Author Posts: Farmers Guide

Rural tourism businesses will be able to reopen from 4th July, the government has announced, prompting a sigh of relief from rural organisations.

As exceptionally dry weather has meant poor early grass growth in many parts, forage supply may not meet demand for grazing cattle and sheep.

Visitors to the countryside are being asked to leave barbecues at home and take extreme care, as the heatwave is heightening fire risks.

The UK Government has launched a consultation to find out whether new regulations could help to ensure dairy farmers are treated fairly, which the NFU is describing as a “once in a lifetime opportunity to build a better future for the UK dairy sector”.

With the use of webinars increasing amongst all sectors of the agricultural industry significantly during the Covid-19 lockdown, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has added to its diary of virtual events with further online delivery sessions set to help sheep farmers in a variety of areas over the coming months.

Over 90% of contributors anticipate a greater need for farming support organisations over the next five years, a new survey conducted by The Farming Community Network (FCN) has shown.

With over 20 different species affecting livestock in the UK, flies are one of the biggest ectoparasite problems faced by farmers across the country. From loss of productivity due to reduced grazing time, through to acting as a vector for diseases, the impact of flies can be significant and, if not appropriately controlled, can even result in livestock fatalities.

Welsh sheep and beef farmer, Gareth Wyn Jones, will complete the ’25 push ups, 25 days’ challenge to help raise awareness of mental health issues in farming.

Increased use of tracking security devices on tractors and quad bikes has helped Police Scotland recover stolen farm machinery worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Farm owners and managers are being asked to help shape a new education programme which aims to develop home-grown talent for the agricultural industry.

The National Sheep Association is once again reminding Government to consider the broader potential ramifications of new trade deals, as talks with New Zealand and Australia begin.

The UK faces a shortage of fruit and vegetables under a no-Brexit scenario unless new markets are found soon, experts at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have warned.