Society support for farming amid growing confidence and welfare concerns

Farming charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society will be looking at the support it provides to the farming community, following concerns about business confidence and wellbeing raised by its members.

According to the findings of the Society’s first ever Farming Outlook survey, almost two in every three farmers (65%) fear for the future viability of their business. Among the most cited challenges for farm businesses were increasing costs, profitability, tax changes, succession, unsupportive policies and declining support payments.

Whilst there is still work to do to tackle the mental health taboo, encouragingly, 72% of farmers said they would be confident seeking support if their wellbeing was not good, and the survey did highlight where farmers saw opportunities for their businesses.

Among the most commonly stated biggest opportunities were strong beef and lamb prices, renewable energy, diversification, input of the next generation and direct selling.

Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “The findings of our survey clearly show that it is vital that the Yorkshire Agricultural Society continues to develop its programme of support to ensure it remains relevant and impactful during these times. It is clear from the survey that the Society has an important role to play in helping farmers to navigate uncertainty, see opportunities, foster community spirit, provide networks that connect those working in the industry and encourage the next generation.

“We should be proud of our British farmers and the quality of their produce. We want farming to thrive and so as we review our year-round programme of activities, we will be using this feedback to guide the support that we offer.

“The Society is busy organising events and activities for farmers, as well as organising and hosting the 166^th Great Yorkshire Show in July. Every year we invite government ministers and MPs to the Show to hear first-hand from farmers. The response to our survey suggests that there has never been a more opportune time to listen to our farmers.”

The survey found that less than a third (30%) of farmers were confident about their businesses’ financial outlook for the next 12 months, and less than a quarter (24%) said their farm business was in a better financial position than it was a year ago.

Nearly a third (30%) rated their wellbeing as ‘not good’ or ‘poor’, and more than a third (36%) said their wellbeing was worse than it was 12 months ago.

There were 400 responses to the survey. It was carried out after the Spring Statement in recognition of growing concerns for farm businesses following announcements about the closure of the Sustainable Farming incentive and changes to inheritance tax.

Last week, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society held four evening events for farmers to get guidance on practical actions they can take to ensure the viability of their businesses. The series, led by experts from BHP Accountants, Savills, Saviour Associates and Wrigleys Solicitors was attended by 300 farmers.

The Society’s Supper On Us series for farmers continues at Farmer Copleys, Pontefract this evening (Wednesday 7^th May), with these events aimed at bolstering community spirits and tackling rural isolation.

The Society’s health and wellbeing support has seen staff from more than 40 farm businesses benefit from farming-focused first aid and mental health awareness training over the last year. A limited number of places remain available for the next first aid training at Birchwood Farm, Ripley on Wednesday 21^st May.

The Yorkshire Farmers Gathering – an initiative formerly known as the Yorkshire Farmers Club – helps to tackle rural isolation among the over-50s and its next visit is to Carlton Towers near Selby for a farm walk and vineyard tour on Monday 16^th June.

Twelve younger farmers are developing their business skills on the Society’s Goodall Agri-Development Pathway, now in its second year, and head to Heck Foods in June to take leadership skills training.

The Great Yorkshire Show, celebrating the best of British agriculture, takes place from Tuesday 8^th July to Friday 11^th July and will include the Future Farmers of Yorkshire’s Breakfast Meeting on Wednesday 9^th July where there will be a focus on driving farm profitability. There will also be a focus on farmers’ health and wellbeing at the Show.

Rachel Coates, Show Director of the Great Yorkshire Show, said: “The Great Yorkshire Show is not only a chance to compete for prestigious rosettes but an opportunity for farmers to get together, network with their peers, and get advice and support from lots of different organisations.”

The Great Yorkshire Show raises funds for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society which invests circa £500,000 a year on its support of farming. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society recognises that farmers need extra flexibility to attend the Show which is why it offers Farmer Tickets, available at a discounted rate and for use on any day of the Show. For details, see greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/farmers

Farmers can find out more about the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s events, farming networks, small grants scheme and other initiatives at yas.co.uk