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BNG

Kent landowner's BNG project demonstrates market challenges

John Newbury completed the purchase of the land at Chalksole Farm near Lydden in 2024 after considering several alternative blocks. On the land he is creating biodiversity net gain (BNG)…

VARIETY SELECTION

New OSR varieties offer regional differences

Eight new winter oilseed rape varieties come into the mix this year, after five hybrids and one conventional variety joined the AHDB Recommended List 2025-26, along with two clubroot-resistant types.…

CEREAL DRILLS

How Limavady farmer built versatile drill on the cheap

Tired of Limavady’s persistent rainfall hampering the use of his trailed disc drill, Alistair Craig hatched a plan to build a less weather-dependent alternative. Key criteria were that it should…

DAIRY

6 tips on delivering water for dairy cows

Many dairy farms have outgrown their water supply as they have increased cow numbers. Yet investment in water infrastructure often is not considered until a problem arises. Phil Evans is…

OILSEED RAPE

Oilseed rape grower sees helping hand from SFI

Hampshire oilseed rape grower Dick Hall is earning £369/ha from environmental payments, allowing the crop to rival winter wheat for profitability and making rapeseed the best break crop he can…

LAYERS

What new RSPCA Assured layer standards mean for farmers

Providing a minimum of 3% natural daylight in housing could cost free-range and barn-egg producers at least £1 a bird. Other requirements within the new RSPCA Assured welfare standards require…

SHEEP

How a Breckland sheep farm is planning for succession

Two sisters who returned to the family sheep and beef farm with completely different approaches to work have successfully navigated a way to farm together. Katie and Claire Evans both…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Wheat rusts an added threat at Crop Doctor site for T2 spray

Yellow and brown rust control is set to become more important for winter wheat growers at the key flag leaf fungicide spray timing later this month as septoria is largely…

TAX

IHT planning: Beware of surprise tax liabilities

A 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…

ARABLE

Arable Insights farmers weigh up a future without subsidy

This month, our Arable Insights farmers are considering all the options as they ponder the future of farming. With government support for both food production and nature recovery paused in…

FARM POLICY

NI farm policy shift creates challenges for livestock sector

Support for farm businesses in Northern Ireland is going through a transition period, away from the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) system of support and towards a Farm Sustainability Payment…

TENANCIES AND RENTS

Tenancy model promotes nature's recovery and diversification

All new farm tenancies on the Crown Estate are to be environmental farm business tenancies with a minimum 15-year term, no open-ended break clauses for the landlord but breaks for…

BEEF

How genomics are helping farm target beef to premium markets

Genomic testing is helping Wiltshire farmers Nick and Lucy Tyler – Farmers Weekly's 2024 Mixed Farmers of the Year – match each beef animal to its optimal market and target…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Why growers need flexible T2 plans as dry spell continues

As the T2 spray timing approaches, keeping enough flexibility in spray programmes as the dry spell continues is occupying the minds of growers and agronomists alike. With T1 sprays completed…

ARABLE

How cultivated margins help rare plants and biodiversity

Cultivated margins, or areas of fields that are cultivated annually, but not drilled, are one of the best ways of encouraging rare arable plants and the wildlife that depends on…

DAIRY

Lungworm vaccine cuts wormer use by nearly 90%, study shows

Vaccinating youngstock for lungworm has resulted in an 87% reduction in the use of macrocyclic lactone wormers among dairy farmers who took part in a Welsh study. The trial was…

YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENT

Why enough space to feed is vital for heifer health and growth

Paying attention to feed and water access for replacement heifers is the key to ensuring coccidiosis prevention works – and that youngstock can achieve their growth targets. Adding medicine such…

WEED MANAGEMENT

Tips on weed control in farmyards and near arable buildings

Tasks such as weed control around farm buildings, grain dryers and other infrastructure can feel like an inconvenience when farm staff are stretched by core spring activities. But there is…

DIVERSIFICATION

Fruit grower turns waste products into business venture

Farmers 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…

CONTRACTOR COMMENT

Contractor Comment: Tough decisions help grow Cornish farm

On our Contractor Comment roster this week are Cornwall-based Josh and Helen Collins, whose extensive machinery fleet is almost exclusively built by Claas. Farmers Weekly catches up with them. See…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

How making time to talk about the farm's future pays off

One 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…

LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Farmers urged to be on alert for bluetongue re-emergence

Farmers are being urged to remain vigilant as temperatures rise and the threat of bluetongue virus re-emerges.   The Animal Health and Plant Agency (Apha) has raised concerns that mildly…

WEED MANAGEMENT

Why parasitic weeds are a rising arable threat

Farmers are advised to be aware of the presence of parasitic weeds, especially if more diverse rotations are in place and legumes have been included in stewardship mixes or as…

CROP MANAGEMENT

How integrating livestock in rotations cuts crop inputs

As sustainable farming practices become increasingly important, some agronomists and farmers are exploring how integrating livestock into arable systems can bring both environmental and economic benefits. By combining rotational grazing…

PIGS

6 ways to manage antibiotics usage in pigs

Significant efforts to reduce antibiotics use in the UK pig herd resulted in a 75% fall between 2015 and 2022. Since then, however, rates have been increasing again – if…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Insolvency risks and mitigation steps for farm businesses

A 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,…

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

How agriculture can support socialising for the neurodiverse

Social isolation can be a common feature for people with neurodiversities, especially so for children and teenagers. Occasions such as a barn dance or a formal dinner, which are undemanding…

ARABLE

Velcourt trials reveal distinct benefit of fungicide at T2

Independent trials carried out by farming company Velcourt have revealed a distinct benefit from including the fungicide RevyPro at the T2 timing in winter wheat. Initial trial work in 2023…

HEALTH AND WELFARE

How data analysis helped dairy herds cut mastitis cases

A project involving multiple dairy farms across Wales has demonstrated why collecting data to establish the mastitis “red flags” specific to an individual herd can be key to reducing disease…

4X4S

On test: Revamped Land Cruiser still a true off-roader

If you want a vehicle that’ll stand the test of time, you won’t go far wrong if there’s a Toyota badge on the tailgate. Team this with the words Land…

WHATS IN YOUR LIVESTOCK SHED

What’s In Your Livestock Shed? Comfort for 50-point rotary

Prioritising cow comfort and wellbeing in the design of new housing has boosted average annual milk yield by 1,000 litres a head at a Carmarthenshire dairy farm. Features include waterbeds,…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Energy compliance in FBT's sublet cottages

Whether 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…

TAX

Farm tax: Opportunities, deadlines and updates

There 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 TRANSITION

Transition webinar: Renewable energy key points to consider

Renewable 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 TRANSITION

Transition Farmers: Buildings upgrade and new dairy progress

Farmers 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.…