Police have pledged a tougher crackdown on hare coursing gangs after mounting pressure from farmers facing repeated attacks and intimidation. A package of measures announced by the force includes faster emergency responses, specialist officer training, drone deployment and plans to seize all dogs used in hare coursing incidents. It... Read more
Farm contracting charges for individual operations have risen by up to 15 per cent following cost increases caused by the Iran war. Results from the latest survey by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) show that prices have generally risen a few per cent higher than 2025 –... Read more
Management training provider MDS has launched a new agri-food apprenticeship programme for college and sixth form leavers aged 18 and over. The Fresh Futures Programme offers a direct route into the agriculture and food industry and a practical alternative to university. It follows 40 years of developing industry talent... Read more
The farmland market in England held steady during the first three months of the year 2026 – despite a cautious mood across the sector. Just over 7,000 acres were publicly marketed in the first quarter, according to the latest figures from Strutt & Parker. That is 3,300 acres fewer... Read more
Farmers face rising scrutiny as Environment Agency inspections increase to tackle water pollution, with breaches identified on around half of holdings. The trend reflects growing pressure on agriculture to reduce diffuse pollution and improve water quality, particularly in sensitive catchments, say farm business consultants. Alice Johnson, of Strutt &... Read more
Some £50 million is available to invest in new farm kit following the opening of Defra’s 2026 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The scheme has a tight deadlione, closing to applications at midday on 28 April. Demand is expected to be high – so early application is advised.... Read more
Last year I was asking whether there was ever an ideal time to talk about water for agriculture. After last summer’s drought – and the impact on yields – means that question has been firmly answered. Restrictions in several catchments means water availability is now a central business risk... Read more
Seven students have graduated and received their Certificate of Higher Education in Livestock Operations and Management. The four-year programme aims to equip practising livestock auctioneers with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape – including a strategic approach to their profession. The course... Read more
A new professional body bringing together farm management and consultancy experts aims give the sector a stronger voice at a time of huge economic and policy change. Launched last month, the Society of Agriculture (SocAg) brings together the Institute of Agricultural Management and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants.... Read more
Farm profitability will drop by £1.19bn in 2026, according to business consultants Andersons – but all is not doom and gloom. Andersons forecasts that Total Income from Farming (TIFF) will fall to £6.48bn next year as weaker global commodity markets, higher labour costs and rising fertiliser prices converge. But... Read more