FBAS Resource Centre

Sam Dale, Farm Business Consultant at GSC Grays, is urging farmers to take advantage of free specialist advice to help deal with the potentially serious financial ramifications of this year’s weather affected harvest.

According to the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, UK farmers could lose up to £889 million on crops harvested between July and September 2024 compared to 2023.

With average to poor returns on crops like barley, wheat and oilseed rape, many farmers could face significant cash flow challenges. To mitigate these financial pressures, farm businesses are being encouraged to focus on resilience and strategic planning.

In light of the establishment of the new Unitary Authority, North Yorkshire Council (NYCC), significant strides are underway to shape the region’s future through a comprehensive Local Plan. Encompassing areas previously governed by Hambleton, Richmondshire, Craven, Harrogate, Selby, Ryedale, and Scarborough, this ambitious initiative aims to outline the developmental path for the next 15-20 years, addressing crucial aspects such as housing, environment, economy, community facilities, and infrastructure. 

Record rainfall has significantly increased the financial pressures on farm businesses but Sam Dale, farm consultant at GSC Grays, believes there are tools to help the industry tackle the current farming crisis.

Large areas of farmland are under water following 11 named storms since September and the wettest 18 months on record with fears the country is facing the first season without a harvest on some farms since the end of the Second World War.

In the face of these challenges, farm businesses are being urged to embrace resilience and strategic planning to navigate the current landscape.

Robert Sullivan, Head of Farm Business at GSC Grays, believes Defra’s decision to limit the impact of land being taken out of food production under its Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) could be followed by further changes in farming policies.

Defra have announced that new SFI applicants will only be able to put 25% of their land into six actions that take it out of food production. The move comes after around 1% of farmers that applied to SFI 2023 applied to put 80% or more of their farm into six non-productive actions.

Greg Ricketts, head of farm business at GSC Grays, believes there is a positive future ahead for farming businesses as they come to terms with the loss of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

While the removal of BPS is creating challenges for many farm businesses, Greg Ricketts is convinced GSC Grays Farm Business Advice Service reviews funded by DEFRA’s future farming resilience fund, which has already helped nearly 1,000 farmers, can play a key role in mapping out a successful future.

Over the next seven years the UK faces a significant increase in infrastructure development, surpassing the combined efforts of the past three decades, driven by the UK’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.

In this article, John Wallis, Director argues that while the pursuit of Net Zero is commendable, a balance must be found between progress and the interests of those who steward the land.

Muck storge is a major headache for many farm businesses, not least because of the investment required to comply with the rules and regulations in force. With potential sanctions for failing to store muck compliantly a growing possibility, Sam Dale, Associate, urges farmers to start planning for compliance now, and take advantage of funding that can help with the investment needed, while it is still available.

Read our press release on Defra’s latest Farm Productivity Grant.  John Wallis, Regional Director, believes the grant will be welcomed by farmers looking to reduce fossil fuel use, improve energy resilience and reduce electric bills.

“This is very welcome news which we have been waiting to hear.  GSC Grays has been working with farmers over the last 18 months through our Farm Business Advice Service to review their energy use and install PV systems.  This grant will make that even more attractive, and some farms, where the returns were marginal without the grant, will now want to proceed”.

The farming industry holds a unique position in the Net Zero debate.  While agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, it is also a key part of the solution thanks to its unique ability to offset emissions through carbon sequestration.

In his article, Neil Carter, Associate, discusses the potential benefits awaiting farmers that get on board with carbon accounting.

Yorkshire farmer James Mills believes taking part in a Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) farm walk organised by GSC Grays has been a “huge advantage” in planning for the future.

From January 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) becomes a compulsory requirement for most developments.

Director, Holly Story asks whether this will be an unmissable opportunity or unwanted burden for landowners.

A survey of farmers facing the imminent end of the Basic Payment Scheme has revealed more than 80% expect their businesses to be affected by the Agricultural Transition unless they instigate changes to their farming strategy.

The survey was compiled by GSC Grays who have been delivering on-farm financial reviews funded by DEFRA’s future farming resilience fund.

Britain’s farming businesses, already struggling to source and retain staff, could be seriously impacted by the decision to raise the minimum wage by more than a pound to £11.44 per hour from April 2024.

Robert Sullivan, Director at GSC Grays has featured in the Darlington and Stockton Times, the Northern Farmer and Agriland with comments on the autumn budget minimum wage rise impact on the farm labour crisis.

Thinking about signing up for SFI?

Greg Ricketts, Head of Farm Business at GSC Grays, believes the scheme can be a significant “game changer” for farmers, boosting income and improving farming techniques.

Budgeting and financial planning are key components of top-performing farm businesses, allowing farmers to manage cashflow, identify opportunities for investment, and evaluate individual enterprises within the business in a way that is not usually possible by analysing historic financial accounts. Here are our frequently asked questions about budgeting.

Robert Sullivan, Head of Farm Business, believes changing perceptions about working in the farming industry will be key to tackling the drastic workforce shortages.

Farmers across the whole of England can now access specialist advice designed to reduce water pollution, however, the move does not signal an increase in grant funding.

Agricultural inflation is shaping farm business planning as the ramifications of Brexit, the energy crisis and Government policies take effect.

The Farm Business team is delighted that the GSC Grays Farming Breakfasts will be taking place throughout November, December and January across the North of England.

GSC Grays are urging Northern farmers to take advantage of the free and independent farm business advice they are offering under the Farm Business Advice Service (FBAS).

We are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by Defra as a provider to the Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF) Scale Up Project.