Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Unfinished business to resolve in 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
Don’t bite hand that feeds you
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
Justifiable anger at bombshell Budget 
It would be a huge understatement to say the government’s Budget took farmers by surprise. After all, Labour had repeatedly ruled out any changes to inheritance tax – and insisted they had agriculture’s interests at heart. No wonder that disbelief soon turned to anger at the Chancellor’s decision to... Read more
Ploughing on regardless
Another wet autumn means more growers are returning to the plough, says Clodhopper The countryside has undergone a sudden change this autumn. No, nothing to do with government grants or lost payments. But relating to cultivation techniques. It isn’t widespread but it is noticeable. Certain pockets of arable land... Read more
Time to take control of our farming future
When times are challenging, it’s important to accept that some things are largely beyond our control. In farming, there’s much we can’t influence directly. Unpredictable weather, volatile market prices and uncertain agricultural policies to name just a few. But by taking the emotion out of decision-making and controlling what... Read more
Hedge wars

Hedge wars

Opinion 14/09/2023

When it comes to cutting down hedges, it’s one rule for farmers and another for everyone else, says Clodhopper. Read more
Rubbish decisions

Fly-tipping remains a scourge on the countryside – and farmers are paying the price, says Clodhopper.

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Looking back to go forwards

The past has lessons for us all when it comes to securing our farming future, says Clodhopper.

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Who holds the purse strings?

A personal touch is best when borrowing money – especially in farming, says Clodhopper.

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We’re in for a challenging year: rising input costs – or ag-inflation – are set to remain a key concern for farmers during 2023, say experts.

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