All the latest farming news NEWSThis Week in Farming: Bluetongue, drought and a retro refitWelcome back to another edition of This Week in Farming, your one-stop shop for the best Farmers Weekly content from the past seven days. First, here’s your markets (opens as… TEDDERSMid-range Claas Volto tedders get major driveline revampClaas has revamped its mid-range tedders to bring them into line with the larger trailed machines. Five models span working widths from 6.6m to 10.8m, with the largest available in… NEWSLivestock farmers face 20% drop in forage productionBritain's livestock farmers face a second consecutive winter of tight forage supplies after drought cut grass growth sharply during July, according to new analysis. Figures from the Energy and Climate… FARM POLICYFarm assurance farmers spared duplicate SFS health paperworkFarmers whose farm assurance schemes opt to join Wales’ Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) arrangements will not have to complete separate animal health improvement cycle (Ahic) measure and plan requirements for… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESWynnstay Group to double fertiliser blending in ScotlandAgricultural supply business Wynnstay Group has announced plans to double production of its Glasson blended fertilisers in Scotland, relocating from its current site to a substantially larger production facility at… FARM POLICYGovernment policy undermining UK food resilience, warns IGDGovernment policy has failed to strengthen the resilience of the UK's food system despite mounting threats from climate change, geopolitics and water shortages, according to a major new report. The… FARM POLICYFresh produce sector launches food security campaignThe Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has launched a new campaign urging farmers, businesses and the public to press MPs to strengthen the UK’s food security. The trade body, which represents… SHEEPNew tech offers solution to waste sheep dip disposalAn on-farm treatment system that removes almost all traces of insecticide from used sheep dip could solve one of the sheep industry’s biggest environmental challenges. If approved for use by… LAND MARKETSSurrey, Cumbria and Wilts farms offer varied opportunitiesA farm in the south-east of England with arable, pasture and buildings with income-generating potential from commercial and equestrian activities leads this week’s new launches. Chadhurst Farm, a 199-acre holding… HARVESTHarvest 2026: Promising yields in Yorks and on Lincs coastAs farms as far as Yorkshire enter the final stages of harvest, the North East remains positive, with earlier summer moisture helping deliver satisfactory yields despite a challenging season. See… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESWheat prices stable despite supply challengesWheat and barley prices remain volatile, driven by political developments in the Middle East and profit-taking in futures markets – but fundamental tightness remains. Ex-farm feed wheat ended the week… LIVESTOCK DISEASESChief vets call for bluetongue vaccination as cases surgeChief veterinary officers have urged livestock farmers to vaccinate against bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3), warning the current outbreak is accelerating, with the worst still to come. Briefing journalists this week,… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFarmers urged to do due diligence when trading grainFarmers are being encouraged to take great care and show due diligence when trading their grain, as analysis of company accounts shows a recent deterioration in the financial performance of… ARABLEPotato growers urged to submit samples before CIPC deadlineTwo industry bodies are urging potato growers and store managers to prioritise store cleaning and to submit their residue sampling results before the end of this month. The sprout suppressant… FARM MAINTENANCERSL Engineering expands farm track grader rangeA move into larger premises a couple of years ago has enabled a Hertfordshire engineering firm to expand its product range with bigger equipment – notably tractor-mounted graders for renewing… WEATHERDrought could cost arable farmers £390m in lost revenueThe UK’s cereal and oilseed harvest is on course to be the worst since national yields were first recorded in 1984, potentially wiping some £390m off arable farmers’ turnover. According… CRIMEFour arrested after 4.25t illegal meat seized in raidThe seizure of more than 4t of illegal meat in the West Midlands has highlighted the continuing threat food crime poses to consumer safety and livestock biosecurity. Dudley Council and… MARKETS AND TRENDSQuality shearlings set strong tone at Brecon NSA ram saleThe first National Sheep Association (NSA) ram sale of the season got off to a strong start at Brecon Livestock Market on Monday (3 August), with quality shearling tups attracting… YOUNG FARMERSSunflowers unlock tourism potential on family farmA farmer’s son has established a pick-your-own sunflower diversification on the family farm, inspired by his school’s vocational learning course in tourism. Fifteen-year-old William Neave, whose family farm at East… BARLEYNew regen malting barley premium available to UK growersA new premium for regenerative British barley has been launched by Heineken UK as part of its sustainable regenerative malting barley programme. Farmers will receive a payment for adopting regenerative… CULTIVATORSRyetec's Riot targets faster seed-bed prepA heavy-duty multi-tool cultivator designed to create and consolidate a seed-bed while loosening the soil profile at depth is the latest addition to Ryetec’s tillage armoury. The Riot deploys straight-running… NEWSNorthern Irish dismay at 'barbaric' slaughter of 51 cowsAn independent review is under way in Northern Ireland (NI) after 51 cattle were allegedly shot while loose in fields on a farm subject to a court order connected to… GRANTS£20m up for grabs to develop on-farm 'human replacements'Agri-tech businesses are being invited to apply for another slice of funding to develop innovative new products as Defra opens a second round of its Farming Futures R&D Fund. With… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESFarm groups fear influx of Brazilian meat after EU banOrganisations representing UK farmers and meat processors are demanding the suspension of imports of meat and animal products from Brazil in line with action the EU will instigate next month.… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESMeat exporters challenge new French border inspectionsLegal action by UK meat suppliers is being prepared to challenge new border inspections of meat carcasses destined for France. Since 1 August, hauliers are being ordered to assist French… HARVESTHarvest 2026: Scots start OSR and Norfolk spring barley poorIn the East, the cereal harvest is beginning to wrap up, as both wheat and spring barley hit the stores. Reports suggest lower yields, but good quality, particularly on wheat.… CULTIVATORSGuttler's 6m compact Greenmaster gains hydraulic adjustmentArmed with levelling boards, heavy-duty tines and a pneumatic seeder, Guttler’s GreenMaster 600 Compact promises to make light work of revamping grassland. And thanks to the recent addition of hydraulic… WEATHERDefra under pressure to ease drought impacts on foodPressure is mounting on Defra to take more concerted action as the ongoing drought takes a toll on arable and livestock farmers, jeopardising food supplies. Conservative MP and shadow Defra… FEED AND NUTRITIONFirst maize harvest is just a 'salvage operation'Maize harvesting is already under way in parts of the UK worst hit by drought and high temperatures as growers seek to make the most of dying crops. In Cambridgeshire… More articles
