Share to Start could be a collaborative approach for newcomers to the industry similar to a model in New Zealand which will enable UK managers to build up equity in modern professional arable businesses. Contract farming arrangements are not really helping young entrants to directly farm on their own account. Many of the opportunities have been through employment as working managers for contract management companies.

The industry probably needs to revisit and develop the share farming model to provide the most effective opportunities for young entrants. This may also be a more acceptable method for landowning farmers in the eyes of the Revenue.

Check list for Share to Start

• Get BASIS qualified and obtain agronomy experience
• Put together a curriculum vitae and portfolio of skills
• Contract management arrangements are difficult for new entrants to set up because the contractor needs to have the necessary skills, machinery and labour as well as a track record in farming to be considered suitable by a farmer
• If there is a home farm, assess the relative size of the home farm to the contracted land. The larger the proportion of contracted land to the home farm the more work is involved for very little return
• Consider the distance, road types and traffic between the home farm and additional land as down time spent travelling can be very costly
• Always work on the principles of utmost good faith to maintain confidence of both parties
• There is a shortage of young skilled motivated working arable managers so do your homework and arrange to see appropriate farmers and present your business plan
• The average age of farmers is well over 50 with sons and daughters working outside the industry. Add the shortage of skilled labour, and that results in huge opportunities for new entrants.

Back to Fresh Start and Share to Farm: creating opportunities from change