Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
Seize opportunity to forge own destiny
Growers and livestock producers are being encouraged to throw off the shackles and forge their own destiny. “Change is not optional,” says Louise Manning, author of the 2026 Oxford Farming Conference Report. “To thrive, not merely survive, UK agriculture must become agile, robust and opportunity driven.” The report is... Read more
DSV showcases breeding strength with new provisional Group 1 winter wheat and top spot OSR added to AHDB 2026/27 RL
DSV UK takes a strong position on the AHDB 2026/27 Recommended List with the new provisional Group 1 wheat Arlington joining the line-up and hybrid oilseed rape Dompteur the highest-yielding OSR variety on the list. Combining outstanding yield and excellent grain quality, Arlington offers significant potential for UK growers... Read more
David Richardson memorial service Hundreds remember farming legend
Hundreds of well-wishers celebrated the life of Norfolk farmer David Richardson at a public service of thanksgiving last month. Mr Richardson died in August. The memorial service for the veteran journalist and broadcaster brought more than 500 friends, family members and colleaguesto theRoyal Norfolk Showground on Friday, 14 November.... Read more
Government needs to ‘step up’ for farmers
Farm productivity could double with the right policy framework, say agricultural suppliers – but progress is being hampered by the lack of a clear, coordinated government strategy. Speaking at last month’s Agricultural Industries Confederation conference, AIC chairman Jonathan Lane said the sector was already demonstrating resilience, investment and innovation... Read more
New SFI scheme ‘in first six months of 2026’
A revamped version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive will open for applications within the first six months of 2026, the government has suggested. Defra secretary Emma Reynolds said the government was working hard to revise the scheme, which was closed to applications from farmers after all the budget was... Read more
Extension for mid-tier stewardship farmers
Farmers still awaiting details of Countryside Stewardship mid-tier extensions are being urged to contact the Rural Payments agency sooner rather than later. More than 5000 farmers with Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreements due to expire at the end of December are being offered one-year extensions to maintain environmental and food-production... Read more
Renew relationship with farming, government told
The NFU is calling on the government to renew its relationship with farmers and growers ahead of this month’s Budget. NFU president Tom Bradshaw has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to introduce measures that will ignite investment and growth in the industry, saying rock-bottom confidence has left farm investment as... Read more
Demand for action on food security
Food and farming leaders have urged the government to work with the industry and deliver growth across the sector. It comes after the NFU convened a Food Resilience Roundtable – attended farm minister Angela Eagle – alongside food retailers, processors and farm businesses. Roundtable participants highlighted the need for... Read more
Reservoirs needed to avoid job losses in east Suffolk
Plans to reduce water abstraction for irrigation in east Suffolk could be made workable by making it easier to invest in reservoirs and infrastructure, says a report. A planned 30% reduction in water for irrigation over the next 20 years would translate directly into lost output across the local... Read more
Kemi Badenoch hits out on inheritance tax
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had a go harvesting wheat when she visited Essex farmer Sam Doddard at Hall Farm, Little Walden. The MP for North West Essex said the Conservatives would reverse government plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers “at the earliest opportunity” – although she acknowledged that... Read more