Rural News

With global consumption of both meat and dairy products expected to grow further over the next year, the AHDB is calling businesses to build on the successes already achieved and make the most of the export opportunities ahead.

Farmers in Scotland and Wales have been denied emergency use of Asulox (asulam) for bracken control as the devolved governments opted to follow advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stating the risks posed to the environment and human health outweigh the potential benefits.

The ‘new and improved’ Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 will start accepting applications from August, with an expanded list of actions and more flexibility, Defra has revealed.

A new carbon decision support tool is being piloted by Innovation for Agriculture (IfA) to help farmers choose the most appropriate platform for assessing carbon on their farm from the growing number of options available.

Practical advice on how to farm in harmony with nature – and how to make that work for businesses – will be on offer with the Soil Association charity at Groundswell on the 28th and 29th June 2023.

Emergency authorisation has been granted for the aerial spraying and some ground-based applications of Asulox (Asulam) to control the spread of bracken in England, with decisions for other parts of the UK to follow next week.

The machinery display at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show will feature Farmtac’s pioneering all-electric compact tractor, alongside other cutting-edge machines from the brand including the popular FT26 and the higher horsepower FT6050.

The principles of redesigning agricultural systems to regenerate soils, biodiversity and the bottom line are the same no matter where you are in the world.  It is how we interpret and apply them which changes, and this is what Groundswell is all about – exploring the nuances of regenerative approaches across the diverse landscapes of the UK.

Over 250 farmers took part in this year’s LEAF Open Farm Sunday, welcoming more than 170,000 people for trailer tours, farm walks, tastings and Q&As.

At the first ever ‘Nature for Finance’ event held at Downing Street yesterday (19th June), Defra announced further support for farmers to access private investment for nature recovery projects that deliver outcomes such as improved soil health and ecosystem services on farms to promote sustainable food production.

Weeks of rumours have been put to rest last Thursday (15th June) when Irish meat processor ABP Foods announced it will be taking over the Bridge of Allan abattoir and Queenslie meat packing plant in Scotland, leading to concerns being raised regarding the nation’s red meat sector.

Groundswell Festival, which takes place at Lannock Manor Farm in Hertfordshire from Wednesday 28th to Thursday 29th June 2023, will include discussions on a variety of topics including soil health, water systems, fibre farming, nutrition, supply chains and landscape-scale regeneration, to name but a few.