• Defra due to make announcement soon • Existing agreements continue as usual • Change affects existing applications A long-awaited update on the future of Defra’s capital grant scheme is expected early this year, says the government. It follows widespread anger and frustration after capital grants were quickly closed... Read more

• Farmland market faces period of change • Flexibility can promote success • Most lettings are still bare land Changes in government policy are likely to impact the tenanted farm sector, with uncertainty typically leading to shorter-term lets, says a study. The farm let sector remained stable in 2023,... Read more

Higher death toll on rural highways Fatal accidents on rural roads could be reduced following the launch of new guidance from safety campaigners. Some 969 people died on rural roads in 2023, according to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures. The death toll is some 70% higher than... Read more

• Exceptional prices for desirable areas • Emerging trends attracting new buyers • Market quieter during summer months Farmland markets virtually flatlined in the third quarter of 2024 – reflecting high average values which remain steady, suggest the latest figures. And with some distinct emerging trends, some areas of... Read more

• Higher number of farms for sale • Average land values still robust • Strong demand for arable units The value of farmland in England remains close to record levels, despite an increase in farms for sale and uncertainty in the run-up to the Autumn Budget. Average arable land... Read more

Opportunities for farmers from changes in consumer tastes will be discussed at a key conference later this month. Livestock and dairy producers are invited to join processors, retailers and other supply chain stakeholders for the AHDB Consumer Insight conference on 17 October in Solihull. Latest trends It will showcase... Read more

Newly appointed farm manager Toby Greenhalgh has big plans for Suffolk Rural Farm in Otley – part of Suffolk New College. Mr Greenhalgh, 30, took up the farm manager role at Otley earlier this summer. He is keen to encourage new generations into the industry and wants to engage... Read more

A roadmap outlining how producers can profit from more sustainable farming methods has been unveiled in two landmark reports. The reports – a joint initiative by Lloyds Bank and the Soil Association – detail the framework needed for a sustainable UK farming industry and set out a comprehensive environmental... Read more

• Aim to encourage sustainable farming • Business, mortgage and development • Partnership with LEAF farm assurance Farm businesses wanting to become more sustainable can now receive discounts on loan fees thanks to a high street bank. It follows the launch of the HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway which includes... Read more