All news articles FARM POLICYWelsh government targets BPS with final SFS descriptionThe Welsh government has released details of the final Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which will replace the current Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) from next year. Announcing the new scheme, which… NEWSFW Podcast Ep 262: Dry weather - drought and wildfire fearsIn this episode, as drought is declared in Yorkshire, we look at the impact of the dry weather across the country. Scotland faces a wildfire warning – following a 30,000… NEWSCall to protect farmland from mega solar expansionA new report from countryside charity CPRE warns that nearly a third of England’s mega solar farms are being built on the country's highest-quality farmland, raising urgent concerns over food… WEATHERHarvest fire risk advice issued as fields stand tinder dryHot dry conditions across the UK have increased the risk of harvest fires, with fire services and farming groups warning farmers to take caution. Combines and standing crops have already… NEWSThis Week in Farming: Balers, bluetongue and dairy beefWelcome back to another edition of This Week in Farming, your one-stop shop for the best Farmers Weekly content from the past seven days. First, here are your markets (opens… FARM POLICYHow the Ffermio Bro agri-environment scheme is bedding inThe Welsh government’s agri-environmental scheme for its designated landscapes and national parks – called Ffermio Bro – has started in earnest since its launch in April. Aiming to encourage nature-friendly… FARM POLICYSFS uptake likely to hinge on payment ratesFarming unions in Wales have reiterated concerns over payment rates and levels of practicality of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), due to be finalised next week. The scheme, including details… HEALTH AND SAFETYAgriculture remains Britain’s most dangerous industryFigures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirm that agriculture, forestry and fishing continues to be the most hazardous sector for workers in Great Britain. Between April 2024 and… NEWSGovernment commits to ban lead in shotgun cartridgesShotgun cartridges containing lead shot will be banned for game shooting, following an industry wide consultation. A three-year transition period will begin next summer, with it becoming an offence to… ENVIRONMENTFarmland bird count shows success of farmer-led conservationThe results of the 2025 Big Farmland Bird Count show some red- and amber-listed species on the rise, emphasising the success of farmer-led agri-environmental schemes. The encouraging figures make a… NEWSCouncil’s vegan meal policy sparks hypocrisy rowOxfordshire County Council is under fire for hypocrisy after admitting to serving imported fruit at vegan-only lunches, despite its own policies calling for reduced “food miles” to combat climate change.… NEWSTrader to be sentenced over £630k farm machinery fraudA Scottish businessman who defrauded multiple agricultural firms out of £630,000 is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on 14 August 2025. Barry Mackland, 50, from… NEWSNew Wales Rural Crime Strategy launchedThe Welsh government has launched its second Wales Rural Crime Strategy, adopting a “prepare, prevent, pursue and protect” approach to tackling wildlife and rural crime. Launched at the Wales Wildlife… ENVIRONMENTRiver Action plans further assault on autumn muckspreadingEnvironmental group River Action is kick-starting fresh legal action against Defra to try and secure a general ban on autumn muckspreading. The group has issued Defra with a “pre-action protocol… NEWSWales first minister's support comments provoke angerComments from Wales first minister Eluned Morgan about funding for farming have sparked fury with unions and farmers alike – a week before full details the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)… CRIMELarge vet supply theft sparks industry alertA brazen overnight raid on Barkers Animal Health in Somerset saw tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of veterinary medicines and equipment stolen. Thieves broke through a double-skinned wall with… NEWSAHDB launches MilkGoals dairy campaign for Women’s EurosThe AHDB has kicked off its latest consumer marketing campaign to coincide with the Women’s Euros football tournament, highlighting the health benefits of milk. The levy board has worked with… NEWSComplete water abstraction ban hits grower with no warningA Norfolk grower has voiced deep frustration after being informed suddenly of a summer water abstraction ban imposed by the Environment Agency (EA), with no prior warning. The ban, effective… More articles
