Like it or not, few farms could survive without being in debt, says Fen Tiger Debt it is not something I’ve ever been comfortable with – and I suspect most farmers feel the same. That hasn’t stopped me borrowing money, of course. I have taken out numerous loans over... Read more
The government’s latest move in the battle over inheritance tax has rightly angered farmers and farming families. Summoning industry leaders from across the UK to attend top level talks in London raised hopes of a Treasury compromise on plans to impose inheritance tax on farming assets worth more than... Read more
Clear vision needed for farming
Opinion 11/02/2025
The government’s stop-start approach to farm support is stifling investment, says Fen Tiger. The government’s decision to pause new capital grant applications has once again left thousands of farmers facing unnecessary uncertainty. Capital grants play a big part in encouraging farm businesses invest for the future – helping growers... Read more
Day of Unity shows farming at its best
Opinion 11/02/2025
Full praise to the hundreds of farmers who descended on supermarket car parks last month – telling shoppers about the impact inheritance tax will have on their families. Farming’s Day of Unity showed our sector at its best – caring, compassionate and coming together to make a heartfelt plea... Read more
Unfinished business to resolve in 2025
Opinion 05/02/2025
The start of a new year is usually a time to look forward – a time of hope for a better and brighter future. In that respect, 2025 begins just like many other years – if not more so in farming terms. But growers and livestock producers will also... Read more
Justifiable anger at bombshell Budget
Opinion 23/01/2025
It would be a huge understatement to say the government’s Budget took farmers by surprise. After all, Labour had repeatedly ruled out any changes to inheritance tax – and insisted they had agriculture’s interests at heart. No wonder that disbelief soon turned to anger at the Chancellor’s decision to... Read more
Ploughing on regardless
Opinion 25/11/2024
The countryside has undergone a sudden change this autumn. No, nothing to do with government grants or lost payments. But relating to cultivation techniques. It isn’t widespread but it is noticeable. Certain pockets of arable land – in this neck of the woods at least – have seen a... Read more
When times are challenging, it’s important to accept that some things are largely beyond our control. In farming, there’s much we can’t influence directly. Unpredictable weather, volatile market prices and uncertain agricultural policies to name just a few. But by taking the emotion out of decision-making and controlling what... Read more
Important for us all to pull together
Opinion 09/10/2024
When times are challenging, it’s easy to point the finger of blame at other people – even when our own misfortune is not their fault. Farming is going through one of those times at the moment. Off the back of a challenging year, we are straight into what many... Read more
Current hedge-cutting rules are so ridiculous they benefit no-one – not even the nesting birds they are designed to protect, says Fen Tiger. One advantage of an early harvest is the time it creates for farmers like me to trim hedges and clear the ditches. But new regulations applied... Read more
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