Rural News

Meat alternatives brand Beyond Meat has seen its sales decline by nearly a third in the second quarter of 2023, as consumers opt for more affordable animal protein and the health credentials of plant-based meat are called into question by many.

Building on last year’s success, AHDB and UK exporters travelled to the Philippines to showcase the qualities of British pork and beef at the World Food Expo (WOFEX), meet key stakeholders and cultivate new business opportunities in the Asian market.

Over £14 million will be on offer in new competition rounds to develop innovative solutions in the farming sector as part of the government’s Farming Innovation Programme, Defra has announced yesterday (2nd August).

The latest NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report reveals an alarming increase in criminal activity across the British countryside, with the total cost of rural crime adding up to an estimated £49.5m, a steep rise of 22% from the previous year.

UK livestock markets have raised thousands of pounds for mental health charities, in support of Len’s Light Tractor Relay – which saw a Warwickshire farming couple travel 2,000 miles in honour of their son, who died by suicide last year.

The Addington Fund has launched two new greetings cards to help fundraise for its work supporting rural communities.

In recognition of her advocacy for sustainable farming practices and role in educating young people about food production, Katie Rose-Davies, a third-generation hill farmer from South Wales, has been selected as the 25th winner of the Wales Woman Farmer of the Year Award.

With a plethora of machinery, technology and productivity grants expected to re-open in December 2023/January 2024, the Midlands Machinery Show is well timed for farmers looking to make the most of these.

Livestock farmers will be able to apply for grants of up to £500,000 to improve cattle housing and boost productivity, with further grants being made available for purchasing equipment and technology as part of the government’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

A new report by the Efra Select Committee has accused the government of failing to take food security seriously enough, and urged it to change its definition to include affordability and access to food.

Responding to financial pressures facing the sector, Yorkshire pig producers Vicky, Rachel and Kate Morgan, diversified into holiday lets. Since their March launch they’ve received outstanding customer reviews and their new enterprise is fully booked until August. This is how they did it… 

As part of their campaign to Back British Farming, A-Plan Rural Insurance is sitting down with farmers to chat about all things farming. In their latest blog, they spoke with Anna Longthorn (@annas_happy_trotters), who is an English farmer. Anna discusses the farm she works on, how she came to be a pig farmer, the farming tradition in her family and the opportunities she sees for others wanting to enter farming.