Author Posts: Aleksandra Cupriak

NFU president Tom Bradshaw met with DEFRA’s new secretary of state, Emma Reynolds MP, on her first day in post.

Farming has always been a way of life for this husband-and-wife team, who recently took over their family farm following the retirement of the husband’s parents. With a strong commitment to securing the future of their business, they set their sights on expanding their beef herd.

Autumn 2024 offered favourable conditions for tackling grassweeds, and many growers have already seen populations decline. However, with a legacy of weed seeds still in the soil profile, maintaining focus will be essential for sustained control.

Thames Valley Police has reported a decline in rural crime over the past financial year. The announcement comes as Rural Crime Action Week begins, an initiative designed to place victims at the heart of the national conversation.

Farming leaders have responded to the recent government reshuffle, welcoming the appointment of the new DEFRA secretary along with the minister for food security and rural affairs.

The EFRA Committee has raised concerns over the “alarming amounts” of illegally imported meat and dairy products entering Great Britain, warning they pose a significant risk of spreading animal diseases that could threaten nation’s food security, farming, and the wider economy.

An investigation has been launched following suspected fatal botulism cases in cattle on farms in Essex, Northamptonshire and Shropshire.

Given the season, many oilseed rape growers drilled in August, or even as early as late July. However, others are holding back, noting that later drilling into September has its advantages, said an NPZ UK expert.

TV presenter Prue Leith will support the More Than Food campaign, shining a spotlight on farmers markets and the vital role they play in communities across the UK.

Members of the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers took part in a competition at the annual County Rally, crocheting 36 hats that were donated to Special Baby Care Unit.

The 2025 harvest has been one of the most challenging in recent memory, with significant variability in yields noticed across the country, within regions, and even between neighbouring farms, AHDB reports.  

Lincolnshire farmer Andrew Ward, who recently hosted the Cereals Event, has revealed plans to restructure his farming enterprise in a bid to secure the future of his farm after several difficult years for British agriculture.