Rose Collingborn came across a receipt
from when her husband's family were running their farm in
Wiltshire more than 100 years ago. British Cattle Worth More 116 Years Ago Than Today
A receipt for two calves bought in 1884 shows the cattle to be worth less today than they were 116 years ago.
Rose Collingborn came across a receipt
from when her husband's family were running their farm in
Wiltshire more than 100 years ago.
"I was looking through some old papers which we have because my husband's family has been on the farm since the 1800s.
"When I found a receipt which showed two bull calves were sold for £2 and 10 shillings each I couldn't believe it."
Although it may not seem much by today's standards,cattle across the country are being sold for as little as £2 per calf.
She added "I am absolutely amazed that more than 100 years ago the calves were actually worth more than they are today."
Her husband Joe was equally surprised when she showed him the receipt.
He said "My family has
farmed here for four generations so I have a lot of emotional
baggage attaching me to the farm.
"When you see things like this it makes you wonder whether it is really worth carrying on with it."
National Farmers' Union deputy county chairman Denise Plummer said "I suppose I shouldn't really be surprised,although I am dumbfounded.
"It does reflect the situation many of my fellow farmers are in.We are all desperate and just don't know which way to turn.The receipt shows just how we have taken a step backwards."