Rural News

Scottish farmer Janet McQuistin speaks to Farmers Guide about rural life, the power of social media in overcoming isolation, and how she finally achieved her dream of farming full-time, despite the opinions of a school guidance counsellor.

Auto Spray Systems has announced the launch of a new breed of autonomous robot – the first of its kind in Europe – which promises increased efficiency and reduce emissions.

The team behind the popular Farmer Time initiative – which links up farmers and schools using digital platforms – is urging farmers across the country to sign up now, as there are 200 schools ready and waiting to be matched.

Donations of chicken equating to 55,000 meals have been shared with some of the country’s most needy charity groups.

Mixed farmer and social media influencer Charlie Beaty spoke to Farmers Guide about why she feels it’s important that farmers show the highs and the lows of farming – not only for mental health in the industry, but also to gain public trust.

Swedish oat drink company Oatly – which has sparked a backlash among farmers for its claims about dairy farming’s environmental impact – has unveiled plans to open its first UK factory in Peterborough in 2023, sourcing oats from UK farmers.

Dorset farmer and Instagram influencer Emma Foot speaks to Farmers Guide about sharing her story with her 17.6K followers, inspiring women in farming and the highlights and challenges of farm life.

For many reasons, the sometimes fragile state of mental health in agriculture is making more and more headlines. Rebecca Wilson and Lizzie McLaughlin, creators of the NEW podcast ‘Boots and Heels’, really wanted to explore why is it that the difficulties faced by the agricultural industry are unique and so prevalent, and how anyone affected can find support.

UKRI and Defra have announced their R&D collaboration for an exciting new funding opportunity, Farming Innovation Pathways. 

Herefordshire farmer Ally Hunter Blair began his Instagram account as a way of sharing positive stories around agriculture, but has found that looking back over the photographs helps him to appreciate what he has. We spoke to Ally about farm life, the pros and cons of social media and life in a pandemic.

The Cereals Event has moved to 30th June – 1st July to accommodate the maximum number of visitors and exhibitors following the Government’s announcement of its lockdown exit strategy.

Meeting net zero targets and improving efficiency were dominant themes at this year’s Dairy-Tech Online (3rd–17th February), which was held over Zoom for the first time due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Sarah Kidby reports.