Farmers will be challenged to decide when new technology is good enough to justify investment at this year’s REAP Conference in Peterborough. The Agri-TechE flagship event will focus on turning innovation into commercially viable technology – and its relevance for growers, livestock producers, other businesses and investors. With research... Read more
Farmers looking to reduce their reliance on agricultural income will be offered new diversification options at the Farm Business Innovation show in Birmingham. The two-day event will bring together more than 110 exhibitors at the NEC on 4-5 November. Businesses will showcase opportunities ranging from renewable energy and accommodation... Read more
Farm businesses must harness data, respond to changing markets and sharpen management skills to remain profitable during a period of rapid change. That will be the central business message at the National Farm Management Conference in London on 5 November, where farmers and advisers will examine how better management... Read more
Britain’s leading ploughmen and women will compete for national titles when the British National Ploughing Championships marks its 75th anniversary in Warwickshire next month. The two-day event at Austrey, near Atherstone, on 10-11 October will bring competitors from Scotland to Cornwall. Winners could ultimately earn the chance to represent... Read more
Fresh produce growers and Morrisons will urge parliamentarians to reform water policy as drought increases risks to British food production and farm investment. The sector will set out four priorities at a House of Lords event on 17 November, hosted by former NFU president Minette Batters. The proposals follow... Read more
Farm businesses hit by the dry, hot summer should identify revenue shortfalls and agree funding plans before weaker harvests filter into farm accounts, say lenders. Immediate harvest damage will not translate evenly into cashflow pressures, said Brian Richardson, head of agriculture at Virgin Money. But businesses should use robust... Read more
As tupping time approaches, it is easy to assume that because a tup worked successfully last year, he will be ready to go again this autumn, writes Nerys Wright. Unfortunately, sheep do not read the rule book. Age, injury, disease and environmental factors can all affect fertility, and after... Read more
New screening data has exposed the scale of bovine coronavirus exposure in UK calves, increasing pressure to strengthen respiratory disease prevention before winter housing. More than two-thirds of calves screened by MSD Animal Health between 2022 and 2026 found 69.5% had antibodies to bovine coronavirus. Those calves were also... Read more
Ewe condition and feed supplies should be assessed promptly before tupping this autumn – to reduce the likelihood of barren ewes and weaker returns. Drought conditions have already seen many farms to use forage normally held for winter. Grass growth has fallen short, cutting the energy and protein available... Read more
Pig producers hit by processor contract cuts have taken their case directly to the government and independent supply-chain adjudicator amid warnings that farmers could leave the sector. Eight affected producers set out their concerns to agricultural supply chain adjudicator Richard Thompson and Defra officials at a roundtable organised by... Read more