How farmers can build a more resilient business

Lloyds’ latest Resilient Agriculture for a Sustainable Future report explores practical ways farmers can strengthen their businesses. 

Research cited in the report found improvements of up to 18% in net profit over six years when regenerative and conventional farming practices were compared.

Results will vary between farms, but the findings highlight why many farmers are reviewing how they use resources, manage costs, and prepare for changing conditions. 

© Lloyds Bank

Helping to improve efficiency 

There is no single route to building a more resilient business. What works will depend on the farm, the system and future plans. 

The report highlights several areas that could help farmers improve efficiency and reduce exposure to risk: 

• making better use of fertiliser, feed, and energy 
• improving soil health and water management 
• maintaining productive crops and livestock 
• reducing waste and unnecessary costs 
• exploring additional income opportunities where they fit the business. 

Many of these actions can deliver more than one benefit. Improving soil structure, for example, may help land hold more water during dry periods while also supporting crop performance.

Better grazing and feed management may also support livestock performance while making more efficient use of resources. 

© Lloyds Bank

Start with what works for your farm 

The most effective changes are often those that fit naturally within the existing business. Many farmers choose to start small, testing a new approach on one field, one enterprise, or one group of animals before making wider changes. 

Recording a baseline and measuring the impact on yield, margin, labour, and cash flow, can help identify which actions are delivering value. 

Explore the report and factsheets 

Farming has always involved managing uncertainty. But with weather becoming harder to predict, input costs remaining high and agricultural policy continuing to evolve, many are asking the same question: how can the business remain productive and profitable for the long term? 

The Resilient Agriculture for a Sustainable Future report attempts to address this question, exploring a range of practical areas that could help.

With dedicated factsheets also available on our hub page for beef, sheep, dairy, pigs, poultry, arable, horticulture and renewables, you could also focus on the information most relevant to your business. 

Download the report and sector factsheets.

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