Bumper crop of varieties make debut
Arable 05/02/2025
• Latest winter wheats and barleys • Influx of good genetics to the fore • Strong agronomics from breeders A bumper crop of new cereal varieties has been added to the AHDB’s Recommended List for 2025/26. In total, 10 new winter wheats and 14 new winter barleys make their... Read more
Big Farmland Bird Count
News 05/02/2025
Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – the annual national census of farmland birds. Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the bird count provides vital data to help scientists and conservationists understand which species are in trouble... Read more
Farm prospects ‘steady’ for 2025
News 05/02/2025
• Similar profits over next 12 months • Little increase in cost of key inputs • More changes due to farm support Farm profits will remain steady during the coming year – as overall output increases and key inputs look set to stay relatively stable, say experts. “Overall, profitability... Read more
Unfinished business to resolve in 2025
Opinion 05/02/2025
The start of a new year is usually a time to look forward – a time of hope for a better and brighter future. In that respect, 2025 begins just like many other years – if not more so in farming terms. But growers and livestock producers will also... Read more
Incorporating probiotic live yeast into pig diets can reduce finishing time and improve feed conversion ratio, suggests a trial. The year-long trial was carried out across a total of 27,000 pigs in 66 batches. Some 32 batches were supplemented with the probiotic live yeast Levucell SB, says Hannah Elliott,... Read more
Don’t bite hand that feeds you
Opinion 29/01/2025
The autumn Budget shows Labour doesn’t care for farming families – or their farms, says Clodhopper. So now we know. Despite all its pre-election promises, this Labour government doesn’t care for farming. And neither does it care for farmers. The autumn Budget is a disaster for farming. Not just... Read more
A new-style of finance has helped secure a Midland farming family’s future. A Northamptonshire farmer says he has future-proofed his business by using green finance to fund a key diversification project. Third-generation farmer Harry Brown manages 600ha (1500 acres) of predominantly arable land at Potcote Farm, near Towcester. The... Read more
The government has missed a key opportunity to boost economic growth for agriculture and UK businesses, says a farming analyst. As the dust settles from the autumn Budget, the consequences for farming and the wider economy are becoming clear, says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association... Read more
EXPERT VIEW The government’s Autumn Budget heralds significant tax implications for farmers which must be carefully managed, says Stephanie Dennis. Diversification can offer many farmers a valuable additional income stream. But careful legal and tax planning is crucial to avoid unexpected costs. Farmers need to consider how diversification impacts... Read more
Biggest change ‘for a generation’ Farming families should seek professional advice rather than making rash decisions following the Autumn budget, say financial experts. It comes after the government’s decision to abolish 100% agricultural property relief (APR) and impose inheritance tax (IHT) on the value of farming assets above £1m.... Read more