I sit writing in the aftermath of storm Eowyn, which battered us last night with 90mph winds. I can’t remember one as bad, so I hope everyone kept safe.

Yesterday was also our Northern Ireland Monitor Farm meeting, followed by a benchmarking session. This is an excellent time to reflect and dissect each other’s farmbench data.

We all had similar concerns: the farm tax, rising costs, policy, and war. But it seems business decisions become cloudy quickly these days.

See also: Advice on managing glyphosate resistance this spring

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

Take my position… looking to relocate and invest in a new farm and most importantly a family’s future.

On paper, the statistics say get a farm manager’s job and eliminate the risk the big business of farming has become. Why would you go through it?

But farmers have something in their heart that overrides these rational thoughts. It’s like a calling… to produce food and tend to the countryside.

But if you’re an analyst like me, the two can be difficult to align.

This is where surrounding yourself with the right peers is critical.

Some of my neighbours talk of my stupidity “for not just following the line of doing what the old boy says”, and “it would have all been yours someday”.

Ifs, buts and maybes often end in tears when it’s too late, and choice doesn’t come into it.

Drain the sinks and fill the radiators. This is where good, honest farmers guide you and keep your head level.

I was reminded yesterday the only way you can be truly happy is to do what you love and not live with regrets.

As one man said: “If you’re prepared to put in the effort, it isn’t easy but you can get over, under, round and squeeze through the tough times.” But you must be on the ball at all times.

Agriculture is facing a difficult period. Use this opportunity of forced change to give sons and daughters the business openings to transition, rather than inherit a financial burden later in life.

If it’s all about the next generation, as we hear daily, start putting some trust and belief in them.