New rules requiring developers to replace wildlife habitats destroyed during construction projects could provide an opportunity for farmers. After years of proposals, the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy came into effect on 12 February. It means developments of 10 or more dwellings must deliver at least 10% improvement in... Read more
Farmers and landowners could find it easier to convert old buildings into new homes following changes to permitted development rights. The UK is facing a national shortage of good quality and affordable homes, so a raft of new measures have been suggested to stop unnecessary planning red tape slowing... Read more
More than 10,000 farmers have now applied to join the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – and receive payments actions that support food production and the environment. One-in-eight eligible farmers having submitted applications for the Defra scheme in the four months since it re-opened last September. This is on... Read more
Non-farmers purchased more than half of all farms sold on the open market last year, suggest the latest figures from land agents Strutt & Parker. Farmers accounted for the lowest level of transactions on record during 2023 – equivalent to only 44% of open market transactions during the year... Read more
A step-by-step approach will help growers get the most from the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive – delivering bigger benefits for farm businesses and for the environment, say advisers. “While 2024 has started with the promise of numerous new SFI options to be introduced during the summer, coupled to a... Read more
Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns. Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing... Read more
Beef producers from across the UK will gather at next month’s Beef Expo show – the flagship event to celebrate the best of British cattle breeding. Organised by the National Beef Association, the one-day exhibition is scheduled to coincide with Great British Beef Week – being held on 27... Read more
Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestock producers must remain vigilant for the disease. Temporary control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and... Read more
Cover crops can help to reduce nitrate leaching into watercourses by up to 90%, suggests a study, with destruction by chemicals proving most effective for optimising nitrogen availability to the following crop – and for reducing weed burdens. ADAS scientists evaluated the impact of cover crops and different destruction... Read more
Two of the most recognisable names in UK agricultural drainage are celebrating 23 years of working together. The relationship began when DMJ Drainage managing director Darren Howell bought his first Mastenbroek agricultural drainage trencher in 2001. The company has since grown into a multi-million-pound business employing 150 people. Today,... Read more
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