As we approach the release of our full report in March, we’ve taken an early look at what’s keeping UK farmers awake at night. With over 500 responses so far, clear themes are emerging—concerns about inheritance tax, government policy, financial uncertainty, and the future of farming dominate the conversation. Below, we explore these issues in farmers’ own words.

As we approach the release of our full report in March, we’ve taken an early look at what’s keeping UK farmers awake at night. With over 500 responses so far, clear themes are emerging—concerns about inheritance tax, government policy, financial uncertainty, and the future of farming dominate the conversation. Below, we explore these issues in farmers’ own words.
1. The Weight of Inheritance Tax & Succession Planning
For many, the next generation’s ability to continue farming is at risk due to inheritance tax changes and land value pressures. Farmers express deep frustration about how tax burdens threaten family farms that have operated for generations:
“The inheritance tax changes and what this government are going to do next. They have got it so wrong. A million may sound like a lot of money to a non-farmer, but to a farmer, it is not.”
“How am I going to pay both IHT & BPR when the time comes? Our family cycle is caught at a time when both elderly parents are still alive. Great in family respects, but extremely unfortunate in tax respects. We have zero time to plan.”
“The family farm tax is a big worry for me—not because it directly affects me, but because I fear what it is doing for the future of farming as a whole. It’s going to permanently scar public perceptions of farming.”
“Worrying about the future: the harvests, the economic climate, climate change. We hope for helpful growing conditions and a willingness of customers to pay for sustainable British food. But all costs are rising, and we are struggling to get the prices we need.”
“My biggest concern is that the future of farming is in upscaling all aspects... leaving no room for small-scale ventures to succeed without diversifying in every possible direction (which isn't always possible or desired).”
2. Government Policy Confusion & a Desire for Independence
Many farmers are frustrated with government policy changes, citing complexity, bureaucracy, and inadequate support from ELMS and SFI schemes. Some feel that government decisions are being made without understanding the realities of farming:
“We rent land but do not have a farm business tenancy with a house, buildings, and land all in one place. My greatest worry is if it will get any easier to get a farm tenancy in the future because of how lucrative the SFI and environmental schemes are.”
“The removal of BPS and the promise that the new ELMS would cover the loss—which it clearly doesn’t. Also, the lack of availability of the RPA if you have a query and the timeline of stewardship payments.”
“Keeping paperwork up to date for the various bodies such as Red Tractor, DEFRA, BCMS, Countryside Stewardship, SFI. It’s the fear of not having everything up to date, ready for an inspection, and the consequences of penalties and criminal offences.”
“The many uncertainties regarding the future of the industry with low prices, high costs, and a government who simply is, at best, indifferent towards farmers. The ever-growing amounts of paperwork, rules, regulations, and increasingly erratic weather patterns make things worse.”
“Extreme weather damage & changes in all the different schemes available, accessing the best scheme, health, income market changes, legal changes, keeping up to date—it’s all an endless cycle of stress.”
3. The Mental Burden of Uncertainty
Farmers are grappling with the unknown. From volatile weather and market shifts to policy changes and land pressures, uncertainty makes long-term planning nearly impossible.
“The financial side of the business is the most worrying thing at the moment. This is because of external factors outside of our control such as poor weather affecting crop planting and yields. Then government policy changes added to the mix have made our budget for next year worse.”
“I am concerned about the future of farming. I work with a lot of schools giving them experience of agriculture, and it is of huge concern how removed from farming and food the general public is. Agriculture and food should be part of the national curriculum.”
“Farming policy is being decided by those in government who haven’t farmed a day in their lives. Tree-planting is taking up swathes of good grazing land in Scotland, with farmers being priced out of the market by ‘big business.’ Government is doing all they can to ‘meet targets’ without thinking of the consequences.”
“We are stuck in what Elaine Froese terms the 'neutral zone' with no clear succession plan, which makes even day-to-day decisions on the farm very difficult.”
“Bureaucracy and petty officials who have no common sense—example: we are putting in for planning for a classroom for free use by local primary schools to teach about farming and the countryside. 3/4 of the land for this project is rolled thick gravel, which has been used for storing creosoted posts, the rest is foundation spoil from the main barn excavations. We are planting 1.4km of native hedge, around 50 trees, a wildlife pond, a wildlife tower, and converting 58 acres from intensive heavily mucked arable to wildflower meadows—and they are worried about BNG on this waste ground.”
What’s Next?
This is just a glimpse into the key concerns keeping farmers awake at night. Our March report will break down these insights further, revealing how these worries vary by farm type, location, and generation.
We’ll also explore what solutions farmers want from policymakers, retailers, and industry stakeholders to help safeguard the future of UK farming.
Want to get involved? Get in touch to find out how you can share the message and get unique insights on your own network in comparison to the wider farming community. hello@groundedresearch.co.uk
תגובות