Son of Deceased Farmer Highlights Financial Pressures in Agriculture

The son of a farmer who died by suicide has discussed the economic difficulties presently confronting individuals employed in the agricultural sector. John Charlesworth, a 78-year-old cattle farmer known as Philip, was discovered deceased last week at Broad Close Farm, situated near Barnsley, a property managed by his family since 1957. Jonathan Charlesworth, aged 46, stated that the Silkstone farm generated an annual profit of merely £15,000, with the majority of its revenue derived from diversifying its business through the establishment of a campsite and an activity centre. “Farms are asset rich, but there isn’t any cash in the system. What little bit we make, we live off,” he said. “It was his life and seeing that passed to the next generation, that was the aim,” Mr Charlesworth commented regarding his father. Mr Charlesworth mentioned that his father had additionally served as a full-time caregiver for his wife, who suffers from advanced dementia, a circumstance that exacerbated his financial concerns. “The cost of her care could have been £50,000 a year. The kind of money soon eats into assets.” The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) reported a growing financial strain on farmers, attributed to elevated costs, unprecedented inflation, diminished farm profits, and ongoing adverse weather conditions. In a recent statement, NFU president Tom Bradshaw indicated that a convergence of these elements had “resulted in a collapse in farmer confidence, which is at its lowest level since records began”. Data from the Office for National Statistics, the most current available, revealed that 36 farmers throughout the UK died by suicide in 2021. Concurrently, a study conducted this year by the Farm Safety Foundation charity determined that the majority of young farmers in the UK expressed concern regarding the profession’s effects on their mental well-being. The government’s recent Budget included an announcement that a 20% inheritance tax will be levied on agricultural assets exceeding £1 million in value, effective from April 2026. Previously, agricultural property tax relief permitted family farms, encompassing land, structures, and residences, to be transferred between generations without incurring tax. While honoring his father, Mr Charlesworth stated: “In any other job you would have compassionate leave, but on a farm you’re just working twice as hard.” “Although he was caring for my mum, he was still working on bits and bats,” he further remarked. “My dad was a cracking bloke. A farmer through and through.” The government indicated its inability to comment on this particular situation, but extended its sympathies to Mr Charlesworth’s family and friends. For individuals impacted by the subjects addressed in this report, support and guidance are available on the BBC’s Action Line page. Highlights from South Yorkshire can be accessed on BBC Sounds, the most recent episode of Look North is available, or you may submit a story for consideration here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.