Thousands of farmers, food producers and rural businesses will descend on Edinburgh next month as the Royal Highland Show returns for its 2026 event. Organisers expect strong visitor numbers for the four-day show at Ingliston, which has become one of the UK’s biggest agricultural events and a key date... Read more
Sales of farmland have slowed due to a lack of supply and persistent political uncertainty, say land agents Kinght Frank. The feeling of treading water that settled over the market in 2025 has shown few signs of dissipating this year – largely due to continued political and economic uncertainty,... Read more
Police have pledged a tougher crackdown on hare coursing gangs after mounting pressure from farmers facing repeated attacks and intimidation. A package of measures announced by the force includes faster emergency responses, specialist officer training, drone deployment and plans to seize all dogs used in hare coursing incidents. It... Read more
Farm contracting charges for individual operations have risen by up to 15 per cent following cost increases caused by the Iran war. Results from the latest survey by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) show that prices have generally risen a few per cent higher than 2025 –... Read more
Watch the sheep, not the calendar
Livestock 03/06/2026
Weaning should not be driven by the calendar – but by what the flock is telling us through lamb performance, ewe body condition and grazing availability, writes Nerys Wright. Many flocks may wean at a similar point each year, but the right timing can shift depending on the season,... Read more
Clean cut key to maximising wool value
Livestock 03/06/2026
Wool prices for the 2026 cut could rise by a further 25p-30p/kg, suggests British Wool – meaning some wool could realise prices more than £1 per kilo. With the shearing season underway, the forecast has prompted suggestions from clipper manufacturer Heiniger that there has seldom been a better opportunity... Read more
Pig producers remain well-placed to meet consumer needs – despite a challenging market which has seen some farmers served notice on their contracts. The decision by retailer Morrisons to call time on an unspecified number of contracts cast a shadow over last month’s Pig & Poultry Fair. But a... Read more
A Northamptonshire beef and arable farmer has halved his feed costs by switching to home-grown cereals. Harry Brown, who farms 1,700 acres at Potcote Farm, near Towcester, said rising production costs and weak grain markets pushed him to rethink his feeding strategy. Instead of selling more oats and barley... Read more
Growers are being urged to consider under-sowing maize with grass – and reap the benefits of better soil health. Retention of important nutrients, reduced topsoil loss and improved harvestability are just some of the benefits – but timing and species selection are crucial, says David Linton, commercial manager for... Read more
A farmer-led project is testing a smartphone tool which makes it easier to measure the dry matter yield of herbal leys – helping to boost pasture performance. The multiple benefits herbal leys bring to productivity, soil health, biodiversity and improved resilience are well recognised, but there are few ways... Read more
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