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FARM POLICY

Wales urged to learn lessons from England’s SFI blunders

A senior Welsh government civil servant has urged Welsh ministers to learn from the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) challenges faced in England, stressing the need for better management of the…

CULTIVATORS

Amazone adds Flex Ring roller to tine and disc cultivators

A lightweight roller comprising a series of flexible rings is a new finishing tool for a selection of Amazone tractor-mounted cultivators. Designed to consolidate sandy to loamy soils while leaving…

LAND MARKETS

Strong commercial farms launch in the South West

Good-quality commercial farms at scale rarely come to the market in Dorset, so this week’s launch of a versatile dairy and livestock holding is set to generate a high level…

BUSINESS

Winter fuel U-turn sparks hope for farm tax rethink

The government’s decision to reverse planned changes to winter fuel payments for the elderly has sparked fresh hope that it may also reconsider its controversial inheritance tax (IHT) reforms for…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

UK pig herd set to grow despite fewer abattoirs remaining

The UK breeding pig herd is projected to reach 337,000 head by June 2025 as it continues to expand year-on-year. Pigmeat production is also forecast to grow. The AHDB projects…

NEWS

Six injured as train collides with tractor near Leominster

Six people have been injured after a train carrying 66 passengers was in collision with a tractor and trailer at a level crossing near Orleton, just north of Leominster. Emergency…

NEWS

Graham Wilkinson to step down as AHDB chief executive

AHDB has confirmed that chief executive Graham Wilkinson will step down from his position towards the end of the year. Mr Wilkinson is set to join food processor Sofina Foods…

FARM POLICY

Parliamentary group seeks views on new agri-tech strategy

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science & Technology in Agriculture has launched a two-month call for evidence to support its 30:50:50 Innovation Agenda. It aims to increase domestic food production…

PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS

Scots government unveils £2m support package for new entrants

More than £2m will be invested by the Scottish government to support young people looking to work in farming. The Next Generation Practical Training Fund will provide grant funding towards…

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Sunburnt farmers at greater risk of melanoma

More than three-quarters of UK farmers report experiencing sunburn each year, according to new data published by Melanoma Focus, highlighting growing skin cancer risks in rural communities. A survey released…

NEWS

Survey launched to shape future of Welsh red meat industry

Red meat levy board Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales – has launched an online survey this week (20 May) to gather views from levypayers and shape its…

FARM POLICY

Gove says stronger case needed for farming sector cash

A properly funded agriculture sector is essential if the UK government is to meet its environmental targets and ensure food security, but Defra ministers need to make a far stronger…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Lamb trade bolstered by improved EU market access

British lamb exports are set to benefit from fewer trade barriers and improved access to the EU, following a new agreement between the UK and EU struck on 19 May.…

NEWS

Emily Norton named new chairman of AHDB

Emily Norton has been appointed as the new chairman of the AHDB, taking up the role for three years from 1 June 2025. With more than 25 years of experience…

INPUT MARKETS AND PRICES

New arable input price series launched by Farmers Weekly

Farmers Weekly has teamed up with industry agronomists to produce a monthly price series covering key fungicides and herbicides used on farm. Prices are collected from a minimum of eight…

NEWS

Janet Hughes to leave Defra for senior civil service role

Janet Hughes, the influential programme director behind Defra’s Future Farming and Countryside Programme (FFCP), has announced she will step down this June after five years in the role. In a…

BREXIT

UK government seeks gene-edited crops exemption in EU deal

The UK government has pledged to keep gene-edited crops out of its new EU alignment deal, paving the way for the Precision Breeding Act to proceed as planned. Defra secretary…

ARABLE

Regen farming focus for dedicated conference at Cereals

Farmer-led discussions on the theme of “Robust farming in a changing climate” will be the focus of Base-UK’s dedicated conference area at this year’s Cereals event. Against a backdrop of…

ENVIRONMENT

Mixed response to Scottish carbon budget advice

Recommendations by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that Scotland should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through electrification and changes to agriculture have received a mixed reaction. Welcoming the report, Just…

TOOLS

Battery-powered Esab Renegade Volt offers off-grid welding

Farmers, contractors and engineers regularly patching up machines in-field can now weld without the hassle of dragging out a generator to provide off-grid power. Swedish outfit Esab’s latest portable stick…

FARM POLICY

Fury as Reed says IHT revenue will fund mental health

Frustrated farmers have been told the inheritance tax (IHT) hike threatening to bankrupt their businesses will help pay for mental health services across the countryside – even as the policy…

FARM POLICY

Labour’s farm inheritance tax 'secrecy' sparks anger

The Labour government is under fire for refusing to release the economic analysis behind its decision to reject an industry-backed alternative to controversial changes to farm inheritance tax – prompting…

PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund open date confirmed

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025 will open for applications on 29 May, offering grants to commercial livestock farmers in England to enhance livestock health and welfare. Applications…

LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Single case of BSE confirmed on Essex farm

A case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Essex after the animal showed clinical signs of the disease. The Animal and Plant Health…

UMBILICAL

SlurryKat develops ultra-lightweight 24m dribble bar

At a fraction less than 1.9t, SlurryKat reckons its new 24m slurry dribble bar weighs as much as 55% less than alternative umbilical applicators of this type. Together with a…

NEWS

Norfolk’s biggest food hall to champion local producers

A major new food hall and restaurant celebrating Norfolk’s food and farming will officially open its doors at the Norfolk Showground on Thursday 22 May. Backed by the Royal Norfolk…

SUGAR BEET

Hot weather adds to challenge of sugar beet weed control

This spring’s prolonged dry period is creating challenging conditions for sugar beet weed control, with large swings between night and day temperatures adding to the issue. While the dry weather…

NEWS

UK-EU deal to ease red tape on agricultural exports

The UK and EU have struck a landmark trade and co-operation agreement that promises to reset their post-Brexit relationship – with major implications for the food and farming sector. The…

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