Business top stories LAND MARKETSNew farmland launch surge offers varied opportunitiesFamily succession planning brings a 1,789-acre Staffordshire mixed farming and sporting estate with diverse income streams to the market. Bagots Park at Abbots Bromley has been in the same ownership… PLANNING PERMISSIONGuidance on planning an on-farm irrigation reservoirAbstracting from water sources is common in arable and livestock systems. However, the practice is under intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies as water becomes scarcer, demand increases, and concerns grow… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESNew 'farming with nature' scheme opens in Northern IrelandFarmers in Northern Ireland can access the new Farming with Nature Transition (FwNT) scheme, with cash now available for undertaking environmental works on farms. The transition scheme, which forms part… BUSINESSNew app aims to tackle labour shortages in agricultureA new purpose-built app, called AG-HAND, designed to connect agricultural businesses with individuals seeking work across all corners of the industry has been launched. The app is designed to connect… PLANNING PERMISSIONOn-farm developments: Advice on planning consent approvalNavigating the planning process can be daunting for a farm business in an environment where local planning authorities and statutory consultees are continually raising the bar on the conditions dictating… LAND MARKETSWatermill, grassland and coastal farmland sale opportunitiesAn arable and livestock farm that produces its own feed from a working watermill is coming to the market in Dorset in a sales opportunity described as “genuinely rare’’. Peggs… PLANNING PERMISSIONWhat fast-track development planning will mean for farmsBuild, build, build. That has been the Labour government’s mantra since it came to power almost 12 months ago, and last week’s Spending Review only reinforced the narrative. In her… HEALTH AND SAFETYNFU council makes united stand on farm safetyMembers of the NFU council have unanimously pledged to take personal action on farm safety, reinforcing the message that saving lives starts with small, intentional steps. The pledge forms part… TAXInheritance tax haunts as farming split on next stepsDespite facing a year of relentless challenges – from bluetongue outbreaks and extreme weather events to trade deals threatening the closure of the Vivergo bioethanol plant – one issue continues… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESNew 'farming with nature' scheme opens in Northern IrelandFarmers in Northern Ireland can access the new Farming with Nature Transition (FwNT) scheme, with cash now available for undertaking environmental works on farms. The transition scheme, which forms part… PLANNING PERMISSIONOn-farm developments: Advice on planning consent approvalNavigating the planning process can be daunting for a farm business in an environment where local planning authorities and statutory consultees are continually raising the bar on the conditions dictating… BUSINESSFarm inheritance tax battle not over, say NFUS chiefsNFU Scotland leaders have vowed they “will not give up the fight” to stop damaging changes to farm inheritance tax, warning the UK government’s proposed reforms pose a direct threat… LAND MARKETSWatermill, grassland and coastal farmland sale opportunitiesAn arable and livestock farm that produces its own feed from a working watermill is coming to the market in Dorset in a sales opportunity described as “genuinely rare’’. Peggs… BUSINESSFarmers and contractors negligent over underground pipelinesFarmers and contractors have been found to be negligent in their approach to keeping underground pipes safe and intact, according to the 2024 Linewatch Infringement Report. Agricultural contractors, the report… Business newsSee all BUSINESS MANAGEMENTFarm incomes soar in Northern IrelandImproved returns for milk, beef and sheep, combined with lower feed and fertiliser costs, facilitated a sharp increase in farm profits for producers in Northern Ireland in 2024. First estimates… FINANCEGovernment plans to expand mobile mast rent reductionsThe UK government is proposing significant changes to telecoms land leases that could affect more than 15,000 mobile phone mast sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, sparking concerns from… MARKETS AND TRENDSTrade at livestock markets hit by bluetongue policy changesAuction marts on the English-Welsh border are concerned at the impact the looming bluetongue policy changes will have on breeding sales, with some effects already being felt. From 1 July,… MARKETS AND TRENDSAg markets react sharply to conflict in Middle EastFuel, fertiliser and oilseeds markets have experienced considerable volatility in recent days, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Initial reports of conflict caused markets to rally last… More articles Explore farm management Know How Business advice Essential guides Practical tips Case studies Business management Compliance Payments, schemes and grants Diversification Health and safety Succession planning Road legal Careers and personal development Explore all topics Latest from farm management Know HowSee all PLANNING PERMISSIONGuidance on planning an on-farm irrigation reservoirAbstracting from water sources is common in arable and livestock systems. However, the practice is under intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies as water becomes scarcer, demand increases, and concerns grow… PLANNING PERMISSIONOn-farm developments: Advice on planning consent approvalNavigating the planning process can be daunting for a farm business in an environment where local planning authorities and statutory consultees are continually raising the bar on the conditions dictating… PLANNING PERMISSIONWhat fast-track development planning will mean for farmsBuild, build, build. That has been the Labour government’s mantra since it came to power almost 12 months ago, and last week’s Spending Review only reinforced the narrative. In her… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow farmers and contractors can pursue poor payersManaging cashflow is an ever-present challenge. Late payments add an extra complication, and with customers under financial pressure, farmers can find themselves spending more time chasing what is due to… TAXIHT planning must include an all round review of assetsA full inheritance tax (IHT) review should not only look at the farming and business assets, but draw up a list of all items that might come into charge for… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can farmworker aid semi-retirement plan?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Edward Beale of Carter Jonas and Andrew Morris of law firm Thrings… TENANCIES AND RENTSHow to make landlord-tenant arbitration smootherIt is not uncommon for a dispute over as little as £2,000/year in farm rent to cost the losing party £40,000 or more when that difference of opinion is settled… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTCommon diversification insurance claims and how to avoid themFarm insurance covers the policyholder only for farming activities. Cover for alternative enterprises needs careful thought, in terms of both the liability and the potential cost of property damage and… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSR&D tax relief - how to avoid the common pitfallsFarming businesses set up as limited companies have been strongly encouraged over the past decade to claim research and development (R&D) tax relief, but the bar to qualify has now… GRANTSGrant funding for farm kit and research - how it worksGrants open next week for equipment, technology and small infrastructure to boost productivity, improve slurry management and enhance animal health and welfare. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) will… COMPLIANCEProposed changes to waste exemptions – a farmer's guideFarmers in England face changes in the way waste exemptions are managed. Isabel Davies asks Charlotte Nott, environment policy adviser for the NFU, some key questions. See also: The rules… TAXIHT planning: Beware of surprise tax liabilitiesA hasty move or an unexpected event can bring surprise tax liabilities and other complications when planning for the cut in inheritance tax (IHT) reliefs due to take effect from… DIVERSIFICATIONFruit grower turns waste products into business ventureFarmers Weekly's 2024 Diversification Farmer of the Year winner, Annabel Makin-Jones, has built a sustainable business model, which maximises the use of by-products to reduce costs and waste. The Yorkshire-based… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow making time to talk about the farm's future pays offOne of the key aims and benefits of the free business advice offered through Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund was to facilitate the start of conversations within farming businesses about… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTInsolvency risks and mitigation steps for farm businessesA raft of issues including finance, employment and other costs, supply chain problems, climate change and international trade friction all combine to make business increasingly volatile. Challenges can come from within,… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Energy compliance in FBT's sublet cottagesWhether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Nick Curnock, Rural Associate with Carter Jonas, advises on what a new… Business Clinic BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can farmworker aid semi-retirement plan?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Edward Beale of Carter Jonas and Andrew Morris of law firm Thrings… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Energy compliance in FBT's sublet cottagesWhether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Nick Curnock, Rural Associate with Carter Jonas, advises on what a new… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can we ask tenant to change way they farm?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here Duncan Sigournay, partner and head of Thrings agriculture team, advises on a… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Should we switch to a share farming agreement?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Ted Beale, Associate Partner with Carter Jonas Rural, advises on the merits… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all MARKETS AND TRENDSTrade at livestock markets hit by bluetongue policy changesAuction marts on the English-Welsh border are concerned at the impact the looming bluetongue policy changes will have on breeding sales, with some effects already being felt. From 1 July,… MARKETS AND TRENDSAg markets react sharply to conflict in Middle EastFuel, fertiliser and oilseeds markets have experienced considerable volatility in recent days, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Initial reports of conflict caused markets to rally last… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESAlmost 200 UK dairy farmers leave sector in past yearThe concerning exodus of dairy farmers from the industry has continued, with the total number of GB dairy producers falling to just 7,040 in April 2025, according to the AHDB’s… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESSpring lambs see resurgence as values lift back above £7/kgThe lamb trade seems to have had a resurgence in the past month after a fairly subdued spring. Tight supplies have supported lamb prices in June, with fewer hoggets left… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESPilgrim's launch 20-year pig contracts for producersMajor meat processor Pilgrim’s Europe has unveiled a new 20-year contract for its pig farmers in a bid to provide long-term financial security, encourage investment on farm and ensure producers… MARKETS AND TRENDSGrain merchants Cefetra Group to be acquired by First DutchAgricultural commodity traders Cefetra Group is set to be acquired by major European logistics business First Dutch, following a lengthy negotiation and approval process. German trading firm BayWa AG, current… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESMuller launches enhanced organic milk poolRising consumer demand for organic dairy has prompted major milk processor Muller to redesign its offering for organic producers, to ensure a sustainable milk supply for the future. Muller has… MARKETS AND TRENDSGood prospect for exports despite UK's shrinking herdFalling numbers of beef and sheep in the UK will make future export expansion a challenge, but continued access to overseas markets remains crucial to maximise carcass value, according to… Advertisements Land in your areaSee all LAND MARKETSFarmland in your area 2024: East MidlandsAgents report a clear growth in the supply of farmland coming to the market in the East Midlands in 2024, a combination of public and private sales that resulted in… LAND MARKETSFarmland in your area 2024: Yorkshire and HumberPrivate sales dominated in the Yorkshire and Humber region in 2024, with some agents reporting that more than two-thirds of transactions took place off the open market, many to cash… LAND MARKETSFarmland in your area 2024: East of EnglandWhole farm and bare land sales in the east of England were at one of their highest ever volumes in 2024, and the majority of sales were to farmers. By… LAND MARKETSFarmland in your area 2024: South East EnglandSales of farmland were up by almost a quarter in the south-east of England in 2024, with a significant number of off-market deals. There seems to be no real trend… Most popular this week
