Region’s farmers less optimistic, says survey

By MHA

21 Apr 2015

Website

Farmers are feeling less optimistic about the future than they did in 2014, according to a survey conducted in partnership with Lancashire accountancy firm Moore and Smalley.

The survey, undertaken at the LAMMA 2015 show, is based on interviews with over 100 farmers from across the region.

It was conducted by MHA, a UK-wide group of accountancy and business advisory firms, of which Moore and Smalley is one of nine UK members. Findings of the survey showed: There is a continued desire for growth and diversification amongst the farming community, but less optimism than in 2014 There is an increase in the number of farmers undertaking co-operative farming arrangements Succession planning is of great concern for 1 in 10 – noticeably higher than in 2014 The reduced optimism reflects the reduction in cereal prices in recent months, although 59% of respondents (down from 69% in 2014) still predicted overall growth, with 23% expecting moderate to high growth. This year’s survey also saw a 4% reduction to 49% among those hoping to increase acreage over the next 12 months. Concerns remain about the availability of land - and prices continue to be a barrier.

For 2015, diversification is on the agenda for more farmers (up to 55% from 40% last year), including an upsurge in interest in harnessing renewable energy sources. Accountants remain the primary source of guidance and support for the sector.

Liz Cliffe, head of the farming and rural business team at Moore and Smalley, said: “It is good to see there’s still a healthy optimism for growth and the desire to diversify among farmers, however, the survey indicated that 11% of those surveyed felt that succession planning is still ‘of great concern’, which is noticeably higher than in 2014. With such a high concentration of family businesses passed on from one generation to the next and with the current favourable tax rules, succession planning is a vital consideration in securing the future of a farming business.”

Most farmers participating in co-operative farming arrangements are involved in contracting and this year’s survey indicates that 66% of respondents now undertake contracting, a total increase of 10% compared with last year’s results. However, Liz Cliffe warns that careful consideration should be given to any tax implications arising from undertaking these arrangements.

As the agriculture sector is affected by unique and variable factors ranging from the weather to the cost of land, it is important for farmers to seek specialist advice to assist with their growth plans. Liz added: “It is encouraging to see that 46% of respondents indicated that they would turn to their accountant for financial advice and support on key issues such as succession planning and growth plans.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from MHA

Latest news

1

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans Waste recycling Blackpool

Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans

01 Jul 2025

2

Graham Engineering confirms acquisition to a2e Industries Graham Engineering

Graham Engineering confirms acquisition to a2e Industries

01 Jul 2025

3

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted Training 2000

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted

01 Jul 2025

4

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons Colin Fisher, Paul Fox CEO and Gary Fisher.

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons

01 Jul 2025

5

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners Dean Curtis and Joe Diston

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners

01 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin