The Farmer Network delivers a record number of farmer meetings and events

From humble beginnings in the aftermath of the Foot and Mouth epidemic 2001, The Farmer Network has continued to evolve into one of the countries largest farmer-support organisations. Proudly led by farmers, working for the benefit of farmers, the not-for-profit company now covers a large proportion of Northern England, with a Northumberland Network joining Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales under one company umbrella within the last year.

The 2025 Farmer Network AGM took place in February against a background of continued strife within the farming industry due to ever-evolving government policies, including inheritance tax changes and the painfully slow evolution of environmental schemes and other support payments. All of this has meant that demand for Farmer Network support has continued to grow.

In his opening address, Network Chair Rob Hitch paid tribute to the 13 employed team members most of whom work on a part-time basis, as well as several self-employed people and farm advisors who helped to deliver that support to farmers.

Pictured above: Rob Hitch

Senior Operations Manager Donna Gough reported a net surplus of £7,429 after tax.  Company turnover increased to £546k (+6.23%). The results exceeded all forecasts and was achieved in part by the company delivering a record number of farm support projects and facilitating more than 140 meetings and events throughout the year.

Farmer members pay as little as £96 per year in return for a number of exclusive services and member benefits.  The fee increase approved by members last year also contributed to the company achieving a surplus this year. Overall farmer membership increased again, helped by the Northumberland Network launch in early 2024. The company tries to cover as much of its core operating costs as possible through membership and sponsorship, also working with 59 corporate members and 17 sponsors.

However, the Network delivered a word of warning for the forthcoming year with Senior Project Manager Veronica Waller stating that the withdrawal of some DEFRA funded farm support projects in early 2025 would influence company income going forward should new government funding not be made available.  The Network would be working hard to secure further funding support from other sources.

Managing Director Adam Day thanked members for their continued support and said “Our own future viability and sustainability is very much at the forefront of future planning as well as continuing to support all members and where appropriate, the wider farming community. We will continue to promote the many positive benefits that farming brings to food production, improving nature, supporting the local economy and sustaining rural communities”.