Day of Unity shows farming at its best
Opinion 13/02/2025
Full praise to the hundreds of farmers who descended on supermarket car parks last month – telling shoppers about the impact inheritance tax will have on their families. Farming’s Day of Unity showed our sector at its best – caring, compassionate and coming together to make a heartfelt plea... Read more
Treading a fine line
Opinion 07/02/2025
Public support for farmers remains high following the autumn Budget. Let’s keep it that way, says Clodhopper When times are tough, farmers stand together. And that is exactly what we did after the autumn Budget delivered a devastating blow to our livelihoods. The government decision to impose a 20%... Read more
• Defra due to make announcement soon • Existing agreements continue as usual • Change affects existing applications A long-awaited update on the future of Defra’s capital grant scheme is expected early this year, says the government. It follows widespread anger and frustration after capital grants were quickly closed... Read more
Market faces period of change Changes in government policy are likely to impact the tenanted farm sector, with uncertainty typically leading to shorter-term lets, says a study. The farm let sector remained stable in 2023, despite fears that owners would take land back in-hand for environmental uses, according to... Read more
• Cases rise after wet autumn • Keep on top of testing regime • Take action where necessary More cases of liver fluke are being reported following the wet autumn – with farmers reminded to keep a close eye on livestock. The number of positive liver fluke cases is... Read more
Grazing bales saves time and money Bale grazing suckler beef cattle in winter can produce a financial benefit of £1.58 per head per day – and generate other benefits too, says a report. The Economics of Bale Grazing study is part of a wider Pasture for Life and Innovative... Read more
How to avoid running on empty
Livestock 07/02/2025
It is important to investigate ewes empty at scanning time, says Nerys Wright. I remember seeing a report, written in 1983, which said pregnancy scanning at 50p/ewe was unlikely to be economically viable for most commercial sheep flocks. Fast forward to 2024 and 50p/ewe would be tremendously good value.... Read more
Pork exports to China have received a boost after a big push by producers, government officials and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Two more sites have received export approval after a delegation from the China Meat Association visited the UK... Read more
• Helps optimise egg production • Data on flock health and welfare • Good for birds and farm income Acoustic sensors could help boost the health and welfare of laying hens – saving money and optimising egg production. The project uses state-of-the-art sensors to monitor birds through novel sound... Read more
Slurry spreading specialist Samson has introduced two new disc incorporators to get the best from organic fertilisers. The CDf and CDx incorporators are designed to be used on different soil types – including light sand and heavy clay, or indeed stubble. Both ensure nutrients are placed where they are... Read more