LAST week I travelled to Strudda Bank Farm near Calder Bridge. My first farm visit in over a year, writes Farmer columnist Adam Day.

I’ve been going there every April for at least 26 years. During that time, I’ve watched a young farmer and his wife build a business and raise a family through good times and bad.

Every year we take a trip up Cold Fell, where even in April, Kevin and Yvonne’s cattle graze. The views are spectacular from Snowdonia to Isle of Whithorn.

Kevin and I go up there and chat about “things”.Some years we’ve been up there with the sun starting to set, wondering how our respective businesses could keep going. Other years (not many) how marvellous to see farming and auctions prosper. He was always driven to “get on” and put the pedal to the metal.

As an auctioneer, a good performance and a successful sale was greeted with a pat on the back. Disappointment would be met with an honest opinion and constructive criticism. You always know where you stand with Farmer Kev.

Times are changing at Strudda Bank. “Farmer Kev” has recently found a public persona. Most of the local schools make trips to the farm for an authentic lesson in farming and sustainable food production. The Children love him.

Now some stunning glamping pods have appeared. This is a world away from the farm that Kevin and Yvonne took on over 30 years and grafted tirelessly to build together.“What’s changed Kevin”? I asked. “Me” he replied. “Look over there”. He nodded towards his eldest daughter Vicky, husband Peter and three young children, in the sheep pen, marking and tailing lambs with Yvonne.

“They are the future”. Then with a little a smile, “it’s time to stand back and let the next generation get on. I’m not here to stop them making mistakes, but to learn for themselves, as we did”.

I admit to being shocked. It’s not what I expected to hear from Kevin, but I admire him for it. The next generation are pushing for change, adapting to the brave new world, whatever form that may take in future. The pods are Peter and Vicky’s brainchild.

“I’m still here” said Kevin, “but I’m trying hard not lead or be the decision- maker. It’s up to them”.

He goes on to say that in years gone by, he could sleep on a problem and hit it hard the next day, or lone- work hour upon hour, shielding Yvonne from his stresses and worries. “These days, in our family partnership, I don’t have to hide my emotions and we share the burden of this farm. A problem shared is a problem halved, and it has been a revelation”.

Driving home that afternoon I wondered how many other farmers across the land are approaching a crossroads in their farming life. When is it the right time to let go and give the next generation a chance?

I wonder how many farmers are reading this at the breakfast table and looking across at younger people who are ready, willing, and able to play a greater role in the brave new farming world. Wouldn’t it be a shame to hold them back?

n “I have spent 30 years working as a Land Agent and Auctioneer throughout Cumbria and beyond. I still enjoy auctioneering on a freelance basis, mostly at Penrith Mart, where I first started my career many years ago.

I Joined the Farmer Network in 2015 initially working three days per week but now working four days per week. I am involved in all facets of the Network working closely with the Board of Directors and the Management Council’s to ensure that the Network is delivering what members want and need. A priority in my role has been to raise awareness of the Farmer Network and increase membership. In doing so we have been able improve income streams and project funding.

The Farmer Network is a sustainable business model and well placed to continue providing a range of services and support for farmers, their families and their businesses going forward.