Rural News

Bridging the gap between farm and the consumer is something that lots of farmers are trying to do in an effort to help more people understand the reality of what goes into producing their food, and hopefully alter public opinion on why supporting and buying British is so important.

It’s been a busy three years for sheep farmer Will Young, who has built up a following of 1.9 million TikTok followers, appeared on Love Island and released his first book. Farmers Guide caught up with him to talk about the highs and lows of farming and how social media can help tackle stereotypes about farming.

After an antifreeze check at Ken Cook’s farm , a chance conversation over a cup of tea started a “labour of love” on a beautiful vintage tractor – and the restoration led to a string of victories at machinery shows throughout 2023.

Farmers up and down the country have begun the annual Christmas tractor runs, bringing festive cheer and raising large sums for various charities. We took a look at some of the recent events…

With uncertainty over what government help will be available in 2024, making use of existing slurry grants to improve storage, management and to cover slurry is being advocated by industry specialist Tramspread.

Manor Farm, in Wotton, took to social media with evidence of a suspected arson attack that left their winter feed, bedding supply and barn ‘absolutely ruined’.

East Suffolk Council has given the green light for Novus Renewable Services to install the solar panels and associated infrastructure on arable land to the east of Bucklesham.

A pair of “calculated criminals” has been jailed after stealing more than £200,000 worth of farming equipment from across Yorkshire.

The NFU has appointed consultants Campbell Tickell to complete the independent review into Red Tractor’s governance.

Jimmy’s Farm has been given an Iseki TLE3410 HST tractor, as a contribution to the farm’s ‘Big Bear Rescue’ project.

A recent Defra webinar on funding for grassland and livestock saw farmers question the funding available for low input grassland, species rich grassland and good quality semi-improved grassland options under the SFI.

Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement offers some welcome news for farmers – including a national insurance cut, the extension of current business rate relief and a freeze on alcohol duty. However, further detail on how Agricultural Property Relief will apply to ELMS is desperately needed, said NFU Mutual.