What do I need to get started?

The calculator is simple to use requiring information from two sources:

  • Your BPS claimed in 2022 provides the basis to project BPS through to 2028 using annual rates of deductions published in the ABC (November 2022) book.
  • All other trading income and costs are based simply on the average of the most recent two years of accounts. No consideration is taken of how prices, costs and how you run the farm might change.

There is a simple version of the calculator and a detailed version. They use the same logic in the background but the simple version allows you to group income and costs.

We do however suggest that it is really worth using the detailed version of the calculator because it walks you through your accounts and makes the forecast more useful. Click on the buttons below to choose which calculator you want to start with.

Warning: This projection only shows the impact of BPS phasing out if there are no other changes in your business.

What now?

Although the picture may look daunting, there are options you could adopt to offset the loss of BPS income:

  • Improve the performance of your livestock, pastures and crops.
  • Provide public goods and services.
  • Consider changing how you farm to reduce your reliance on inputs and capital investment.
  • Diversify into non-farming activities.

How you change your business to cope with BPS withdrawal may involve taking advantage of all four options. The challenge is choosing the best way forward for your business.

Move on to the Step Two: Opportunities to deal with the loss of BPS and Step Three: Developing a plan to mitigate the loss of BPS sections to read about the decision-making process involved.

In addition to our tool, the AHDB website also has a changing BPS calculator and suggests where you can apply for consultancy help to review your options: Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) Impact Calculator for farm businesses.

Get help and support

Can we help you or someone you know? | Farming Community Network

Change is often daunting and can be overwhelming. The Farming Community Network (FCN) helpline offers a sympathetic person to talk to, someone who understands farmers and rural life. Calls will be answered in person from 7am to 11pm every day of the year. These volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal, family or business-related.

CALL 03000 111 999

RABI – Helping farming people

Royal Agriculture Benevolent Institution (RABI) are a national charity that provides local support to the farming community in England and Wales.

They provide financial, emotional and mental health support through 1-1 and online services. They can also provide grants for training and learning new skills to help farm businesses.

Freephone helpline 0800 188 4444

Or you can send an email to help@rabi.org.uk

Continue to steps two and three

Find out what the farming, environmental and diversification options available to offset the loss of BPS, and how to decide upon the best option available to you to offset the loss of BPS.

Opportunities to deal with the loss of BPS

Step two: What are the farming, environmental and diversification options available to offset the loss of BPS?

Find out more

Find out more
(c) Rob Fraser/Our Upland Commons – Ingleborough

Developing a plan to mitigate the loss of BPS

Step three: How to decide upon the best option available to you to offset the loss of BPS?

Find out more

Find out more
A female farmer leans against her Land Rover in the foreground with sheep in the background.

Farmer Health and Welfare

Change is often difficult and can affect all parts of your life. Find out more about the help and support you can get when you need it most.

Find out more