Maize could be a good choice for many growers this spring – stacking up well against more conventional crops with additional benefits from the Sustainable Farming Incentive. “Significant reductions in nitrogen use, low-input agronomy and soil improvement opportunities are just some of the appeal and managed properly maize can... Read more
Large amounts of land are being taken out of food production and put into the government’s flagship agri-environment scheme, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, say agronomists. Contractors and farmers could struggle to survive where large areas of arable land are being put into the scheme, which is being seen by... Read more
You can push through, says young farmer
News 05/03/2024
A young farmer is undertaking a challenging feat of endurance to highlight mental health issues in agriculture. Tom York, a volunteer with the Farming Community Network (FCN) and a student at Harper Adams University, will compete in a gruelling Ultimate Triathlon – comprising a 2.4-mile swim, 122-mile bike ride,... Read more
New glasshouse facility at Riseholme Campus
News 05/03/2024
A new net zero glasshouse research and development facility is set for the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme campus. The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is providing a grant of £1,333,000 for the project, and the University of Lincoln is providing a further £888,666 – bringing the total project cost... Read more
Government makes pledge on UK food security
News 05/03/2024
Grants worth £427m will be opened to farmers this year – following an announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at last month’s NFU conference. The package will include £220m for technology and productivity schemes, said Mr Sunak – ensuring the government delivered on its commitment to maintain the farming... Read more
A new career development service has launched – giving farmers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and professionalism. The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) is a professional body for people working in farming and growing. It encourages people in farming to progress their career – whatever the sector... Read more
Local charities across the Midlands have received more than £178,000 in donations raised by the region’s NFU Mutual office. Some 40 local charities will received a share of the money – part of a £1.92 million Agency Giving Fund launched by the rural insurer’s head office in Stratford upon... Read more
Farmers and self-employed people working in agriculture are being urged to update their pension contributions following two years of high inflation. Many farmers use pensions as an alternative income stream in later life to reduce the impact of multiple generations taking income from the farm – and the number... Read more
Farmers can find out how to generate income from carbon credits thanks to a new online toolkit launched by the Green Finance Institute (GFI). The Defra-supported free toolkit sets out to help farmers understand nature markets – including biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality as well as carbon credits... Read more
An Essex farming couple says embracing regenerative farming methods is proving good for their livestock enterprise as well as for the environment. Husband-and-wife team Sam and Kate Squier are the driving force behind Humphreys Farm, at Great Waltham, near Chelmsford. They rear quality beef using a system which includes... Read more