Over the weekend our farm shop and tearoom closed its doors. Several reasons led to the decision, but a big reason is we need to get a balance back to life.

We have two young children and they need our attention over the next few years or they’ll be up and away before we know. 

We have also put our home and farmyard up for sale. The time is right to relocate for a fresh start and the adventure of the next chapter in life, leaving the negatives behind.

See also: Defra secretary rules out U-turn on Budget measures

About the author

Richard Orr

Richard Orr farms cereals and potatoes in a reduced cultivation system in County Down, Northern Ireland, with his wife and two children. He is a cereals and oilseeds sector council member and focuses on soil and plant health. He also keeps a small number of cattle, pigs and sheep.

Read more articles by Richard Orr

It’s a big decision and brings a lot of different emotions and challenges in finding somewhere new to call home. 

I am a farmer who has tried to add value to our family farming business by progressively diversifying and adding viability to the farm’s future. 

But as a small business it’s been very frustrating that, over the past five years, the government has just taxed and hindered small business on every front: wages, national insurance and pension contributions have added £106,000 to our business costs.

That’s putting more work, stress and mental strain on people trying to add value to their business. 

This was all before Labour announced its Budget to tax all small businesses out of viability – not just farmers. 

It is another kick in the teeth and just shows the disconnect between the supposed working employees and the assumption of “asset rich” employers.

Employees in a lot of cases are earning more than the employer. Without the employer there are no employees.

I still believe  – long term – there is a future in farming for those willing to treat it as a business and be open minded to capitalise on opportunities.

The importance of the farming way of life we all love needs to be rediscovered and that quality of life is achieved for our kids. 

Remember to get yourself to the Eikon Exhibition Centre on Monday 18 November, or Westminster on Tuesday 19 November, to make your voice heard and support the UFU and NFU on the Budget changes.

But please have a clear message and understanding of why you are there. Don’t just turn into a moaning farmer.

The UFU and NFU need to educate and unite farmers with a clear, concise message that the public can support.