All the latest farming news NEWSFamily farm shop shuts after devastating raidA family-run farm shop that has served its community for more than 30 years has been forced to close temporarily after thieves stole all its fresh and frozen stock and… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTABP lamb takeover raises competition and job fearsThe proposed takeover of Pilgrim’s Europe Llanidloes lamb abattoir by ABP Food Group has raised concerns among Welsh sheep farmers over reduced competition and the site’s long-term future. ABP expects… NEWSAvian flu confirmed at Lancashire poultry farmA fresh outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a mixed commercial poultry farm near Garstang, Lancashire, prompting emergency restrictions across the area. Defra confirmed the H5N1… NEWSVets fear UK unprepared for major animal disease outbreakFewer than a third of vets believe the UK profession is prepared for a major animal disease outbreak, despite strong willingness to support a national emergency response. The British Veterinary… BOVINE TBDefra urged to step up bulk milk testing in TB fightFarming, veterinary, and dairy industry organisations are urging the government to adopt bulk tank milk testing as an extra layer of defence against bovine tuberculosis (TB), following a major national… NEWSMaize growers keep 100t of soil out of Sussex riversMaize growers in Sussex have prevented 100t of soil entering local rivers by adopting grass-based measures to reduce erosion, supported by funding from South East Water. The water company worked… NEWSPlant-based dairy swap raises iodine concerns, study findsReplacing dairy with plant-based alternatives like oat and almond milks could increase the risk of inadequate iodine intake among teenage girls and young women, according to new UK research published… PULSESHow peas and beans can affect soil health and following cropsNew research shows that the remains of pea and bean crops left in fields after harvest can affect soil health and how well the next crop grows. Researchers from The… TRACTORSBKT adds 'unique' size combination to VFlecto tyre rangeAnother two tall traction tyres designed to create the largest footprint while fitting within the confines of a tractor’s mudguards have been added to BKT’s Agrimax VFlecto tyre range. This… NEWSThis Week in Farming: Policy, sugar beet and dairy bluesWelcome 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 this week’s markets at… NEWSTFA seeks scrutiny of Defra's spend on Rothbury purchaseThe Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is seeking answers to the rationale behind Defra offering a large chunk of taxpayers’ money to help the Wildlife Trusts buy the 3,800ha Rothbury Estate… ELMTwo new CS Higher Tier options open for farmers in EnglandFarmers and land managers in England can now register interest in two new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) single-focus agreements, covering traditional orchards and wet grassland for wintering waders and… NEWSSFI 'risks shifting oilseed rape production overseas'The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) risks taking productive land out of rotations and shifting food production overseas, increasing reliance on imports, United Oilseeds managing director James Warner has warned. Speaking… LAND MARKETSSouth-west England offers choice of four farmsFour farms in the south-west of England, including a fully equipped arable and dairy holding with 424 acres, provide a good range of opportunities this week. In the latest set… HEALTH AND SAFETYFarmers urged to put safety first as nights draw inFarmers are being urged to prioritise safety as the nights draw in, with NFU vice-president Robyn Munt reminding members that too many colleagues have been hurt or lost in recent… NEWSPrize to be won for completing our 2026 Sentiment SurveyWith the end of year in sight – well, the Christmas decs have been up in many a garden centre for a few weeks now – it is that time… FARM POLICYWales food strategy must turn ambition into actionStrengthening Welsh food supply chains, creating markets for farmers and retaining more of the value of food production will be central to a new National Food Strategy. Simon Wright, chairman… NEWSTiah faces uncertain future as chair defends £8m public spendThe chairman of the Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (Tiah) has defended its record after about £8m of public expenditure failed to establish a financially sustainable membership model. Matt Naylor… 4X4SKGM Musso Rebel and Saracen pickups get 'commercial' specTwo-seat Commercial versions of the KGM Musso pickup are now available to secure 100% write-down allowance for businesses and the standard commercial benefit-in-kind advantage for employees. Available in both Rebel… BUSINESSABP set to acquire Pilgrim's Europe Welsh lamb processing plantMeat processor ABP Food Group is set to acquire Pilgrim’s Europe’s lamb processing plant in Llanidloes, Powys, following a strategic review of the business. The proposed sale would see the… NEWSDefra adopts refreshed bovine TB strategy for EnglandDefra has reaffirmed its goal of making England officially bovine TB-free by 2038 by formally adopting a refreshed strategy centred on expanded cattle testing, vaccination and wildlife surveillance. The proposed… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESWelsh farmers call for ban on Brazilian beef importsWelsh livestock farmers are urging the UK government to ban Brazilian meat imports amid concerns over production standards and potential disruption to domestic markets. NFU Cymru has written to all… FARM POLICYFarmers fear SFS fixes will come too lateNFU Cymru has warned that crucial changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) risk coming too late for farmers facing further cuts to support payments. Speaking at the union's annual… NEWSOFC to put farmers’ experiences centre stageHearing another farmer speak openly about their business can offer a perspective that is hard to find in the course of running your own. Their circumstances may be different, but… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESFertiliser prices firm as nitrogen supply concerns mountUK fertiliser prices are largely unchanged, according to the AHDB’s latest market assessment, but rising gas costs, geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over future nitrogen availability are keeping the market firm.… NEWSBluetongue vaccine stocks were diverted from UK to EuropeBluetongue vaccine stocks were redirected from Britain to European markets earlier this year after low demand from farmers left manufacturers facing potential wastage. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) confirmed that… NEWSSugar beet harvest losses mount as Cantley fears deepenSugar beet growers face heavy harvest losses, while the NFU fears the planned closure of the Cantley factory could mark a retreat from British-grown sugar. Speaking at the NFU Council… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESMilk buyers hold December prices despite weaker dairy marketsMost major milk buyers are holding December prices, despite a shock 7p/litre cut by liquid processor Freshways from December, although falling butter and cream values are raising concerns over farmgate… NEWSUK promised EU pesticide ‘rights’ – but no voteBritain would have the "rights and obligations" of an EU member state under proposed pesticide arrangements in the UK-EU food and farming realignment deal, industry representatives have been told –… More articles
