Business top stories MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESPig prices remain subdued in oversupplied marketPig prices remain suppressed amid ongoing supply and demand imbalances, both in the UK and further afield. In the week to 25 July, the UK Standard Pig Price stood at… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESPotatoes show signs of stress as drought strikesWith the Environment Agency confirming this week that more than half of England is now officially in drought, potato crops are showing increasing signs of stress. “There’s no doubt that… BUSINESSGovernment rejects renewed calls to save sheep shearer visasThe government has rejected fresh calls to reverse its decision to end the temporary visa route for overseas sheep shearers, amid warnings the move could leave farmers struggling to shear… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTCash planning and management advice as dairy profits yo-yoDairy farms costed by accountant Old Mill and the Farm Consultancy Group made a profit of 12.43p/litre in the year ended 31 March 2026 on last year’s high milk prices.… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESOilseed and pulse prices remain firmUncertainty in Europe and the Middle East continue to buoy oilseed rape prices, while pulse values remain steady. But with dry weather impacting yields and planning, prospects remain uncertain. With… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTActions four farmers have taken to mitigate extreme weatherExtended dry periods, storms, flooding and higher temperatures all occur more frequently, disrupting business. As the risks become clear an increasing number of farmers and growers are taking action to… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSStrong farmer demand forecast for £225m Capital Grants potFarmers in England are being reminded that the next Capital Grant scheme will open for applications this Thursday (30 July), with up to £225m available for items and actions that… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESWelsh farmers invited to apply for SFS capital grantsWelsh farmers can now apply for capital grant funding under the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) “optional” layer to support productivity and environmental improvements. The Welsh government has opened applications for… BUSINESSMajor compounder ABN set to exit monogastric feed sectorFeed compounder ABN has confirmed its intentions to exit the pig and poultry sectors over the next 12 months, raising concerns over future supplies. In January of this year, ABN… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow contracting partnerships can cut fixed costs on farmDiminishing government support and geopolitical upheaval have hit margins, putting pressure on farm businesses to find new ways of transitioning to financial sustainability. Variable costs are usually the main target… BUSINESSMalton farmers gather final harvest on solar-bound fieldsThe arable fields destined to be covered by solar panels have yielded their final harvest at Eden Farm, Old Malton, ending more than 70 years of farming by the Sturdy… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSTiered farm support in Scotland: How the system worksEU-era subsidies in Scotland have been replaced with a four-tier system intended to deliver food security, support rural livelihoods, and tackle the climate and nature crises. Under the umbrella of… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow new energy bill puts more pressure on rural landAn Energy Independence Bill is being drafted which will raise the pressure to deliver infrastructure to meet the government’s target of decarbonising the UK’s electricity system by 2030. Publication of… LAND MARKETSMixed farms with conservation appeal launch in West SussexTwo farms that had been home to the award-winning "Dirtydale" Simmental herd are for sale at £9.25m following the deaths of their owners. Home Farm and Fold Farm near Billingshurst,… Business newsSee all CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESPotatoes show signs of stress as drought strikesWith the Environment Agency confirming this week that more than half of England is now officially in drought, potato crops are showing increasing signs of stress. “There’s no doubt that… BUSINESSGovernment rejects renewed calls to save sheep shearer visasThe government has rejected fresh calls to reverse its decision to end the temporary visa route for overseas sheep shearers, amid warnings the move could leave farmers struggling to shear… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESOilseed and pulse prices remain firmUncertainty in Europe and the Middle East continue to buoy oilseed rape prices, while pulse values remain steady. But with dry weather impacting yields and planning, prospects remain uncertain. With… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSStrong farmer demand forecast for £225m Capital Grants potFarmers in England are being reminded that the next Capital Grant scheme will open for applications this Thursday (30 July), with up to £225m available for items and actions that… 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 MANAGEMENTCash planning and management advice as dairy profits yo-yoDairy farms costed by accountant Old Mill and the Farm Consultancy Group made a profit of 12.43p/litre in the year ended 31 March 2026 on last year’s high milk prices.… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTActions four farmers have taken to mitigate extreme weatherExtended dry periods, storms, flooding and higher temperatures all occur more frequently, disrupting business. As the risks become clear an increasing number of farmers and growers are taking action to… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow contracting partnerships can cut fixed costs on farmDiminishing government support and geopolitical upheaval have hit margins, putting pressure on farm businesses to find new ways of transitioning to financial sustainability. Variable costs are usually the main target… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSAdvice on preparing for September's SFI26 application windowThe Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 has now been opened to applications from smaller farms and those without a current ELM agreement for almost a month, following last year’s abrupt closure… DIVERSIFICATIONFW Awards: Diversification Farmer of the Year 2026 finalistsEach of this year’s finalists have developed successful diversified enterprises that complement their existing farming operations and enhance their overall business. See also: FW Awards 2026: Meet the finalists Finalists… TAXSDLT charges on asset transfers – what farmers need to knowThe degree of change to business structures that is being undertaken in order to line up succession and reduce potential inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities means that decisions are sometimes taken… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow to manage commercial construction contracts on farmsConstruction on farms is covered by a raft of legislation, not only on health and safety and work quality standards, but in the case of substantial contracts, payment obligations of… PLANNING PERMISSIONHow to maximise permitted development rights on farmClass Q permitted development rights, which were introduced in April 2014, were designed to increase the supply of rural housing by allowing redundant agricultural buildings to be converted into homes… 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… 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 PRICESPotatoes show signs of stress as drought strikesWith the Environment Agency confirming this week that more than half of England is now officially in drought, potato crops are showing increasing signs of stress. “There’s no doubt that… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESOilseed and pulse prices remain firmUncertainty in Europe and the Middle East continue to buoy oilseed rape prices, while pulse values remain steady. But with dry weather impacting yields and planning, prospects remain uncertain. With… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESBeef prices hold firm as cattle supplies tightenFinished cattle prices remain strong, moving up across most categories in early July, before stabilising again by the middle of the month. At the same time, slaughtering numbers are down,… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESTighter supplies underpin summer lamb pricesReduced stocking densities and tighter domestic demand are supporting lamb prices, despite the usual seasonal drop in values as new-season lamb enters the market. “Supply has been quite tight in… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESWheat futures gain £10/t on the week as prices firmGrain markets are having a bullish week amid ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine, alongside continued hot weather affecting crops across much of the northern hemisphere. London’s November… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESRed diesel prices climb after Trump renews Gulf hostilitiesFresh hostilities in the Gulf have sent crude oil prices back up to four-week highs, with the number of tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz reportedly falling to two-month… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESDefra minister rejects call for targeted pig supportDefra farming minister Stephen Morgan has rejected calls for targeted support for beleaguered pig producers, insisting current market difficulties do not warrant any government intervention. The case was made by… LAND MARKETSFarmland sales rise despite political uncertaintyPolitical uncertainty is continuing to shape England’s farmland market, despite more farms coming up for sale than at any time in almost 20 years. While the government’s Farming Roadmap has… 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
