All the latest farming news NEWSThis Week in Farming: Iran, Muller and software reviewWelcome back to This Week in Farming, your one-stop shop for the best content from Farmers Weekly in the past seven days. First, here are the latest market figures (opens… UMBILICALRetrofit Borger Flowsep extracts small particles from slurryBorger has developed a new separator to remove sand, grit and small glass specks from slurry and digestate. The German firm’s compact and fully enclosed Flowsep assembly is designed to… PULSESKey bean fungicide timing set for earlier window this seasonThe key bean fungicide timing at the first pod set stage could happen as early as the end of April, according to current crop growth indications. With many bean crops… COMMUNITYFarm bluebell walk raises millions for charityAn East Sussex farming family’s one-off fundraiser has blossomed into one of the region’s most enduring rural charity events, now celebrating more than 50 years of success. What began in… TENANCIES AND RENTSAgricultural tenant code of practice launched in WalesGuidance on agricultural tenancy matters between landlords and tenants has been published by the Welsh government. The Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for Wales was convened by the… DISEASE MANAGEMENTTargeted virus testing set to modernise seed potato industryScotland’s plant health authorities are introducing targeted post-harvest virus testing in seed potato crops of the variety Cara this year as part of a wider effort to tackle rising virus… COMMUNITYPerthshire farmer turns venison into 20,000 food bank mealsA Perthshire farmer has helped provide the equivalent of 20,000 meals to families in need by redistributing venison from responsibly managed wild deer to local food banks. In its first… LAND MARKETSPasture farms lead the sales offering ahead of EasterLivestock farms and holdings with alternative income potential are the main new contributors to the Easter land market as launches gather momentum. In Cumbria, a ring-fenced stock-rearing farm near Roadhead… MACHINERY MAINTENANCEJCB launches website for spare parts, lubricants and fluidsOwners of JCB machinery can now submit out-of-hours orders for service items and genuine spares through a new Parts Online platform. The website allows customers to search for bits, add… LIVESTOCKPoultry housing order to be lifted in England and WalesFree-range poultry producers are being urged to start preparing now for their birds’ impending return to the big outdoors, with Defra signalling an end to the mandatory housing order in… TENANCIES AND RENTSFarms urged to prepare for changes to residential letsFarm businesses have just four weeks left to prepare for changes to the Renters’ Rights Act, with tenancies within the private rented sector set to receive a major overhaul. Farms… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESStrong Easter demand for lamb while retailers slash pricesDemand for red meat is expected to increase over the Easter weekend with more than half (54%) of households planning a roast dinner, according to consumer research by Pilgrim’s Europe.… NUTRITION AND FERTILISERAHDB offers fresh advice with updated RB209 ferts guideArable farmers are set to benefit from updated nutrient management guidance designed to help them make the most of organic materials while balancing fertiliser use against cost. The AHDB’s latest… PEST MANAGEMENTWireworm threat highlighted in new Scottish potato surveyLatest research findings have revealed a clear picture of the wireworm species present in Scotland. Agriotes obscurus remains the dominant species affecting Scottish potato crops, with the first independently confirmed… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESFuel price hike to take heavy toll on farm incomesFarmers in England could be forking out an additional £337m for red diesel over the next 12 months unless there is a swift end to the crisis in the Middle… MILK PRICESFurther stability for milk prices as spring flush approachesThousands of dairy farmers will see farmgate milk prices stand on again throughout April and May, as several major milk processors confirm price holds. While wholesale dairy values are improving,… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESDefra ignores industry call for paper SFI for commonsA push is under way to address the exclusion of common land from the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), six months after a paper-based application system was first requested by farming… CROP WATCHCrop Watch: Spring drilling and T1 wheat fungicide strategiesA return to colder temperatures and unsettled weather are adding to challenges of managing forward cereals crops and staying on top of the disease pressure. Our Crop Watch agronomists report… DAIRYSpring calving index pivots towards grazing-based systemsPlanned revisions to the spring calving index are expected to change the type of animal dominating the male and female rankings. From April, producers running grazing-based, spring-calving dairy herds will… COMMUNITYFarmers take on 'mad' 900-mile route with vintage tractorsThree farmers are set to journey from John O’Groats to Land's End on a trio of less-than-trusty steeds. Lancashire natives Harry Shaw and Liam Cooper, along with Cumbrian James Rawsthorn,… NEWSRed diesel now just for Labour-voting farmers, Starmer saysOnly farmers who vote Labour at the next election will retain access to red diesel, prime minister Keir Starmer has announced. The move, intended to reward party loyalists and help… DISEASE MANAGEMENTOilseed rape samples needed for light leaf spot researchOilseed rape growers can help improve understanding of the crop’s number-one disease threat, light leaf spot, by sending in affected leaf samples before the end of April. A new farmer-led… MILK PRICESMuller puts more milk producers on 12 months' noticeA number of dairy farmers supplying Muller in North Wales and Scotland have been issued with 12 months’ notice to their supply contracts, and been told their last milk collections… CROP MANAGEMENTWinter crops in positive condition, AHDB report confirmsThe UK wheat crop looks to be much improved this year, with 82% of winter wheat currently classed as in either good or excellent condition, despite wet conditions over winter… PARTNERSHIPSSainsbury's offers five-year supply contracts to more farmersSupermarket Sainsbury’s is widening the range and extending the number of producers covered by long-term contracts in a move to bring more stability to its supply chain. The multiple retailer… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESGlasshouse growers to be hit by massive hike in electric feesVegetable growers are urgently seeking relief from higher electricity standing charges, set to take effect from 1 April 2026. Horticultural businesses are already facing substantial costs due to conflict in… HEALTH AND WELFAREAuctioneer dismay at Holyrood's approach to bluetonguePlans to reintroduce movement restrictions on livestock to Scotland this summer have prompted concern among auctioneers, who warn the measures could disrupt trade during a key period for the sector.… CRIMESheep worrying campaign warns dog owners to actThe National Sheep Association has launched its 2026 campaign urging responsible dog owners to help prevent sheep-worrying incidents, as lambing season intensifies across the countryside. New survey data collected by… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESWeekly fertiliser data gives farmers granular view of pricesThe AHDB has started publishing weekly fertiliser price data following requests from Defra farming minister Angela Eagle and industry representatives. The move comes amid disruption caused by the current crisis… More articles
