Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
New SFI scheme ‘in first six months of 2026’
A revamped version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive will open for applications within the first six months of 2026, the government has suggested. Defra secretary Emma Reynolds said the government was working hard to revise the scheme, which was closed to applications from farmers after all the budget was... Read more
£500 bursary for agri engineering apprentices
Youngsters starting their careers in agricultural engineering will be receive a £500 apprenticeship award at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show. The Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS). It provides a £500 bursary, in two instalments, to held apprentices aged 17-25... Read more
Two new tractors make Midlands Machinery Show debut
Chandlers Farm Equipment is gearing up for November’s Midlands Machinery Show by preparing to bring two Agco tractors never seen before at the event. Visitors to the Chandlers stand can get into the Valtra S Series – the most powerful tractor in the Valtra line-up – and the Fendt... Read more
New-format Midlands Machinery Show gears up for 2025
A packed schedule of live machinery demonstrations will run alongside exhibitor halls at the new-look Midlands Machinery Show this month. Representing a cross-section of exhibits, driving experiences and business-focused talks and demonstrations, the annual regional event takes place on 19 November at the Newark Showground. Now in their eleventh... Read more
Harvester set to transform broccoli sector
An automated broccoli harvester aims to unlock new value from the crop by harvesting much of the stalk not just the floret. Usually left as waste in the field, the stalks are separated after harvest and transformed into hypoallergenic, plant-based protein and fibre ingredients – generating extra revenue and... Read more
‘Carbon-friendly farmers better placed for future’
A joined-up approach is needed for more growers and livestock producers to embrace carbon-friendly farming, says a report. A raft of different carbon assessment tools with different standards means the system is too confusing to help most farmers make the leap, suggests the latest analysis from the UK Agri-Tech... Read more
Sheep farmer achieves high lamb growth from grass
A Staffordshire sheep farmer is utilising strategic worm control to achieve his best-ever lamb performance from a predominately forage-based diet. Strategic worm control is part of the recipe for success for well-known sheep farmer and Will Roobottom, who runs around 350 ewes comprising a mix of pedigree Lleyns and... Read more
Sheep, science and shouting about Britain
As I write this, I’m about to swap my woolly jumper and autumn layers to attend – and present at – the International Sheep Veterinary Congress in Australia, writes Nerys Wright. It’s a real honour to be part of such a global gathering of sheep minds, and I’m hugely... Read more
How tracking gulls could predict bird flu outbreaks
Poultry producers could soon benefit from tracking wild birds when assessing the risk of avian influenza to their flocks. Livetec Systems is working to integrate data on wild bird movements into its Livestock Protect platform. It says this will help producers understand where cases of bird flu in wild... Read more
Plan early to ease winter feed shortage
Winter silage shortages continue to be cause for concern, with beef and dairy farmers are being encouraged to prioritise forage budgets. Producers facing challenges with fodder quality are encouraged to feed their best quality forage to the animals who need it most in the months ahead following the dry... Read more