Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
Thousands of farms could face inheritance tax raid
• Single farm owners at most risk • Retailers in government warning • Plan now for secure farm future More than 42,000 farms larger than 50ha (125 acres) will be affected by changes to inheritance tax rules, suggest the latest estimates. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has calculated... Read more
Big Farmland Bird Count 
Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – the annual national census of farmland birds. Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the bird count provides vital data to help scientists and conservationists understand which species are in trouble... Read more
Farm prospects ‘steady’ for 2025
• Similar profits over next 12 months • Little increase in cost of key inputs • More changes due to farm support Farm profits will remain steady during the coming year – as overall output increases and key inputs look set to stay relatively stable, say experts. “Overall, profitability... Read more
A breed apart: Farm shop success for Sam Steggles
From humble beginnings, the Goat Shed has been transformed into an award-winning farm diversification. A Norfolk farm shop which opened during the pandemic has become a huge success – and continues to go from strength to strength. Sam Steggles opened the Goat Shed Farm Shop and Kitchen less than... Read more
Experts explain Budget impact to conference
Farmers should take their time when making decisions following the government’s Budget tax-raid, delegates were told at last month’s Autumn Farming Conference. Organised by accountants Larking Gowen in partnership with the Country Land and Business Association, the conference was held on 5 November at the All Saints Hotel, Fornham... Read more
Chancellor under fire after autumn Budget bombshell
• NFU condemns lack of consultation • Destructive and bungled in delivery • ‘Farmers cannot afford this change’ Industry leaders have condemned the government for unveiling plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers without any consultation. Farming families were left stunned by the shock decision – announced by Chancellor... Read more
Justifiable anger at bombshell Budget 
It would be a huge understatement to say the government’s Budget took farmers by surprise. After all, Labour had repeatedly ruled out any changes to inheritance tax – and insisted they had agriculture’s interests at heart. No wonder that disbelief soon turned to anger at the Chancellor’s decision to... Read more
Princess Royal attends Beef Shorthorn day
More than 100 Beef Shorthorn enthusiasts were in attendance when HRH the Princess Royal visited Pode Hole Farm, near Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire. Kindly hosted by Charles and Sally Horrell, along with son Harry, the Beef Shorthorn Development Day saw a packed schedule of expert talks with on topics ranging... Read more
Family farms reap rewards from diversification 
13% of farm revenue not from farming More growers and livestock producers are diversifying as they strive to secure a more sustainable future for their farm business. Some 17% of farmers plan to start a diversification in the next five years – up from 15% in 2023. And 40%... Read more
Keep farm vehicles moving during harvest time
Following the busy harvest season, maintaining the reliability and functionality of farm vehicles remains a top priority for farmers as they prepare for the months ahead. From jump starters and hand tools to welders, battery chargers, and essential PPE, Jefferson Tools has everything you need to maintain and repair... Read more