Business News

Farmers can now apply for Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme to get paid for taking action to protect and enhance the environment while producing food sustainably and profitably.

NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board has voiced concerns that farmers’ finances may take a hit when transitioning to the new interim environment scheme, designed to fill the gap between the end of Glastir and the start of the Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2025.

The AgriScot Business Skills Competition, sponsored by NFU Mutual and supported by Scotland’s Rural College, looks to support aspiring young professionals by encouraging them to think about the skills required to manage an agricultural business, whilst also connecting them with mentors and networks, to help with their personal and professional development. 

Hundreds of farmers have signed a petition demanding more support for England’s uplands from the government and increased entry into higher-tier payment schemes to help producers deliver ambitious land management targets.

To enable more farmers to be part of the scheme, Defra has announced support will be provided to those who started their Countryside Stewardship (CS) 2024 applications by the deadline of Friday 15th September to make sure they can still benefit from the scheme.

New research by the Universities of Warwick and Nottingham has revealed how differences in farmer behaviour, particularly around vaccination uptake, can influence the outcome of livestock disease outbreaks.

Farming groups have welcomed the package of measures announced by Defra on the eve of Back British Farming Day (12th September) to provide an uplift to the industry, but said more needs to be done to support producers currently facing a cash-flow crisis.

In recognition of the challenges farmers face with high inflation and rising input costs, the government has confirmed this Back British Farming Day (13th September) that those holding a live Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 (SFI) agreement will receive accelerated payments to help with cash flow.

Those who attended the National Sheep Association (NSA) Northern Region event last Friday had their eyes opened to the opportunities and potential pitfalls of ways to diversify sheep farming enterprises.

Farmer Robert Moore made it his goal to leave his 356-hectare arable unit in a better state for the environment and wildlife than when he took it on in 1988. To do this, he has balanced sustainability and profitability in his approach to farming.

Farmers in the Midlands are being advised by the police to increase vehicle security following a spate of 20 high-value tractors and telehandler thefts in Staffordshire and Shropshire over the last month. Police suspect a highly-organised criminal gang is responsible for the thefts.

A new 50.2m tall animal feed mill will be built in Suffolk, after district councillors approved a planning application from British Sugar Plc and AB Agri Ltd.