Jenni Bartram is senior director and head of agricultural law team at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors LLP and is based at the Malton office

SOON it will be the season of Christmas and for farming we wonder if it will be the “bleak midwinter” of carol fame with farming commodity prices currently not good across the board; will the basic payment scheme be paid as promised or in reasonable time; input costs never go down, but then you step out of the door and look at the land you farm and everything that goes with it and you know what you’ve always known. This is for the long term, it’s not just a business, its farming and family life.

I could base this article on farm succession issues to ensure that your farming business, your valuable asset is passed as seamlessly as possible to the next generation by a variety of ways, all carefully planned with your land agent, accountant and ourselves to be as tax efficient as possible.

I could advise on having up-to-date and well drawn up Wills which ensure the succession and protect the family and land that matters so much to you.

I can introduce you to the different lawyers of the firm who can help you with litigation matters, planning issues and, when lightning strikes probate and family lawyers to sort out the sad and painful times. We can provide all that support as a firm.

We are the appointed NFU Panel Solicitors for most of Yorkshire and offer 12.5 per cent discount on all fee terms to NFU Farmer and Grower Members and half that discount to all other NFU Members. We value that appointment and work closely with the NFU secretaries in your area.

We are happy to provide fixed fee estimates for the work we do and to discuss all aspects of our charging rates with you before commencing work.

We also try as a firm to support activities in the countryside and in 2016 will be supporting the Middleton Hunt Point to Point, the National Sheepdog Trials, the World Ploughing Contest and the Malton Show, all taking place fairly locally, as well as providing hospitality for our clients at both the Great Yorkshire Show and the Driffield Show.

At Crombie Wilkinson we have a strong team of lawyers and support staff ready to help you and support your business and as we reach Christmas and the beginning of a new year we wish you well. We are ready to assist you in whatever 2016 brings with it – hopefully “tidings of joy” but in my experience generally more problem solving for us all!

For more information, phone 01653 600070.