Rural News

Thought-provoking talks and presentations will discuss resilience with pea and bean growers at this year’s Pulse Roadshow event, organised by Syngenta and the Growers Research Organisation (PGRO).

From hand-packing produce on the Branston factory production line to being promoted to general manager at HarvestEye, Charlie Flack’s 21 years of experience in food production spans a variety of positions. Here, he discusses how his role progressed from the factory floor to head office, his proudest achievements in the industry and where he sees the next key focuses for harvest technology.

Farming minister Mark Spencer has confirmed increased payments for nature-friendly farming through ELMS, at OFC today (5th January) although farmers are still lacking the important wider details.

Machinery launches, thought-provoking seminars, a live auction and free breakfast will be welcoming visitors to the West Country Farming & Machinery Show, a new free-to-attend event for the South West.

The ‘Dorset Lookouts’ is a new initiative that aims to provide a point of contact for farmers experiencing difficulties in the area, making sure they receive the help and support they need to cope with mental health struggles.

As is tradition, NFU President Minette Batters has issued a New Year message to the farming community, reflecting on the unprecedented challenges faced by food producers over the past year as well as the successes that have been achieved.

RABI will discuss options for professional mental health support for farming people in tough times, at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC).

A new woodland restoration scheme has launched at the RSPB’s 1,200-acre nature reserve, Franchises Lodge, located in the north of the New Forest.  

UK Agricultural Finance says it is excited to announce that it has a new funder on board. With this new funding, the company now has access to £300M in funds ready to lend – and given the current economic situation, this could be just the boost your agricultural business needs.

As the cold weather gives way to warmer temperatures this week, farmers are being warned that frozen pipes thawing could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage.

A-Plan Rural have launched a Rural Community blog, allowing farmers across the UK to share their experiences of working in the industry.

A total budget of £238m will be available for direct payments to farmers in Wales in 2023, the same level provided over the past three years, the minister for rural affairs Lesley Griffiths confirmed today.