Fri, 28 Mar 2025

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 'You have to be really intelligent to be a farmer'

Bridgette Baker, 24, loves farming in south Somerset but says the industry faces some challenges.
Bridgette Baker, a 24-year-old fifth-generation farmer from Somerset, has defied expectations by choosing to pursue a career in agriculture alongside her father and grandfather. Despite some farmers expressing frustration with government policies affecting their livelihoods, Bridgette remains committed to farming. She believes that the industry is often misunderstood and underappreciated, stating that "people don't think farmers are clever, but it's the most complicated job." After studying agriculture at university, she returned to her family farm to help manage the business. However, the government's planned changes to inheritance tax on farms have raised concerns for Bridgette. From 2026, a 20% charge will be applied to agricultural assets worth over £1m, affecting many small family farms like hers. She worries that this policy could lead to more family farms being sold off, impacting not only the rural community but also the wider economy. Bridgette's farm relies on government funding for environmental management initiatives, such as conserving hedgerows and trees through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). However, the government recently announced that it would no longer be accepting new applicants for this scheme, leaving some farmers uncertain about their financial future. Despite these challenges, Bridgette remains optimistic about her role in agriculture and hopes to find a balance between farming and other interests. She also credits her rare breed pigs with helping her develop essential skills and experience in the industry.
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