Business top stories LAND MARKETSCumbria livestock holding, a vineyard and bare land launchesA stock-rearing farm is being launched in a region of England where sales of this scale and type are now relatively rare. New Cowper Farm, a former dairy farm at… 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).… MARKETS AND TRENDSNew halal scheme aims to boost UK lamb exportsA new UK Pre-Stun Halal Export Accreditation Scheme is being developed by the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), which it hopes will open new markets for UK sheepmeat exporters. The… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSNI farmers paid out £13.3m for Suckler Cow SchemeFarmers in Northern Ireland will start receiving payments for taking part in year one of Daera’s Suckler Cow Scheme, which financially incentivises farm businesses for reducing calving intervals and the… GRANTSDefra adds another £53m to farm innovation potAgricultural enterprises will be able to apply for additional funding to help turn on-farm business ideas and new technologies in to real world products that can support the industry. An… 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… BUSINESSTwo senior Farmers Fresh directors step downTwo long-serving board members of farmer-owned sheep processor Farmers Fresh have announced their departure at the company’s annual general meeting, amid growing shareholder scrutiny over its future direction. Chairman Terry… 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… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESUK fertiliser imports increase as merchants stockpileUK fertiliser merchants have been hastily stocking up on supplies and securing additional storage facilities close to ports in order to reduce the risks of future global supply chain disruption.… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFeed wheat falls to £178/t amid ample global stocksMargins for UK cereal growers remain under pressure, with subdued wheat prices struggling to offset high on-farm input costs. Ex-farm feed wheat softened slightly this week to £178/t on 24… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESNature payments start to roll for farmers in Northern IrelandFarmers in Northern Ireland have started to receive their first payments through the devolved administration's Farming with Nature Transition Scheme. Almost 500 farm businesses are set to receive a share… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSAnalysis: Swinney offers reassurances, farmers seek deliveryThe Royal Highland Show has always been a place where Scottish agriculture comes to take the measure of government. Ministers arrive armed with promises, farmers arrive with questions, and somewhere… PLANNING PERMISSIONWelsh farmers face years-long planning waitsRural Welsh farmers and businesses are facing long waits for planning decisions, with some applications still unresolved more than two decades after submission. Figures obtained by the Country Land and… BUSINESSWarnings as North-West farmers hit power lines 22 timesNew figures show 22 incidents in which farm machinery and agricultural vehicles struck overhead power infrastructure across Lancashire and Cumbria in the past year. Data released by SP Electricity North… Business newsSee all 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).… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSNI farmers paid out £13.3m for Suckler Cow SchemeFarmers in Northern Ireland will start receiving payments for taking part in year one of Daera’s Suckler Cow Scheme, which financially incentivises farm businesses for reducing calving intervals and the… GRANTSDefra adds another £53m to farm innovation potAgricultural enterprises will be able to apply for additional funding to help turn on-farm business ideas and new technologies in to real world products that can support the industry. An… BUSINESSTwo senior Farmers Fresh directors step downTwo long-serving board members of farmer-owned sheep processor Farmers Fresh have announced their departure at the company’s annual general meeting, amid growing shareholder scrutiny over its future direction. Chairman Terry… 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 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… 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 Clinic 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 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… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all 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… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESUK fertiliser imports increase as merchants stockpileUK fertiliser merchants have been hastily stocking up on supplies and securing additional storage facilities close to ports in order to reduce the risks of future global supply chain disruption.… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESFeed wheat falls to £178/t amid ample global stocksMargins for UK cereal growers remain under pressure, with subdued wheat prices struggling to offset high on-farm input costs. Ex-farm feed wheat softened slightly this week to £178/t on 24… LAND MARKETSCornwall Council advised not to sell off 4,400ha farm estateAn inquiry looking at the future of Cornwall Council’s farming estate has recommended that it should retain the land rather than sell it off. The recommendations have brought some relief… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESScottish beef and lamb sector eyes £350m growth boostScottish livestock producers could help generate an additional £350m in output and £100m in economic value by 2032, according to new research highlighting strong consumer support for home-produced red meat.… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESFuel and fertiliser prices drop on possible US-Iran dealGlobal commodity markets have gone into overdrive this week following news of a potential US-Iran deal to end the war. The deal, which could result in the reopening of the… MARKETS AND TRENDSFarmers to be paid more as wool prices climbSheep farmers are set to receive better returns for fleeces this year, with wool prices up considerably as a result of tight global supplies. Wool values lifted more than 10%… 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
