Archive Article: 2000/12/08
Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
Here are the views of some young Smithfield visitors
James Bottrell, 25, farmer
"I like to think I have a future in farming. Its a way of life – a part of you. We just have to keep going and weather the storm. Were certainly not committing ourselves to any big expenditure. At the end of the day only the fittest will survive. We dont want hand-outs, but we can compete in the world market on a level playing field. Im keen to keep farming – its more a case of whether farmers are wanted or not."
Caroline Jones, 19, student
"There is a future for the industry if everyone pulls together. People write it off but we all need to work together. No one sector can do it alone. You have to be optimistic and determined. There are still a lot of jobs in farming – well always need food, after all. And there are fewer young farmers
so those that are in the business need to be skilled in a wide
range of areas."
Ted Wardman, 26,
contractor
"I love doing what I do. If you dont love it, theres no way youd do it. The hours are silly – 18 hours a day sometimes. Ive been brought up with it; Ive had a lifetime of it. If you ask me what Id like to be doing in 10 or 15 years time, its be a contractor – whether I will be or not, I just dont know."
Gavin Adam, 22,
farm worker
"Im pessimistic. I dont know what the future holds – but it looks pretty bleak. I want to farm – but I dont know where or how it will be. Things will get better but Im doubtful whether itll be in the short term. I dont think weve seen the worst. Id like to go home to the family farm but, in reality, I know I wont. It hardly justifies one family – let alone two generations."