Business top stories BNGBNG: Unit demand to rise on big infrastructure projectsTwo consultations issued in late May will affect demand for biodiversity net gain (BNG) units created by landowners for sale to developers. In England, developers need to buy units to… LAND MARKETSNew farmland launches range from estate to vineyardFrom the south-west of Scotland to South West England, featuring a broad cross-section of enterprise types and prices, this week’s new launches offer buyers a broad choice. In terms of… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESHow private cash is funding environmental measuresA system to pay for nature-based measures to address shared challenges along the supply chain is benefiting both funders and farmers in a wide range of landscapes. Landscape Enterprise Networks… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESNew crop wheat at £176/t sparks concern for growersSentiment among arable farmers has been downbeat for much of the past year, with farmgate prices in descent and persistent weather challenges weighing on the sector. A strong pound has… COMPLIANCEWhat to expect from an EA inspection on farmThe number of farm inspections carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) has ramped up in recent years, as the government seeks to tackle water pollution, with 89 EA officers… BUSINESSMole Valley Farmers makes loss after ‘challenging’ yearAgricultural supply business Mole Valley Farmers made an operating loss of £4.2m for the year ending 30 September 2024. It was described by the firm as “one of the most… BUSINESSMajor merger announced between two Scottish machinery ringsTwo major Scottish co-operatives, Ringlink Scotland and Highland Business Services Ring, have announced plans to merge business activities, subject to votes by members. Laurencekirk-based Ringlink Scotland is already the UK’s… COMPLIANCEWhat to expect from an EA inspection on farmThe number of farm inspections carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) has ramped up in recent years, as the government seeks to tackle water pollution, with 89 EA officers… BUSINESSMole Valley Farmers makes loss after ‘challenging’ yearAgricultural supply business Mole Valley Farmers made an operating loss of £4.2m for the year ending 30 September 2024. It was described by the firm as “one of the most… BUSINESSMajor merger announced between two Scottish machinery ringsTwo major Scottish co-operatives, Ringlink Scotland and Highland Business Services Ring, have announced plans to merge business activities, subject to votes by members. Laurencekirk-based Ringlink Scotland is already the UK’s… 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… 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… ENVIRONMENTWelsh Conservatives seek farmland solar panel banThe Welsh Conservatives have called for a ban on solar panels on agricultural land, urging the government to review its solar energy policy. The motion will be discussed in the… LAND MARKETSRetirement sales bring Welsh and Scottish farms to marketTwo brothers are selling the Ceredigion dairy farm where they have produced milk for almost four decades, as they prepare to retire from farming. Andrew and Dai Evans have “successfully… Business newsSee all 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… STAFF MANAGEMENTRural estates struggle to attract staff despite pay risesSecuring quality staff remains an obstacle for many farming estates, despite offering competitive pay packets and accommodation. A survey by land agency Knight Frank revealed that almost 90% of estates… 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… 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 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… TAXFarm tax: Opportunities, deadlines and updatesThere is currently a mix of opportunities, deadlines and changes relating to tax for farm businesses. We find out what to be aware of when dealing with your tax responsibilities… AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONTransition webinar: Renewable energy key points to considerRenewable energy can displace fossil fuel use, cutting input costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a Farmers Weekly Transition project webinar panel. But with a number of renewables… AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONTransition Farmers: Buildings upgrade and new dairy progressFarmers Weekly's Transition project is following a group of farmers on their journey to adapt and meet the challenges of farming. Here, we look at the progress of two farms.… 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 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… BUSINESSFarmers to get fairer deals for combinable cropsArable farmers could soon benefit from new legislation that aims to tackle unfair practices in the combinable crops supply chain. Defra said the review – which launched on Thursday 5… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESMilk prices hold firm in June despite record spring flushDairy producers appear to be in a relatively strong position this spring, with farmgate milk prices holding firm despite high volumes of milk. Prices are roughly 8p/litre above this time… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESScotland’s cattle herd hits lowest in more than a decadeFalling cattle numbers in Scotland have prompted urgent calls for support for the domestic beef sector. Total female beef cattle numbers dropped below 600,000 head for the first time since… MARKETS AND TRENDSFruit and veg import checks scrapped ahead of UK-EU dealThe UK government has announced the removal of border checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables imported from the EU, a move aimed at easing trade and reducing costs for businesses.… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESFairer supply chain regulations for pig farmers become lawPig farmers are set to gain stronger protections and fairer treatment under new legislation aimed at improving transparency and accountability across the supply chain. Recently signed into law by ministers,… 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
