A second-generation farmer managing 140-acres of inherited land faces tough choices in todays agricultural world. His father — an electricians son born in council housing — started this farming legacy about 20 years ago
The farm owner James (name changed) worked various land-related jobs while building his agricultural dream: “I needed 300 sheep before I could quit my day-job‚“ he explains. Today he manages 460 North Country Cheviot sheep on his self-owned and rented land
His farms financial reality is eye-opening; with a £140‚000 yearly turn-over only £14‚500 becomes profit (thats just 10p per pound earned). The costs are significant: £9‚000 for a new livestock trailer‚ £10‚000 yearly insurance‚ plus vet bills feed costs and machinery upkeep
The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail‚ sells everything at wholesale‚ and pays the freight both ways
The weather brings constant challenges — during the summer of 22ʼ a severe drought hit the region forcing him to use winter feed stocks early. This natural disaster cost about £7‚000 in extra expenses; “Moving sheep around finding food sources its all extra work that hits our bottom line“
The proposed inheritance tax changes worry him deeply. His £2m farm (plus £380‚000 in machinery and livestock) would force his children to pay roughly £211‚000 in taxes:
* Monthly payments around £1‚600
* Extended over 10 years
* Makes farm operations non-viable
During lambing season he works alone delivering up to 20 lambs daily with just 4 hours sleep per night. Despite owning valuable land he explains: “I dont feel wealthy at all — if I sell the farm the dreams gone“