Back British Farming

There’s a quiet kind of strength in British farming. It’s early mornings, well-worn boots, weathered hands and generations of knowledge passed down like family heirlooms. It’s the type of work that rarely makes headlines — until moments like the past few weeks remind us just how much farming shapes our country, our community and our future.

At Fat Cow, we’ve always believed in celebrating nature, simplicity and the people who make that possible. And right now, British farmers need support more than ever.

A Powerful Demonstration in Newcastle

Recently, farmers from across the North East gathered at Newburn Riverside Industrial Estate before setting off in a convoy of more than 100 tractors through Newcastle. Families walked from Monument to St James’ Park waving flags, cheering farmers on, and showing their solidarity with rural communities facing increasing pressure.

Traffic slowed, people stopped to watch, and the city felt — just for a moment — completely united around one message: farming matters, and it deserves to be protected.

This demonstration wasn’t just a one-off. It’s part of a larger movement happening across the UK, with farmers raising their voices about challenges they’ve been quietly shouldering for far too long.

Why Farmers Are Speaking Up

At the heart of these demonstrations is a proposed change to inheritance tax. Under the current plan, agricultural land and family farm businesses worth over £1 million could face a 20% tax when passed down through generations.

On paper, it sounds straightforward.
But for farming families, it’s far more complicated.

Many farms fall into the category of being “asset rich but cash poor.”
Their land is valuable — not because they’re wealthy, but because land simply costs more today. Most family farms operate on tight, unpredictable margins. And inheritance tax on this scale could force some to sell land or break up farms just to pay the bill.

Farmers fear this could destabilise the future of food production, rural livelihoods and farming businesses that have existed for centuries.

As one farmer at the protest said:
“It’s totally unsustainable. It destabilises agriculture and food production.”

A Sector Already Under Pressure

This proposed change comes at a time when many farmers are already struggling with:

– rising costs of fertiliser, fuel and equipment
– tough market conditions
– extreme weather and climate impacts
– growing volatility in farm income
– added taxes on essentials like commercial vehicles

The National Farmers’ Union has been urging the Government to recognise that farm income fluctuates dramatically year to year, and that stability — not extra pressure — is what farming communities need to survive.

Why We Care (And Why You Might Too)

Farming isn’t just a rural issue.
It’s a national one.

British farming influences:

– the food on our plates
– the countryside we love
– the health of our soil and ecosystems
– the strength of local economies
– the heritage and identity of our nation

When farmers struggle, the effects ripple much further than the fields.

At Fat Cow, we believe in supporting the people who care for our land, our animals and our communities. Their resilience, their commitment and their passion are part of what makes Britain so special.

So… what can we all do?

The big problems? They’ll need big solutions.
But ordinary people can still make a meaningful difference.

Next time you’re shopping, choose British.
Choose local, choose seasonal, choose the people behind the produce.

These small, everyday choices help farmers stay afloat, keep rural communities strong, and protect the future of farming for generations to come.

Join Us in Backing British Farming

We’ve been sharing more about this movement — and showing our support for British farmers — over on our Instagram.

You can see what we’ve been up to and join us in backing British farming here.

A Final Note From Us

British farming is more than an industry. It’s a lifeline.
It deserves respect, protection and real support.

Thank you for standing with us — and with the people who keep this country fed, nurtured and connected to the land we call home.

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