Farming has a future – let’s not waste it, says Fen Tiger Much of my time over recent months has been spent thinking or writing about farming families and their struggle to keep their chins and bank balance above water. With an ageing and declining farming population, we overlook... Read more
Variable values across country The farmland market in England and Wales continues to drift, with buyers and sellers hesitating amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty. Average values for bare agricultural land fell by 2.3% during the second quarter of 2025 to £8,861/acre, suggests the latest Knight Frank farmland index... Read more
Alternative income is vital Nature-friendly farming practices are good for biodiversity – and some crop yields – but often remain unviable without government support, say researchers. A major four-year study across 17 commercial farms has found that agroecological practices can enhance biodiversity and farm output – but high costs... Read more
• Concern over inheritance tax • Some farmers spend savings • Plan to maximise cash ISAs More farmers are seeking pension advice following last autumn’s budget which included plans to impose inheritance tax on farming families. Almost half of all farmers plan to seek financial advice amid mounting concern... Read more
Allocation on a first come, first served basis Farmers are being advised to act quickly following a new round of capital grants worth £150m to growers and livestock producers. The Defra offer funds a range of on-farm projects – from tree planting and flood prevention to improved slurry storage... Read more
• Big implications for UK growers • Challenge for seasonal workers • Cost of recruitment could soar Requiring growers to cover all costs associated with seasonal workers under the Seasonal Worker Scheme would pose a huge challenge, says the NFU. The warning follows a review into the Employer Pays... Read more
An innovative camera and AI system is helping dairy farmers improve productivity and cow health. The system uses a camera fitted to the parlour or race, allowing a bird’s-eye view of the cows as they pass underneath. It assesses mobility and body condition score (BCS), which the farmer can... Read more
• Thousands of visitors expected to attend • Showcase of best British dairy sector • Exhibitors from UK and overseas Final touches are being put to this year’s UK Dairy Day event, which takes place next month at the International Centre, Telford, Shropshire. The dedicated annual event for the... Read more
It’s hard to believe for some people, but the decisions you make about weaning in 2025 can directly influence your 2026 lamb crop, writes Nerys Wright. While much attention is rightly given to preparing ewes for tupping, research shows that their body condition score (BCS) and liveweight at weaning... Read more
Specialist technical advice is key Hatchery managers are being encouraged to carry out regular hygiene audits to support their biosecurity protocols. Hatcheries present unique hygiene challenges compared to other farm settings, operating more like food factories which require significantly higher cleanliness standards, says Rob Hallewell, hatchery hygiene expert at... Read more
Subscribe
‘Serious concern’ over winter drought
News Jan 5, 2026
Conference examines income opportunities
News Jan 5, 2026
Seize opportunity to forge own destiny
News Jan 5, 2026