Author Posts: Farmers Guide

MSD Animal Health UK Ltd is urging poultry producers to continue monitoring for red mite among flocks as the housing order comes into effect across England.

Farms and estates that have set up contract farming, share farming and grazing agreements should urgently review them to avoid losing out on valuable tax reliefs, warns Tom Heathcote, Head of Knight Frank’s Agri-Consultancy team.

Former Director General of MI5, The Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB said home grown food production is integral to our national security, at the NFU’s 2022 Henry Plumb Memorial Lecture.

Farmers were encouraged to look after their health and safety at the Midlands Machinery Show, with a demonstration of what to do if they are involved in or come across a farm accident.

Those looking to sell farmland and estates in 2023 are being advised to prepare for a sale well ahead of the spring season to make their property more attractive to buyers.

The NFU Mutual is urging farmers to increase security on their premises following a recent surge in tractor and GPS equipment theft on East Anglian farms.

Livestock farmers were encouraged to take advantage of opportunities provided by the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) improved grassland soils standard at a recent farmer meeting organized jointly by Hutchinsons and Anson Farm Feeds.

Due to the sunny weather experienced in spring 2022, first cut silage from this year is exceptionally high in sugar content, allowing farmers to offset the lower value of subsequent cuts throughout the coming winter.

Farmers should take advantage of the new slurry infrastructure grant to improve their slurry storage before it becomes a legal requirement, according to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.

Twelve young agricultural engineer apprentices received cash awards at the Midlands Machinery Show in recognition of their talent and dedication. Each received a £500 award, paid in £250 instalments over a two-year period, with most looking to spend the money on tools.

An annual AHDB report that looks at the cost of pig meat production in 17 countries has revealed a 20% increase in GB costs for indoor pigs last year as opposed to a 6% rise in EU countries.

For the last 18 years the FBS has been undertaken independently by Rural Business Research (RBR). However, change is afoot with the handover of the contract to Promar International. In this moment it feels important to reflect on the work that precedes the next chapter and the survey’s importance to agriculture’s past, present, and future.