SAVE BRITAIN'S FAMILY FARMS: Maria Warne - "It is not just a farm, it is a family"

In a new Farmers Guardian campaign to support family farms, farmers across the country have voiced their concerns about the future of the industry. In a new series for the campaign, family farm focus, you will hear straight from farming families talking about their worries for their business and legacy

clock • 1 min read
SAVE BRITAIN'S FAMILY FARMS: Maria Warne - "It is not just a farm, it is a family"

Maria Warne-Elston is a fifth generation beef and sheep farmer from Cornwall. 

Speaking of life on the farm, she said it 'the best thing' and could not imagine doing anything else. 

When the farm was bought a few generations ago, Maria said it was worth a few thousand pounds - now it is worth above the Inheritance Tax threshold and means they would have to sell part of the farm, meaning the business would no longer be viable.

WATCH NOW: 

READ NOW: Farming Matters: Anna Longthorp - "Rachel Reeves' Budget declared war on British ag as we know it"

More on Farm Life

King Charles backs book championing the role of trees on farm

King Charles backs book championing the role of trees on farm

Farmers share their stories of how planting is boosting profitability and climate reslience

clock 15 January 2026 • 2 min read
Pedigree Aberdeen-Angus, Black Baldy cattle and arable rotation thrive at Scottish Borders farm

Pedigree Aberdeen-Angus, Black Baldy cattle and arable rotation thrive at Scottish Borders farm

Pedigree cattle breeding is a passion for the Hodge family, who believe their mixed farming system is key to their business success

Wendy Short
clock 15 January 2026 • 7 min read
OPINION: Did the Oxford Real Farming Conference live up to its resilience theme?

OPINION: Did the Oxford Real Farming Conference live up to its resilience theme?

Reporter Mia Willemsen says the conference was packed full of positivity and optimism

clock 14 January 2026 • 3 min read