Farmers forced to take second jobs

Many farmers are being forced to take second jobs

By BBC West of England correspondent Jane O'Brien

Ralph Russell has been a farmer all his life.

But the week the BSE crisis hit Britain was the week he decided to buy a beef farm in Devon.

Four years later he has been forced to take his first job away from the land - in a tiling firm.

At 55, when many people are looking forward to retirement, he has started a new career - working 12 hour shifts and running his 100 acre holding.

What was my living has become a part-time occupation

Farmer Ralph Russell

"Farming is going through a revolution and we have to accept that we're changing, and live with it," said Mr Russell.

"I am lucky I have found a job that enables me to keep my farm because I am not prepared to sell it.

"What was my living has become a part-time occupation, but at least I am still here."

Mr Russell's plight is similar to that of livestock farmers across the country.

According to a report by Exeter University, farming incomes have dropped by more than a quarter on last year.

Profits have plummeted

Farmers like Mr Russell are seeing business profits of little more than £5,000.

It is the fourth year in succession that fortunes have plummeted, although the report's author, Martin Turner, says there are signs that the recession is beginning to bottom out.

"The main factor at the moment is the strength of sterling compared to the weakness of the euro," he said.

"The currency effect has accounted for an 18% cut over as many months and the aftermath of BSE is still affecting prices. Also, farmers recently have been getting a smaller proportion of the amount consumers spend on food."

Farmer Ralph Russell also works in a factory

At the Devon County Show, on Friday, the National Farmers Union launched its strategy for recovery - tapping into existing European funds under rural development regulations.

"What the Exeter University report shows is that income from pure farming has gone down and is continuing to go down," says the NFU's Anthony Gibson.

"It is no good accepting the situation or expecting the cavalry to come over the hill because the chances are they're not going to.

"We have got to say: 'We are where we are- how do we go forward? How do we carve out our own salvation?' "

That means finding sources of revenue other than food production, but for many farmers there are no alternatives.

The size or location of farms make for limited opportunities, and the only key to survival may be simply to get another job - as Ralph Russell did.