More than 350 exhibitors and hundreds of speakers will attend Groundswell next month – as the two-day festival hosts its most expansive programme yet. Farmers, scientists, food businesses and environmental campaigners will gather at Lannock Farm near Hitchin to debate regenerative agriculture, soil health and sustainable food production. Groundswell... Read more
Groundswell 2026 will take place on 1-2 July at Lannock Farm, near Hitchen, Hertfordshire, about an hour north of London. The event opens from 7am until midnight on both days, with camping available from the evening of 30 June. Organisers provide shuttle buses from Stevenage station and expect thousands... Read more
An Essex farmer who spent months visiting local clubs and voluntary groups is using this year’s Tendring Show to strengthen links with the wider community. Matt Swain, president of the 2026 Tendring Show, has travelled across the Tendring Hundred meeting more than 100 organisations ahead of the event, which... Read more
Harvest traffic sparks rural road warning
News 02/06/2026
Road safety campaigners are warning of a “perfect storm” this summer with accidents involving agricultural vehicles expected to rise sharply. NFU Mutual data shows collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties are 56 per cent more likely between May and September than during the rest of the year. The... Read more
Management training provider MDS has launched a new agri-food apprenticeship programme for college and sixth form leavers aged 18 and over. The Fresh Futures Programme offers a direct route into the agriculture and food industry and a practical alternative to university. It follows 40 years of developing industry talent... Read more
An arable estate has recorded seven endangered bird species and an increase in overall bird numbers during a national survey. The Big Farmland Bird Count offers a snapshot of farmland biodiversity. Taking place each February, the timing of the count coincides with one of the most challenging periods of... Read more
The farmland market in England held steady during the first three months of the year 2026 – despite a cautious mood across the sector. Just over 7,000 acres were publicly marketed in the first quarter, according to the latest figures from Strutt & Parker. That is 3,300 acres fewer... Read more
Farmers have helped raise £5,000 to support the life-saving work of air ambulance charities in rural communities by renewing their energy contracts. NFU Energy made the donation on behalf of 224 farmers who participated in its recent “Renew your energy and help save lives” buying group in partnership with... Read more
A government consultation could ease planning barriers on wind turbines, creating opportunities for farmers and landowners. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is proposing a permitted development right (PDR) for a single small wind turbine on non-domestic sites. The consultation runs until 10 June 2026. Under... Read more
Soaring fuel costs have triggered calls for a one-off Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme amid disruption due to the Iran War. Supply chain turmoil has driven up fertiliser and fuel prices – but output commodity values like wheat have not kept pace. The squeeze follows several tough years for... Read more
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