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is the weather and neither individual farmers

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control of it. What farmers can do is adapt

and change to climate patterns which could

include livestock management systems,

changes in cropping, or complete rotations.

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shows and events has shown that over

60% of farmers we talked to have either

already changed their farming patterns or

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adaptability is the key to ensuring a business

can survive when something not within

its control changes, be that as an instant

reaction to the direct results of the weather,

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strategic view of overall business operation

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total facilities to the industry in the Bank of

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many farmers have taken the opportunity to

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and invest in the infrastructure or size of their

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when the base rate will begin to increase.

However, managing the potential for an

increase in base rate, and therefore overall

interest payments, and knowing how that

will affect your business is one of the key

calculations to ensure the level of borrowing

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apply a sensitivity analysis to milk or grain

price variations, when you have little control

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world of farming in recent years is a far cry

from the perception of those with a more

traditional view of our industry. Many believe

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production cycle terms it can be. However,

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seed, spray and fertiliser rates and electronic

climate control of pig and poultry buildings,

to name but a few, are an indication of the

innovation and technology the industry

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constant modernisation of the industry will

not only drive investment within the farming

community, but also help to attract the

farmers and innovators of tomorrow.

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cannot ignore the

environmental impact

on its fortunes,

having to respond to

both environmental

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and more localised,

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weather patterns. Resilient as ever, the

sector adapts to accommodate all of this.

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issues, agricultural businesses must be

assured that they are fully funded in order

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time be sure of the affordability of this

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thereof, both at the current time and into

the future.

Philip Dunn

Partner

01652 654833

philip.dunn@brown-co.com

“Over 60%of farmers we talked to have either already changed

their farming patterns or are currently considering doing so.

This adaptability is the key to ensuring a business can survive”.