Changes to permitted development rights could benefit farmers, says Suzanne Tucker Farmers and landowners could find it easier to convert old buildings into new homes following changes to permitted development rights. The UK is facing a national shortage of good quality and affordable homes, so a raft of new... Read more
More than 10,000 farmers have now applied to join the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – and receive payments actions that support food production and the environment. One-in-eight eligible farmers having submitted applications for the Defra scheme in the four months since it re-opened last September. This is on top... Read more
Non-farmers purchased more than half of all farms sold on the open market last year, suggest the latest figures from land agents Strutt & Parker. Farmers accounted for the lowest level of transactions on record during 2023 – equivalent to only 44% of open market transactions during the year... Read more
A step-by-step approach will help growers get the most from the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive – delivering bigger benefits for farm businesses and for the environment, say advisers. “While 2024 has started with the promise of numerous new SFI options to be introduced during the summer, coupled to a... Read more
More than 30% of GB sheep flocks don’t know their barren ewe rate or are reporting a figure greater than 5% after lambing. The finding follows an online survey of 966 sheep flocks conducted by MSD Animal Health. Animal health livestock veterinary adviser Kat Baxter-Smith described the figure as... Read more
5 steps to better surplus lamb growth
Livestock 05/03/2024
Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns. Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing... Read more
Beef sector gears up for major showcase
Livestock 05/03/2024
Beef producers from across the UK will gather at next month’s Beef Expo show – the flagship event to celebrate the best of British cattle breeding. Organised by the National Beef Association, the one-day exhibition is scheduled to coincide with Great British Beef Week – being held on 27... Read more
Exporters promote UK beef and lamb
Livestock 05/03/2024
One of the world’s largest food and drink trade shows has provided the platform to showcase high-quality British beef and lamb. Thirteen red meat and seven dairy exporters from the joined the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in Dubai last month to promote world-class produce to buyers from... Read more
Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestock producers must remain vigilant for the disease. Temporary control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and... Read more
Two of the most recognisable names in UK agricultural drainage are celebrating 23 years of working together. The relationship began when DMJ Drainage managing director Darren Howell bought his first Mastenbroek agricultural drainage trencher in 2001. The company has since grown into a multi-million-pound business employing 150 people. Today,... Read more