All from last 24 hours BUSINESS MANAGEMENTDefra and NFU kick off 2026 with farm business eventsFarmers across England have a packed calendar of opportunities in early 2026 to meet Defra representatives and hear from industry experts on farm business and environmental issues. Defra’s strategic engagement… WORKSHOP SKILLSCustom cultivator towed by steel rope transforms steep fieldsFew things irk John Roberts more than unproductive farmland, even when it’s clinging to a precipitous hillside. But having flipped a tractor and rolled five times while trying to improve… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESOutlook 2026: Sheep market strong but expansion unlikelyFor the second year in a row, we have seen the UK breeding flock decrease, with Defra’s December 2024 survey reporting a 5% fall to 13.1 million ewes. That is… FARMLIFE FRAMEDPhoto of the Week: Minty the ewe and friends enjoy their hayThis heartwarming (if not hand-warming) scene of Minty chowing down her hay was taken by Wendy Pink. Wendy took the photo on her smallholding near Maenclochog, Pembrokeshire, during the Pembrokeshire… SOILSExpert advice on creating biologically dynamic soilsThere is currently an influx of biological products coming to the market promising improvements to soil health and yield, but can these claims be sustained in practice? Creating a biologically… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Time to tell politicians our side of the storyBlwyddyn Newydd Dda (Happy new year). I’m sure by now everyone has had enough of turkey curry and may be entertaining the idea of a dry January. The new year… OPINIONOpinion: Why farm assurance claims need to be squeaky cleanThe banning of a TV advert for the Red Tractor scheme in the autumn of 2025, over claims aimed at consumers, caused quite a stir in the farming industry. The…
