The pig farmer: facing challenges head on

  • by Krystena Petrakas 

Interview with...

Andrew Keeble
Age:
44
CV:
Farmer
Business name:
Debbie&Andrew's
Goods/services:
Produces, manufactures and supplies sausage brand to major retailers
Location:
Sheffield
Trading for:
Nine years
Farms for sale

Andrew on the biggest challenges facing livestock farmers...

"The biggest challenge to the livestock sector is the farmer having no control over his end product price.

The biggest challenge globally at the moment is that oil prices are very high. It’s a real challenge for farmers to keep the margins there and keep surviving

"The biggest challenge globally at the moment, however, is that oil prices are very high. It’s a real challenge for farmers at the moment to keep the margins there and keep surviving."

On starting an agricultural business...

"I think any advice you give is really just keeping your point of difference and never believe you are completely right in anything.

"Look around and look at other people’s failures rather than other people’s successes; see why lines, products or certain areas haven’t worked for different companies and question why they haven’t. You’ve got to be different."

On government support for farmers...

"I’m always conscious that people are asking what government can do to help farmers. I think farmers haven’t had a bad rap actually and I think they have to take responsibility for their own actions to a degree.

"I think the idea that farmers need the help and support all the time is a bit unfair to other sectors, such as manufacturing and engineering firms.

"Therefore, I would say don’t wait for some change in government to radically overhaul the fortunes of your business because that’s not going to happen. You’ve got to take some responsibility and take charge of your own destiny."

Search farms for sale on BusinessesForSale.com, which reports that the farms for sale market is buoyant