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LAND MARKETS

Choice of commercial farms on market expands

Top end commercial farms are launching across several counties this month, including a 966-acre prime arable estate in ­Northumberland, with four dwellings and diverse income sources. The Wark Estate, near…

BUSINESS

Fresh AF programme opens applications for young farmers

Young farmers and agri-professionals across the UK are being encouraged to apply for a fully funded development programme designed to build skills, industry knowledge, and business confidence. Member-owned co-operative AF…

MARKETS AND TRENDS

FMD outbreak in China raises concerns for global trade

Recent cases of foot-and-mouth disease in China have prompted renewed calls for farmers to remain vigilant for signs of infection, and could have potential implications for international trade. A preliminary…

DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICES

Global demand for dairy set to grow as supplies slow

Advisers from across the European dairy sector forecast that global dairy demand will increase in the coming years. Speakers at the Dairy Industry Newsletter conference in London on 7 May…

MARKETS AND TRENDS

British Wool expect farmers to be paid £1/kg for 2026 clip

As shearing gets under way across the UK, wool prices are at the strongest they have been for some time with prices 70% higher than last year. British Wool has…

TENANCIES AND RENTS

How Scottish secure tenancy sales will test the market

Two sizable Scottish tenancies are about to be offered for sale on the open market, testing a system brought in five years ago to enable tenants to sell their right…

BUSINESS

Leicestershire bucks trend with pledge to keep county farms

Leicestershire County Council has pledged to retain and strengthen its county farms estate over the next decade, bucking the wider trend of local authorities selling off farmland across England. A…

INPUT MARKETS AND PRICES

'Cost of farming crisis' is emerging, farmers warned

British farmers are facing “one of the most challenging margin environments in years” as the gap between rising input costs and falling output widens, suggesting that a “cost of farming…

BUSINESS

AHDB shutting down Farmbench data service in September

The AHDB has confirmed it will close its Farmbench benchmarking service on 30 September 2026, citing falling levy income and the need to prioritise investment in new digital tools. The…

TENANCIES AND RENTS

Scots tenants risk huge repair bills under post-lease clauses

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association is urging tenants to consider removing post-lease agreements (PLAs) during upcoming rent reviews, warning the arrangements can leave farmers exposed to major renewal costs for…

BUSINESS

Mull Slaughterhouse launches new livestock collection service

A slaughterhouse and butchery service on the Scottish Isle of Mull is launching a livestock collection service to help remote farmers and crofters access local processing without arranging their own…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Why changes to farm businesses need to heed separation rules

Many farm businesses are undergoing restructuring, and changes must be carefully planned so that tax, succession and family objectives are achieved without unintended consequences. One of these is the possibility…

BUSINESS

Tight stocks keep straw and forage prices elevated

A shortage of fodder has kept straw prices high throughout the past year and the prospect of tight supplies again this autumn is keeping markets supported. Straw prices are already…

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BUSINESS

Fresh AF programme opens applications for young farmers

Young farmers and agri-professionals across the UK are being encouraged to apply for a fully funded development programme designed to build skills, industry knowledge, and business confidence. Member-owned co-operative AF…

MARKETS AND TRENDS

FMD outbreak in China raises concerns for global trade

Recent cases of foot-and-mouth disease in China have prompted renewed calls for farmers to remain vigilant for signs of infection, and could have potential implications for international trade. A preliminary…

DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICES

Global demand for dairy set to grow as supplies slow

Advisers from across the European dairy sector forecast that global dairy demand will increase in the coming years. Speakers at the Dairy Industry Newsletter conference in London on 7 May…

COMPLIANCE

Somerset farmer questions value of RPA inspections

A Somerset farmer has questioned whether a government inspection that uncovered less than £100 in discrepancies represents a good use of public money, warning that mounting compliance demands are placing…

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Why changes to farm businesses need to heed separation rules

Many farm businesses are undergoing restructuring, and changes must be carefully planned so that tax, succession and family objectives are achieved without unintended consequences. One of these is the possibility…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

How award-winning young farmer is targeting business growth

Since winning the 2025 Farmers Weekly Young Farmer of the Year Award, Hampshire livestock farmer Matt Hancocks has expanded his business, increased cattle numbers, and continues promoting agriculture. “It's been…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Advice on managing probate sale of farm

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Below, Andrew Chandler, head of rural agency at Carter Jonas, advises on the ins and outs…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: How do we formalise staff housing rights?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Aiden Wiffen of Thrings’ property litigation team, advises on formalising employee accommodation agreements in light of…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: What is most tax-savvy option for farm?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kate Bell, of Albert Goodman chartered accountants, advises on the tax implications of four business scenarios…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

How dairy farm’s new staffing model benefits people and cows

Like many other UK dairy businesses, Steve and Carolyn Cope’s Bawhill Farm in Shropshire relied on a steady flow of Eastern European workers to milk the cows. But Brexit rules…

PLANNING PERMISSION

What new planning framework means for farmers

The final version of a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is due to be published in the summer and should set a smoother path for both farming developments and…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Expert advice on managing arable fixed costs

A greater focus on labour and machinery costs, including depreciation, will potentially lead to a better arable net margin.     With no standard format for labour and machinery costs they often…

DIVERSIFICATION

Structural considerations before converting a farm building

Many 20th-century farm buildings are being repurposed for diversification projects, but their conversion and change of use needs more care and attention at the early stages, advises Savills architect Andrew…

TAX

Why a check on trading activity could preserve IHT relief

Lower farming incomes and profits, alongside the search for alternative incomes to make up for this, mean more businesses are moving closer to the point where they will be judged…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: How do we set up permissive access?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, financial or management question, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Richie Rees, legal director in Thrings’ agricultural litigation team, outlines what's involved in granting…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Farm's buyer wants pre-exchange inspection

Whether it’s a legal, tax, financial or management issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Sam Johnson, associate partner with Carter Jonas, Harrogate, sets out how a request for…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Advice needed for farm's new bookkeeper

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kate Bell, of Albert Goodman chartered accountants, advises on bookkeeping practice so that year-end information…

DIVERSIFICATION

How padel can make a profitable farm diversification

From the outside, it looks like any other on-farm grain store, but as the door opens, the scene is far from typical. There’s brightly coloured carpet surrounded by glass and…

FINANCE

How the Universal Credit system is failing farming families

Falling farm incomes mean that many more people are eligible to receive Universal Credit. For some, it is the stigma associated with claiming that puts them off; for others, it…

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Share farming rises up agenda as a farm structure choice

Once used mainly in livestock and dairy systems, share farming is now a common joint venture arrangement in arable too, as practical, financial and tax pressures present new challenges to…

Business Clinic

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: Advice on managing probate sale of farm

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Below, Andrew Chandler, head of rural agency at Carter Jonas, advises on the ins and outs…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: How do we formalise staff housing rights?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Aiden Wiffen of Thrings’ property litigation team, advises on formalising employee accommodation agreements in light of…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Business Clinic: What is most tax-savvy option for farm?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kate Bell, of Albert Goodman chartered accountants, advises on the tax implications of four business scenarios…

BUSINESS CLINIC

Can FW's Business Clinic experts solve your farming problem?

Business Clinic is a free service for readers, offering expert advice on legal, tax, finance, farm and land management issues from law firm Thrings, accountant Albert Goodman and land agent…

 
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Markets and trends

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MARKETS AND TRENDS

FMD outbreak in China raises concerns for global trade

Recent cases of foot-and-mouth disease in China have prompted renewed calls for farmers to remain vigilant for signs of infection, and could have potential implications for international trade. A preliminary…

DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICES

Global demand for dairy set to grow as supplies slow

Advisers from across the European dairy sector forecast that global dairy demand will increase in the coming years. Speakers at the Dairy Industry Newsletter conference in London on 7 May…

INPUT MARKETS AND PRICES

'Cost of farming crisis' is emerging, farmers warned

British farmers are facing “one of the most challenging margin environments in years” as the gap between rising input costs and falling output widens, suggesting that a “cost of farming…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Fantastic trade for quality stock at Stirling Bull Sales

Strong demand from buyers for high-quality bulls led to a tremendous trade at the Stirling Bull Sales on 3 and 4 May, with exceptional prices paid for both pedigree and…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Growers face tough negotiations after losses at ABF sugar

Sugar beet growers face difficult contract negotiations this spring after Associated British Foods (ABF) reported sustained losses in its sugar division, driven by lower selling prices in Europe and higher…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Potato markets under strain as supply outweighs demand

Both domestic and European potato markets appear under increasing pressure, as subdued demand and ample supplies weigh on prices. European potato futures have fallen sharply again, with prices slipping from…

LAND MARKETS

Farmland prices robust despite sharp drop in sales

The volume of farmland coming onto the market in England and Wales has fallen sharply at the start of 2026, as uncertainty around politics, the wider economy and global events…

INPUT MARKETS AND PRICES

Growers squeezed as input costs soar while grain prices lag

Arable farmers are facing tightening margins as rising input costs continue to outpace gains in grain prices, with the conflict in the Middle East having a significant impact on costs…

Land in your area

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LAND MARKETS

Farmland in your area 2025: East Midlands

A slowdown in new instructions and completed sales in the East Midlands was evident in the spring and summer. The combination of downward pressures of extreme weather, economic challenges, crop…

LAND MARKETS

Farmland in your area 2025: West Midlands

Supplies of farmland in the West Midlands have bucked the national trend with the number of acres marketed in 2025 among the highest for five years. According to rural agents,…

LAND MARKETS

Farmland in your area 2025: South-east England

While the market for farmland in the south-east of England is undeniably cautious, land that is well presented and sensibly priced continues to find a buyer. The acreage launched in…

LAND MARKETS

Farmland in your area 2025: North-west England

Sales of smaller blocks of bare land have been the most common feature in market activity in the north-west of England in 2025. This is a development which agents say…

 
 
 

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