Business News

Jeremy Clarkson has come up with a new idea for expanding his farming business. The owner of Diddly Squat farm is thinking of making cricket bats as a side hustle.

This spring could see a surge in farms and land for sale after weather held off some launches planned for the start of the year, a farm and estate property expert warns. 

With more than 60% of England’s farmland managed by tenant farmers, industry leaders, experts, institutional landlords and tenant farming members have come together to discuss the future of the sector. 

Plans have been submitted to build 2,000 solar panels at the Sandringham royal estate that belongs to King Charles III.

The River Wye action plan has been launched to preserve the long-term health of the river. It will include the introduction of up to a £35 million grant for poultry manure management equipment as well as the appointment of a new ‘river champion’ and taskforce.

Broad Lane Poultry Farm, at Bloxwich, near Walsall, has been put up for sale and could be turned into a housing development or equestrian centre.

The volume of farmland available on the market in England has been going up in recent months. The latest study has shown that farmers are trying to sell 6% more of their land compared to the same period in 2023. 

Another three councils, including the first in Scotland, have opposed the plant-based movement, showing support for local farmers. 

According to the NFU, rural crime in the UK rose by 22.1% last year and cost an estimated £49.5m – crimes including fuel thefts, livestock rustling/worrying, fly-tipping as well as stolen machinery, equipment and vehicles.

The British farming community warmly welcomed the recent government response to the independent review of Dartmoor, saying that it has carefully considered given recommendations and offered workable solutions for everyone. 

The NFU has just issued a statement pointing out “major issues” with the newly announced Farming Recovery Fund, which aimed to help farmers devastated by Storm Henk in January.

Farmers and horticulture growers are being encouraged to apply for a grant through Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) before the final deadline.