Rural News

Farmer Robert Moore made it his goal to leave his 356-hectare arable unit in a better state for the environment and wildlife than when he took it on in 1988. To do this, he has balanced sustainability and profitability in his approach to farming.

Farmers in the Midlands are being advised by the police to increase vehicle security following a spate of 20 high-value tractors and telehandler thefts in Staffordshire and Shropshire over the last month. Police suspect a highly-organised criminal gang is responsible for the thefts.

Dr Johnny Wake, who took over the running of the historic Courteenhall estate ten years ago, was presented with the prestigious Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners at the Royal Windsor Estate yesterday (Thursday 7th September).

With the launch of the SFI scheme delayed until mid-September and farmers facing a bleak end to 2023, the NFU is calling on the government to “do the right thing” and halt all further reductions to BPS payments until environmental schemes are fully up and running.

Practical ways to lower carbon emissions will take centre stage at this year’s Dairy Show, where farmers can expect the latest advice, research and tools to help them on the path to net zero.

Returning for its second year, the National TB conference is a platform for farmers and industry stakeholders to come together and discuss the challenges of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and the barriers that remain towards a disease-free future.

A hot topic in the transitioning agri industry, sustainability and green farming will be the overarching theme at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show, taking place on 8-9th November at the Newark Showground.

As of July, primary pork products including steaks, roasting joints and mince, have been knocked off the best-performing red meat spot as consumers opt for more affordable proteins in an attempt to save money.

Extreme weather events driven by climate change and industry net zero commitments are focusing the potato supply chain’s attention on how to reduce the crop’s carbon footprint. Andrew Blair, field technical manager at the UK’s largest potato supplier, Branston, explains how an Innovate UK funded project is examining the potential for reducing carbon in potato production from growing through to storage and transport.

The NFU is calling young people with a genuine passion for British food and farming to take part in its popular Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme and represent the voice of the next generation in agriculture in 2024.

LEAF Education, the lead agri-education organisation in England and Wales, has seen a hugely positive response from schools to the experiential food and farming related national primary school competition, titled ‘All for Farm and Food for All’. 

The third consecutive GB Calf Week will be kicking off at the UK’s largest dairy industry event on 13th September, with a series of on-farm and virtual events promoting responsible dairy calf management.