Soaring electricity bills are expected to pile the pressure on farm businesses over the coming months, say analysts. Fixed charge increases are expected to increase by between 60% and 130% on a like for like basis, says Barry Crossan, head of utilities at the AF Group. This will be... Read more
Almost half of farmers still have no plans in place outlining how they will hand their farms to the next generation – despite proposed changes to inheritance tax. New figures from NFU Mutual show that almost 18% of farmers know it is important to put plans in place for... Read more
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
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
• 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
• 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
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
• 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
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
• 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