Farmers take 120 tractors to Newbury Races in IHT protest
© MAG/Philip Case More than 120 tractors made their way to Newbury Racecourse for a demonstration against the UK government’s planned changes to farm inheritance tax (IHT).
The rally, organised by the Berkshire Farming Club, saw tractors from across the region converge in a powerful show of solidarity, aimed at protecting local farmers from the financial impact of the new 20% inheritance tax set to take effect in April 2026.
The “Bring Your Tractor to the Races” event on Saturday 22 March kicked off early in the morning with tractors lined up across the centre of the racecourse. Viewers tuning in to Saturday’s ITV Racing broadcast saw the tractors on display, helping raise vital public awareness of the challenges facing farmers.
See also: Fakenham Racecourse backs farmers with ‘tractor parade’
Two JCB telehandlers lifted a large banner that read: “Every meal begins with a farmer.”
Another JCB showcased a placard with the bold message: “Re-unite Britain: Our farmers, your food everyone’s future.”
The view from the grandstand © MAG/Philip Case
A striking feature of the rally was the parade of tractors making their way through Newbury’s main street in the early evening, after the event, attracting the attention of passersby with their lights on and horns honking.
Farmers from Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire joined the protest, with some travelling long distances to express their concern over the proposed tax.
Caroline Graham, a fifth-generation farmer from Newbury and a spokesperson for the Berkshire Farming Club, explained the significance of the event. “If the government’s farm inheritance tax policy is implemented, it will devastate farming and the countryside as we know it,” she said.
The protest highlights the growing anxiety within the agricultural community. The proposed changes would impose a 20% tax on farm assets valued at £1m or more, including land, equipment, and livestock.
The NFU and others warn that this could force many farmers, particularly family-run businesses, to sell portions of their land or assets to cover the tax, threatening the future of farming in Britain.
“We should be talking about food production and the long-term food security of Britain,” said Graham Bowsher, a farmer based in Theale, Berkshire, who also attended the event.
He warned that the IHT policy could make it very difficult for future farmers to continue the family legacy, adding: “It will certainly make it very difficult for the next generation to take it on.”
Vintage and new Case tractors from the Day family, Newbury, and local dealer John Day Engineering © MAG/Philip Case
‘Amazing’ public support
The rally also featured displays from local agricultural businesses, including vintage and modern tractors, and aimed to engage with the public by showcasing the importance of farming.
“The public have been amazing in their support,” added Mr Bowsher. “Many don’t fully understand the inheritance tax issue, but they know how essential farming is to their communities.”
Collections were also held for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Farm Safety Foundation.
Farmers expressed their thanks to Newbury Racecourse for hosting the event, providing free tickets for participants, and ensuring everything ran smoothly.