Clear vision needed for farming
Opinion 11/02/2025
The government’s stop-start approach to farm support is stifling investment, says Fen Tiger. The government’s decision to pause new capital grant applications has once again left thousands of farmers facing unnecessary uncertainty. Capital grants play a big part in encouraging farm businesses invest for the future – helping growers... Read more
• Generates revenue from farm carbon • Uses a simple-to-understand system • Flexible approach has many options Farmers can maximise opportunities from the carbon economy thanks to a new bespoke focus launched by Agrii and carbon farming innovators Agreena. The partnership helps producers understand carbon farming better while building... Read more
• Cash to combat climate change • No need to sell carbon credits • Major ‘step forward’ for farmers An innovative programme enabling food supply chains to reward farmers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is now open for applications. Farmers participating in the scheme can earn £60 for each... Read more
• 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
Feeding ewes in late pregnancy
Livestock 11/02/2025
Part 1: How to make the most of winter forage Variable weather last summer has meant varied forage samples for feeding this winter, writes Nerys Wright. Yet many of us continue to feed the same amount of forage and the same supplements – year in, year out – regardless... Read more
Sheep farmers are being encouraged to conduct a forage analysis well ahead of lambing to ensure ewes receive the correct feed rationing and nutrition following last year’s challenging silage season. “Forage quality varies massively from year-to-year, and 2024’s wet spring and variable summer posed particular challenges for farmers trying... Read more
Beef farmers could finish their cattle quicker and more efficiently thanks to a new feedstuff. Available in blends or as a farm pack, ProFinisher boosts daily liveweight gain by up to 6% – so cattle are finished earlier on less feed. Cattle are said to achieve an overall 19kg... Read more
New defence against deadly pathogens
Livestock 11/02/2025
A ground-breaking acid technology could help poultry producers eliminate the threat of deadly pathogens. Trials undertaken by Aga2Tech, with support from Innovate UK, indicate an in-water peracetic acid treatment could prevent on-farm poultry infections – offering an effective alternative to antibiotics. Commercial trials involving 250,000 broilers were carried out... Read more
• Reduce impact of climate change • Major welfare benefits promised • Herd health set for improvements A new generation of livestock buildings and digital tools could reduce the impact of heat stress on housed dairy herds. Two companies – Galebreaker and Smartbell – have been awarded a second... Read more