HSBC tells farmers to plan now but act quickly

HSBC Agriculture releases its eagerly awaited 2007 Forward Planning booklet today. The annual guide provides vital information for the farming community to help them evaluate opportunities created by the current decoupled environment.

The publication details best estimates for future farming prices and costs for next year alongside sections on risk management and business assessment. The arable and livestock sectors are covered extensively. Also included are topical issues on the viability of biofuels as a potential source of income and how the UK farming industry is affected by the global economy and volatile market pricing.

Steve Ellwood, head of agriculture at HSBC, said: "Farmers are now looking forward to their third year operating in a decoupled environment. Now is the time to plan carefully and act positively to ensure that their business remains competitive in this new environment. HSBC's Forward Planning 2007 booklet will help them in this process. While the core gross margin information remains, this year's booklet really focuses on building a profitable business. Farmers need to critically analyse what they do, how they do it and why they do it. By examining a range of 'what if' scenarios Forward Planning allows farmers to consider different options for change within their own business and thereby realise their potential".

For your free copy of Forward Planning 2007 please call 08455 854111 or email agriculture@hsbc.com