24 golden pieces of advice for new entrants from FW readers

There’s one thing everyone in farming needs from time to time – and that’s good advice.

These wise words are much-needed in a challenging and ever-changing business like agriculture – and never more so than when you’re first starting out.

Farmers Weekly asked its social media friends and followers: What’s the best bit of farming advice you could give a new entrant?

We hope you find this selection of the responses informative and entertaining.

See also: Farmers Weekly Awards – Young Farmer finalists 2020

Value your time.

— Paul Temple (@PaulWoldfarm) July 7, 2020

Recognise the value of everything on your holding, not just the crops and the livestock, but the buildings,the woodland, the watercourses – everything. And then find ways to make money from looking after them, either privately through the market, or through government support.

— Christopher Price (@RareBreedChris) July 7, 2020

Growing your business doesn’t equate to more land/stock in your name. Joint ventures a brilliant opportunity for business growth.

— Harriet Donald (@hdonaldrural) July 8, 2020

Keep a strict cashflow, your best friend is now your bank manager.

— Jo Franklin (@theladyfarmer) July 7, 2020

Passion, skill and perseverance are needed but don’t let your heart rule your head. Make sure you have all of your land occupation agreements in writing and understand what they say and mean.

— George Dunn (@georgewdunn) July 7, 2020

Know your numbers – understand EXACTLY what your costs are, don’t confuse turnover with profit and ask for help from your accountant/bookkeeper when you need it.

— Guy Burden (@GuyInFlight) July 7, 2020