FARMERS in Worcestershire have been plagued by wet weather at a time when their confidence is at an all-time low.

The Farmer Confidence Survey shows that short and mid-term confidence is at its lowest since records began in 2010.

Because of this lack of confidence, production intentions have also plummeted with all farming sectors expecting to decrease production over the next year.

The relentless wet weather has played a big part, with 82 per cent of respondents including those from Worcestershire saying their farm businesses have suffered fairly negative (52 per cent) or very negative impacts (30 per cent), with mixed farms, arable farms and dairy farms having taken the biggest hits.

The survey was undertaken in November and December 2023.

Since then, famers have been battling relentless heavy rain through January, February, March and much of April. Were the survey undertaken again today, the results would be even worse.

Farm business profitability has also fallen as 65 per cent of respondents said their profits are declining or their business may not even survive.

The NFU is calling for the government to recognise the extraordinary nature of what has been the wettest 18 months since 1836, warning that many farms may be unable to survive.

Jane Bassett, NFU Midlands regional board chair who represents county farmers, said: “The farm confidence survey makes sobering but not unsurprising reading and it reflects what farmers on the ground are experiencing on a daily basis.

“We have seen serious issues with extreme weather and flooding, high on farm costs for things like fuel, fertiliser and feed and ever-reducing farm support.

“Politicians must and should enable farmers and growers to become more resilient to volatility and extreme weather conditions, so we are able to invest in producing environmentally friendly, traceable food."

In its General Election Manifesto, the NFU has provided solutions that political parties can adopt which would work to reverse this breakdown in farmer confidence and help safeguard homegrown food production, including:

 

  • Plan for and reward farmers fairly for their role in mitigating flood risk and commit to the proactive management of our watercourses.

 

  • A smooth and seamless transition to new environmental schemes that are open to all farmers and growers, and ensure profitable long-term, food-producing businesses.

 

  • Establish minimum standards to promote a fair and functioning supply chain.

 

  • Develop and establish core production standards that apply to agri-food imports.