Alan makes the final cut

After more than half a century in agriculture, Alan Johnson has brought in his final harvest.

The 66-year-old agricultural contractor and engineer, based in Tarleton in West Lancashire, can trace the origins of his family business back to 1872.

Engineering has long been the mainstay of the operation, including fabricating specialist trailers for local salad and brassica producers.

Alan has also operated successfully as a contractor to cereal producers in the area, with his fleet of combine harvesters averaging 2,500 acres a year at the peak of the business.

Now, amid the rising cost of combine harvesters, and falling crop prices reducing cereal production, Alan has decided to call it a day.

Though he will still be keeping his hand in on engineering jobs in his workshop, renovating and maintaining farm machinery, including the vintage tractors that are his pride and joy.

Alan’s involvement in the business began at an early age. His dad Jack bought him his first combine at the age of 15, when he was still at school and couldn’t even drive it on the road.

One of his first jobs nearly got him in trouble at school, when he was cutting corn for the husband of an English teacher!

Over the years he has seen major advances in both technology and combine harvester output – as well as changes in farming practices.

Alan said: “Things have really changed, the price of second-hand combines has gone through the roof, making it difficult to justify upgrades, while crop prices are now around the same levels as they were 40 years ago.”

A long-standing client, Alan turned to WNJ to advise him on his exit plan and the winding down of the business, including the sale of his combines.

He said: “I’ve had valuable support from WNJ as I’ve put together my plan for retirement. The tax advice I’ve received has been particularly helpful to me.

“Looking at retiring and winding a business down can appear daunting. Having the right advice is really important. It helps give you confidence you’re plans are solid and will deliver the retirement you are looking for.”

• To discuss how WNJ can help support your exit plans please contact me on 01772 430000