- 8 in 10 farmers who filled in a new survey by FCN and Agriconnect say they feel market forces are becoming more volatile year-on-year
- 6 in 10 said they made changes to their cropping pattern this year as a result of inclement weather and other challenges
- Significant number of farmers have diversified into non-farming revenue streams on their farm
- Talking with others, staying hopeful, embracing the challenge and getting off-farm where possible are among key ways farmers are staying positive and navigating change
UK farmers have shared some of the ways they’re staying positive ahead of this year’s harvest – in the face of pressures such as turbulent weather, market volatility and changing agricultural policy.
A survey conducted by national charity The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Agriconnect in July ahead of the CropTec Show (27 – 28 November 2024 at NAEC, Stoneleigh) asked farmers a series of questions about how they felt going into the harvest period after a year of particularly heavy rainfall.
85% of respondents said that they feel market forces are becoming more volatile and unpredictable year-on-year.
60% said they had made changes to their cropping patterns in order to try and mitigate a poor harvest.
A significant number of farmers who responded to the survey outlined how they have diversified into other ventures on their farm to generate additional income, including caravans, storage units, solar panels, and providing venues for weddings and other events.
50% said they are worried about their finances ahead of Harvest 2024.
However, as part of the survey farmers also shared how they’re staying positive at this time of year in the face of the pressures they are under. This included staying in regular contact with family and friends, trying to find time to get off-farm, focusing on the things that are going right and are in their control, and staying hopeful that things will get better.
Alex Phillimore, Head of Communications and Development at The Farming Community Network, said: “As part of this survey, farmers have shared important insights into their outlook ahead of this year’s harvest. This information is important in helping FCN to better understand the pressures our farming community is under.
“It is encouraging to hear that many of the people who filled in the survey are staying positive and hopeful, and have encouraged people to talk if they’re feeling stressed or worried about the future. A problem shared is a problem halved, and we do encourage people to talk – whether it’s to friends, family, coworkers, or charities such as FCN. We hope to delve into the survey results further during this year’s CropTec Show.”
The Farming Community Network is a voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming and ‘walk with’ people at times of difficulty and change.
FCN has a wide network of volunteers, located throughout England and Wales, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farm workers and farming families regularly face.
FCN runs a confidential national helpline (03000 111 999, open 7am-11pm every day of the year) and e-helpline (help@fcn.org.uk).
The charity also operates the FarmWell website (farmwell.org.uk) – a website providing a wide range of information to support farmers health, wellbeing and business resilience.