To Be A Farmer's Boy
The son of a farmer who took his own life has spoken about the financial pressures currently facing people working in agriculture.
Cattle farmer John Charlesworth, 78, who was known as Philip, was found dead last week at Broad Close Farm, near Barnsley, which has been run by the family since 1957.
Jonathan Charlesworth, 46, said the Silkstone farm's annual profit was only £15,000 and that income had mainly come from diversifying its operations by opening a campsite and activity centre.
"Farms are asset rich, but there isn't any cash in the system. What little bit we make, we live off," he said.
"It was his life and seeing that passed to the next generation, that was the aim," Mr Charlesworth said of his father.
Mr Charlesworth said his father had also been full-time carer for his wife, who has advanced dementia, which had added to his financial worries.
The most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics showed 36 farmers across the UK took their own lives in 2021.
In the government's recent Budget, it was announced that a 20% inheritance tax would apply to agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April 2026.
Previously, agricultural property tax relief allowed family farms, including land, buildings, and housing, to pass between generations tax-free.
Paying tribute to his father, Mr Charlesworth said: "In any other job you would have compassionate leave, but on a farm you're just working twice as hard."
The government said it was unable to comment on this specific case, but offered its condolences to Mr Charlesworth's family and friends.
Cattle farmer John Charlesworth, 78, who was known as Philip, was found dead last week at Broad Close Farm, near Barnsley, which has been run by the family since 1957.
Jonathan Charlesworth, 46, said the Silkstone farm's annual profit was only £15,000 and that income had mainly come from diversifying its operations by opening a campsite and activity centre.
"Farms are asset rich, but there isn't any cash in the system. What little bit we make, we live off," he said.
"It was his life and seeing that passed to the next generation, that was the aim," Mr Charlesworth said of his father.
Mr Charlesworth said his father had also been full-time carer for his wife, who has advanced dementia, which had added to his financial worries.
The most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics showed 36 farmers across the UK took their own lives in 2021.
In the government's recent Budget, it was announced that a 20% inheritance tax would apply to agricultural assets worth more than £1m from April 2026.
Previously, agricultural property tax relief allowed family farms, including land, buildings, and housing, to pass between generations tax-free.
Paying tribute to his father, Mr Charlesworth said: "In any other job you would have compassionate leave, but on a farm you're just working twice as hard."
The government said it was unable to comment on this specific case, but offered its condolences to Mr Charlesworth's family and friends.
