Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Thousands of farms could face inheritance tax raid
• Single farm owners at most risk • Retailers in government warning • Plan now for secure farm future More than 42,000 farms larger than 50ha (125 acres) will be affected by changes to inheritance tax rules, suggest the latest estimates. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has calculated... Read more
Big Farmland Bird Count
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
• 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
Tributes paid to Staffordshire dairy farmer champion
The farming community has paid tribute to Staffordshire dairy farmer David Brookes, who has died suddenly aged 65. An NFU branch, county and regional officeholder for many years, Mr Brookes was a dairy champion – and helped lead the SOS Dairy campaign for fairer milk prices in 2012. The... Read more
Chancellor under fire after autumn Budget bombshell
• NFU condemns lack of consultation • Destructive and bungled in delivery • ‘Farmers cannot afford this change’ Industry leaders have condemned the government for unveiling plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers without consultation. Farming families were left stunned by the shock decision – announced by Chancellor Rachel... Read more
Farm workhorse: pick-up delivers where it counts
The new-look D-Max has helped take Isuzu to another level. We drive two popular models. When it comes to pickups, the Isuzu D-Max has long been a favourite among farmers. We had the opportunity to test drive the basic Utility model – and compare it with the more premium... Read more
Tyre inflation system  delivers for contractor
A farming and contracting business has converted its new Fendt 728 tractor to run on tyres specially designed to work with central tyre inflation systems (CTIS). The latest generation of Michelin EvoBib agricultural tyres are the first on the market specifically designed to be used with CTIS – optimising... Read more
Profitability focus for digital farming event
Profitable farming in a digital age is the topic for a new conference which will bring together farmers and technology expects. The Connected Farming Conference is being organised by Hutchinsons and AgriTech-E. The one-day event will take place from 10am to 3pm on 3 December at the KingsGate Conference... Read more
New era beckons for CropTec
• Focus on innovation and knowledge • Profit at heart of successful farming • New sessions reflect range of topics Future-proofed farms will be a hot topic at this month’s CropTec Show which has been revamped to reflect with industry trends. Regular visitors will notice some significant changes at... Read more
Family farms reap rewards from diversificatiion
More growers and livestock producers are diversifying as they strive to secure a more sustainable future for their farm business. Some 17% of farmers plan to start a diversification in the next five years – up from 15% in 2023. And 40% of producers already running a diversified enterprise... Read more