Business top stories LAND MARKETSKennel Club to sell 7,550-acre Northumberland estateThe Kennel Club is selling its 7,550-acre estate in Northumberland where it runs sheep and beef enterprises alongside gun dog trials and training. The Emblehope and Burngrange Estate, at Tarset,… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSScottish government confirms cuts to 2025 payment ratesThe Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and greening payment rates for farmers and crofters in Scotland have been set for 2025, following an annual budget review by the Scottish government. Landowners… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESGrain merchants show mixed fortunes in company accountsFinancial accounts for the major UK grain merchants indicate that margins have tightened in recent years, with profits generally trending slightly down. Frontier Agriculture continued to dominate in terms of… BUSINESSCut your bills with solar, battery and biomass from CK EnergyCK Energy is a family-run business based out of Ayrshire, Scotland. With over 10 years’ experience, we specialise in solar PV, battery storage and biomass boilers and Renewable Heat Incentive… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFears Ensus may follow Vivergo into shutdownOne of Britain’s biggest producers of bioethanol and carbon dioxide, Ensus, is in urgent talks with the government in a last-ditch effort to avoid collapse, just as rival Vivergo prepares… TAXCourt ruling raises need to consider divorce in IHT planningA recent Supreme Court judgment on the division of assets in a “big money” divorce has been hailed by the legal and accountancy professions as a landmark ruling. While it… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESFarmgate milk prices likely to strengthen this autumnThe dairy sector looks to be gearing up for a busy autumn, with demand for dairy remaining relatively strong despite high milk volumes. Several processors, including Muller, have already announced… MARKETS AND TRENDSRealignment with EU food rules would cause 'some pain'A sheep industry leader has warned total harmonisation with EU food rules as part of a future sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal would cause “some pain” for exporters of animal… SUCCESSION PLANNINGUK-wide programme offers advice on farm succession planningA new UK-wide programme is offering support for farming families tackling one of agriculture’s most sensitive and pressing issues – inheritance and succession planning. The Succession Families Forum, launched by… BUSINESSFarmers criticise Sainsbury's stocking of NZ Wagyu burgersSainsbury’s is facing criticism from British farmers after stocking Wagyu beef burgers made with New Zealand beef, despite the retailer’s public commitment to supporting UK agriculture. It is understood that… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFarmers to be hit by closure of Vivergo ethanol plantAssociated British Foods’ (ABF) decision to close its bioethanol plant in Hull is “a huge blow” that will adversely impact the whole supply chain, according to the NFU. The confirmation… TAXHow IHT exemption for significant heritage property worksThe possibility of an exemption from inheritance tax (IHT) on the grounds that land or buildings are of heritage significance has attracted a lot of media attention in the past… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESDeadline looms to submit SFI 2024 applicationsFarmers in England who still wish to claim support under the 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) have until Monday 18 August to submit their applications. The 2024 SFI, which pays… LAND MARKETSFarms marketed from Scottish Borders, N Yorks and MerseysideA 3,172-acre upland farm in the Scottish Borders, where one of the UK’s largest private native tree planting schemes has been established, is about to come on the market. Over… Business newsSee all PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSScottish government confirms cuts to 2025 payment ratesThe Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and greening payment rates for farmers and crofters in Scotland have been set for 2025, following an annual budget review by the Scottish government. Landowners… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFears Ensus may follow Vivergo into shutdownOne of Britain’s biggest producers of bioethanol and carbon dioxide, Ensus, is in urgent talks with the government in a last-ditch effort to avoid collapse, just as rival Vivergo prepares… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLeaner prime cattle driven by genetic and market factorsA higher prevalence of dairy beef has led to GB prime cattle carcasses becoming leaner during the past five years, according to figures from the AHDB. In 2019, grades E… MARKETS AND TRENDSRealignment with EU food rules would cause 'some pain'A sheep industry leader has warned total harmonisation with EU food rules as part of a future sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal would cause “some pain” for exporters of animal… 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 TAXCourt ruling raises need to consider divorce in IHT planningA recent Supreme Court judgment on the division of assets in a “big money” divorce has been hailed by the legal and accountancy professions as a landmark ruling. While it… TAXHow IHT exemption for significant heritage property worksThe possibility of an exemption from inheritance tax (IHT) on the grounds that land or buildings are of heritage significance has attracted a lot of media attention in the past… TENANCIES AND RENTSAdvice on passing the tenancy succession livelihood testMany think, wrongly, that succession to an appropriate tenancy is an entitlement or an automatic process. Only Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) tenancies granted before 12 July 1984 will automatically carry… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow improved cashflow planning can deliver many benefitsThe prospect of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) for all English farms falling to just £600 next year should sharpen the need for budgeting and cashflow planning, say advisers. At… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTWill reviews: Advice for farmers on priorities and pitfallsIt’s always been good advice to make a will, but the changes coming next April to agricultural and business property relief from inheritance tax (IHT) mean most wills and plans… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: FBT may be ended early - what do we do?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Polly Ridgway, legal director at law firm Thrings explains the circumstances in which… TAXIHT changes ahead - further options to reduce tax liabilityThe recent publication of the draft Finance Bill confirmed almost entirely what the Budget set out on reforms to the inheritance tax (IHT) regime for farming and business assets. Nevertheless,… BUSINESSFW Awards: Meet the 2025 Farm Manager of the Year finalistsThis year’s farm manager finalists run very different businesses but share many challenges – and a determination to be the best in their field. See also: FW Awards 2025: Meet… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Options for grassland after semi-retirementWhether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Anna Hicks, an associate partner with Carter Jonas, sets out the options for… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Should I register small scale start-up farm for...Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Kate Bell of accountant Albert Goodman explains the pros and cons of VAT… DIVERSIFICATIONFarm diversification tips from those with experienceSetting up and running a new venture can present a raft of challenges. We get tips from three farm businesses with very different diversifications. See also: What’s hot and what’s… AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONHow trees can enhance and support your farm businessWoodland and forestry experts urged growers at a recent Transition webinar, to look again at the potential benefits of strategic tree planting. Transition Project editor and webinar host Johann Tasker… STAFF MANAGEMENT8 tips to help you recruit the right farm staffEmployee recruitment and retention is tough across agriculture, from large farming estates to smaller family farms. From the generational shift to workers seeking non-manual work, together with the sometimes unsociable… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow sustainable farming is central to Raby Estate's businessAttention to detail has been critical as Raby Estate has changed direction and set about creating a more robust and commercially viable business, with an environmentally sustainable farming enterprise at… BUSINESS MANAGEMENT4 challenges facing farm businesses and how to overcome themMore farmers are thinking “beyond the farm gate” to ride out a series of challenges facing the sector and secure a future for their businesses. Growers and livestock producers say… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTTips on essential beef production costingsMaking a profit from beef remains a constant challenge, despite finished prices tracking 30% higher than a year ago. The outlook is for strong trade to continue on the back… Business Clinic BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: FBT may be ended early - what do we do?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Polly Ridgway, legal director at law firm Thrings explains the circumstances in which… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Options for grassland after semi-retirementWhether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Anna Hicks, an associate partner with Carter Jonas, sets out the options for… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Should I register small scale start-up farm for...Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Kate Bell of accountant Albert Goodman explains the pros and cons of VAT… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can we convert farm building to a large house?Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, planning expert Nicola Quick, a partner with Carter Jonas, sets out how… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFears Ensus may follow Vivergo into shutdownOne of Britain’s biggest producers of bioethanol and carbon dioxide, Ensus, is in urgent talks with the government in a last-ditch effort to avoid collapse, just as rival Vivergo prepares… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLeaner prime cattle driven by genetic and market factorsA higher prevalence of dairy beef has led to GB prime cattle carcasses becoming leaner during the past five years, according to figures from the AHDB. In 2019, grades E… MARKETS AND TRENDSRealignment with EU food rules would cause 'some pain'A sheep industry leader has warned total harmonisation with EU food rules as part of a future sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal would cause “some pain” for exporters of animal… ARABLEFarm assurance research to aid cereals and oilseeds sectorThe AHDB has commissioned new research to support future discussions of farm assurance in the cereals and oilseeds sector. The research project will also help shape a set of standards… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESNew rules on pig supply chain contracts welcomed by NPAThe National Pig Association (NPA) has welcomed the introduction of Defra’s new Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations, which came into force on all new contracts from 13 August. Defra proposes… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESDawn Meats lines up 65% stake in NZ’s largest lamb processorIrish meat processor Dawn Meats, which trades as Dunbia in the UK, is set to acquire a 65% stake in Alliance Group, New Zealand’s largest processor and exporter of sheepmeat.… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESTrade barriers lifted for UK dairy exports to EgyptThe UK dairy sector is set to benefit from enhanced market access for exports to Egypt from 2026 onwards. Roughly £26m of UK dairy products were exported to Egypt in… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESAHDB partners with French butchers to increase lamb exportsThe AHDB is working with industry to increase the market offering of British lamb in France. France is already by far the largest export destination for UK sheepmeat and provides… 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
