More Cumbrian farms and holdings are expected to be put up for sale this year, as the crisis affecting the county’s farmers deepens further.

Land sales in the county are becoming more selective, with quality land still fetching strong prices but marginal land is proving more of a challenge, say land and property experts.

However, over the border in Scotland buyers can still expect value for money compared to Cumbria.

Reflecting on 2015, Tim Parsons, director of Carlisle and Durham-based Harrison & Hetherington, said slow supply of land on the market kept demand high in the spring and summer, and prices stayed strong and buoyant.

“However, by autumn the signs of the general agricultural industry slowdown were showing,” he continued.

“Supply of accommodation land and farms is likely to increase from spring 2016, and there will be opportunities for expansion.”

However, it is predicted low commodity prices will probably persist with dairy farmers expected to lose an average 3ppl.

High lamb production will remain, but a strong pound makes an attractive market for importers so prices will potentially stay low.

On the plus side the county’s farmers saw large harvests for many, and store cattle, store lambs, and calf prices remained reasonable. However, added Mr Parsons, bovine TB continued to have an effect on the county’s farmers.

“Defra’s 30 per cent budget cuts may threaten our preparedness for a disease, affecting health and welfare, and the reputation of UK agriculture.

“It will also be interesting to see if they adversely affect delivery of schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) still further,” he said.

On the planning side, new regulations introduced made change of use of farm buildings easier, but, said Mr Parsons, developers who have deliberately concealed a development from the planning authorities would no longer escape prosecution after the expiry of the permitted time period.

This year sees the launch of the one-year Boundary Restoration grants for walls and hedges but, warns Mr Parsons, the application process will be competitive.

“The Expression of Interest process for Higher Tier is likely to be brought forward. Everyone hopes the Mid-Tier will be made more accessible to smaller upland farmers.”

He added: “New Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) and crop diversification rules have raised problems. And the strong pound has affected BPS payment rates.

“Many will lose money from Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) schemes coming to an end.

“Next year back payments are due to many common land Single Payment Scheme (SPS)/BPS claimants; however, we expect delays while issues are solved.

“On a positive note for those selling, as there are fewer Entitlements around to trade, they will probably achieve a higher price this year.”