Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
New partnership unleashes carbon economy benefits
• Generates revenue from farm carbon • Uses a simple-to-understand system • Flexible approach has many options Farmers can maximise opportunities from the carbon economy thanks to a new bespoke focus launched by Agrii and carbon farming innovators Agreena. The partnership helps producers understand carbon farming better while building... Read more
£1m fund rewards farmers for reducing emissions
• Cash to combat climate change • No need to sell carbon credits • Major ‘step forward’ for farmers An innovative programme enabling food supply chains to reward farmers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is now open for applications.  Farmers participating in the scheme can earn £60 for each... Read more
Defra grants ‘vital lifeline’ in 2025
• Business resilience and preparation • Seize opportunities where possible • Stay abreast of policy moves Getting to grips with government grants could prove to be a lifeline for farm businesses this year, say consultants. The months ahead are set to herald opportunities as well as uncertainties – highlighting... Read more
‘Avoid making rash decisions amid Budget fallout’
Hasty decisions around succession planning and diversification should be avoided following last autumn’s budget, say legal experts. Widely criticised for imposing inheritance tax on farming assets worth more than £1 million, the budget saw farm businesses hit by a raft of other measures too – including the faster phase-out... Read more
Update on capital grants expected ‘early this year’
• Defra due to make announcement soon • Existing agreements continue as usual • Change affects existing applications A long-awaited update on the future of Defra’s capital grant scheme is expected early this year, says the government. It follows widespread anger and frustration after capital grants were quickly closed... Read more
‘Green finance’ fuels farm diversification
A new-style of finance has helped secure a Midland farming family’s future. A Northamptonshire farmer says he has future-proofed his business by using green finance to fund a key diversification project. Third-generation farmer Harry Brown manages 600ha (1500 acres) of predominantly arable land at Potcote Farm, near Towcester. The... Read more
Budget ‘lacks measures’ to encourage growth
The government has missed a key opportunity to boost economic growth for agriculture and UK businesses, says a farming analyst. As the dust settles from the autumn Budget, the consequences for farming and the wider economy are becoming clear, says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association... Read more
Key tax considerations when exploring diversification
EXPERT VIEW The government’s Autumn Budget heralds significant tax implications for farmers which must be carefully managed, says Stephanie Dennis. Diversification can offer many farmers a valuable additional income stream. But careful legal and tax planning is crucial to avoid unexpected costs. Farmers need to consider how diversification impacts... Read more
Financial advice to ease Budget pain
Biggest change ‘for a generation’ Farming families should seek professional advice rather than making rash decisions following the Autumn budget, say financial experts. It comes after the government’s decision to abolish 100% agricultural property relief (APR) and impose inheritance tax (IHT) on the value of farming assets above £1m.... Read more
Fragmented land market sees values polarise
Farmland markets virtually flatlined in the third quarter of 2024 – reflecting high average values which remain steady, suggest the latest figures. And with some distinct emerging trends, some areas of the country are commanding exceptional prices, according to the Knight Frank Farmland Index, which tracks the values of... Read more