A tight rein on cashflow will be key for farmers wanting to optimise their business performance this year, say analysts. Balancing input costs and farm output will remain a challenge over the coming months, says Andersons Outlook 2024– the annual forecast for the year ahead published by the farm... Read more

The AKP Group, one of the UK’s biggest vertically integrated potato supply chain specialists, has completed the acquisition of Wolds Produce. Established in 1999 by Richard Arundel and Bruce Kerr, the AKP Group is a North Lincolnshire potato grower and supply chain specialist, delivering potatoes to the retail, processing... Read more

Industry leaders are calling for targeted investment in agriculture following a disappointing Autumn Statement for the sector. Many farmers will miss out on an £11bn corporate tax incentive unveiled by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last month. Reductions in national insurance will be a benefit – but previously announced changes mean... Read more

A former doctor now working in agriculture says he is committed to building a bridge between farming, health and education. Johnny Wake is managing partner of the 690ha Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire. He says he is on a mission to secure a sustainable future for the business for generations... Read more

The NFU has commissioned an independent review of farm assurance schemes – including the Red Tractor – and whether they offer value for money. It follows accusations that the union waved through a “greener farm commitment” by the Red Tractor scheme which will see farmers asked to prove their... Read more

Midland farmers can receive funding and free specialist advice to drill cover crops this autumn – thanks to Severn Trent’s Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS). The water company is paying growers up to £175/ha to match-fund seed purchases. It is also offering free support from its team of agricultural advisers,... Read more

Payments to farmers who join the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive will be made before the year-end, says Defra. The pledge follows NFU criticism that the government is forging ahead with the phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme without giving farmers the opportunity to recoup at least some of the... Read more

Farm machinery to the value of nearly £5.6 million has been sold by regional auctioneer Halls in the first seven months of an exceptionally busy year.

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Deadline extended as Defra blames technical issues

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The government’s failure to pay farmers properly for looking after the environment threatens to leave the UK unable to produce enough of its own food, says an influential think tank.

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