Business top stories BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can property with agricultural tie be split?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Fred Quartermain, a partner in Thrings’ planning and environment team, advises on how agricultural… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: How do I plan for tax on retirement farm saleWhether 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 how good planning can help… DIVERSIFICATIONScottish farms to feed global agritourism conferenceScottish government support has been thrown behind an initiative to source food and drink directly from Scottish farms for this month’s Global Agritourism Conference in Aberdeen. The inaugural conference, taking… BUSINESSAldi backs British farmers with £5bn investmentBritain's biggest discount supermarket, Aldi, has announced plans to invest £5bn in British farming and food production through a series of long-term supply agreements with UK producers. The supermarket –… BUSINESSFarmers question Agreena carbon scheme timelinesUK farmers are reporting delays, uncertainty over payment timelines and lower-than-expected returns from Agreena’s soil carbon scheme, raising fresh questions about how readily such programmes deliver income in a weak… BUSINESSDefra publishes guidance for 2026 Capital Grants schemeFarmers in England are being urged to prepare applications immediately for Defra’s reopened Capital Grants scheme after ministers confirmed a £225m funding pot for 2026 amid expectations demand could again… BUSINESSEU gives go-ahead for Arla and DMK dairy mergerRegulators have approved the proposed merger of two European dairy processors which will bring together more than 11,000 farmers under one co-operative. Arla Foods, which is owned by 7,300 dairy producers… LAND MARKETSLate spring brings farms from Devon to County DurhamAs meteorological spring draws to a close, the supply of quality, equipped farms and bare land is strong, with four standout properties among this week’s launches. At a guide price of… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESMilling wheat premiums edge higher as crop concerns mountThe milling wheat premium over feed wheat has been relatively narrow in early 2026, at less than £10/t, although the gap has now begun to widen and may extend further… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESNPA calls on supply chain to support independent pig producersThe National Pig Association is urging processors and retailers to offer stronger longer-term commitments to pig producers, as the sector finds itself in turmoil. Processing backlogs have led to more finished… BREXITDefra issues detailed guidance on EU SPS dealDefra has published detailed guidance setting out how a planned UK‑EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal will reshape food, farming and trade – and is urging businesses to start preparing… BUSINESSHow dog field diversifications can bring in the cash on farmThe UK is home to more than 13m dogs and the rise in ownership has fuelled rapid growth in private dog fields, with thousands now operating on farmland and rural… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESSuperb lamb trade surpasses £9/kg deadweightThe lamb trade has been as hot as the weather in the past week, with prices at their highest levels for two years. Tight supplies, strong exports and exceptional seasonal… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESDairy trade shows signs of optimism as spring peak passesDairy commodity markets are showing tentative signs of recovery, with prices stabilising for cream and cheddar and rising for skimmed milk powder. However, wholesale butter values continue to slide, falling… Business newsSee all BUSINESSAldi backs British farmers with £5bn investmentBritain's biggest discount supermarket, Aldi, has announced plans to invest £5bn in British farming and food production through a series of long-term supply agreements with UK producers. The supermarket –… BUSINESSFarmers question Agreena carbon scheme timelinesUK farmers are reporting delays, uncertainty over payment timelines and lower-than-expected returns from Agreena’s soil carbon scheme, raising fresh questions about how readily such programmes deliver income in a weak… BUSINESSDefra publishes guidance for 2026 Capital Grants schemeFarmers in England are being urged to prepare applications immediately for Defra’s reopened Capital Grants scheme after ministers confirmed a £225m funding pot for 2026 amid expectations demand could again… BUSINESSEU gives go-ahead for Arla and DMK dairy mergerRegulators have approved the proposed merger of two European dairy processors which will bring together more than 11,000 farmers under one co-operative. Arla Foods, which is owned by 7,300 dairy producers… More articles Explore farm management Know How Business advice Essential guides Practical tips Case studies Business management Compliance Payments, schemes and grants Diversification Health and safety Succession planning Road legal Careers and personal development Explore all topics Latest from farm management Know HowSee all BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: How do I plan for tax on retirement farm saleWhether 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 how good planning can help… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can property with agricultural tie be split?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Fred Quartermain, a partner in Thrings’ planning and environment team, advises on how agricultural… BUSINESSHow dog field diversifications can bring in the cash on farmThe UK is home to more than 13m dogs and the rise in ownership has fuelled rapid growth in private dog fields, with thousands now operating on farmland and rural… TAXHow personal items can be sold without attracting CGTMany farmers may not know that personal items, known as chattels, sold for less than £6,000 do not attract capital gains tax (CGT). In addition, the sale proceeds of certain… TAXWhy some farm buildings qualify for faster tax reliefTax relief for investment in farm structures is usually limited to the 3% annual rate offered by the Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA). At this rate it takes more than… HEALTH AND SAFETYHow simple steps can protect and save farm lives and othersKnowing what to do in the face of a serious injury helps prevent many deaths from trauma before a casualty reaches hospital. The repercussions of an injury at any level… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTWhy changes to farm businesses need to heed separation rulesMany 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 MANAGEMENTHow award-winning young farmer is targeting business growthSince 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 CLINICBusiness Clinic: Advice on managing probate sale of farmWhether 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 CLINICBusiness 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 CLINICBusiness 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 MANAGEMENTHow dairy farm’s new staffing model benefits people and cowsLike 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 PERMISSIONWhat new planning framework means for farmersThe 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 MANAGEMENTExpert advice on managing arable fixed costsA 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… DIVERSIFICATIONStructural considerations before converting a farm buildingMany 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… TAXWhy a check on trading activity could preserve IHT reliefLower 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 CLINICBusiness Clinic: How do I plan for tax on retirement farm saleWhether 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 how good planning can help… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can property with agricultural tie be split?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Fred Quartermain, a partner in Thrings’ planning and environment team, advises on how agricultural… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Advice on managing probate sale of farmWhether 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 CLINICBusiness 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… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESEU farmers protest at new Fertiliser Action PlanFarmers from across Europe descended on Strasbourg on 19 May, calling for more support to help businesses deal with exceptionally high input costs, as fuel and fertiliser prices soar. The… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICES‘Seismic waves’ on the way for farming as Iran war persistsUK farmers are being warned of a “seismic impact” from the ongoing war in the Middle East, with “crops rotting in the fields” and significant areas left unplanted this autumn.… MARKETS AND TRENDSFMD outbreak in China raises concerns for global tradeRecent 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 PRICESGlobal demand for dairy set to grow as supplies slowAdvisers 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 warnedBritish 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 PRICESFantastic trade for quality stock at Stirling Bull SalesStrong 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 PRICESGrowers face tough negotiations after losses at ABF sugarSugar 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 PRICESPotato markets under strain as supply outweighs demandBoth 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… Advertisements Land in your areaSee all LAND MARKETSFarmland in your area 2025: East MidlandsA 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 MARKETSFarmland in your area 2025: West MidlandsSupplies 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 MARKETSFarmland in your area 2025: South-east EnglandWhile 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 MARKETSFarmland in your area 2025: North-west EnglandSales 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… Most popular this week
