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
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
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
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
A roadmap outlining how producers can profit from more sustainable farming methods has been unveiled in two landmark reports. The reports – a joint initiative by Lloyds Bank and the Soil Association – detail the framework needed for a sustainable UK farming industry and set out a comprehensive environmental... Read more
The UK’s first national livestock theft police officer has launched a new initiative to get on top of the crime. Funding provided by UK rural insurer NFU Mutual has enabled the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU) to recruit Martin Beck, who has 30 years of policing experience in the... Read more
Record rainfall has significantly increased financial pressures on farm businesses – but action can be taken to tackle many challenges. Large areas of farmland remain waterlogged following the wettest 18 months on record. The wet winter and spring have left some farms facing the first season without a harvest... Read more
Farmers and landowners are often concerned about the prospect of tax changes if a Labour government comes to power. A perennial fear is a hike in capital gains tax – or even the introduction of a yet more punitive ‘development tax’. With Keir Starmer’s party tipped to win the... Read more
Changes to permitted development rights could benefit farmers, says Suzanne Tucker Farmers and landowners could find it easier to convert old buildings into new homes following changes to permitted development rights. The UK is facing a national shortage of good quality and affordable homes, so a raft of new... Read more
More than 10,000 farmers have now applied to join the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – and receive payments actions that support food production and the environment. One-in-eight eligible farmers having submitted applications for the Defra scheme in the four months since it re-opened last September. This is on top... Read more