• Big increase in farms taking part • 200,000 people visit local farms • Good for getting message across More than 270 farms hosted Open Farm Sunday visits this year – a 20% increase on 2024, say organisers. The nation’s flagship annual event celebrating British farming is seen as... Read more

Rapid technological change and ongoing labour challenges are reshaping the future of the UK’s agriculture and horticulture sectors, says a report. As automation and digitalisation accelerate, the nature of jobs is evolving, shifting demand towards higher-skilled, specialist roles and reducing reliance on low-skilled and seasonal labour, says the study.... Read more

• Plan sooner rather than leaving it later • Help on hand for the best options • Business structure is important Communication, compromise and common sense will be crucial in family discussions to safeguard farming businesses ahead of tax changes, say experts. Michael Horton, of the rural management team... Read more

• More growers rethinking rotation • How change rebuilds soil health • Range of opportunities available Soil health and economic pressures will be discussed at a dedicated Regenerative Agriculture conference at this month’s Cereals event. Hosted by BASE UK and sponsored by sponsored by Tees Law, the conference will... Read more

EXPERT VIEW Working together is a sensible strategy in challenging times, says Brian Richardson Farming has faced more than its fair share of challenges in recent times. Changes to inheritance tax and to support arrangements are just two major issues to mention. But individual farms will have seen many... Read more

• Latest launch of FETF grants • Six-week application window • Goal to boost farming profits A multi-million-pound fund opens for applications this month to boost farm profitability, productivity and food security. The £46.7 million Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) offers three types of grant – each worth... Read more

The farmland market is holding steady in the face of mounting sector pressures, suggests the latest Knight Frank Farmland Index. Despite wider challenges across the agricultural sector and ongoing policy uncertainty, values have remained largely stable, underlining the market’s resilience, says Will Matthews, the land agent’s head of farms... Read more

EXPERT VIEW Farming families still have time to act before new tax rules kick in, says Toby Tallon. Farming families should take action ahead of changes to agricultural and business property relief. Inheritance tax is now a key consideration before new rules come into effect in April 2026. When... Read more

• Goal to make farming more viable • Six months to find Defra answers • No ‘silver bullet’ to boost incomes Former NFU president Minette Batters has pledged to leave no stone unturned after being appointed to lead a Defra review of farm profitability.  Announced last month, the six-month... Read more

Tighter margins focus farm minds More farmers are seeking independent business advice as measures announced in last autumn’s Budget start to impact the industry. “Pressures on the Agricultural Budget, sluggish markets and a lack of detail about future levels of funding are creating a perfect storm for farming and... Read more