• Business resilience and preparation • Seize opportunities where possible • Stay abreast of policy moves Getting to grips with government grants could prove to be a lifeline for farm businesses this year, say consultants. The months ahead are set to herald opportunities as well as uncertainties – highlighting... Read more

Seek advice before taking action Hasty decisions around succession planning and diversification should be avoided following last autumn’s budget, say legal experts. Widely criticised for imposing inheritance tax on farming assets worth more than £1 million, the budget saw farm businesses hit by a raft of other measures too... Read more

Public support for farmers remains high following the autumn Budget. Let’s keep it that way, says Fen Tiger When times are tough, farmers stand together. And that is exactly what we did after the autumn Budget delivered a devastating blow to our livelihoods. The government decision to impose a... Read more

• Strategy to create a healthier nation • Government to set out expectations • Support nature friendly farmscall Industry leaders have welcomed news that a national food strategy will be created by the government during the first half of 2025. Defra secretary Steve Reed said he wanted the new... Read more

• 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

• 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

• 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

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