Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
Concern over compulsory purchase powers
Industry leaders have criticised plans to compulsorily purchase farmland at its agricultural value rather than recognising its potential for development. The government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill was published last month. The NFU said it supported moves to get rid of the regulatory burden and speed up planning processes and... Read more
‘War on waste’ as fly-tipping cases soar in countryside
• More incidents but fewer fines issed • Criminal gangs leave toxic rubbish tips • More must be done, say landowners Fewer people are being fined for fly-tipping – despite an increase in rubbish being illegally dumped in the countryside. Latest figures show 1.15 million incidents on public land... Read more
Call for poultry industry to support charitable work
Essex turkey producer Paul Kelly is inviting people in the sector to join the Worshipful Company of Poulters – and support its charitable work. Daring back to 1368, the poulters livery company was founded to regulate London’s poultry, swans, pigeons, rabbits and small game. Today, it operates as a... Read more
Turkey farm on front foot against bird flu
Good biosecurity is top of agenda A Staffordshire poultry producer has ramped up biosecurity in a bid to keep his business safe from bird flu. Mark Holt houses 40,000 turkeys in four state-of-the-art sheds at Toft Farm Growers, near Stafford. Formerly a dairy farming business, the Holt family diversified... Read more
Pork production stability forecast for year ahead
• Improvements in pig productivity • Focus on consumer and welfare • Food service sector opportunities UK pork production is expected to remain steady in 2025, suggests the latest forecast from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Limited growth in breeding herd numbers and continued pressure on export markets... Read more
Spring parasite risk ‘hugely variable’ on sheep farms 
Staying vigilant for signs of liver fluke and worms is paramount for sheep farmers, as the risk of parasites becomes increasingly variable, say advisers. Traditional risk periods for parasites are no longer applicable and regular monitoring is the only way to know if – and when – treatment is... Read more
‘Matrix’ helps Norfolk farmer build resilience and boost profitability
• Mixed farm switches to all-livestock • Change secures future for business • Other farms can do same process A Norfolk beef and sheep farmer is switching from a mixed arable system to an all-livestock operation to improve farm resilience and performance. David Cross – who is an AHDB... Read more
Map helps forecast next nematodirus outbreak
A new forecast is helping sheep producers accurately predict the timing of the next nematodirus outbreak, writes Nerys Wright. Significant variations in weather conditions make forecasts difficult from year to year. But when an outbreak does occurs, it can rapidly cause severe harm or even death in a large... Read more
New weapon launched in battle against bluetongue
• Cost-benefit vaccine calculator • Helps to properly assess risks • Already being used in the field A new weapon is helping vets and farmers decide whether it is worthwhile vaccinating livestock against bluetongue. The Battle Bluetongue tool is a vaccination finance calculator to help beef and sheep producers... Read more
Supplier celebrates 20 years of biostimulant sales
The UK distributor of one of the longest-established biostimulant brands is celebrating 20 years of helping farmers protect their crops and increase yields. MJP Supplies began representing seaweed-based biostimulant Algifol in 2005. More than 100,000 litres of the product – which includes a range of trace elements – have... Read more