Holbrook, near Ipswich, farmer Harry Suckling fears Government will take away young farmer’s futures as youth sector booms

A farming boss fears that a growing generation of young farmers may lose their futures over the Government’s inheritance tax plans.

Harry Suckling, a fifth-generation farmer who has been at the helm of Suffolk Young Farmers’ Club since October, has noted a gradual increase in membership – having grown to 240 from 217 last year alone.

He believes it is in the national interest for the Government to encourage what he saw as a boom for the industry among young people.

As such, he backs the National Farmers’ Union (NFU)’s Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign, calling on the Government to reconsider its plans for an inheritance tax on agricultural assets.

The 23-year-old, who works on his family farm in Holbrook, said: “Suffolk has a proud farming history that needs to be preserved.

“There is a group of young people here who love farming, who want to take on the baton.

“I think it is vital that the Government does not take away our futures.”

The new inheritance tax plans, which would apply to assets over £1 million (or up to £3 million for married couples), are set to come into effect from April 2026.

The NFU said the farming industry adds about £1.4 billion to Suffolk’s economy and creates about 8,000 jobs.

The union believes the Government is working on the wrong figures for its inheritance tax plans and fears it could lead to small or medium sized farms going out of business.

The opposition has gained support from supermarkets, such as Tesco, Lidl, Waitrose and the Co-op.

However, the sector faces further issues from rising costs, labour shortages, volatile markets and the impacts of US tariffs.

Despite this, Mr Suckling sees enthusiasm for farming from young people as cause for optimism.

Its growth comes as the NFU works to address challenges of attracting young people into the industry, with the average age of a farmer being 59.

Rising numbers have meant that one local branch – Melton Young farmers – has reopened after closing in 2018.

He said: “There has been a steady resurgence in numbers at Suffolk Young Farmers’ Club in recent years. We will soon have more than 250 members.

“We put on a good programme of events that keeps people interested and brings in new members.

“You don’t have to be a farmer to be a member, but obviously many members are farmers and there are people coming in who may go on to be farmers.”

Mr Suckling said there was a strong sense of community among Suffolk’s farmers.

He added: “Young people working in the farming industry are concerned about the future with everything that’s going on, of course we are, but there is an understanding that if we support each other, we will come through this.

“Farming is hard work, but it is a job and a lifestyle that many people love.

“I would recommend it to anyone. There are a wide variety of jobs out there in farming.

“For me, being out on the combine on a warm summer’s night, seeing the dust clouds spreading over the fields is always a special moment.”