The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Young Farmer Focus - Richard West: "Short-term fixes and last-minute announcements will not give us the confidence to invest or adapt properly"

Arable farmer Richard West writes on his mixed feelings regarding Defra's extension of Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements, decisions made in Government which do not account for the farming calendar and why farmers are proud to support the environment

clock • 2 min read
Norfolk farmer Richard West said: "Farmers need proper investment in the sector for infrastructure, technology or helping farms make the step towards operating more sustainable systems. One-year extensions might ease farmer’s immediate short-term concerns for the loss of income, but they will not build the resilience the industry really needs."
Image:

Norfolk farmer Richard West said: "Farmers need proper investment in the sector for infrastructure, technology or helping farms make the step towards operating more sustainable systems. One-year extensions might ease farmer’s immediate short-term concerns for the loss of income, but they will not build the resilience the industry really needs."

When Defra announced that Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements would be extended for another year recently, following months of NFU lobbying, my first reaction was relief. However, that was quickly...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Karen Walker: "I have enjoyed every minute of rural life"
Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Karen Walker: "I have enjoyed every minute of rural life"

Karen Walker, 23 from Scarva, County Armagh, is a technical services supervisor at Dunbia Group and Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster vice-president

Karen Walker
clock 30 September 2026 • 3 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Clementina Alarcon Valle: "The intersection of ecology and business"
Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Clementina Alarcon Valle: "The intersection of ecology and business"

Clementina Alarcon Valle, 25, is a co-founder and junior farm manager at Cala Falco in Mallorca, Spain

Clementina Alarcon Valle
clock 23 September 2026 • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Fraser Banks: "Industry needs to keep investing in innovation"
Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Fraser Banks: "Industry needs to keep investing in innovation"

Fraser Banks, 20, is originally from Devon and currently studies at the Royal Agricultural University

Fraser Banks
clock 16 September 2026 • 3 min read