Business top stories 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… GRANTSSurrey farmers secure grants of up to £35,000“Virtual fencing” cow collars, milk and meat vending machines, and GPS guidance systems are among the farm items funded by grants of up to £35,000 being handed out by Surrey… FARM ENERGYMajor solar farm approval stokes food security concernsA major solar farm covering a large area of Northamptonshire countryside has been approved by ministers, reigniting debate over whether productive farmland should be used to help meet the UK’s… 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… COMPLIANCERed Tractor membership meets SFS animal health requirementWelsh farmers enrolled in three recognised farm assurance schemes will be able to use their membership to satisfy elements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme from 2026. The Welsh government confirmed… 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%… LAND MARKETSHow farmland auctions are delivering resultsAcross the country, agents continue to extol the old-school benefits of gathering bidders together in a room to slug it out. Auctioneer Janet Flintoft, associate director with H&H Land &… PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTSNFU seeks farmers’ views on how to make SFI27 fairerThe NFU is seeking views from its farmer-members on how the next Sustainable Farming Incentive should work, as pressure mounts on Defra to prevent a repeat of September’s funding scramble.… 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… LAND MARKETSHoliday venture launches with planning for more accommodationThe launch of a holiday let business in converted barns on a former dairy farm demonstrates how value can be created in successful diversification ventures. The six conversions at Westhope… 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… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESFertiliser market remains 'firm but volatile'Fertiliser prices remain firm, but volatile, with little sign of any real easing as conflicts in the Middle East and Black Sea regions continue to drive the markets. UK ammonium… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESTight supplies underpin slightly firmer beef marketTight supplies are supporting GB cattle prices, with steers gaining nearly 8p in the week ending 26 September, to average 631p/kg deadweight. Heifers rose by 7p to average 627p/kg dw,… Business newsSee all GRANTSSurrey farmers secure grants of up to £35,000“Virtual fencing” cow collars, milk and meat vending machines, and GPS guidance systems are among the farm items funded by grants of up to £35,000 being handed out by Surrey… FARM ENERGYMajor solar farm approval stokes food security concernsA major solar farm covering a large area of Northamptonshire countryside has been approved by ministers, reigniting debate over whether productive farmland should be used to help meet the UK’s… 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… COMPLIANCERed Tractor membership meets SFS animal health requirementWelsh farmers enrolled in three recognised farm assurance schemes will be able to use their membership to satisfy elements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme from 2026. The Welsh government confirmed… 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 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 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… 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 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… LAND MARKETSHoliday venture launches with planning for more accommodationThe launch of a holiday let business in converted barns on a former dairy farm demonstrates how value can be created in successful diversification ventures. The six conversions at Westhope… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESFertiliser market remains 'firm but volatile'Fertiliser prices remain firm, but volatile, with little sign of any real easing as conflicts in the Middle East and Black Sea regions continue to drive the markets. UK ammonium… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESTight supplies underpin slightly firmer beef marketTight supplies are supporting GB cattle prices, with steers gaining nearly 8p in the week ending 26 September, to average 631p/kg deadweight. Heifers rose by 7p to average 627p/kg dw,… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESNFU and British Sugar settle on lower price for 2027-28 cropSugar beet growers face the prospect of lower returns on next year’s crop following the completion of negotiations between NFU Sugar and British Sugar. The two sides had been at… INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESFarm input costs continue to outstrip output returnsFarm input costs are rising at more than double the rate of consumer price increases, with so-called “agflation” estimated at 7.8% in September, according to consultants Andersons. This is the… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESMilk price rises may be tempered by supply recoveryThe recent recovery in milk prices is continuing, with a number of major processors announcing further increases in payments to producers, as supply and demand achieve a better balance. Arla,… 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
