Rural News

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.

As part of their work to contribute to farmers’ efforts in showcasing British agriculture, A-Plan Rural Insurance has set up a rural community blog where they invite farmers to give their experiences in the industry.

Three ready-to-farm parcels of land set in the beautiful Welsh countryside have recently become available on the farmland market, launched by national property consultant Carter Jonas.

After lengthy and well-publicized rows with West Oxfordshire District Council, Jeremy Clarkson has finally been granted permission to extend the temporary car park at Diddly Squat Farm, but plans to open a restaurant at the site have been rejected.

This year’s South of England Show welcomed thousands of visitors from across the region, who enjoyed three days of first-class agricultural and equestrian competitions and displays, a great line-up of trade stands and some excellent arena events, accompanied by stunning summer weather.

The NFU is launching this year’s #YourHarvest campaign on TikTok to educate young people about the valuable contribution British arable farmers to the nation’s economy and remind viewers of the journey that food takes from farm to fork.

Over 90 food leaders from the Sustainable Food Places (SFP) network will meet with MPs at Westminster today (Wednesday 14th June) to advocate the importance of healthy and sustainable food and call for greater investment in a better food future.

Visitors to the 16th National Organic Conference are in for an immersive experience showcasing the best of organic food and farming, with opportunities to attend discussions on supply chains and food networks, explore the latest scientific advancements in the sector, and tour a local organic farm’s key facilities.

Both wild and serene, with its rolling hills, stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, the great British countryside is a source of inspiration and joy to many. Farmers Guide deputy editor Sarah Kidby spoke to lawyer-turned-artist Nicola Evans about her rural-inspired work.