Rural News

Farmers and land managers in Suffolk and Essex will be able to benefit from the Farming in Protected Landscapes grant programme for a further two years, according to Defra’s Environmental Improvement Plan released today (1st February).

In response to the mounting pressures that continue to face farm businesses, speakers at ORFC 2023 shared their views on how the industry can weather the economic storm and stressed the importance of building resilience, community support, and safeguarding mental health.

Scottish farmers and crofters can now apply for a share of £14 million to convert to organic regardless of land size as the government pushes to double organic land by 2026.

Due to the rapid decline of invertebrate species essential for food production, professor Dave Goulson and campaigner Vicki Hird urged delegates at ORFC 2023 to adopt practices that preserve beneficial insects and be ambassadors for bugs to the wider community.

The annual Doe Show at Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd in Ulting, Essex, is set to take place during the first full week of February with a completely new look as the dealer celebrates 125 years of trading. 

NFU VP David Exwood says poor communication means farmers still do not know what land is being taken for the project, for how long and when it will be returned.

Former dairy farmer and Defra farming minister Mark Spencer will take to the stage at next week’s Dairy-Tech on 1st February at Stoneleigh Park, setting out government plans for the sector. 

Two students from Harper Adams University have been shortlisted for the 2023 Dairy Student of the Year Award, which peers, companies and prospective employers regard as highlighting some of the sector’s rising stars.

The government has announced today that it will speed up the Sustainable Farming Incentive roll out, with six new sets of paid action – and is set to introduce Countryside Stewardship Plus.

Northumberland agronomist Chris McClymont took on the Montane Spine Race this month, so far raising £2,000 for the Farming Community Network (FCN).

The impact of technology in increasing profitability and saving time in the agricultural sector has grown significantly in recent years and the rise of the farm management app Herdwatch epitomises this. The farm management app is now used on over 18,000 farms across the UK and Ireland, and allows farmers to manage their farm with an easy-to-use app catering for both cattle and sheep farmers.

With temperatures once again plummeting NFU Mutual, the leading rural insurer, is urging home and business owners to brace for frozen pipes and prepare for the thaw this weekend to prevent costly damage.