Rural News

Taking on board the key recommendations of the Rock Review, Defra has today (24th May) announced new measures to support the long-term sustainability of the tenant farming sector, including the launch of a Farm Tenancy Forum and a consultation on appointing a Tenant Farming Commissioner in England.

Cereals will host nearly 400 exhibitors and sponsors, ranging from companies that have attended the event for years to those exhibiting for the first time or returning after a few years’ break.

Returning for its fifth year, LEAF Education’s Farming Fortnight initiative will see hundreds of schools take part in educating young minds about food, farming, and the natural environment through inspiring classroom lessons and farm visits.

As part of A-Plan Insurance’s Rural Community blog they spoke to Polly Reid, a sustainable fashion designer who produces her clothing using the wool from her flock of sheep.

Two of Scotland’s longest established fresh produce organisations, East of Scotland Growers Ltd (ESG) and R&K Drysdales Ltd (RKD), have joined forces to expand their product range and provide additional value to customers, with a combined turnover now approaching £50m.

Building on evidence gained via RABI’s recent Big Farming Survey, the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has put forward urgent recommendations in its inquiry into poor mental health in rural communities, a move welcomed by the farming charity.

Rural road users are being urged to take extra care during the summer months, as latest claims data from NFU Mutual reveals a heightened risk of collisions involving agricultural vehicles between the start of May and the end of September.

Hereford farmers Sam and Emily Stables have been given an award for their efforts to break the stigma of mental health issues and loneliness in the farming community.

At the recent Farm to Fork Summit at No10 Downing Street, attended by Clarkson’s Farm stars Kaleb Cooper and ‘Cheerful’ Charlie Ireland, the Prime Minister set out ambitions to cut down red tape and make it easier for UK farmers to diversify their incomes, such as by converting farm buildings into shops or restaurants.

Under the second round of the Landscape Recovery scheme launched today (18th May), farmers and landowners can apply for a share of £15 million to create new wildlife habitats, restore protected sites and work towards reaching net zero alongside sustainable food production.

On 13th-14th June, Cereals will host nearly 400 exhibitors and sponsors, as well as offering a packed seminar programme, live demos and the ever-popular crop plots from its new 60ha location at Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire.

Livestock entries to the Royal Bath & West Show have been fantastic across the board this year, demonstrating farmers’ appetite for exhibiting their top animals and socialising with their peers.