Large amounts of land are being taken out of food production and put into the government’s flagship agri-environment scheme, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, say agronomists. Contractors and farmers could struggle to survive where large areas of arable land are being put into the scheme, which is being seen by... Read more
Beware of horses on rural roads
News 04/03/2024
Tractor drivers and motorists are being urged to take care after statistics showing that five incidents involving horses are recorded on roads every week in the east of England. Across the region, a total of 282 horse-related incidents were recorded with the British Horse Society in 2023. Suffolk experienced... Read more
Regenerative farming in spotlight at Writtle
News 04/03/2024
Farmers joined leading academics to discuss regenerative agriculture and food production at the Writtle Farmers’ Club’s annual conference last month. Held at Writtle University College, near Chelmsford, speakers included National Trust tenant Andy Cato, co-founder of the Wildfarmed conservation agriculture brand, which rewards farmers who use more sustainable methods... Read more
Government makes pledge on UK food security
News 04/03/2024
Grants worth £427m will be opened to farmers this year – following an announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at last month’s NFU conference. The package will include £220m for technology and productivity schemes, said Mr Sunak – ensuring the government delivered on its commitment to maintain the farming... Read more
Defra says it is assessing applications for its Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant. The grant – which funds calf housing buildings to improve health and welfare – closed at the end of November. In an update, Defra officials said applications from farmers were now being assessed. Grants... Read more
A new career development service has launched – giving farmers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and professionalism. The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) is a professional body for people working in farming and growing. It encourages people in farming to progress their career – whatever the sector... Read more
Farmers and self-employed people working in agriculture are being urged to update their pension contributions following two years of high inflation. Many farmers use pensions as an alternative income stream in later life to reduce the impact of multiple generations taking income from the farm – and the number... Read more
A new strategy from agronomy company Agrii aims to help farmers maximise productivity in a way which is good for the environment. The new drive builds on the company’s Green Horizons initiative, which was introduced three years ago. It brings together the three key areas of people, planet and... Read more
Farmers can find out how to generate income from carbon credits thanks to a new online toolkit launched by the Green Finance Institute (GFI). The Defra-supported free toolkit sets out to help farmers understand nature markets – including biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality as well as carbon credits... Read more
An Essex farming couple says embracing regenerative farming methods is proving good for their livestock enterprise as well as for the environment. Husband-and-wife team Sam and Kate Squier are the driving force behind Humphreys Farm, at Great Waltham, near Chelmsford. They rear quality beef using a system which includes... Read more
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