Business News

Farming families across England are being invited to join a free programme of support – with the option of taking part, virtually from the farm.

The value of UK farmland continues to be underpinned by strong demand from a growing number of purchasers and the new opportunities that existing landowners are keen to explore.

Since 2019 the NFU’s petition to ban sky lanterns in the UK has gained over 100,000 signatures as more research is conducted into their potential ability to start wildfires, kill animals, destroy crops, set buildings alight, as well as littering the countryside. To date 188 councils out of 333 have banned them in England and Wales.

Dairy farmer Stephen Carson recently installed the UK’s first batch milking system, with milk being pasteurised and bottled on site before being sold through vending machines. Allowing him to keep the profits through the supply chain, the project was funded by a combination of government grants and specialist agri finance.

From 4th July 2024 the use of rodenticides containing bromadiolone and difenacoum in open areas will be illegal. The law has been passed to reduce the number of wild and non-target species affected by second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) residues. Lodi’s David Reece offers an advice on an alternative.

A leading rural insurance company has welcomed the “timely” introduction of new legislation aimed at preventing the theft of all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

All new Red Tractor standards and additional modules have been put on hold until the first NFU independent review is complete.

Higher demand, coupled with the soaring costs of agriculture, has prompted many British farmers to look into new ways to grow and diversify their income. Bev Dumbleton, chief operating officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, shares some advice on holiday lets.

With over eight out of 10 retailers experiencing crime in the past six months, farm shops are being offered security advice.

Like many rural businesses, Flanesford Priory in Herefordshire recognised the need to diversify and sought innovative ways to expand into tourism. To bring their vision to life, they decided to create a unique attraction – the Maize Maze.

The new Roots to Resilience programme, launched by AHDB Beef & Lamb, challenges farmers to ‘stop thinking in black and white and unlock their full potential’.

A Welsh hill farmer has planted 140 tea bushes around her farm in Powys, to see whether this high value crop could generate additional income for the business.