Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Thousands of farming families overpaying inheritance tax
Farmers with life insurance policies should check whether they have been put into trust to avoid an unnecessary inheritance tax bill. Nearly 7,500 families paid inheritance tax on life insurance policies according to new HM Revenue & Customs figures, but many would have escaped a bill if their policy... Read more
Biodiversity can offer farmers potential income stream
The rapidly expanding biodiversity market offers potential income opportunities for farmers and landowners, say advisers. New Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules introduced last year mean developers are now required to replace habitats lost during building projects – plus a net gain of at least 10%. Developers can do this... Read more
Defra review raises ‘serious concerns’ for horticulture
• Big implications for UK growers • Challenge for seasonal workers • Cost of recruitment could soar Requiring growers to cover all costs associated with seasonal workers under the Seasonal Worker Scheme would pose a huge challenge, says the NFU. The warning follows a review into the Employer Pays... Read more
Open Farm Sunday cultivates better public understanding
• Big increase in farms taking part • 200,000 people visit local farms • Good for getting message across More than 270 farms hosted Open Farm Sunday visits this year – a 20% increase on 2024, say organisers. The nation’s flagship annual event celebrating British farming is seen as... Read more
Labour shortages and tech reshape farming
Rapid technological change and ongoing labour challenges are reshaping the future of the UK’s agriculture and horticulture sectors, says a report. As automation and digitalisation accelerate, the nature of jobs is evolving, shifting demand towards higher-skilled, specialist roles and reducing reliance on low-skilled and seasonal labour, says the study.... Read more
Families urged to talk before tax changes
• Plan sooner rather than later • Help on hand for best options • Business structure important Communication, compromise and common sense will be crucial in family discussions to safeguard farming businesses ahead of tax changes, say experts. Michael Horton, of the rural management team at land agent Savills,... Read more
Regenerative agriculture in spotlight
Soil health and economic pressures will be discussed at a dedicated Regenerative Agriculture conference at this month’s Cereals event. Hosted by BASE UK and sponsored by sponsored by Tees Law, the conference will run across both days of the event – held on 11-12 June at Heath Farm, near... Read more
£50m grant fund opens for farm tech and equipment
• Latest launch of FETF grants • Six-week application window • Goal to boost farming profits A multi-million-pound fund opens for applications this month to boost farm profitability, productivity and food security. The £46.7 million Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) offers three types of grant – each worth... Read more
5 steps to reduce your inheritance tax risk
EXPERT VIEW Farming families still have time to act before new tax rules kick in, says Toby Tallon. Farming families should take action ahead of changes to agricultural and business property relief. Inheritance tax is now a key consideration before new rules come into effect in April 2026. When... Read more
‘No stone unturned’ in farm profit review
• Goal to make farming more viable • Six months to find Defra answers • No ‘silver bullet’ to boost incomes Former NFU president Minette Batters has pledged to leave no stone unturned after being appointed to lead a Defra review of farm profitability.  Announced last month, the six-month... Read more