Farmers’ handbook available online

The latest edition of SAC’s Farm Management Handbook has been published, and for the first time it is available online and free for farmers who qualify for the Scottish Farm Advisory Service.

According to SAC’s senior business consultant, Julian Bell, the Government’s guarantee of support to farmers under the EU Basic Payment Scheme (PBS) to 2020 offers a window of opportunity to plan ahead.

“Farm businesses need to focus on factors within their control,” he said.

“For many, the current weakness of sterling offers an opportunity to boost revenue from both the market and BPS.

“For some, the priority may be consolidating short-term debt into longterm fixed rate loans, lowering charges and the risks from an interest rate rise.

“Others may think about succession planning so the next generation can tackle the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead.”

Financial data like the detailed gross margins for livestock, arable, forage and organic enterprises is contained in the handbook.

There is also information on renewable energy, diversification projects, organics and whole farm data.

The sections on labour, machinery, rural aid, taxation, contracting charges, buildings, forestry and credit have been updated.

There is guidance for new entrants on starting up a farm or crofting business, with financial planning and farming opportunities and an overview of the latest land tenure arrangements.

The publication is available online at www.fas.scot.

The traditional version is available at a cost of £25 plus postage and packaging.

To order, or for more information, visit www.sac.co.uk/fmh or call the Rural Business Unit on 0131 603 7525.