Farm Management Handbook goes digital

IT HAS been the bane of many an agricultural student’s life, and an invaluable tool to farmers for decades.

Now, after almost 40 years of keeping the agricultural industry up to date with the latest data on crops, livestock and finances, the latest edition of the Farm Management Handbook has gone digital.

With support from the Scottish Government and the European Union as part of the SRDP Farm Advisory Service, the online version is free to download, widening access to its contents at a time when uncertainty around Brexit is rife.

Produced by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College, the 38th edition of the book is also available in print format – ideal for keeping a copy in the farm office or the tractor. In response to current needs, the new handbook contains additional information, including:

• Grassland and forage costs

•Land tenure and land reform

• New entrants

• Diversification

SAC Consulting has also added a new section for crofters and small farmers to provide enterprise margins and business information tailored to their needs. Given changes in the details of Rural Aid and renewable energy schemes, updated guidance has also been provided.

Julian Bell, senior rural business consultant at SAC Consulting, said: ‘As no other industry is controlled, supported and regulated more heavily by EU regulations and institutions, agriculture is widely held to be the sector most affected by Brexit.

‘The future for agricultural markets and support has scarcely been less certain.’