51AVÊÓÆµ

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.

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

Ìý

More on Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Nat Watkins: "I have never regretted my decision to go to uni'

Young Farmer Focus - Nat Watkins: "I have never regretted my decision to go to uni'

Nat Watkins, 22, is from Gloucestershire and is currently a student at Hartpury University

clock 03 June 2026 • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Lucy Turner: "Farming will always be part of who I am"

Young Farmer Focus - Lucy Turner: "Farming will always be part of who I am"

Lucy Turner, 28, is originally from South Wales but now lives in Cirencester where she is a student at the Royal Agricultural University

clock 27 May 2026 • 3 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Harold Amiss: "Farming by the coast has brought challenges"

Young Farmer Focus - Harold Amiss: "Farming by the coast has brought challenges"

Harold Amiss, 21, lives in The Lizard, Cornwall, is currently studying agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University

clock 20 May 2026 • 3 min read