Rural News

The North Country Cheviot, a hardy and versatile Scottish sheep breed first introduced to Wales in the 1970s, is celebrating its 40th appearance at the Royal Welsh Show this year.

Writtle University College, one of the UK’s leading providers of land-based courses, has recently announced plans to merge with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), a move that will enhance the offering and research capabilities of both institutions.

The UK’s only two-day on-farm regenerative agriculture conference, Groundswell, sold out for another year, attracting over 6,500 attendees, with 75% either directly farming or involved in a farming enterprise.   

Farmers in Northern Ireland are being urged to increase security in their farmyards and fields as harvest approaches due to a recent upsurge in global positioning systems (GPS) thefts reported by authorities.

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths has recently visited Sealands Farm near Bridgend, South Wales, to learn about its sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment and business alike.

New research by rural insurer NFU Mutual has revealed that nearly a quarter of people – and just under one third of those living in the countryside – are concerned that poor road conditions in rural areas present a barrier to country living.

Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper will be judging an exciting new video competition launched by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) to showcase the opportunities available in the sector and spread positive messages about food and farming.

On-the-spot fines for litter, graffiti and fly-tipping are set to rise as the government moves to clamp down on anti-social behaviour that harms nature and communities, environment minister Rebecca Pow announced last week.

After two years of dedicated service, AHDB CEO Tim Rycroft has chosen to resign from his position and will be leaving the organisation at the end of this year.

South London-based Gypsy Hill has become the first brewery in the world to create carbon negative beer without offsetting emissions by combining innovative brewing techniques with barley grown using regenerative farming methods.

Returning for its sixth year to Builth Wells on Sunday 23rd July, the Welsh International Speed Shear is set to welcome talented individuals from across the globe to compete in aid of charity, with organisers anticipating a record number of entries this year.

Farmers and landowners in England can now run pop-up campsites for up to 60 days per year without the need to apply for additional planning permission, which Pitchup.com said could offer a lifeline to struggling rural communities.