THERE has been much wailing and gnashing of teeth over the findings of an SRUC survey which said that one in five farmers were contemplating bringing forward their retirement due to the Brexit vote. Indeed, this has been painted by many as a 'bad thing'.
Surely the opposite is the case! Scotland, in particular, has an ageing farming population; something which has been endemic almost since record began.
Succession planning – or the lack of it – has long been cited as a problem within the industry. This, coupled with eager sons and daughters straining at the bit to take over farming operations, not to mention prospective new entrants looking for opportunities, has been a growing bugbear for generations.
So, if it takes a Brexit vote to hasten change in our farming structures, then this should be viewed as a positive.
More mature farmers will be allowed to bow out while still having time to enjoy retirement, to be replaced by the enthusiastic young guns who have the enthusiasm and technical know-how to drive the industry forward.
Yes, Brexit has caused uncertainty and will certainly bring with it its own special set of challenges, but it will also provide opportunities for those who can be one jump ahead of any given situation.
And it is a proven fact that the younger the adult you are, the further and higher you can leap!