During this period of significant change and uncertainty in UK agriculture, it can be difficult to see the wood through the trees and to make long-term business plans. So much is outside of farmers’ control, and this can be a source of great anxiety. Many farmers and farming families reaching out to FCN are doing so with concern for the future.
In 2021 – in the earlier stages of the agricultural transition – FCN launched our #TimeToPlan campaign; providing a wide range of information and resources to help people to explore their options. This culminated in the publication of The Journey Ahead, which was kindly sponsored by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, NSF, Westpoint Farm Vets and tax, accountancy and financial services experts Simpkins Edwards.
With the rapid pace in which policy is changing and new information is being made available, we are launching a new campaign this month called #TimeToAct.
We believe there is a positive future for farming in the UK, and we wish to offer encouragement and support as businesses implement change, rallying behind the acronym ACT-NOW:
A – Assess
Take the opportunity to revisit your priorities in life and the objectives for your business and family today and in the longer term. What do you really want to do? Are your plans realistic? Can they generate sufficient income? Are you providing for later life? Do you have succession built into your plans?
C – Consult
Engage with family, staff and other stakeholders and be open to new ideas. Chat to neighbours, do the research and attend meetings. Take professional advice where needed.
T- Test
Ideas are great, but do they stack up? Honest appraisal is important before embarking on change, so do the maths, welcome the challenge of others.
N – Not Alone
There is plenty of help available from a range of organisations who can act as a sounding board for your ideas and offer support and encouragement along the way.
O – Optimism
It can be easy to submit to the negativity often prevailing in the media and online. A positive and optimistic mindset is more likely to result in successful change.
W – Wellbeing
Your health (and that of others you live and work with) is the most valuable asset on the farm. It is important to prioritise your health to ensure the health of your business.
FCN volunteers understand farming life and its unique challenges, and are here to help you to consider different options and opportunities. We can be contacted in confidence on 03000 111 999 or help@fcn.org.uk, 365 days of the year.
We will also be working alongside a wide range of stakeholders during this campaign, adding additional expertise and insights on different topics the farming community have expressed to us they would find valuable – such as succession planning, grants and schemes and business support.
Through our FarmWell website we will be hosting and sharing these articles and information. FarmWell now receives over 20,000 visitors each year, and has become a valuable source of information since it launched in 2019. Please follow our social media channels, including our FarmWell Facebook page, to keep up to date with new resources.
A helpful starting point for planning ahead is to utilise our Greenzone Checklist. Users can download or print off the checklist and examine which areas are ‘in hand’ and where they might benefit from investigating further. The FarmWell website provides a wide range of resources and information in relation to all points raised in the checklist – helping farmers to explore their options and providing helpful insights or ideas.
We hope this campaign will help to support our farming community through this period of change. We are here to listen, to support you, and to connect you with other help available.
- Jude McCann, FCN CEO