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 - Tori Squire: "Farming has shaped everything I know about responsibility"

Young Farmer Focus - Tori Squire: "Farming has shaped everything I know about responsibility"

Tori Squire, 22, is a third-generation beef and sheep farmer from Newton Abbot in Devon

Tori Squire
clock 11 February 2026 • 3 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Reggie Deakin: "Farmers are willing to give you a chance, even if you do not have all the skills yet"

Young Farmer Focus - Reggie Deakin: "Farmers are willing to give you a chance, even if you do not have all the skills yet"

Reggie Deakin, 21, is an assistant farm manager at Wigborough Wick 51AVÊÓÆµin St Osyth, Essex

Reggie Deakin
clock 04 February 2026 • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus – Lewis Thomas: "I am proud to give back to the people and places that supported me"

Young Farmer Focus – Lewis Thomas: "I am proud to give back to the people and places that supported me"

Lewis Thomas, 17, is owner of Chickwood Poultry. He is from Coed Cyw Fawr 51AVÊÓÆµin Llanelli, Carmarthenshire

Lewis Thomas
clock 28 January 2026 • 2 min read