Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
New skills needed to harness benefits of farm technology
More must be done to support the growing role of artificial intelligence, technology and automation in agriculture, says a survey. Almost nine out of ten respondents (86%) believe innovation will play a significant role in improving farm management. But it comes with little surprise that finding skilled labour could... Read more
Landscape offers new revenue for farmers
Opportunities for farmers who want to generate revenue from the environment will top the agenda at a major conference this autumn. The Norfolk Landscapes Conference & Exhibition 2024 will bring together farmers, researchers, policy makers, investors and industry to highlight the importance of natural capital and the direction of... Read more
ESG investment is ‘opportunity for farmers’
British farmers could benefit from corporate investment to support sustainable agriculture – so long as it is done correctly. The untapped opportunities afforded to farmers from environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment were discussed at a special event held at the Judge Business School in Cambridge. Organised by the... Read more
Keep abreast of law on diversification
EXPERT VIEW It pays to consider the legal implications when diversifying, says Amy Cowdell. Farm businesses have broadened greatly over the past few years, with entrepreneurial farmers setting up innovative enterprises to ensure they remain sustainable for generations to come. Helping to boost farming income, diversification is nothing new.... Read more
Two Suffolk coastal estates on market
Two Suffolk estates – including 2800 acres of arable and grazed farmland – are being offered for sale close to coastal Southwold. The Blyford Estate is listed with a guide price of £25m, with the nearby Chediston Estate being marketed at £11.6m. Both properties are being jointly marketed by... Read more
Changes to planning rules make it easier to diversify
Farmers will be able to convert their unused buildings into new homes and shops thanks to new planning laws. The major changes give farmers across England greater freedom to diversify and grow their business, says the government – without having to spend time and money submitting a planning application.... Read more
Farm conference focuses on ‘intelligent’ business
Smart solutions to the challenges faced by farming will be theme of this year’s National Farm Management Conference, due to take place this autumn. Run by the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM), the one-day event will explore innovations in intelligent systems – including how new technical and business skills... Read more
Record rainfall has significantly increased financial pressures on farm businesses – but action can be taken to tackle many challenges. Large areas of farmland remain waterlogged following the wettest 18 months on record. The wet winter and spring have left some farms facing the first season without a harvest... Read more
Big increase in eastern region farms coming to the market
The amount of farmland being sold in the East of England has increased by almost a third in the early part of this year, say land agents. Some 4,300 acres of farmland were publicly marketed in the region within the first three months of 2024 – a 28% rise... Read more
Building blocks for a new countryside
Farmers and landowners are often concerned about the prospect of tax changes if a Labour government comes to power. A perennial fear is a hike in capital gains tax – or even the introduction of a yet more punitive ‘development tax’. With Keir Starmer’s party tipped to win the... Read more