Farmers are being encouraged to take part in this month’s Big Farmland Bird Count – and provide a vital snapshot of the health of Britain’s cherished farmland birds. The annual nationwide survey takes place from 2-18 February. It raises awareness of the role farmers play in the farmland bird... Read more

More farmers could be paid to store floodwater on their land – helping to protect communities from extreme weather. It follows a series of winter storms which has seen farmland flooded across the Midlands and East Anglia – with fields likely to remain submerged for weeks to come and... Read more

Oswestry sheep farmer Martin Jones completed a notable silverware double at Christmas fatstock show and sales at livestock markets in Shropshire. Mr Jones, from Lower Forest, The Racecourse, followed a  cup win at Oswestry Market by winning the silverware on offer in the Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale at... Read more

British-grown baked beans are one step nearer thanks to a Lincolnshire farmer and scientists at Warwick University. The first crop of commercially grown Capulet beans have been harvested by Andrew Ward, who farms at Leadenham, between Sleaford and Newark. Previously, baked beans have had to be imported from as... Read more

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