Rural News

As Storm Agnes is set to kick off this storm naming season with winds of up to 75mph in many parts of the UK, NFU Mutual is urging farmers to act now and protect their farms before it is too late.

A-Plan Rural Insurance sat down with Joanna Shimwell (@dalefarmphotos), who shares her personal farming journey, and her family farm’s wide range of diversifications from the modern day, dating back to its establishment in 1880.

Set to take place at the Staffordshire County Showground on 18th-19th November, this year’s English Winter Fair is anticipating a record number of entries from young competitors as the event continues to build its success at attracting the next generation of stock people and animal handlers from across the country.

AHDB has welcomed a pioneering study by UK scientists that demonstrates the need for using multiple metrics, such as GWP*, to accurately assess the climate impact of methane from livestock for better policymaking.

A new campaign launched by Riverford Organic Farmers is seeking fair treatment for fruit and vegetable producers, citing that 49% fear closure within the next 12 months as a result of supermarket buying behaviour.

As rural crime continues its unrelenting spread across the UK, the NFU is calling for greater protection for farmers and landowners as National Rural Crime Action Week gets underway.

On Friday 8th September, the UK’s first BSc (Hons) Regenerative Agriculture students celebrated their success at a well-attended graduation ceremony at Writtle University College (WUC).

Despite claims that the popular farming show would end at season three following Clarkson’s controversial comments about Meghan Markle, reports suggest it is on track for renewal.

The Duchy of Cornwall and Prince William have spent the past year developing a strategy to prioritise the mental wellbeing of their tenants.

The AgriScot Business Skills Competition, sponsored by NFU Mutual and supported by Scotland’s Rural College, looks to support aspiring young professionals by encouraging them to think about the skills required to manage an agricultural business, whilst also connecting them with mentors and networks, to help with their personal and professional development. 

To enable more farmers to be part of the scheme, Defra has announced support will be provided to those who started their Countryside Stewardship (CS) 2024 applications by the deadline of Friday 15th September to make sure they can still benefit from the scheme.

A farmer in the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) near Swansea is pleading to visitors to follow the Countryside Code and keep a safe distance away from wildlife after a newborn foal was forced over a cliff edge by selfie-takers.