Business top stories BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow hot dry harvest will help shape plansThe early start to harvest caught many by surprise. The weeks of hot dry weather that followed without a rain break for the vast majority was just as much a… TAXVideo: Farmers urge chancellor to ‘Axe the Tax’Around 100 tractors lined up in a Berkshire field to send the government a message visible from the air, as Conservatives and farming leaders called on the new chancellor to… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESPolitics continues to drive soya markets upwardsRegulation and geopolitical tensions are shaping feed prices, with uncertainty over deforestation rules providing particular support to soya values. The EU’s Deforestation Regulation, which is due to take effect from… BUSINESSDiggers to dungarees: Inspiring farming's next generationFrom feeding livestock before school to exploring the countryside, growing up on a farm often means growing up outdoors. Now, two British brands have joined forces to celebrate farming life… MARKETS AND TRENDSSimmental and Charolais bulls reach 30,000gns at StirlingA vibrant trading atmosphere saw buyers flocking from across the UK to Stirling Bull Sales on 18-19 October. Simmental and Charolais bulls commanded the top prices of the day, achieving… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESBeef prices to remain supported in 2027 as herd contractsTight supplies are expected to continue to support cattle prices for the rest of 2026 and into next year, though subdued consumer demand and a changing import mix may limit… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESExport demand drives £1.1bn boost for UK red meatBritish red meat exporters are seeking to capitalise on rising overseas demand, with UK export sales reaching £1.1bn in the first half of 2026. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSHalf of FETF 2026 claims returned over bank statement errorsAround half of all payment claims submitted by successful applicants under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 are being returned because sensitive banking information has not been correctly… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESGovernment presses on with fertiliser import taxFarmer hopes that the planned carbon tax on fertiliser imports could be abandoned or delayed in next week’s Budget appear to have been dashed, as the government ploughs on with… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESFood consortium seeks targeted support for local abattoirsLighter regulation and more targeted funding for local abattoirs are needed to fend off the threat of further closures. The demands are contained in a letter to prime minister Andy… ELMDefra gives more time for farmers hit by SFI26 glitchesFarmers who tried to get into the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) and failed due to technical glitches are being given an extended chance to apply. Initially, Defra said it… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESCountyside Alliance seeks fuel tax cuts to ease rural costsThe Countryside Alliance is urging the chancellor to make the 5p/litre fuel duty cut permanent and temporarily reduce VAT on fuel, warning that rising costs are placing rural households and… TAXNorthern Ireland farmers fearful of IHT impactInheritance tax changes are taking a growing toll on Northern Ireland’s farming families, with almost nine in 10 reporting increased stress and widespread fears over farm succession. A survey by… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS£130,000 grant boost for Northern Ireland social farmsEighteen farms across Northern Ireland will share more than £130,000 in government funding to improve facilities and accessibility for social farming participants. The funding, awarded through the Department of Agriculture,… Business newsSee all INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESPolitics continues to drive soya markets upwardsRegulation and geopolitical tensions are shaping feed prices, with uncertainty over deforestation rules providing particular support to soya values. The EU’s Deforestation Regulation, which is due to take effect from… MARKETS AND TRENDSSimmental and Charolais bulls reach 30,000gns at StirlingA vibrant trading atmosphere saw buyers flocking from across the UK to Stirling Bull Sales on 18-19 October. Simmental and Charolais bulls commanded the top prices of the day, achieving… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESExport demand drives £1.1bn boost for UK red meatBritish red meat exporters are seeking to capitalise on rising overseas demand, with UK export sales reaching £1.1bn in the first half of 2026. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESGovernment presses on with fertiliser import taxFarmer hopes that the planned carbon tax on fertiliser imports could be abandoned or delayed in next week’s Budget appear to have been dashed, as the government ploughs on with… 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 MANAGEMENTHow hot dry harvest will help shape plansThe early start to harvest caught many by surprise. The weeks of hot dry weather that followed without a rain break for the vast majority was just as much a… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTWhy mediation can be a good way to resolve farming disputesSuccession, partnership issues, boundary arguments, how to treat inherited land – these and many other matters are familiar and fertile ground for dispute. When it’s personal and involves the business… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow outside help can smooth the path for farm business adminThe increasing burden of compliance in general and the pressure to fulfil regulatory requirements such as tax and other official business online means more farm businesses are likely to need… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTInheritance disputes: How to avoid broken promise claimsThe value of farms and changes to inheritance tax (IHT) relief have prompted much discussion and advice about succession and inheritance. When expectations are not met it can lead to… LAND MARKETSBarn conversions: Still worth the effort in a tricky market?Mike Taylor, senior partner at Shropshire-based Barbers Rural, doesn’t pull his punches when asked for his opinion on farmyard barn conversions. “Quite frequently we have clients who are thinking of… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow farmers can qualify for free septic tank upgradeFarmers in certain parts of England may not know they qualify for a free septic tank replacement. Since a ruling in 2019 by the European Court of Justice, about 15%… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTTenancy surrender negotiations: How deals can be doneCommon reasons for a tenancy surrender include retirement, poor health, the loss of land to development, the need for investment in farm infrastructure and a lack of successors. Landlords seeking… BUSINESSBudget countdown: What farm businesses should review nowWith public finances under pressure, the impetus to complete transactions and asset transfers in the next four weeks has ramped up, in case of further unfavourable tax changes. While there… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can we bring in partners but retain control?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Andrew Morris, a partner in Thrings agriculture team, gives advice on how to bring in… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Should we sell solar income for lump sum?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Carter Jonas associate Will Hunt of the firm’s mergers and acquisitions department, gives advice… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: How should I respond to HMRC inquiry letter?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kate Bell, a partner in Albert Goodman’s farms and estates team, advises on how… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTAdvice on borrowing for farm building projectsBorrowing to fund farm buildings can be done through high street banks or specialist funders and can be though a straightforward loan, hire purchase (HP) or what is commonly termed… FARM ENERGYHow reviewing electricity contracts can bring savingsFollowing the introduction of big increases in electricity standing charges in April, energy contracts should be checked before renewal and any new offers need special scrutiny, warn advisers. With a… TAXWhy a farm machinery sales tax assessment is importantTax isn’t always front of mind when making machinery sales decisions, but getting the timing and a few other factors lined up correctly can make a big difference to the… BUSINESSFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Environmental Champion finalistsThrough initiatives ranging from habitat creation and water protection to carbon reduction and soil health improvements, our finalists are demonstrating how productive farming can deliver lasting environmental gains. See also:… BUSINESSHow planning reforms help farms and rural businessHailed as the biggest planning reform in a generation, the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is more supportive of development by farmers and landowners both in terms of their… Business Clinic BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can we bring in partners but retain control?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Andrew Morris, a partner in Thrings agriculture team, gives advice on how to bring in… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Should we sell solar income for lump sum?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Carter Jonas associate Will Hunt of the firm’s mergers and acquisitions department, gives advice… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: How should I respond to HMRC inquiry letter?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kate Bell, a partner in Albert Goodman’s farms and estates team, advises on how… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can you advise on farm’s business structure?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kate Bell, a partner in Albert Goodman's farms and estates team, advises on the… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESPolitics continues to drive soya markets upwardsRegulation and geopolitical tensions are shaping feed prices, with uncertainty over deforestation rules providing particular support to soya values. The EU’s Deforestation Regulation, which is due to take effect from… MARKETS AND TRENDSSimmental and Charolais bulls reach 30,000gns at StirlingA vibrant trading atmosphere saw buyers flocking from across the UK to Stirling Bull Sales on 18-19 October. Simmental and Charolais bulls commanded the top prices of the day, achieving… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESGovernment presses on with fertiliser import taxFarmer hopes that the planned carbon tax on fertiliser imports could be abandoned or delayed in next week’s Budget appear to have been dashed, as the government ploughs on with… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESFood consortium seeks targeted support for local abattoirsLighter regulation and more targeted funding for local abattoirs are needed to fend off the threat of further closures. The demands are contained in a letter to prime minister Andy… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESCountyside Alliance seeks fuel tax cuts to ease rural costsThe Countryside Alliance is urging the chancellor to make the 5p/litre fuel duty cut permanent and temporarily reduce VAT on fuel, warning that rising costs are placing rural households and… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESTighter lamb supplies expected to support prices through 2027Falling sheepmeat production across the UK and Europe is expected to support lamb prices throughout 2027, despite weaker consumer demand and short-term pressure from seasonal supplies. The latest Outlook report… LAND MARKETSEngland’s farmland market holds firm in 2026Farmland prices remained resilient in the first nine months of 2026, with arable land averaging £10,600/acre and pasture £8,700/acre – both £200/acre higher than the same period in 2025. The… BUSINESSScottish cattle herd edges higher after years of declineScotland’s cattle herd has increased for the first time since 2021, providing a tentative sign of stabilisation for the livestock sector after years of decline. The June Agricultural Census 2026… 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
