One of the most influential aspects on the profitability and success of agricultural businesses is the quality and performance of the staff and managers.  Continual advances in IT systems both in the tractor cab and in the farm office mean that the right operator is critical to ensuring that efficiencies are maximised and financial margins maintained.

Fisher German has significant experience in recruiting and retaining key members of staff. We understand that recruitment is more than finding someone to simply operate a piece of machinery or tend stock; it is about being able to effectively integrate into an existing team and understand other stakeholder interests and priorities.

We offer a range of services to suit the employer’s requirement from helping to draw up job descriptions and specifications, to interviewing and agreeing contractual terms.

The Agricultural Sector has been slow to adopt regular reviews of existing employees. Based on our experience we are able to provide key performance indicators and undertake regular independent staff appraisals for businesses, which is common place in other industries.

Updated contracts

Fisher German was recently asked to consult and assist with the recruitment of a tractor driver for a large agricultural contracting business in the Midlands. Although the Employer was incredibly experienced in his field he lacked the required employment knowledge. Fisher German advised on the wording and placing of advertisements and acted as an independent interviewer on the interview panel.

Following the selection of a suitable candidate Fisher German were able to advise on the preparation of a standard Contract of Employment which could be used initially for the new employee and then rolled out across the workforce, some of whom did not hold written contracts.

For further information, contact Tom Heathcote on 01858 410200 or email here

Click here to read more about the work of our farms team.

Some of the biggest obstacles to entering the agricultural industry are often the price of land and the associated investment including working capital requirements. For many Young Farmers who do not stand to inherit or succeed, entry to the farming world though a tenancy may be the only option. However, the process can be complex and intimidating; tendering for a holding is something that you do very infrequently and maybe just once or twice in your farming career. It is important to get it right.

With extensive experience in preparing tender applications for both Farm Business Tenancies and Contract Farming Agreements, Fisher German are well equipped to advise those entering the industry as well as farmers looking to expand, on the application process. Often the tender documents submitted will be the landlord’s first impression of you and it is important to convey your vision and enthusiasm for the property.You must show skill, experience, financial acumen and judgement as landlords are looking for a tenant who can maximise the rental return and stewardship of the holding.

County councils in recent years have played a proactive role in encouraging young farmers into the industry through giving opportunities to start up and establish their own farming business. 

This opportunity allows new entrants to then go on to expand their business and compete for larger farms in the private rented or owner occupied sector. 

Fisher German have recently prepared tender applications in respect of two Leicestershire County Council farms on behalf of a client.The two farms offered for tender on a 25 year Farm Business Tenancy comprised a mixture of arable and permanent pasture land both with a farmhouse and range of traditional and modern farm buildings.

Creating opportunities for profit

In this case, through the preparation of a comprehensive tender application Fisher German have created an opportunity for a farmer managing a herd of 30 cattle and 80 ewes on just 30 acres of land under a grazing licence to enhance his existing enterprise and expand with a reduction in budget, allowing him if successful to become more profitable as a result. Fisher German will continue to assist and advise the client in at least the first two years of his tenancy if successful in his application.

With any tender application you must present a sound business case and you will usually be required to produce a business plan setting out how you propose to manage the subject farm, a cash flow forecast for 3 years or more (to include any proposed external income such as Basic Payments and Countryside Stewardship), projected profit and loss accounts and a sensitivity analysis to show how you will react to market changes.

The standard tender document includes details of your present employment, education and experience, current stock, financial standing, your tender sum for the farm and a brief description of your plans for the holding, utilising the assets of the property, together with your reasoning for each enterprise proposed.

For further information contact Charlotte Gore on 01858 411218 or email here or William Inglis on 01858 411277 or email here