside.

"Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief are prominent but there is so much more: planning, delinked payments, National Insurance, National Living Wage, a proposed levy on fertiliser, a halt on capital grants - the list goes on."

Mr Price said that, amid all the challenges, it was vital the farming community supports each other. 

"By our nature we, as farmers and growers, are determined and resilient and with a huge amount of public support behind us we will keep going as best we can, although for many there is little left to give and a lot to take in.

"So now it is essential we also take care of each other during what has been an unprecedented year for British agriculture and horticulture.

"The NFU remains steadfast in its work on all fronts, on the Budget, on rural crime, on water management, on infrastructure, on the supply chain, on bringing the challenges of farming to our customers and the next generation, and so much more.

"Be assured that we will keep championing county farmers and growers from the grassroots up and work for positive change that grows confidence, promotes investment and creates growth.

"There is huge uncertainty and an exceptionally long winter ahead but hopefully with a New Year there will be something more positive, green shoots and a chance for us all to regroup and rebound from this. We are with you all of the way."