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

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 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
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

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

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 LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin