It’s well known the livestock industry is facing some serious challenges, particularly with high prices for fuel and feed. What is the SAA doing to assist the agricultural sector to deal with these unprecedented problems? Our livestock exhibitor entries are strong, despite the challenges we are all aware of. It is clear that the industry needs to have a shop window with the consumer, and this is the platform which our Show, as well as many others around the country provide. What is your view of the role that specialist advisers, such as Scrutton Bland’s Business Advisory team can have in helping farmers and managers deal with the economic changes that we are going through? The role of advisers has never been more important. Businesses should engage their advisers, involve them in conversations and ask for their views. There is so much going on in the sector, and business owners have so much to consider, that it is possible to miss things. Your advisers can work with you to ensure you have everything covered.
The mental health of the farming sector has been in the spotlight in the last few years. What’s your view on the importance of the Show in the way it brings the farming community together, and the lasting impact it can have in this area? Without the presence of any livestock markets within Suffolk, I think the Show and the Suffolk Agricultural Association, who organise the Show, provide a valuable focal point for people working in this sector to meet and share not only work experiences, but social interaction. The Association has our own Chaplain, and we also have a close working relationship with the charity YANA who provide direct support to those in the Rural sector. Their details can be found at www.yanahelp.org
With so much change in the farming sector, where are you expecting farmers in the east to focus their attention in the coming months? Personally, I think there is an awful lot of information to digest currently, and with government releasing information on new schemes on a very slow basis, often with limited detail, it is hard to make decisions on a piecemeal basis. There are environmental challenges, particularly around security of water and food, and these are often in conflict with the economic outlook. I think patience is required from farmers, but under the circumstances, the Government, and its many agencies, could do an awful lot to help, by not procrastinating over their support and regulation agendas. What are you personally most looking forward to for the 2022 Suffolk Show? Hopefully two sunny days, and plenty of happy children eating ice creams, and watching the numerous displays and partaking in the free activities across the Showground. Visit www.suffolkshow.co.uk to buy tickets and help plan your day.
AGRICULTURE AND FARMING | SCRUTTON BLAND | 5
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