Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
‘Rush’ for renewables puts food security at risk – MP
Former science  minister George Freeman MP has accused the government of putting food security at risk by prioritising Net Zero over farming. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Freeman (pictured right) said swathes of farmland risked being lost under subsidised solar panels generating expensive electricity as the government... Read more
Food security and environment at risk from Labour budget cuts
Anger at closure of  green scheme Farm leaders have urged the government to renew its commitment to food production and the environment following a series of cuts and tax rises. The warning follows last month’s closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive to new applications with immediate effect – and... Read more
‘Punjabi Farm’ in Worcestershire takes to the big screen
A farming family whose roots stretch from India to Worcestershire starred on the big screen after creating a documentary mini-series.         ‘It’s a Punjabi Farm Innit’ follows the journey of the Makhan Singh Padda family from the Punjab to Vicarage Nurseries, in Bretforton, in the Vale... Read more
Industry continues to battle against ‘unjust’ inheritance tax
• Treasury refuses to listen to farmers • Government ‘no interest’ in moving • Leaders propose compromise tax Industry leaders have pledged to fight on after the Treasury again refused to back down on plans to impose inheritance tax in farmers. It came after Treasury minister James Murray summoned... Read more
Mass rally celebrates 60 years of MF137
More than 200 historic tractors came together for a mass rally at last month’s Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show. Some 203 Massey Ferguson 135s – a model which sold more than any others in the series and remains in use across the world today – were showcased at... Read more
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