Farmer And TV Presenter Welcomed At Carmarthen Gathering

Farmer and television presenter Adam Henson demonstrated how farmers need to be as comfortable with a business plan as they are with a baler when he was welcomed as guest of honour at a recent gathering at University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) in Carmarthen.

An Audience with Adam Henson was hosted by Lloyds Bank Agriculture and JCP Solicitors’ Rural Practice, with the popular presenter, who is an Ambassador for Lloyds Bank Agriculture, sharing insights into life as a second generations tenant farmer with a 650-hectare arable and livestock farm in the Cotswolds.

Adam is familiar with many of the day-to-day challenges faced by farmers and sharing a positive image of modern farming to a wider audience is one of his passions.

Adam, who outlined his experiences building his own farming business, touched on the challenges faced by many over the past 12 months.

He said: "Farmers have recently been experiencing increased volatility in commodity markets, and it looks likely these more unstable markets will become the norm for many sectors.

"As a result, we - like other farmers - are having to adjust how we run our business. One of the most important learnings is the value of working collaboratively with others. My farming partnerships have been very successful, but it's also about working with your support network - specialists, banks, nutritionists and so on - to make sure you have the advice, finance, resources and ideas you need, early enough in the decision-making process."

Gwilym Francis, Senior Manager Agriculture for Lloyds Bank Commercial in South Wales & Borders and joint host of the event, added: “Despite the ups and down we're experiencing just now, all the projections show farming has a great future; that's why we remain here, open for business, ready to support farmers through the good times and the bad."

Director and Head of Rural Practice at JCP, Rory Hutchings, gave a lively presentation during the evening too, sharing some insights into business structures, and succession planning.

He said: “Modern farming is an ever changing industry which holds many pressures and many rewards, and I was delighted to be able to share some of my thoughts on a few of its complexities.

“I am happy JCP were able to co-host this informative and enjoyable event with Lloyds Bank Agriculture - we are always happy to get out into the community to share our expertise.”