A dire warning from a fourth-generation farmer:
"Planting crops in 2026 may be a futile endeavor."
Oliver Collingham, a farmer from Southwell, Nottinghamshire, is facing a tough decision. Despite his family's long history in farming, he's questioning whether to continue planting crops in the coming year.
With 300 acres of land, Oliver has had to adapt his business model to survive. He's ventured into storage and haulage services to keep his farm afloat, as the money from grain traders often falls short of covering the costs of growing cereals.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) recognizes farmers as guardians of our food security, pledging a record £11.8 billion in support. However, Oliver's farm, like many others, suffered from the extreme weather conditions of 2025. His summer crops were a disappointment, failing to bring in any profit.
While the recent fair weather has been a boon for winter crops, the prices offered by grain traders for wheat remain unprofitable. Oliver explains, "I'm being offered around £160-£170 per tonne for next year's harvest, and that price simply doesn't allow for any profit margin."
He continues, "If these pricing trends continue, it's looking increasingly likely that growing cereals in 2026 will be a pointless exercise."
Oliver's farm has had to rely heavily on its diversified activities for income, as the agricultural side has become too volatile to sustain the business alone.
A Defra spokesperson acknowledges the challenges faced by farmers, attributing them to weather extremes and a changing climate. They emphasize their support for farmers, stating, "We are backing our farmers with a record budget to grow their businesses and ensure more British food reaches our plates."
But here's where it gets controversial: is this enough to secure the future of British farming? With farmers like Oliver facing such tough decisions, what does this mean for our nation's food security and the future of agriculture?
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the money. It's about the passion and heritage that farmers like Oliver bring to the table.
What are your thoughts? Do you think enough is being done to support our farmers? Or is there a better way to ensure the longevity of British agriculture? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
