Business top stories PLANNING PERMISSIONWhat planning system overhaul means for farmersThe way many decisions are made in England’s planning system will change on 31 October 2026, with planning officers deciding more applications and fewer going to elected planning committees. The… CROPS MARKETS AND PRICESWheat prices show welcome signs of improvementFeed wheat prices have shown an encouraging upturn in recent days, prompted by tightening supply predictions and interruptions to shipping in the Black Sea region. Latest reports from the US… 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… BUSINESSHow farm diversification builds rural business resilienceAs farming families look to the future, diversification is playing an increasingly important role in building resilience, creating new income streams and supporting the next generation, writes NFU Mutual agent… 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… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESRetailers accused of hoarding dairy marginsAs dairy producers exit the industry due to low margins, retailers are putting their milk supplies at risk by not passing on lower prices to their consumers, analysts have warned.… ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMESThree-quarters of SFI26 Window 1 funding allocatedThree-quarters of the funding available through the first application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) has now been allocated, prompting Defra to urge eligible farmers to apply soon before… FINANCEAgri-business administrations surge in first half of 2026More agricultural businesses are entering administration as a challenging economic climate adds to the financial pressures facing the sector. According to an assessment by law firm Shakespeare Martineau, a total… BUSINESSUK-Switzerland trade deal to boost food exports for farmersBritish farmers are set to gain improved access to the Swiss market, worth an average of £195m a year between 2019 and 2022, after a new trade deal cut tariffs… BUSINESSPressure mounts for 'method of production' food labellingMeat industry groups are resisting attempts by animal welfare campaigners to enforce mandatory labelling showing how farmed animals are reared, saying such an approach is too simplistic. Global animal welfare… TENANCIES AND RENTSGreener and long-term FBTs: How new tenancies are workingOrganisations like the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) have long called for lengthier tenancies to become the industry standard. Progress has been slow, but the influence of one person is helping… PLANNING PERMISSIONArable farmer turns to padel to secure farm futureA fifth-generation arable farmer has applied for planning permission to Sunderland City Council, to build an indoor padel tennis centre, saying diversification is essential to safeguard the long-term future 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 newsSee all 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… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESRetailers accused of hoarding dairy marginsAs dairy producers exit the industry due to low margins, retailers are putting their milk supplies at risk by not passing on lower prices to their consumers, analysts have warned.… 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 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… 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 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 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… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESRetailers accused of hoarding dairy marginsAs dairy producers exit the industry due to low margins, retailers are putting their milk supplies at risk by not passing on lower prices to their consumers, analysts have warned.… BUSINESSCash pressures steer farmers towards smaller tractorsConstrained finances in the arable sector appear to be influencing tractor-buying decisions, with farmers opting for smaller machines despite an overall rise in registrations. Latest figures from the Agricultural Engineers… 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%… 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
