Combinable Cropping Area to Drastically Shrink
A growing number of arable producers are giving up due to the cost-price squeeze.
As noted by the editor, an unusually large number of arable kit dispersal sales are taking place this autumn.
The reason may be the poor quality of land under cultivation, with higher costs and lower yields.
For more than 80 years, subsidies have masked the difficulties of cropping poorer quality arable land.
Historically, subsidies helped clear land from scrub, such as in the 1950s and 1960s when grain prices were low.
Author's summary: Arable producers face challenges due to poor land quality and cost-price squeeze.