Opinion – Anglia Farmer Magazine

Ploughing on regardless

Opinion 25/11/2024

The countryside has undergone a sudden change this autumn. No, nothing to do with government grants or lost payments. But relating to cultivation techniques. It isn’t widespread but it is noticeable. Certain pockets of arable land – in this neck of the woods at least – have seen a... Read more

Time to take control of our farming future

Opinion 01/11/2024

When times are challenging, it’s important to accept that some things are largely beyond our control. In farming, there’s much we can’t influence directly. Unpredictable weather, volatile market prices and uncertain agricultural policies to name just a few. But by taking the emotion out of decision-making and controlling what... Read more

Important for us all to pull together

Opinion 09/10/2024

When times are challenging, it’s easy to point the finger of blame at other people – even when our own misfortune is not their fault. Farming is going through one of those times at the moment. Off the back of a challenging year, we are straight into what many... Read more

Why it’s time to change hedge-cutting rules

Fen Tiger 07/10/2024

Current hedge-cutting rules are so ridiculous they benefit no-one – not even the nesting birds they are designed to protect, says Fen Tiger. One advantage of an early harvest is the time it creates for farmers like me to trim hedges and clear the ditches. But new regulations applied... Read more

Gene editing is whole brave new world

Opinion 15/05/2023

It’s a widely held belief – among the general public at least – that agriculture is a traditional occupation where little changes from generation to generation.

Fly-tipping decision is load of rubbish

Fen Tiger 02/05/2023

Fly-tipping remains a scourge on the countryside – and farmers are paying the price, says Fen Tiger.

Why we must look back to go forwards

Fen Tiger 13/04/2023

The past has lessons for us all when it comes to securing our farming future, says Fen Tiger.

Budget changes not enough for farming

Opinion 12/04/2023

Planned changes to inheritance tax relief could help landowners and tenant farmers – but the government still lacks a coherent vision for agriculture as a whole.

Farming talk won’t save government

Opinion 28/02/2023

“It’s often been said that people with full stomachs fail to realise the importance of farmers. Only when people go hungry – or can’t get the food they want – do they start to take a keen interest in where it comes from.”