Business top stories PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS75% of SFI26 money allocated within a matter of hoursFears that the funds available for Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) would disappear quickly are coming to fruition with the prospect that many thousands of would-be claimants… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES£233m of SFI26 money all spent within matter of hoursFears that the funds available for Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) would disappear quickly have come to fruition with all the money now gone, leaving many thousands… COMPLIANCERed Tractor seeks to cut admin burden for livestock and dairyFarm assurance body Red Tractor is promising a significant reduction in the audit burden for livestock and dairy farmers, but with a number of “added extras” to ensure the scheme… BUSINESSNI potato grower and packer enters administrationNorthern Ireland potato grower and packer Glens of Antrim Potatoes has entered administration after rising costs and cashflow pressures left the business without a solvent option. Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES20,000gns Texel tops record £3m Builth ram saleA 20,000gns Texel shearling led a record £3m-plus trade at the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales and Border Main Ram Sale at Builth Wells on Monday (21 September). Some 2,857… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSSFI26 Window 2 opens amid £233m funding scrambleSFI26 Window 2 has opened to applications from farmers and land managers across England, with a £233m budget available but no fixed closing date as concerns grow over how quickly… TAXTFA demands tax overhaul in Autumn BudgetThe Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is demanding sweeping tax reforms ahead of the Autumn Budget, warning that current policies threaten rural investment and land security. As speculation mounts over whether… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSWelsh farmers offered £15,000 grants for yard roofingWelsh livestock farmers can apply for government grants of up to £15,000 to roof manure and livestock areas under a new farm infrastructure scheme. The Welsh government opened the Small… 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… BUSINESSNorthern Pasta ups spelt production after Dragons’ Den dealNorthern Pasta Co is expanding its demand for British-grown spelt after opening a new 1,114sq m pasta production facility in Lancashire. The Carnforth-based business plans to increase production substantially from… 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… LAND MARKETSMixed offering includes farm and nature reserve landA week of contrasting launches sees a ring-fenced arable and livestock farm and a private nature reserve with lakes and wetland coming to the market. With 365 acres of land… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSSFI26 Window 2: Two-thirds of eligible farms could miss outTens of thousands of farmers in England could miss out on Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) funding when Window 2 opens next Tuesday (22 September). Fresh analysis suggests the £230m funding… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESStrong trade for dairy replacements, but culls disappointThere is a mixed picture in the cattle trade, with dairy replacement heifers holding firm at more than £3,000/head, supported by stronger milk prices and tight heifer supply. The cull… Business newsSee all ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES£233m of SFI26 money all spent within matter of hoursFears that the funds available for Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) would disappear quickly have come to fruition with all the money now gone, leaving many thousands… BUSINESSNI potato grower and packer enters administrationNorthern Ireland potato grower and packer Glens of Antrim Potatoes has entered administration after rising costs and cashflow pressures left the business without a solvent option. Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES20,000gns Texel tops record £3m Builth ram saleA 20,000gns Texel shearling led a record £3m-plus trade at the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales and Border Main Ram Sale at Builth Wells on Monday (21 September). Some 2,857… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS75% of SFI26 money allocated within a matter of hoursFears that the funds available for Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) would disappear quickly are coming to fruition with the prospect that many thousands of would-be claimants… 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 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 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… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Advice on AHA partial tenancy surrenderWhether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Duncan Sigournay, a partner and head of agriculture at law firm Thrings, and Carter Jonas… AWARDSFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Farm Manager of the Year finalistsThis year’s finalists share a drive to deliver premium produce while managing a large business in a rapidly changing landscape. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2025 Farm Manager of… TAXIHT refunds and potential CGT savings on inherited assetsThe tax regime doesn’t get any simpler, but there are options for refunds and savings in limited circumstances that may not be widely known. This includes examples where assets in… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTWhy farmland trees need more care and attentionThe owners or occupiers of land have a duty to prevent trees from becoming a danger. The additional stress that this summer’s hot weather is putting on some species, alongside… TAXAdvice on new tax rules that affect farming familiesCuts to agricultural and business property reliefs from inheritance tax (IHT) took effect in April this year, and advisers are warning that HMRC is already asking more questions than previously,… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESBNG update: What the latest rule changes mean for farmersRecent rule changes mean many small building projects will no longer have to comply with the biodiversity net gain (BNG) regime. While this will remove some demand for biodiversity units,… BUSINESS MANAGEMENTHow savings can be made on metered farm water costsWater is the third biggest utility cost for most farms and despite being able to switch supplier and potentially make savings or simply get a better service, the vast majority… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can farm business have a company as partner?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 the benefits and… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Will boiler scheme work for our farm estate?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Oxford-based Lucinda Brooks, a partner in Carter Jonas, advises on energy efficiency installation questions… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can a discretionary trust aid succession?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Harriet Neusinger a partner in Thrings’ succession and tax team, advises on how a… 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 Clinic 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… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Advice on AHA partial tenancy surrenderWhether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Duncan Sigournay, a partner and head of agriculture at law firm Thrings, and Carter Jonas… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Can farm business have a company as partner?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 the benefits and… BUSINESS CLINICBusiness Clinic: Will boiler scheme work for our farm estate?Whether it’s a legal, tax, finance or management question, Farmers Weekly’s expert panel can help. Here, Oxford-based Lucinda Brooks, a partner in Carter Jonas, advises on energy efficiency installation questions… View all Business Clinic articles Markets and trendsSee all DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESStrong trade for dairy replacements, but culls disappointThere is a mixed picture in the cattle trade, with dairy replacement heifers holding firm at more than £3,000/head, supported by stronger milk prices and tight heifer supply. The cull… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESWheat rally loses momentum as global supply outlook improvesA more comfortable global wheat supply outlook, combined with prospects of better access to Black Sea grain, has led to an easing of UK wheat values from recent highs. The… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESHay and straw prices hold firm despite slower tradeHay and straw prices are holding firm despite slightly better supplies nationally than last year, with demand now picking up as livestock farmers plan ahead for winter. Prices for both… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESWaitrose champions 'regenerative farming' on milk bottlesWaitrose is introducing a new on-pack logo highlighting regenerative farming practices used by its 40 British dairy suppliers. The “Championing Regenerative Farming” logo will appear on the retailer’s own-brand fresh… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESSpike in red diesel prices as Middle East conflict continuesRed diesel prices have soared into three-figure territory again, putting extra cost pressure on farmers and growers looking to run their machinery during the busy autumn period. Two weeks ago,… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLamb trade holds firm despite export market cautionThe prime lamb trade is starting to strengthen, with latest auction returns showing prices holding well despite an increase of lambs now coming forward. “The dry weather conditions experienced in… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESPolitical turmoil sends rapeseed prices up againOilseed rape prices have soared to a six-week high, having jumped by 7% since 24 August. Paris November rapeseed futures rose from €521/t (£446/t) to €558/t (£478/t) on Tuesday 1… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESMilk processors respond with higher prices as supplies tightenThe closing days of August have seen milk price announcements from several major processors, with most pushing through increases as supplies tighten. Muller Advantage farmers will receive a 2p/litre increase… 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
