A collection of agriculture enthusiasts assembled in one space.
Farmers Gather to Discuss Sustainable Business Strategies
In two meetings held in the East Midlands and East Anglia, farmers gathered for the Farm for the Future Programme to discuss the qualities of a successful business and strategies for navigating the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
At the Allerton Project in Leicestershire, led by Hannah Thorogood, and Old Hall Farm, near Norwich, farmers shared their visions for their businesses. One poultry farmer was close to developing a locally produced chicken feed recipe, while another farmer had a vision to grow crops that would meet the nutritional needs of the local population.
Independent agronomist Charlie Curtis, who led the session at Old Hall Farm, stressed the three cornerstones of running a business successfully: people, planet, and profit. He challenged the groups to find ways to do things differently to improve profitability, while also considering the environmental impact of their decisions.
Rebecca Mayhew, owner of Old Hall Farm, advised the group to sometimes face the reality that they might need to change direction in their businesses. She emphasised the importance of regular business plan reviews to ensure all enterprises are profitable. Hannah Thorogood echoed this sentiment, encouraging farmers to regularly review their plans to stay on track.
One participant emphasised the importance of a business plan being a flexible model that can be revisited frequently. This was particularly relevant for farmers who didn't have business plans, while others had visions or detailed plans for short, medium, and long-term ambitions.
The Farm for the Future Programme continued to discuss the importance of a strong business plan in improving efficiency and profitability. One farmer, a cattle farmer from the East Midlands, had a well-defined succession plan for his business, including a clear succession route to allow him to retire and leave his children with a debt-free business.
The meetings also addressed the challenges farmers face in the current climate. Farming in the UK, as it is currently being done, is not sustainable, with £7bn flowing annually from farming into the economy and the agricultural sector being responsible for 11% of greenhouse gases.
The farmers discussed how to prepare for forthcoming inheritance tax reforms starting in April 2026, which significantly affect Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, stressing the financial pressures on land-based businesses. They also addressed the growing impact of drought and water shortages, with the Environment Agency working closely with farmers in East Anglia to voluntarily reduce surface water abstraction to conserve water and protect the environment.
The farmers also discussed the need to engage in reform plans aimed at adapting to water shortages and environmental stress, as well as incorporating indigenous knowledge and local adaptation strategies for enhancing climate resilience in agriculture.
One farmer admitted to considering giving up farming due to fatigue, highlighting the need for sustainable business strategies that prioritise profit, local reputation, efficiency, enjoyment, enduring passion, satisfaction, and strong community links. The Farm for the Future Programme aims to provide farmers with the tools and support they need to navigate these challenges and build successful, sustainable businesses.
In these meetings for the Farm for the Future Programme, not only were sustainable business strategies for agriculture discussed, but also the importance of a strong business plan was emphasized for improving efficiency and profitability. Both education-and-self-development and finance come into play here, as farmers were advised to regularly review their business plans to ensure profitability (education-and-self-development) and navigate financial pressures such as upcoming inheritance tax reforms (finance). The program aims to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge for successful, sustainable businesses in their respective fields (business).
