A tight rein on cashflow will be key for farmers wanting to optimise their business performance this year, say analysts. Balancing input costs and farm output will remain a challenge over the coming months, says Andersons Outlook 2024– the annual forecast for the year ahead published by the farm business... Read more

Industry leaders are calling for targeted investment in agriculture following a disappointing Autumn Statement for the sector. Many farmers will miss out on an £11bn corporate tax incentive unveiled by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last month. Reductions in national issurance will be a benefit – but previously announced changes mean... Read more

A carbon scheme offering free advice to growers and livestock producers has been extended to help Norfolk farmers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon Clarity initative provides support for farmers looking to understand how they can better manage carbon on their farm. It is being run by the Royal... Read more

The NFU has commissioned an independent review of farm assurance schemes – including the Red Tractor – and whether they offer value for money. It follows accusations that the union waved through a “greener farm commitment” by the Red Tractor scheme which will see farmers asked to prove their... Read more

A farm conservation group is urging the government to encourage hedgerow creation and maintainance. Responding to a Defra consultation, the Nature Friendly Farming Network says the government should maintain hedgerow protection as an absolute minimum, arguing that hedges are crucial natural assets which require well-designed regulations. The government has... Read more

An Essex farming couple have grown Frankenstein-shaped pumpkins to give their customers an extra bit of fright this Halloween. Guy and Emily French, owners of Foxes Farm Produce, have perfected the art of the Frankenstein pumpkins over the last seven years. They were the first UK farmers to attempt... Read more

The pledge follows NFU criticism that the government is forging ahead with the phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme without giving farmers the opportunity to recoup at least some of the lost income because the SFI still isn’t fully up and running. NFU president Minette Batters says the loss... Read more

Experts and farmers prepare to plan best way forward for agriculture

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Essex farmer Sam Squiers, of Humphreys Farm, near Chelmsford, has won a sustainable beef award – in recognition of his dedication to sustainable food production.

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