All from last 24 hours CROP SELECTIONHigh fertiliser costs: Two cheaper crop options for 2027With soaring fertiliser prices, lacklustre commodity prices and rising pest and disease pressures, experts have highlighted two alternative crops for this autumn, that are much cheaper to grow than wheat… LAND MARKETS£45m-plus price tag for farm estate with 31 dwellingsA substantial farming estate with 1,149 acres of ring-fenced arable land is on the market at offers in excess of £45m. The Edgcote Estate on the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border has considerable… FARM POLICYNFU sets out vision to secure future of British sheep farmingThe NFU launched a new vision for the British sheep sector, urging stronger government support and policy changes to help sheep farmers stay profitable and resilient amid mounting economic and… LIVESTOCKFree water bowsers on offer from Severn TrentLivestock farmers in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire are being offered free mobile water bowsers by Severn Trent as pressure grows on farm water supplies during increasingly dry conditions. The water company… BEEFHow a suckler farmer works with nature to improve resilienceCornish farmer Jonathan Chapman has shaped his suckler herd to work in harmony with the natural environment, building a system that balances productivity with sustainability. Farming 350ha (865 acres) alongside… TRACTORSUpdated Claas Xerion 12 capable of semi-autonomous drivingA clutch of powertrain and digital technology upgrades are being released for the biggest tractors in the Claas range, including autonomous working – albeit with an operator in the driving… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: What farmers need from new Welsh governmentFinally, a change has happened in Wales. For all of my adult life, the Welsh government has been run by Labour and, as is well documented, many farmers think Labour… WILL'S WORLDWill's World: Chicken campaign is one in the eye for beefIt’s sad when your cultural references become outdated, and I’m well in the midst of being left behind. If I mention a TV programme or musician from my youth, let… OPINIONEditor's View: Politicians blind to end of cheap food eraNews of this week discussions between the Treasury and retailers over voluntary price caps on key groceries is another dispiriting insight into the lack of serious attention food policy is… HEALTH AND WELLBEINGFarming in spotlight as Hawkstone choir heads to BGT semisFarmer-based singing sensation the Hawkstone Farmers Choir is set to return to the nation’s TV screens this weekend (Saturday 23 May), as the live semi-finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent…
