Farm planning more important than ever, say industry experts

Farming has always been a long-term business, but in the current climate, how can producers make meaningful plans for a profitable future?

Rural accountant Old Mill has brought together a range of industry experts to offer farmers the best information and advice at an important evening meeting on 11 November.

"Planning has always been an important part of successful farming enterprises," says Andrew Vickery, Manager of the Old Mill Rural Services team in Exeter. "But in such uncertain times it is even more essential, so that you can protect against unforeseen difficulties and capitalise on opportunities as they arise."

Speakers at the meeting, entitled Farming Today, and Tomorrow, will examine the state of the industry today and identify areas of potential opportunity, as well as possible pitfalls, over the coming months and years.

Kicking off will be Euryn Jones, Barclays’ National Agricultural Specialist, who will share his thoughts on how farmers can plan their future in an unpredictable world.

John Warrington, Farm Consultant with Promar International, will examine Promar’s latest dairy farm performance data, so delegates can see how their own farm results compare and pinpoint areas to increase profitability.

Finally, Andrew Vickery will identify a number of both current and longer-term tax issues facing farmers. "These can have a significant impact on cash flow, your bottom line and longer term succession plans," he says.

"By bringing together this cross-section of industry specialists and encouraging discussion among all of our delegates, we hope to give farmers a clearer picture of where their business is heading, and offer them the tools to make the most of whatever the future might hold."

The meeting will be held at Padbrook Park Golf Club, Cullompton, Devon, on 11 November at 7.00 for 7.30pm, followed by a hot supper. To book your place, or discuss individual tax planning issues, call Old Mill Rural Services on 01749 335007.