Prepare early for SFI scheme reopening
Arable 04/02/2026
Farmers are being urged to prepare now for the launch of the revamped Sustainable Farming Incentive later this year. It follows Defra confirmation that the SFI scheme will re-open for smaller farms and those without an existing agreement before the end of June. Other farms will be able to... Read more
High Court hearing over IHT decision
News 04/02/2026
The High Court has fast-tracked a judicial review of the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farming families. It follows claims that the government acted unlawfully by introducing major reforms to long-standing tax reliefs after only a limited technical consultation – despite the wide impact on family farms... Read more
A new winter wheat resistant to barley yellow dwarf virus is closing the yield gap with varieties without the trait, says Yielding 102.8% on the new Recommended List, RGT Guardsman is the first BYDV-resistant wheat to yield greater than 100% of the controls – a significant landmark in the... Read more
Seed breeder KWS has three new winter wheats on the 2026/27 Recommended List (RL) – including the new highest-yielding variety. KWS Aintree promises high, reliable yields while KWS Fowlmere stands out for its exceptionally early maturity. In addition, KWS Grebe offers the rare benefit of Orange Wheat Blossom Midge... Read more
Farm profitability will drop by £1.19bn in 2026, according to business consultants Andersons – but all is not doom and gloom. Andersons forecasts that Total Income from Farming (TIFF) will fall to £6.48bn next year as weaker global commodity markets, higher labour costs and rising fertiliser prices converge. But... Read more
Threat from Spanish African Swine Fever
Livestock 09/01/2026
Pig industry leaders called on the UK government to protect the sector after Spain confirmed its first case of African swine fever (ASF) since 1994. The disease was confirmed in two wild boar – found dead approximately 1km apart – near the Autonomous University of Barcelona in November. Further... Read more
Caution urged over lamb shipments
Livestock 09/01/2026
Meat inspectors are being urged to ensure lamb carcases are clean after French officials rejected £650,000 of exported UK sheepmeat. The incident last month saw four lorryloads of British lamb returned to the UK from Calais after they were held at a French border control post because wool had... Read more
As 2026 beckons, one thing is clear: the past 12 months was a year of extremes – and we can’t be certain that this season will be any less predictable, writes Nerys Wright. Last year started with dry, warm conditions that stretched into regions of the UK unaccustomed to... Read more
Plant breeder Strube is offering three varieties for the UK fodder and energy beet markets for 2026: Clemens, Degas and Gahan. For early planting and on colder soils, Clemens comes with the added benefit of seed priming advancement; although Degas and Gahan have consistently proved themselves over the past... Read more
New slurry tanker exhibited at LAMMA
Livestock 09/01/2026
A 21,000-litre tandem axle unit featuring a new contactless forced steering system for the rear axle will be exhibited by Bauer at LAMMA 2026. The high-specification poly-tanker will be a key attraction at the two-day machinery event, which takes place on 14-15 January at the NEC Birmingham. Bauer’s tankers... Read more