Farmers face rising scrutiny as Environment Agency inspections increase to tackle water pollution, with breaches identified on around half of holdings. The trend reflects growing pressure on agriculture to reduce diffuse pollution and improve water quality, particularly in sensitive catchments, say farm business consultants. Alice Johnson, of Strutt &... Read more

Some £50 million is available to invest in new farm kit following the opening of Defra’s 2026 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The scheme has a tight deadlione, closing to applications at midday on 28 April. Demand is expected to be high – so early application is advised.... Read more

Last year I was asking whether there was ever an ideal time to talk about water for agriculture. After last summer’s drought – and the impact on yields – means that question has been firmly answered. Restrictions in several catchments means water availability is now a central business risk... Read more

Seven students have graduated and received their Certificate of Higher Education in Livestock Operations and Management. The four-year programme aims to equip practising livestock auctioneers with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape – including a strategic approach to their profession. The course... Read more

A new professional body bringing together farm management and consultancy experts aims give the sector a stronger voice at a time of huge economic and policy change. Launched last month, the Society of Agriculture (SocAg) brings together the Institute of Agricultural Management and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants.... Read more

Farm profitability will drop by £1.19bn in 2026, according to business consultants Andersons – but all is not doom and gloom. Andersons forecasts that Total Income from Farming (TIFF) will fall to £6.48bn next year as weaker global commodity markets, higher labour costs and rising fertiliser prices converge. But... Read more

Rising demand is tightening supply in Britain’s free-range egg market – creating opportunities for farmers to diversify. Driven by strong retail and foodservice demand for trusted, high-welfare production, the free-range egg market is forecast to grow by more than 10% by 2030, says Matthew Falk, of egg producers Stonegate.... Read more

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