All the latest farming news NEWSDrought triggers emergency appeal for livestock farmersLivestock farmers across England and Wales are facing a deepening crisis in fodder and bedding supplies, as months of drought push the industry to the brink. In response, national farming… NEWSJohn Deere confirms closure of Vapormatic Exeter parts armOne of the UK’s most recognisable agricultural parts suppliers, Vapormatic, is set to close its Exeter base after 75 years of trading – dealing a major blow to the farming… WEED MANAGEMENTMore suspected cases of glyphosate resistance in UKThe Weed Resistance Action Group has flagged a fresh wave of concern for UK farmers, announcing that several more Italian ryegrass populations may be developing resistance to glyphosate. Glyphosate is… MACHINERYRea Valley Tractors in fight to avoid administrationOne of Britain’s biggest farm equipment dealers, Rea Valley Tractors, is close to appointing administrators as the business, part of Dunstall Group, battles an industry-wide slowdown in tractor and machinery… 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… CRIMERural crime warning as game shooting season startsThe Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary has urged landowners and gamekeepers to be vigilant to rural crime as the game shooting season gets under way. Typically running between September… HARVESTAHDB corrects UK wheat yield data blunderA revised AHDB Harvest Progress Report shows UK wheat yields are down 3.5% on the five-year average, correcting an earlier, more optimistic 1% drop. The revised report, for the week… 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,… 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… 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… LIVESTOCKBluetongue vaccination reminder ahead of NSA ram salesFlockmasters have been reminded to vaccinate their stock against bluetongue (BTV-3) ahead of the upcoming National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales & Border Ram Sale at the end of next month.… MACHINERYWelsh ATV dealer joins forces with IWTA new partnership between family-run firm Dalton’s ATVs and Ifor Williams Trailers (IWT) promises to bring better access to high-quality trailers for farmers across Mid and West Wales – while… NEWSTributes paid to Reading Festival site tenant farmerTributes have been paid to Josephine “Mavis” Drayton, the long-standing tenant farmer of the Reading Festival site, who passed away in early July following a short illness. She died peacefully… 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… POULTRYStricter biosecurity for gamebird keepers as flu cases spikeRising cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in gamebirds have resulted in stricter mandatory biosecurity measures for keepers and those involved in running a shoot and game bird rearing.… 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… HARVESTDrought brings maize harvest forward three weeksWith ongoing drought across much of the UK, maize growers are keeping a close watch on crop development to determine the best time to harvest. Exceptionally early maize harvests kicked… 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… NEWSTributes paid to Norfolk farming great David RichardsonDavid Richardson, the highly respected Norfolk farmer, journalist, broadcaster and former Farmers Weekly columnist, has died at the age of 88. Best known for his straight-talking analysis, deep insight and… FORAGERSClaas unleashes 1,110hp Jaguar 1200 forage harvesterClaas has finally unveiled full details of its new flagship Jaguar forage harvester range, which is headed by its most powerful model yet. All four newcomers are propelled by the… HARVEST'Driest', 'earliest', 'worst' - mixed harvest across countryIt’s been another week of mixed results, with some crops hitting record highs and others falling short, delivering a harvest that is both rewarding and challenging. See also: Why… 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… LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue restrictions to be eased in ScotlandBluetongue restrictions in Scotland are set to be eased next month for animals moving from the restricted zone in England into Scotland. From 21 September, some controls on moving bluetongue-susceptible… NEWSTractor driver airlifted to hospital after motorway crashA man is in a critical but stable condition in hospital after his tractor fell from an overbridge onto the central reservation of the M20 near Wrotham, Kent Police said.… 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… BOVINE TBVet calls for changes as bovine TB cases rise in WalesA Pembrokeshire vet has criticised the current bovine TB eradication measures in Wales, saying the top-down approach, including enhanced measures, are failing the industry. Dr Mike John, of Fenton Vets,… WEATHERDrought confirmed in Wales as pressure mounts on farmersFarmers across Wales and neighbouring areas are under growing pressure as drought is officially declared in south east Wales, capping what industry leaders say is one of the toughest years… 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… More articles
