Growers are being urged to stay alert for signs of insect activity as mild conditions and a lingering green bridge between crops increase the threat from pests. Warm, dry weather through September and early October has prolonged aphid flights and encouraged multiple pest species to thrive in newly emerged... Read more
Extension for mid-tier stewardship farmers
News 14/11/2025
Farmers still awaiting details of Countryside Stewardship mid-tier extensions are being urged to contact the Rural Payments agency sooner rather than later. More than 5000 farmers with Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreements due to expire at the end of December are being offered one-year extensions to maintain environmental and food-production... Read more
The NFU is calling on the government to renew its relationship with farmers and growers ahead of this month’s Budget. NFU president Tom Bradshaw has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to introduce measures that will ignite investment and growth in the industry, saying rock-bottom confidence has left farm investment as... Read more
Farmers with life insurance policies should check whether they have been put into trust to avoid an unnecessary inheritance tax bill. Nearly 7,500 families paid inheritance tax on life insurance policies according to new HM Revenue & Customs figures, but many would have escaped a bill if their policy... Read more
The rapidly expanding biodiversity market offers potential income opportunities for farmers and landowners, say advisers. New Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules introduced last year mean developers are now required to replace habitats lost during building projects – plus a net gain of at least 10%. Developers can do this... Read more
Poultry producers could be missing out on health and performance benefits due to misconceptions about probiotics in rations. Using probiotics to balance gut bacteria can benefit bird health and food safety – as well as performance, claims monogastric marketing manager Sarah Turner from pharmaceutical company Elanco. “Whether you’re a... Read more
The impact of this year’s unusually dry weather is increasingly clear – particularly for producers trying to get ewes into optimal body condition for tupping, says Nerys Wright. While rainfall has been highly variable across the UK, some areas have been hit harder than others, with many parts of... Read more
Egg counts key to gut worm control
Livestock 06/10/2025
Sheep farmers are being urged not to panic when faced with new gut worm outbreaks amid reports they are becoming more prevalent. Also known as Barber’s Pole worm, haemonchus is no longer a problem restricted to the south of England. Given the right conditions – usually warm and wet... Read more
Dairy farmers are being urged to carry out their winter forage budgets early to give them enough time to secure any additional feed requirements. Farmers may be caught out if they leave it late to secure additional winter forage stocks, says Csaba Adamik, regional business manager for Lallemand Animal... Read more
Plans to ensure dairy-beef calves are “reared with purpose” is achievable but will involve challenges, says a leading vet. The GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030 was launched last month for the sector to ensure every calf is reared with care, purpose and value – including those which are often perceived... Read more