Business top stories BUSINESS MANAGEMENTFarm management challenges demand radical business reviewsSome farming businesses are going to have to radically review what they do, says farm business consultant Andersons in its latest assessment of the outlook. The firm runs several farm… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESPressure eases on oilseed rape market – for nowWith the oilseed rape harvest gathering pace, markets have enjoyed some relief this week as traders respond to global factors. As Farmers Weekly went to press on Wednesday (8 July),… BUSINESSMiliband approves another solar mega-farm on farmlandThe government has approved the UK’s second-largest solar farm – despite fierce criticism from opposition politicians, campaigners and residents over the loss of prime agricultural land. Energy secretary Ed Miliband… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESEarly-cut barley meets with lacklustre demandFirst cuts of the 2026 barley harvest are coming up against weak demand and depressed prices, though prospects for the rest of the season will very much depend on quality… FINANCEWarning over ‘green’ contracts that risk future farm incomeFarmers are being urged to think twice before signing a new generation of supply contracts designed to help food and drink companies meet their emissions targets, amid concerns they could… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESScramble for SFI money 'not unexpected' says Defra secretaryThe rapid uptake of money from the first window of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 in England is not unexpected, but there is no possibility of the £60m available… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESStrong calf trade helps lift dairy farmer marginsThe run of consistently strong calf values shows no signs of easing, with prices staying firm until at least mid-August when autumn-calving herds start to boost supply. Auctioneers nationwide report… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSApplicants sought for interest-free organic farming loansInterest-free and unsecured loans of up to £25,000 are being offered to support organic and agroecological farming systems, drawn from a financial bequest made by an advocate of organic agriculture.… BUSINESSTentative recovery in new tractor salesThe UK tractor market is showing tentative signs of recovery with registrations up in the first six months of 2026 after a sustained period of depressed sales. Although still 8%… MARKETS AND TRENDSVelcourt reports third consecutive year of trading lossesFarm management company Velcourt has reported a third consecutive year of trading losses, as continued market pressure took its toll. Pointing to the “worst harvest for 25 years”, low prices… BUSINESSHigh Court backs farmers in pylon access rulingA High Court ruling has strengthened farmers’ rights over survey access after finding an electricity developer used an “unduly broad” notice to enter land. The judgment follows a judicial review… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS£40m grant scheme opens for Northern Ireland farmersNorthern Ireland farmers will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 from 21 July under a new £40m scheme to support investment in on-farm technology and equipment.… FARM ENERGYSmall-scale wind: How proposals could encourage farm projectsNew onshore wind development in England virtually ground to a halt after the Conservative government imposed strict planning restrictions in 2015, focusing instead on other renewable technologies, such as solar,… HEALTH AND SAFETYStark harvest safety warning as 41 farm deaths rememberedAs combines start to roll and one of the busiest periods of the farming calendar gets under way, farmers have been given a sobering reminder that every harvest must begin… Business newsSee all BUSINESSMiliband approves another solar mega-farm on farmlandThe government has approved the UK’s second-largest solar farm – despite fierce criticism from opposition politicians, campaigners and residents over the loss of prime agricultural land. Energy secretary Ed Miliband… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESEarly-cut barley meets with lacklustre demandFirst cuts of the 2026 barley harvest are coming up against weak demand and depressed prices, though prospects for the rest of the season will very much depend on quality… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESScramble for SFI money 'not unexpected' says Defra secretaryThe rapid uptake of money from the first window of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 in England is not unexpected, but there is no possibility of the £60m available… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESStrong calf trade helps lift dairy farmer marginsThe run of consistently strong calf values shows no signs of easing, with prices staying firm until at least mid-August when autumn-calving herds start to boost supply. Auctioneers nationwide report… 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 MANAGEMENTFarm management challenges demand radical business reviewsSome farming businesses are going to have to radically review what they do, says farm business consultant Andersons in its latest assessment of the outlook. The firm runs several farm… FARM ENERGYSmall-scale wind: How proposals could encourage farm projectsNew onshore wind development in England virtually ground to a halt after the Conservative government imposed strict planning restrictions in 2015, focusing instead on other renewable technologies, such as solar,… TAXRollover relief pitfalls: What farm businesses need to knowBusiness asset rollover relief allows capital gains tax to be deferred when selling land, buildings or fixed plant and machinery by buying a new qualifying asset. It is available only… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can we reinstate old field access?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kiran Maher an associate in Thrings' planning and environment team, advises on what is… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Best route to market for large farm sale?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Taunton based Jack Mitchell, a partner in Carter Jonas, advises on the different methods of land… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can I claim my late husband's IHT relief?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Below, Kate Bell, partner, Albert Goodman farms and estates team, advises on inheritance tax. See also:… BUSINESS3 farm diversification options with low capital demandWith many conventional crops and livestock enterprises facing tricky times, other markets may be worth considering, as some can bring in additional cash without a great deal of investment. We… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTWhy people insurance should be in the farm business planMore farmers are insuring against death and illness, whether for themselves and their families or for employees, or for both. The inheritance tax relief (IHT) changes have prompted many with… HEALTH AND SAFETYFarmers urged to put health and safety first this harvestAs combines prepare to roll into fields across Britain, another harvest season is beginning under the shadow of farm fatalities. More than 30 people lost their lives in farm-related incidents… TAXWhy valuation preparation is key under new IHT relief regimeThe new limits on agricultural property relief or business property relief from inheritance tax mean there’s a lot more valuation work when a death happens than under the previous regime.… BUSINESSMobile phone use in farm vehicles - the rules and penaltiesWhether travelling for personal, business or employment reasons, it is illegal to hold and use a phone, satnav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving… BUSINESSWhy gifts of farming company shares can lead to a CGT billGifts of shares in farming companies could lead to a capital gains tax (CGT) bill even though no money has changed hands, warn advisers. Some farming families have found out to… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow care with contractor instructions protects both sidesThe costs of failure to properly organise those providing services to the business but not directly on the payroll can be a combination of personal, financial and reputational impacts. See… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Advice on selling own units on BNG marketWhether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Below, Lucy George, head of sustainability at Carter Jonas, advises on the considerations of undertaking… 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 Clinic BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can we reinstate old field access?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Kiran Maher an associate in Thrings' planning and environment team, advises on what is… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Best route to market for large farm sale?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Taunton based Jack Mitchell, a partner in Carter Jonas, advises on the different methods of land… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can I claim my late husband's IHT relief?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Below, Kate Bell, partner, Albert Goodman farms and estates team, advises on inheritance tax. See also:… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Advice on selling own units on BNG marketWhether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Below, Lucy George, head of sustainability at Carter Jonas, advises on the considerations of undertaking… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESEarly-cut barley meets with lacklustre demandFirst cuts of the 2026 barley harvest are coming up against weak demand and depressed prices, though prospects for the rest of the season will very much depend on quality… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESStrong calf trade helps lift dairy farmer marginsThe run of consistently strong calf values shows no signs of easing, with prices staying firm until at least mid-August when autumn-calving herds start to boost supply. Auctioneers nationwide report… BUSINESSTentative recovery in new tractor salesThe UK tractor market is showing tentative signs of recovery with registrations up in the first six months of 2026 after a sustained period of depressed sales. Although still 8%… MARKETS AND TRENDSVelcourt reports third consecutive year of trading lossesFarm management company Velcourt has reported a third consecutive year of trading losses, as continued market pressure took its toll. Pointing to the “worst harvest for 25 years”, low prices… MILK PRICESMilk prices improve, but outlook remains uncertainMilk production is starting to ease back in the UK, and a few processors have increased their prices for July and August – so is the worst over? The answer,… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLamb trade sees 'muted' seasonal declineFinished lamb prices are on the way down as the seasonal surge in numbers starts to pressure the market. AHDB data showed a 32p/kg drop in the New Season SQQ… MARKETS AND TRENDSUK food trade deficit getting worse, manufacturers warnThe UK is becoming increasingly dependent on food imports, as UK producers lose market share to global competitors, according to a new report by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESBeef stabilises near £6/kg deadweight after price fallBeef finishers have endured a sharp fall in prime cattle prices during recent months, although signs are emerging that the market is beginning to stabilise. After falling by more than… 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
