Farmers Guardian
Jack Davies Editorial

Yeomadon Ferdinand takes 28th victory at Dorset County Show

September 9, 2011

TEARS flowed in the judging ring at the Dorset County Show as Devon bull Yeomadon Ferdinand retired undefeated, claiming his 28th consecutive championship, and an inter-breed title to boot, in his final appearance on the UK show circuit.
Aberystwyth and Sheffield Hallam top student survey

18 August 2011

THE UNIVERSITIES of Aberystwyth and Sheffield Hallam have topped the list of universities and colleges offering higher education in agriculture in a nationwide survey of student satisfaction.
Hat-trick of wins for Bishop family at New Forest show

3 August 2011

THE beef classes at New Forest and Hampshire Show were dominated by the Aberdeen-Angus breed, which won the supreme championship, the native championship and the inter-breed cow and calf championship at the three-day show in Brockenhurst, New Forest.
Important changes at Farmers Guardian online

30 June 2011

OVER the next couple of weeks you might notice some changes on www.farmersguardian.com as we look to improve the site and provide you with more relevant content for your business.
Pig producers to protest at Tesco AGM

30 June 2011

PIG producers are set to descend on Tesco’s AGM tomorrow (Friday, July 1) in protest at the low prices they claim are killing off the industry.
VMD drops plans for new animal medicine category

29 June 2011

THE Vetinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has dropped plans for a new category of medicine after intense lobbying from vets.
NOAH tightens rules on veterinary medicines

27 June 2011

THE National Office of animal Health (NOAH) has tightened up its code of practice in response to political pressure following the Government’s move last year to allow animal health companies to continue advertising antimicrobial medicines to farmers.
EU accused of ‘ignoring’ Welsh farmers

June 24, 2011

WELSH MEP John Bufton has hit out at the EU’s labeling rules which prevent meat under the age of 24 months being labeled as ‘Welsh’ despite Scottish farmers being able to use country of origin labels on meat of any age.
Combined therapy can cut clinical mastitis load

June 17, 2011

USING a dry cow tube alongside antibiotics as part of a dry cow therapy (DCT) programme can reduce cases of clinical mastitis by more than a third, according to the results of a recent survey.
Assurance scheme farmers could cut welfare inspections

15 June 2011

FARMERS in the UK who are part of a farm assurance or organic certification scheme could face fewer animal welfare inspections under new Government plans put out for consultation today.
New MRSA strain found in UK dairy cattle

June 3, 2011

A NEW strain of antibiotic-resistant MRSA has been discovered in UK dairy cows for the first time, and scientists believe it may now be being passed on to humans who come into close contact with infected animals.
LFA review could decimate livestock farming

1 June 2011

PROPOSED changes to less favoured area (LFA) support schemes could see thousands of farmers lose out on vital income support, putting the future of livestock farming in jeopardy.
MEP backs calls for 'bumblebee motorways'

May 27, 2011

A North West MEP has called for a national network of flower filled ‘rivers’ to be introduced across the UK in an effort to preserve vital insects for future generations.
Investigation after foot-and-mouth incident at Pirbright

26 May 2011

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has carried out an investigation and issued bosses at the Institute of Animal Health (IAH) at Pirbright with notices to improve their practices after a flask containing foot-and-mouth disease cracked.
Former Defra Minister jailed for 16 months

20 May 2011

FORMER Defra and MAFF Minister Elliot Morley has been jailed for 16 months after he was found guilty of claiming some £32,000 in bogus mortgage payments.
Tourism bosses bid to get YFC AGM on the Archers

5 May 2011

BLACKPOOL’S tourism bosses have contacted the BBC about including details of the Young Farmers AGM in an episode of Radio 4’s popular soap, The Archers.
Royal Wedding honoured with world’s most expensive ice cream

21 April 2011

A LANCASHIRE ice cream maker is set to celebrate the Royal Wedding Day by making an ice cream so extravagant it could break the record for the world’s most expensive.
Win tickets to 2011's biggest shows in our YFC AGM music quiz

20 April 2011

THINK you know your Gaga from your Greenday and your Wurzels from your Weezer? Enter our YFC AGM 2011 music quiz to be in with a chance of winning four tickets to one of the UKs biggest agricultural shows in 2011.
Kendall challenges Paice to improve RPA

19 April 2011

NFU president Peter Kendall has revealed that he is one of around 6,000 farmers in England still awaiting his 2010 Single Payment.
Defra crackdown as farmers accused of TB fraud

31 March 2011

DEFRA has announced a tough new regime to DNA tag cattle testing positive for Bovine TB after it emerged some farmers in the South West and the Midlands had been illegally swapping ear tags.
Ian Potter wins dairy industry award

24 March 2011

QUOTA broker and industry commentator Ian Potter was presented with the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ (RABDF) Princess Royal award at Buckingham palace this week.
Britain ‘well placed’ to deal with disease outbreaks

23 March 2011

THE UK’s science base is well placed to deal with emerging threats in viral diseases of livestock, according to some of the country’s leading scientists.
Supermarket ombudsman bill ‘due in May’

18 March 2011

THE Government is set to publish a draft bill, setting out plans to introduce a supermarket ombudsman in May this year, according to MP Andrew George.
TFA to focus on young farmers

18 March 2011

REMOVING barriers to entry and encouraging more young people into the farming industry will be a key focus for the Tennant Farmers Association (TFA), according to its new chairman.
Entries flood in for Tractor Factor

14 March 2011

ENTRIES have been flooding in for FG’s competition to find the next farming chart hit. We’ve had girl bands on tractors, Scotland’s answer to Justin Bieber and the Dorset countryside’s finest rappers. Catch up on some of the entries here.
Asulox ban threatens upland grazing

10 March 2011

THE European Commission is set to ban a chemical vital for control of bracken, threatening the future of grazing on upland farms across the UK.
'Don't sell farmers short', EU warned

10 March 2011

MEPs have backed a resolution calling on the European Commission to stop adversely affecting farmers when it comes to negotiating trade deals with other countries.
'Hands off our beef industry' South America warned

9 March 2011

FARMERS in the UK have warned the EU against a trade deal which could see Brazil and Argentina given access to the European meat market, potentially flooding the market with cheap imports and undermining domestic producers.
EU to unveil plans for cattle EID

7 March 2011

THE European Commission has confirmed it will be putting forward a proposal for electronic identification (EID) in cattle to replace the current system of ear tagging.
Pig farmers descend on Westminster

3 March 2011

PIG farmers have descended on Westminster this morning (Thursday, March 3) demanding a fair price for British pork, warning the industry will face a mass exodus should its fortunes not improve.
EU lifts ban on GM feed

22 February 2011

BRITISH farmers could soon be given access to GM animal feed after the EU voted to relax its zero-tolerance policy to contaminated feed being imported into Europe.
MEPs demand action on farmgate prices

18 February 2011

MEPs have called on the European Parliament to take urgent action to address issues in the food supply chain after figures revealed a historic peak for world food prices in January.
Farmers could boost exports to South Korea

18 February 2011

FARMERS in the UK could boost their exports to South Korea after the EU ratified a trade deal, expected to double trade over the next 20 years.
Urgent work needed on new vaccines

16 February 2011

THE animal health industry urgently needs to develop more vaccines to combat animal disease, or livestock farmers will struggle to meet the increased demands of a growing population.
MPs call for review into uplands support

16 February 2011

THE Government is not doing enough to support upland farmers in England, claims a report published by MPs today (Wednesday, February 16).
Nocton campaigners urge Council to block plans

16 February 2011

AN ALLIANCE of UK charities has called on North Kesteven District Council to block Nocton Dairies’ application for a 3,770-cow unit in Lincolnshire when it meets to discuss the plans next month.
GM feed ban must be lifted - Parish

16 February 2011

THE UK and EU governments must reconsider their stance on GM or risk putting livestock farmers out of business, warned MP Neil Parish.
Solar farms spark subsidy review

7 February 2011

THE Government has launched a comprehensive review of its Feed In Tariff (FIT) scheme which aims to encourage farmers to generate electricity from renewable sources such as anaerobic digestion (AD).
MPs to debate fuel prices

7 February 2011

THE House of Commons is set to debate the issue of fuel prices today (Monday, February 2) as businesses urge the Government to take action to stop prices rising further.
British dairy farms lose £330m a year

4 February 2011

BRITISH dairy farmers are losing a total of £330m a year as the cost of production continues to lag behind the farmgate price, according to new figures published today (Friday, January 4).
Government urged to block FSA cost plan

2 February 2011

THE NFU has called on the Government to step in and put a stop to plans from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to pass £32 million in meat control costs back onto the industry, warning it threatens the viability of the UK livestock sector.
US model could help manage fertiliser costs

31 January 2011

A US fertiliser manufacturer could hold the key to farmers here managing their input costs, according to the NFU’s chief arable advisor Guy Gagen.
Tight lamb supplies to continue in 2011

31 January 2011

THE UK sheep flock is at its lowest level since the 1980s, dropping to just 13.8 million breeding ewes and leading to 10 per cent drop in slaughtering s in 2010.
Irish financial crisis could benefit UK producers

31 January 2011

UK beef producers could soon start to feel the knock-on effects of the Irish financial crisis as imports drop, opening up the market for domestic produce.
Milk price increase vital for farm profits

31 January 2011

DAIRY farmers could face another year of tight margins and, in many cases, facing a loss unless milk prices rise significantly.
1 in 4 farmers unsure of NVZ status

28 January 2011

MORE than a quarter of dairy farmers in England are still unsure of their NVZ status and more than half do not have sufficient slurry storage to meet the requirements of the new rules.
Cattle to graze Royal Park

27 January 2011

LONDON’S Richmond Park is set to welcome grazing cattle for the first time under plans to boost the capital’s environmental credentials.
Warning to farmers flouting fallen stock rules

26 January 2011

FARMERS are being warned to pay close attention to their fallen stock arrangements after the Welsh Assembly launched a clampdown on illegal disposals.
British farmers ready to tackle food security

25 January 2011

BRITISH farmers are ready to rise to the challenge of boosting food production to feed a growing global population, say farm unions.
Organic vs conventional row must stop

24 January 2011

THE organic and conventional farming lobbies have been urged to put their differences behind them and stop bickering over which system is best to meet the global food challenge.
Government urged to keep door open to GM and cloning

24 January 2011

CONTROVERSIAL new technologies such as GM and animal cloning should not be disregarded in the fight to beat global hunger and ease concerns over rising food prices, leading scientists have warned.
Scientists and Ministers call for new agricultural revolution

24 January 2011

URGENT action is needed to boost food production and avoid the prospect of rising food prices and increasing global hunger, a report by leading scientists has warned.
Lamma 2011 off to a flying start

20 January 2011

LAMMA got off to a flying start yesterday (Wednesday, January 19), as farmers streamed through the gates in their droves, eager to get a look at the latest innovations in farm machinery.
In pictures: Lamma 2011

19 January 2011

View our picture gallery from Lamma 2011, as we showcase some of the new products on display at the show.
Win four tickets to Glastonbury with Tractor Factor

January 14, 2011

FOLLOWING the success of the Yeo Valley rappers, we have launched our own musical talent search to find the next group – or individual - with the farming X Factor.
Former Countryfile presenter wins court case

11 January 2011

FORMER Countryfile presenter Miriam O’Reilly has won her employment tribunal against the BBC after she claimed she was discriminated against on the grounds of ageism.
Using social media to connect with consumers

January 7, 2011

Social media has been one of the fastest growing movements on the internet since its inception. As millions of people a day continue to sign up, Jack Davies looks at how farmers are using social media to their advantage.
Case study: John Sinclair, Craigie’s Farm, South Queensferry, Edinburgh

January 7, 2011

ON a 102-hectare (260-acre) arable farm just West of Edinburgh, John Sinclair is probably on Facebook right now. But he’s not checking his friends’ status updates, or leafing through pictures of the latest night out - he is marketing Craigie’s Farm.
Take action now to avoid food shortage - NFU

31 December 2010

NFU President Peter Kendall has used his New Year’s message to warn that the UK’s food gap is set to widen further unless the Government takes action to reverse the trend.
Simon Cow aims to beat X Factor to chart success

13 December 2010

SIMON Cow, the pop svengali, behind Doddington Dairies’ latest single is aiming to moooo-ve up the charts in time for Christmas, vowing to take on X Factor winner Matt Cardle for top spot next weekend.
EU Ministers back compulsory labelling laws

8 December 2010

MANDATORY country of origin labelling on chicken, lamb and beef have come a step closer after EU Ministers voted in favour of the plans yesterday (Tuesday, December 7).
Big freeze takes its toll on sheep farmers

1 December 2010

THE heaviest November snowfall in 30 years has left farmers facing the prospect of a tough winter ahead as the arctic weather put pressure on farm businesses around the UK.
Slurry worries mount as big freeze continues

1 December 2010

FARMERS in Scotland are being urged to take note of the rules surrounding spreading slurry on snow-covered or frozen ground following a number of incidents which have seen farmers defy the ban.
MEPs call for fairness on new egg rules

1 December 2010

TWO British MEPs have called on the European Parliament to impose tough sanctions on member states who choose to ignore new rules outlawing the sale of eggs from non-enriched cages.
Warning over stolen cattle vaccine

30 November 2010

FARMERS and vets are being warned not to use a cattle vaccine after a batch destined for the UK was stolen in Belgium two weeks ago.
Arctic weather could bring Christmas tree shortage

30 November 2010

THE arctic weather currently hitting the UK may be producing picturesque scenes worthy of any Christmas card, but it could leave some families facing a struggle to get one of the season’s most important items – the Christmas tree.
Livestock deaths blamed on 'big cat'

30 November 2010

LIVESTOCK farmers were on alert this week after a series of savage attacks on livestock in Pembrokeshire and the North of England, raising fears there are big cats on the prowl.
Heavy snow raises fresh fears for farmers

29 November 2010

HEAVY snowfall across many parts of the UK has left farmers fearing another big freeze after last year’s weather cost millions in damage to farm buildings.
Farmers reap benefits of ‘smart phone’ revolution

25 November 2010

A revolution in mobile technology is well and truly underway in the UK. In part one of our look at the mobile phone market, Jack Davies asks what the new breed of ‘smart phones’ has to offer farmers.
Forget broadband - we can't even get a phone signal!

25 November 2010

PEOPLE in rural areas are at risk of being left behind when it comes to mobile communications, according to a new report from the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC).
Mobile phones toughen up for life on the farm

25 November 2010

While ‘smart phones’ are at the cutting-edge of mobile phone technology, one thing they lack is durability. Jack Davies examines the ‘rugged phone’ market to see if they offer farmers more than their smarter cousins.
The rise of the machines - how software is shaping the way farmers manage their businesses

25 November 2010

A new generation of tech-savvy farmers are waiting to join the industry and, as developments in computer software filter through to agriculture, Jack Davies looks at how technology is driving farm efficiencies.
Upland farmers given computer training

25 November 2010

A NEW series of training courses for farmers in the Durham Dales is hoping to equip farmers with the skills to take their businesses into the twenty first century.
Scotland to relax Bluetongue testing regime

24 November 2010

THE Scottish Government is set to scrap post-import testing for Bluetongue disease on all cattle and sheep imported from mainland Europe.
Public warned over ‘micro pigs’ ahead of Christmas

23 November 2010

DEFRA has issued a warning to would-be micro pig owners after media reports about people being mis-sold the animals in recent weeks.
FG meets rugby legend Phil Vickery

22 November 2010

ENGLISH rugby legend Phil Vickery has called time on his playing career. As he looks forward to retirement, we caught up with him to ask him what the future has in store and to look back over his career, which started when he was growing up on the familly farm in Cornwall.
Farmers urged to complete online stewardship record

November 19, 2010

FARMERS are being urged to document their commitment to protecting the environment by filling in the Campaign for the Farmed Environment’s (CFE) online recording tool.
Join us live for our ‘super dairies’ debate

November 19, 2010

NOCTON Dairies’ plan for a 3,770-cow dairy in Lincolnshire has split industry opinion and at 11.30am today (Friday, November 19) we will be giving you a chance to put your questions to one of the farmers behind the plans.
Kendall warns against 'civil disobedience'

16 November 2010

NFU president Peter Kendall has refused calls from some farmers to show a more aggresive stand against retailers by engaging in large-scale protests.
NFU and WI launch campaign for better milk prices

16 November 2010

THE NFU and the Women’s Institute will launch a new campaign in London today (Tuesday, November 16) in an attempt to improve dairy farmers returns.
Government to sell off rare Shetland herd

3 November 2010

CROFTERS in Scotland are up in arms after the Scottish Government revealed plans to sell the state-owned Shetland herd in a bid to save taxpayers money.
Peter Jones and JCB launch 'world's toughest phone'

3 November 2010

DRAGON’S Den entrepreneur Peter Jones has launched a new range of ‘toughphones’ from JCB, reported to be the world’s toughest.
CFE remains strong in face of Government cuts

28 October 2010

CAMPAIGN for the Farmed Environment (CFE) organisers say the scheme will continue, despite public spending cuts.
Meryl Ward wins David Black award

27 October 2010

LINCOLNSHIRE pig farmer Meryl Ward has been awarded the 2010 David Black award for her ‘important and sustained contribution to the pig industry’.
Perthshire farmer gets surprise visit from Miss UK

27 October 2010

A Perthshire beef farmer had some unexpected glamour added to his working day when Miss UK, Katharine Brown paid him a visit ahead of her three week trip to China for Miss International.
Derek Mead delivers parting shot at 'failing' NFU leaders

26 October 2010

OUTSPOKEN NFU Council member Derek Mead has resigned his membership, delivering a parting blow to the union’s leadership by accusing them of failing to stand up for the interests of Britain’s farmers.
Organic sales' record rise in September

25 October 2010

SALES of organic food rose by more than 15 per cent in September, according to the latest figures released today.
Scotland to overhaul farm tenancy rules

29 September 2010

THE Scottish Government has put forward plans to change the rules around farm tenancies in a bid to allow more new entrants into the industry.
Union slams 'disgraceful' Quango cuts

28 September 2010

THE Government’s plan to axe 180 arms-length bodies - including 50 within Defra’s remit - has been slammed by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).
Move over Jay-Z – rapping farmers have the X factor

27 September 2010

FOUR farmers from the West Country are to appear on prime time TV with their own rap song as part of an advertising campaign for Yeo Valley.
Wind developer opens £50m scheme to farmers

27 September 2010

A SCOTTISH wind developer has announces a £50 million investment to focus on small scale wind projects around the country.
RASE looks to bounce back from AgriLive blow

24 September 2010

THE Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) underwent, in the words of its chief executive, an ‘annus horribilis’ in 2009, posting a loss in excess of £800,000 and losing its flagship event - the Royal Show – which had been one of the biggest events in the calendar for more than 100 years.
Eblex moves to quell halal fears

23 September 2010

EBLEX moved to defend halal meat processors in the UK this week after they became the focus of a national newspaper investigation which found the ritually slaughtered meat was being sold to consumers at restaurants and sporting venues around the country.
NBA calls for fresh approach to boost beef returns

22 September 2010

RETAILERS and farmers must improve collaboration if they are to boost the value of the UK beef sector, the National Beef Association (NBA) has warned.
Brewer accused of putting suppliers under pressure

22 September 2010

THE company behind a number of leading beer brands has been accused of putting its suppliers under pressure after it extended its payment terms to more than three months.
Dairy Crest announces milk price increase

21 September 2010

Dairy Crest has announced a 0.5 ppl milk price increase for suppliers on its manufacturing contracts from October 1.
Production costs soar for beef and lamb

21 September 2010

RISING fuel prices have seen production costs for English beef and lamb producers rocket, according to new figures released by Eblex.
AgriLive Smithfield event cancelled

21 September 2010

The Royal Agricultural Society (RASE) and the Royal Smithfield Club (RSC) have announced the AgriLive Smithfield event, due to take place in December, has been cancelled as the two organisations struggled to finance the show.
Agriculture in the national news - September 20

20 September 2010

A DAILY look at how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Monday, September 20)
Public 'being misled' over halal meat

19 September 2010

RESTAURANTS and sporting venues across the UK have been slammed by animal welfare groups after a national newspaper investigation discovered many were selling halal meat without informing consumers.
'Super dairy' campaigners target NFU Cymru milk board chairman

17 September 2010

ANIMAL rights campaigners have lodged an official objection to plans by NFU Cymru’s milk board chairman Maurice Jones to expand his dairy herd to 1,000 cows.
Voting opens for theme at YFC AGM in Blackpool 2011

17 September 2010

HUNDREDS of Young Farmers will descend on Blackpool in 2011 for the NFYFC annual convention, returning to the venue which hosted the 2009 event.
Farmers split over 'super dairies'

17 September 2010

THE FARMING industry is split in its reaction to ‘super dairies’ like the one proposed by Nocton Dairies, a Farmers Guardian survey has found.
High Speed Rail to bisect Stoneleigh Park

17 September 2010

THE National Agriculture Centre at Stoneleigh Park suffered a blow this week after the Government unveiled changes to the proposed high speed rail link from London to Birmingham which would see the new train line cut through the park.
Farmers deserve right to choose on animal medicines

September 17, 2010

New rules being considered by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate could take key information away from farmers when it comes to making choices about health planning. William Surman and Jack Davies report.
UK cow is crowned the world's smallest

16 September 2010

A DEXTER cow in Yorkshire has entered the Guiness Book of Records after it was crowned the world’s smallest cow.
Grain prices push higher as yields decline

16 September 2010

GRAIN prices rose again this week on the back of official reports of lower yields in England and France, raising fears over food prices.
Savile Row to be transformed into green pasture

13 September 2010

A FLOCK of sheep will descend on London’s Savile Row next month to raise awareness about Prince Charles’ Campaign For Wool.
Farmers reject VMD plans to ban medicines marketing

9 September 2010

MORE than 90 per cent of farmers are against plans put forward by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to ban advertising of antimicrobial medicines (antibiotics).
Take part in our animal health survey to win M&S vouchers

3 September 2010

AS part of our campaign, Backing Britain’s Professional Farmers, we are putting your views to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). Take part in our short animal health survey to get your views across and be entered into our FREE PRIZE DRAW.
Lincs police roll out customised 999 tractor

2 September 2010

POLICE in Lincolnshire have customised a John Deere 6630 tractor, complete with police livery and a flashing blue light in their ongoing attempt to combat rural crime.
Farmers must fight to retain professional status

2 September 2010

Farmers Guardian has been campaigning against plans by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to ban direct marketing of antimicrobials to farmers. As the consultation draws to a close, Jack Davies looks at what farmers stand to lose if the ban goes ahead.
Aphrodite supreme in battle of show big guns

31 August 2010

THE beef inter-breed at this year’s Bucks County Show saw two of the season’s most prolific winners go head-to-head to challenge for the title as the wet end to the summer turned the showground into a relative mud-bath.
15 per cent of UK wheat harvest in despite rain

13 August 2010

FARMERS have dodged the rain showers to reap 15 per cent of the UK wheat harvest, and despite significant drying requirements in the north, the yield has been of good quality.
‘We’re not the bad guys’ - Nocton Dairies farmer speaks out

13 August 2010

ONE of the farmers behind plans to build Europe’s largest dairy farm near the village of Nocton in Lincolnshire has spoken out about the welfare campaigns and media coverage which, he claims, is demonising British dairy farmers.
Whistleblower vet slammed by industry

12 August 2010

A FORMER vet who claimed British farmers were putting vets under pressure to compromise animal welfare has been slammed by the industry.
Big dairies does not mean bad welfare, says RSPCA

12 August 2010

LARGE-SCALE dairy farms are not inherently bad for animal welfare, according to the RSPCA.
Latvian fruit pickers in worst case of worker abuse

12 August 2010

A LANCASHIRE gangmaster had his licence revoked this week after investigators uncovered one of the worst cases of worker abuse in recent history.
'Super dairy' battle looms for Nocton Dairies

12 August 2010

THE Farmers behind plans to build the largest dairy farm in Europe at Nocton in Lincolnshire are set to resubmit their proposals next month despite continued protests from animal welfare campaigners and local residents.
Meat from third 'clone cow' entered the food chain

11 August 2010

MEAT from the offspring of a cloned cow was sold in a butchers shop in London, the Food Standards Agency has revealed.
Scotland to tighten rules on Single Farm Payments

9 August 2010

THE Scottish Government is set to tighten the rules on Single Farm Payments (SFP), linking eligibility to farming activity.
NBA calls for new rules to identify cloned cows

5 August 2010

The National Beef Association (NBA) has called on Defra and dairy breed societies to put new rules in place to allow farmers and food processors to quickly identify cattle with cloning backgrounds.
South Devon farmer wins conservation award

5 August 2010

A South Devon farmer has been awarded the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group’s (FWAG) Bronze Otter award for his commitment to conservation.
Nocton prepares to resubmit ‘super-dairy’ plans

5 August 2010

THE farmers behind the controversial 8,000-cow ‘super dairy’ at Nocton in Lincolnshire are getting ready to resubmit their plans.
Cloned cow milk is ‘safe’, say scientists

3 August 2010

LEADING scientists have come out in support of milk from cloned animals after it was revealed UK supermarkets could be selling milk form the offspring of cloned cows.
Paice calls for more on food labelling

3 August 2010

FARMING Minister Jim Paice has called on supermarkets and processors to do more to improve labelling on meat and dairy products
‘Cloned milk’ revelations undermine consumer confidence

2 August 2010

NEWS that milk from cloned cows is being sold in British supermarkets will undermine consumer confidence, claims the Soil Association.
Milk from cloned cows on sale in UK supermarkets

2 August 2010

THE Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to launch an investigation after a British dairy farmer claimed supermarkets were selling milk from cloned cows.
Anger over claims farmers are 'not professionals'

30 July 2010

NEW rules being proposed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), which would downgrade farmers from ‘professionals’ to ‘members of the public’ have been met by staunch opposition from British farmers.
Backing Britain's Professional Farmers

30 July 2010

NEW rules from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are proposing to downgrade farmers from ‘professionals’ to ‘members of the public’. The change could have wide-ranging ramifications for the industry and would see a ban imposed on the direct marketing of antimicrobial medicines to farmers. In a new series we look at the proposed new rules and how redefining the professionalism of British farmers could have far-reaching consequences.
Scientists investigate bogs to solve climate change riddle

23 July 2010

A major investigation is being carried out into how climate change can be mitigated through better management of the UK’s peat bogs.
Baileys launches hunt for Ireland's finest dairy cow

22 July 2010

THE makers of Baileys Irish Cream have launched a hunt for Ireland’s finest dairy cow – putting up an €8,000 prize fund for the contest.
EU food security is ‘deeply flawed’

22 July 2010

EUROPEAN consumers’ increasing reliance on fruit and vegetables grown abroad was branded a ‘short sighted’ and ‘deeply flawed’ approach to food security by NFU president Peter Kendall.
Defra must keep promises on RPA – NFU

21 July 2010

NFU president Peter Kendall welcomed Defra’s review into the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and said it was crucial Ministers now stick to their plans to overhaul the struggling agency.
RSPB talking ‘nonsense’ on kestrels - CLA

20 July 2010

THE Country Land and Business Association has hit out at the RSPB after it blamed farmers for the sharp decline in Kestrel numbers in recent years.
Dog walkers putting Scottish livestock at risk

16 July 2010

NFU Scotland has raised fears over the impact of working and pet dogs on the country’s beef and sheep farms, warning diseases spread by dogs is hampering attempts to maintain animal health.
UK group completes Dutch poultry firm takeover

16 July 2010

UK-based poultry processing firm 2 Sisters has purchased Dutch processor Storteboom Group.
Protests at European milk reform

July 16, 2010

EUROPEAN dairy farmers returned to the streets of Brussels this week in protest at the reforms set out by the European Commission’s High Level Group (HLG) on the dairy sector.
Waitrose named UK’s most compassionate supermarket

15 July 2010

WAITROSE has been crowned the UK’s most Compassionate Supermarket by leading animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).
Spelman pledges to improve labelling

14 July 2010

DEFRA Secretary Caroline Spelman has pledged to take action to improve labelling on food products to help make food choices easier for consumers.
Government warned against conservation cuts

14 July 2010

THE Government will receive a stark warning from conservationists as countryside campaigners urge Ministers not to cut spending on on conservation, wildlife-friendly farming and public recreation.
It's Moo Tube! London Underground invaded by cows

13 July 2010

HERD the one about the cow on the Tube? No, neither had we until this morning’s ‘coMOOte’ to work saw hundreds of charity activists, dressed as cows, descend on the Underground in a bid to raise awareness of rainforest-free food.
Badger cull plans quashed by High Court

13 July 2010

THE Badger Trust has won it’s appeal against the High Court’s refusal to grant a judicial review on badger culling.
Future in ‘good hands’ as Wiseman chairman steps down

8 July 2010

THE future of Robert Wiseman Dairies is in ‘good hands’, shareholders were told at the firm’s AGM today (Thursday, July 8) as chairman Alan Wiseman stepped down from the company.
Defra ordered to review agri-environment schemes

5 July 2010

DEFRA is being forced to make changes to the way farmers are paid for delivering agri-environment schemes after the European Commission warned the Department could face steep fines for non-compliance.
Wiseman confirms milk price rise

5 July 2010

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has confirmed a price rise for July, adding 0.4ppl to its standard litre price.
Warning on tail docking as Animal Health steps up inspections

2 July 2010

FARMERS have been warned they could face prosecution, or have part of their Single Farm Payment (SFP) withheld, if they flout the law on tail docking at shows and events this summer.
Compulsory EU organic logo comes into force

1 July 2010

THE EU’s new organic logo, which will be compulsory on all EU pre-packaged organic food comes into force today (Thursday, July 1).
TB case study: Melissa and Jon Ravenhill

1 July 2010

ON Woefuldane farm in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, Melissa Ravenhill and her husband Jon are nervous as they wait for news that could signal the end of a 12-month standstill on their farm.
Farmer jailed for fatal trailer smash

30 June 2010

A FARMER has been sentenced to two years in prison today (Wednesday, June 30) after a trailer became detached from his tractor, killing a passing motorist.
Spelman slams EU plans to ban eggs sold by the dozen

27 June 2010

DEFRA Secretary Caroline Spelman has slammed new EU labelling laws which will ban the sale of eggs sold by the dozen.
Call for action to help 'disadvantaged' new entrants

26 June 2010

THE Scottish Government has been urged to take urgent action to find new ways of supporting young entrants who are ineligible for the Single Farm Payment (SFP).
Lochhead launches labelling guide

26 June 2010

THE Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a new consumer guide for country of origin labelling in a bid to give shoppers more information about where their food comes from.
Scottish produce sales soar

26 June 2010

SALES of Scottish food and drink have soared over the past year, adding £425 million to the value of the product.
Red tape review reaps benefits

26 June 2010

SCOTTISH farmers are spending less time on red tape after the Government cut the number of on-farm inspections, according to figures published in the SEARS (Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services) annual review.
Sainsbury's boost to Scottish produce

26 June 2010

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury has provided a boost to the Scottish food and drink industry, committing to offering more home-produced food as it expands the number of stores in Scotland.
Record rise in food and drink apprenticeships

26 June 2010

A RECORD 650 Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) have been supported by the Scottish Government over the past 12 months, education Secretary Michael Russell announced at the Royal Highland show.
New scheme to help farmers fund wind turbines

26 June 2010

SCOTLAND’S rural affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead announced ambitious new plans at the Royal Highland Show to provide farmers and landowners with access to finance to help get renewable energy projects off the ground.
Scottish Government launches bee strategy

26 June 2010

THE Scottish Government has confirmed plans to pump money into new research aimed at securing the future of honey bees.
UK Shorthorn record broken at the Royal Highland Show

26 June 2010

A NEW record price for a Shorthorn bull was realised at the Royal Highland Show.
Report calls for stocking density threshold for SFP

25 June 2010

THE Scottish Government has been urged to introduce a minimum stocking density criteria for the Single Farm Payment (SFP) in order to tackle the growing problem of ‘slipper farmers’.
Controversy in the sheep lines at the Royal Highland Show

25 June 2010

THE first day of the Royal Highland Show saw unrest in the sheep lines as Animal Health officials threatened to stop sheep being shown on the grounds of inappropriate tail docking.
Record-breaking start to Royal Highland Show

25 June 2010

THE Royal Highland Show got off to a flying start yesterday as almost 40,000 people streamed through the gates, marking a record attendance for the first day of the prestigious event.
Food production still key to CAP – Ciolos

25 June 2010

FOOD production is still a key part of farm support, said the EU’s agriculture Commissioner on his first UK visit at the Royal Highland show yesterday (Thursday, June 24).
CAP reform could boost R&D

25 June 2010

REFORM of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should include provisions to put more pubic money into research and innovation, said the EU Agriculture Commissioner.
EU milk reforms expected this year

25 June 2010

THE European Parliament is expected to be presented with new legislation aimed at increasing the competitive nature of the dairy industry before the turn of the year.
Ciolos rejects one-size-fits-all CAP

25 June 2010

EU agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos told farmers the reformed CAP would have to be flexible enough to give member states a chance to tailor it to their own requirements.
McLaren appeals to Ciolos on cross-compliance

24 June 2010

NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren appealed to EU Agriculture Commissioner, Dacian Ciolos to push for a more proportionate penalty system when it comes to cross compliance breaches.
Animal health budget could be devolved by 2011

24 June 2010

CONTROL of Scotland’s animal health budget could be handed to the Scottish Government as early as April next year, rural affairs Minister Richard Lochhead told farmers at the Royal Highland Show.
European leaders defend CAP support

24 June 2010

FARMERS and politicians must improve how they get their message across to the public if they are to secure CAP funding for the future, EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos told farmers at the Royal Highland Show.
Paice to take EID case back to Europe

24 June 2010

FARMING Minister Jim Paice will go to Europe next week in a bid to secure key concessions on the UK’s controversial sheep EID rules.
Fears over plans to ban drug marketing

18 June 2010

PHARMACEUTICAL firms could be banned from advertising antibiotics to farmers under new rules being drawn up by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
3,000-cow ‘super dairy’ plans abandoned

17 June 2010

DEVELOPERS behind the proposed 3,000-cow ‘super dairy’ at South Witham in Lincolnshire have dropped their plans following strong opposition from welfare campaigners and local residents.
Scientists move a step closer to mastitis vaccine

16 June 2010

RESEARCHERS at the University of Nottingham have moved a step closer to developing a vaccine for bovine mastitis.
Open farms could face tough new rules

14 June 2010

FARMERS opening their gates to the public could face tough new rules when the Health Protection Agency (HPA) publishes its report into the E. coli outbreak on a farm in Surrey last year.
Natural England abandons plans to reintroduce Sea Eagles

14 June 2010

NATURAL England has put a stop to plans to reintroduce Sea Eagles to Suffolk after fears were raised they could prey on livestock.
Spelman backs Red Tractor week

14 June 2010

DEFRA Secretary Caroline Spelman has given her backing to Red Tractor week, encouraging all Whitehall departments to source food produced to ‘the highest British standards.’
OMSCo to pay out £750,000 to milk producers

14 June 2010

THE organic milk suppliers co-op (OMSCo) will pay a bonus of £750,000 to its 400 producer members.
Beef price crash undermining confidence

10 June 2010

THE NFU has warned the beef supply chain the current slump in prices is having a major knock-on effect on producer confidence.
Animal Health to simulate fresh FMD outbreak

10 June 2010

A MAJOR national exercise is due to take place in November to test Britain’s readiness to deal with a fresh foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Government sets out plans for digital revolution

9 June 2010

NEW culture and media secretary Jeremy Hunt has pledged to close the divide between rural and urban broadband availability as he announced a package of measures aimed at delivering a digital revolution in the UK.
Cereals 2010: Agri-environment schemes bypassing working farmers

9 June 2010

WORKING farmers are being bypassed by agri-environment schemes and are failing to reap the benefits, warned the Tenant Farmers Association.
Tesco chief's reign slammed by campaigners

8 June 2010

TESCO chief executive Sir Terry Leahy has been slammed by Friends of the Earth (FoE) after he announced his decision to retire, having grown the retail firm into one of the world’s biggest.
GM potatoes planted in Norfolk

8 June 2010

A CROP of genetically modified (GM) potatoes was planted in Norfolk this morning (Tuesday, June 8) as work began at the Sainsbury Laboratory to investigate blight resistance.
Surrey Show: Aphrodite heads beef line-up

June 4, 2010

British Charolais, Mortimers Aphrodite, took the beef inter-breed championship at Surrey Show on Monday, coming out on top in a quality line-up of beef animals. PICTURES: Theresa Eveson
Devastating future for UK farms without CAP support

2 June 2010

MORE than half of UK farmers would struggle to stay in business if direct support payments under the CAP were removed, a new study has found.
Dairy industry needs investment - Paice

1 June 2010

FARMING Minister Jim Paice has hit out at the gap between liquid and processed milk prices, calling on the dairy industry to look for new ways to maximise their returns.
New research highlights dangers of farm work

28 May 2010

FARMERS are more likely to die on the job than in a car accident, according to new research from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Anti-cull protestors clash with police

27 May 2010

ANTI-CULL protestors have released video footage of a demonstration in Pembrokeshire which saw some of the protestors arrested as they tried to prevent contractors going onto farms within the cull area.
Staffordshire farmer unveils £3m anaerobic digestor

20 May 2010

A STAFFORDSHIRE farmer has unveiled a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant which will use both farm and domestic waste to generate enough energy to power 1,300 local homes.
Spelman under scrutiny over links to biotech lobbyists

15 May 2010

NEW Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman has come under scrutiny after a campaign group calling for transparency in politics raised awkard questions about a potential conflict of interest.
Uncertainty over Defra's future

12 May 2010

DEFRA could be involved in a significant Departmental shake-up, according to rumours rife in Westminster today (Wednesday, May 12).
Hung Parliament 'can work for farmers' - McLaren

7 May 2010

A HUNG parliament is not necessarily bad news for the farming industry, claimed NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren.
Confusion over SFP claims for Scottish farmers

5 May 2010

SCOTTISH farmers applying for vital EU subsidies will be sent new guidance notes by the Scottish Government after many were left confused over how much of their land they could claim on.
Tide begins to turn on milk price

4 May 2010

THERE are now positive signs for UK milk prices after a number of processors increased farmgate milk prices in recent weeks.
Fringe party manifesto attacks livestock farmers

28 April 2010

CAP subsidies should be taken away from livestock farmers and pumped into plant-based agriculture, claims one of the fringe parties standing in the General Election.
Monster Raving Loonies plan to embrace badgers

28 April 2010

WHEN the England team steps out onto the pitch at Rustenburg on June 12 for their World Cup opener they could be sporting a new symbol for the fans to get behind – three badgers.
YFC AGM 2010 on video: Young Farmers on Safari (part one)

25 April 2010

YOUNG farmers joined Farmers Guardian’s resident safari expert Safari Steve on the second day of the NFYFC AGM in Torquay as thousands poured through the doors in their fancy dress costumes.
Food policy central to economic recovery - FDF

21 April 2010

THE food and drink sector should be at the heart of the incoming Government’s plans for economic recovery, claims the Food and Drink Federation.
Scottish sheep farmers to receive emergency aid

20 April 2010

SHEEP farmers in Scotland are set to receive £200,000 in emergency aid after the harsh winter saw a spike in livestock deaths.
Food security claims are a lie, says new report

20 April 2010

CLAIMS that the UK needs to double food production by 2050 are a lie, claims a new report from the Soil Association published today (Tuesday, April 20).
NSA sets out General Election demands

20 April 2010

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has called on Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Gordon Brown to give a commitment to supporting the sector as they continue their campaigns for the upcoming General Election.
Volcanic ash highlights major flaws in food security

19 April 2010

BRITISH farmers will strive to keep supermarket shelves stocked as reports circulate about a potential drop in food imports as a result of the volcanic ash cloud which has brought air traffic around northern Europe to a standstill.
Fears for SPS delivery as RPA mapping chaos continues

16 April 2010

THOUSANDS of farmers are struggling to fill in their 2010 single payment forms after the Rural Payment Agency failed to send out correct RLR maps.
Lobbying steps up ahead of key IPPC vote

14 April 2010

THE EUROPEAN Parliament will meet next week to vote on controversial changes to IPPC regulations which could place a heavy burden on pig and poultry farmers in the UK.
Five-a-day message falls on deaf ears

14 April 2010

VEGETABLE consumption in the UK has plummeted despite the five-a-day message given to consumers, the latest figures show.
Labour promise ‘level playing field’ for British farmers

12 April 2010

THE Labour Party has promised to tackle unfair practices from major retailers and to work hard to ensure British farming is ‘profitable and competitive’ in its election manifesto published today (Monday, April 12).
‘Super dairy’ forced to withdraw plans

12 April 2010

NOCTON Dairies has withdrawn its planning application for an 8,100 cow dairy farm in Lincolnshire.
Farmer's famous joke to be auctioned off

7 April 2010

A YORKSHIRE farmer is set to sell off a local landmark which has kept passers by amused for years – a slurry tank with the words ‘Government Think Tank’ emblazoned across the side.
Government backtracks on cider tax

7 April 2010

THE GOVERNMENT’S plans to raise tax on cider by 10 per cent have been dropped following strong opposition from apple growers, producers and cider drinkers.
Farmers turn to hauliers to ease lambing woes

6 April 2010

SCOTLAND’S sheep farmers have turned to the haulage industry for assistance as they continue to lamb their flocks in some of the worst weather conditions ever endured at lambing.
Race against time for EID tagging

1 April 2010

SHEEP farmers buying electronic tags could have to wait up to six weeks for them to be delivered, leaving many facing a race against time to get lambs tagged before they are sent to market later this year.
Snow worries for Scottish farmers

31 March 2010

SHEEP farmers in Scotland were dealt a further blow this week as winter weather returned, putting newborn lambs at risk.
Ex-DFB producer scoops student dairy award

31 March 2010

A YOUNG farmer whose business suffered when Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) collapsed last year, was awarded the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF)/Dairy Crest Dairy Student of the Year Award.
Ciolos to visit Royal Highland Show

29 March 2010

NEW EU agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos is set to speak to Scottish farmers at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Cider tax provokes anger from producers and drinkers

24 March 2010

ALISTAIR Darling’s decision to raise cider duty by 10 per cent above inflation has sparked anger among apple growers, cider producers and drinkers.
‘Inadequacies’ of management led to DFB collapse

23 March 2010

INADEQUATE management, bad business decisions and a severe lack of confidence among farmers and suppliers all conspired to bring down Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB), claims a new report published today (Tuesday, March 22).
Where did DFB go wrong?

23 March 2010

TODAY’S report from the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee report is the latest in the long post mortem for the defunct co-op.
Marco Pierre White signs for Bernard Matthews

19 March 2010

CELEBRITY chef Marco Pierre White has joined forces with Bernard Matthews in a bid to promote British turkey.
Levy increase for potato growers

10 March 2010

POTATO growers will face a levy increase from April 1 after Ministers signed off the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) rates for 2010/11.
Dairy farmers to receive 0.2ppl handout

4 March 2010

DAIRY farmers across Britain are to receive a 0.2ppl bonus after Defra and the devolved governments confirmed details of how they would pay out the £26 million EU Dairy Fund.
Tesco denies claims it advised consumers to go vegetarian

4 March 2010

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has denied it is advising customers to go vegetarian in order to cut their carbon footprint.
Farmer awaits decision on bid to upstage Tesco

3 March 2010

A NORFOLK farmer will find out tomorrow (Thursday, March 4) if he has been successful in his bid to halt plans to build a Tesco in his town, after he submitted a rival proposal to the local council.
Welfare group attacks 'megadairy' plans

1 March 2010

A LEADING animal rights group has launched a campaign to oppose plans to build an 8,000 cow dairy farm in Lincolnshire.
New figures show Government is buying more British

26 February 2010

NEW figures published today show Defra is now the Government’s leader when it comes to buying British produce.
Give farmers their say on CAP future - NBA

24 February 2010

THE National Beef Association has called for a consultation to gather farmers’ views on the future of the CAP.
Global GM plantings rise

24 February 2010

PLANTINGS of GM crops rose by seven per cent last year, as farmers around the world continued to turn to technology to boost crop yields.
EU plans to revise BSE test scheme

23 February 2010

THE European Commission is to publish a roadmap on TSE which could see the BSE test regime revised.
Police warning over counterfeit pesticides

23 February 2010

POLICE have issued a warning to farmers to be on the alert for counterfeit pesticides after it was revealed potentially dangerous fakes were being imported into Europe.
NFU 2010: Tories set out election pledges

23 February 2010

THE Conservatives set out their election promises to farmers at the NFU conference in Birmingham this morning (Tuesday, February 23).
UN calls for tax on livestock emissions

23 February 2010

THE United Nations (UN) has called for a tax on livestock producers in response to growing concerns over the industry’s contribution to climate change.
Sheep: Understanding different EID rules in the UK

February 19, 2010

The Scottish Government’s announcement last month confirming the rules for sheep EID was the final piece in the puzzle as farmers across Britain get ready for the new rules.
UK beef prospects 2010

17 February 2010

AS part of our Farming Prospects seminars, Lawrence Matthews, Sussex beef farmer, explains his prospects for 2010 and the major challenges facing his business.
UK arable prospects 2010

17 February 2010

AS part of our Farming Prospects seminars, Lawrence Matthews, Sussex arable farmer, explains his prospects for 2010 and the major challenges facing his farm business.
Dairy industry sets out priorities for MPs

16 February 2010

DAIRY UK has handed MPs a wish list of what it needs from the next Government in order to help secure the future of the industry.
Cheggers begins search for Chip Tune 2010

16 February 2010

TV legend Keith Chegwin has called on the British public to provide inspiration for a song to celebrate National Chip Week 2010.
Fertiliser giants to merge

15 February 2010

TWO of the worlds leading fertiliser manufacturers, Yara International and Terra Industries, are to merge after Yarra took over its rival in a deal worth around £2.6 billion.
Biofuel breakthrough as scientists sequence grass genome

11 February 2010

SCIENTISTS in the US have completed sequencing the genome of a wild grass which they claim will shed light on the genetics behind hardier varieties of wheat and improved varieties of biofuel crops.
DFB management accused of lies and cover-up

4 February 2010

THE management of Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) lied to its members and hid the true scale of its financial problems from its member council before it went into administration last year, a committee of MPs has been told.
EID funding welcomed by Scottish industry

28 January 2010

NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s financial support for farmers making the switch over to electronic identification (EID) in sheep.
Scotland to embrace full EID

27 January 2010

SCOTTISH sheep farmers will be forced to embrace full electronic identification (EID) after the Scottish Government confirmed it would require all sheep to have an electronic tag.
Scotland to review animal disease response

27 January 2010

THE Scottish Government has commissioned a review of how it tackles outbreaks of disease.
Investigation after 22 cattle found dead on NI farm

27 January 2010

AN investigation has begun after 22 cattle were found dead on a farm in County Armagh in Northern Ireland.
Stewardship applications re-open

26 January 2010

NATURAL England has confirmed Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) applications have reopened following their suspension in December last year.
Tough year ahead for arable farmers, experts warn

21 January 2010

ARABLE farmers face a tough year ahead, with many likely to struggle to break even without the benefit of Single Payments, leading farm consultants, Andersons, have warned.
Ex-DFB members lose out on tax decision

15 January 2010

FORMER Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) members could miss out on up to £10 million in tax relief after HM revenue and Customs issued its guidance on the tax treatment of losses incurred when the co-op collapsed.
February price rise from First Milk

14 January 2010

FIRST Milk has confirmed it will raise standard litre milk price by 0.25ppl from 1 February 2010.
Natural England relaxes supplementary feed rules

12 January 2010

NATURAL England (NE) has suspended rules preventing farmers in agri-environment schemes from giving livestock additional feed as farmers continue to struggle to feed animals in the freezing temperatures.
DfT extends transport rule suspension

12 January 2010

The Department for Transport (DfT) has extended the relaxation on enforcing EU rules on drivers working hours in a bid to increase distribution of feed onto farms.
UK soldiers to train using farm waste

11 January 2010

WASTE plastic collected from farms across the UK will soon be helping British troops in Afghanistan, after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) secured an order of pig pens to use in training.
Food industry 'too secretive'

8 January 2010

THE food industry has been criticised for being ‘too secretive’ by an influential committee in the House of Lords.
Transport rules relaxed to get more feed onto farms

January 8, 2010

THE Department for Transport (DfT) has relaxed the rules on drivers’ working hours in a bid to assist feed manufacturers struggling to get enough feed onto farms amid heavy snow and ice.
Police launch daring air rescue to reach stranded farm

8 January 2010

POLICE in Wales were forced to scramble a helicopter in a daring rescue mission to deliver supplies of medication and animal feed to a farm which had been cut off for three weeks as a result of heavy snowfall.
Big freeze Britain - how farmers are facing up

January 8, 2010

AS Britons look forward to another fortnight of freezing temperatures and heavy snow, we wil be bringing you all the latest news on how farmers have been coping with the worst winter in 30 years.
Benn pays tribute to snow hero farmers

7 January 2010

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has paid tribute to farmers who sprung into action to help clear roads and rescue stranded motorists as Britain plunged into one of the worst winters in 30 years.
Farmers to the rescue as big freeze causes chaos

6 January 2010

FARMERS across the country have sprung into action to rescue stranded motorists and clear snow-covered roads as Britain finds itself in the grip of the big freeze.
Mixed reaction for landmark food strategy

5 January 2010

THE Government’s landmark food strategy, ‘Food 2030’ has received a mixed reaction as industry leaders called for firm policies to back up its ambitious aims to safeguard food security.
EU puts new organic logo to the public vote

15 December 2009

THE European Union opened the voting on its new organic logo, giving the public the opportunity to decide which mark will be placed on all pre-packed organic produce from July next year.
Copenhagen focus switches to farming

14 December 2009

FARM leaders from across the world were given the opportunity to voice their opinions at the key climate change talks in Copenhagen over the weekend as the discussion turned to agriculture and its role in global warming.
Calls for intervention as cereal prices plummet

11 December 2009

EUROPEAN farming leaders have called on the European Commission to take drastic action to halt the decline in cereal prices following a 54 per cent drop in prices over the past year.
Defra to crackdown on misleading labelling

10 December 2009

A NEW code of practice for labelling pork products is to be drawn up by Defra, putting an end to misleading claims over so-called ‘British’ meat.
McCartney: I’m not anti-farming

3 December 2009

SIR PAUL McCartney has hit back at criticism from the farming industry over his ‘Meat Free Mondays’ campaign which aims to reduce meat consumption in a bid to combat climate change.
BBSRC invites views on £1m farm research centre

27 November 2009

THE Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is set to build a £1m farm-scale research facility in Devon.
FSA to canvass pubic opinion on GM foods

27 November 2009

THE Food Standards Agency (FSA) is launching a mass public consultation to engage consumers on the controversial debate over GM foods.
Jedward music keeps cows happy

26 November 2009

A DAIRY farmer from Dorset claims milk production on his farm has increased dramatically since he started playing the music of X-factor finalists John and Edward to his cows.
Scottish industry backs red meat levy rise

26 November 2009

THE Scottish arm of the National Beef Association (NBA) has hit out at criticism from parts of the industry over plans to increase the levy paid by farmers to fund Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Stewardship to be suspended

25 November 2009

NATURAL England is set to suspended applications for Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) until late January 2010.
Farmers ‘still in the dark’ over NVZ appeals

25 November 2009

FARMERS have voiced their frustration that they are not being given enough information about NVZs after Defra announced a number of zones which were reclassified on appeal.
£15 million boost to Scottish hill farmers

24 November 2009

SCOTLAND’S hill farmers are to receive a cash boost of around £15 million after plans to increase payments under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) were signed off today (Tuesday, November 24).
NFU launches Christmas turkey campaign

24 November 2009

THE NFU has launched its annual campaign to promote fresh, British turkey for Christmas.
Scotch Whisky given legal protection

24 November 2009

NEW regulations which will protect consumers from bogus ‘Scotch’ whisky will provide a major boost to the Scottish food and drink industry.
EU urged to take action on food labelling

24 November 2009

THE NFU has called on the EU to legislate to improve county of origin labelling.
First Milk sells £18m stake in Wiseman

20 November 2009

FIRST Milk has sold over a third of its shares in Robert Wiseman Dairies, raising over £18 million which will be pumped back into the business.
Sainsbury's launches crop sustainability plan

20 November 2009

SAINSBURY’S has launched a new initiative to improve the sustainability of its crop supply chain.
Tighter calving has a serious impact on profit

November 20, 2009

A TIGHTER calving period can make a huge difference to the bottom line, said Westpoint Veterinary Group’s, Hugh Thompson, at a meeting for beef farmers at the group’s Warnham branch in West Sussex.
Morrisons chief to quit for M&S role

18 November 2009

MORRISONS chief executive Marc Bolland has been confirmed as the new boss at high street retail giant Marks and Spencer.
TSE rules costing farmers £34m a year

18 November 2009

LAMB carcase splitting is costing farmers in Great Britain up to £34 million a year, according to new figures released this week.
November bonus for Dairy Crest suppliers

17 November 2009

DAIRY Crest has announced it will pay a liquid milk price bonus of 0.2ppl for milk supplied by its farmers in November and has committed to maintaining or even improving the bonus in December.
‘Satisfactory’ performance from Milk Link

17 November 2009

MILK Link published its half-year trading update today (Tuesday, November 17) reporting a ‘satisfactory’ performance over the past six months.
Industry slams 'unacceptable' decline in retail support

17 November 2009

FARM leaders have launched an attack on retail giants Tesco and Asda after the latest survey on British beef and lamb showed a decline in home-produced meat on sale in stores.
Profits up at Wiseman

16 November 2009

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has seen pre-tax profits increase by 81.5 per cent following a major rise in milk volumes in the last six months.
Defra: spending cuts will not affect key services

12 November 2009

DEFRA has moved to assure MPs that potential cuts in public spending over the coming years would have a minimal impact on the delivery of vital services to farmers.
EU bins controversial budget reform plan

12 November 2009

EU agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has dismissed claims the EU is planning to reform its budget to remove money from agriculture and rural development.
'Climate friendly' farming could do more harm than good

11 November 2009

CONVENTIONAL farming systems could be less harmful to the environment than so-called climate change friendly alternatives such as grass-fed beef, locally produced eggs and organic milk, according to a new study by scientists in the US.
Industry anger as FSA agrees to pursue cost recovery

11 November 2009

UK abattoirs could be faced with a major hike in costs under new plans from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to increase inspection charges for the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) and remove its annual subsidy, worth around £37 million a year.
David Beckham joins celebrity craze for miniature pigs

11 November 2009

DAVID Beckham has followed in the footsteps of celebrities including Paris Hilton and Charlotte Church to own the latest must-have pet – a miniature pig.
Fears over late payments to Scottish farmers

10 November 2009

HUNDREDS of farmers in Scotland could miss out on their Single Farm Payment (SFP) if they do not provide Government officials with their bank details in the coming weeks.
Agriculture in the national news - November 10

10 November 2009

A DAILY look at how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Tuesday, November 10).
FSA to discuss plans to pass costs onto industry

9 November 2009

THE Food Standards Agency (FSA) will meet tomorrow (Tuesday, November 10), to discuss plans to pass on the full cost of meat hygiene inspections onto the industry.
Farmers urged to take part in carbon footprint project

9 November 2009

SCOTTISH farmers are being encouraged to take part in a study which aims to produce an on-farm tool to measure a farm’s carbon footprint.
‘Ground-breaking’ scheme launched to replace set aside

5 November 2009

FARMING and conservation groups joined forces with Government today (Thursday November 5), for the launch of a voluntary campaign to replace set-aside.
Government delays decision on supermarket ombudsman

5 November 2009

THE GOVERNMENT has delayed its decision on the proposed supermarket ombudsman, despite strong pressure from MPs and suppliers to introduce the watchdog.
UK agriculture ‘failing to attract private investment’

4 November 2009

THE English Food and Farming Partnership (EFFP) is set to launch a project aimed at increasing the level of private investment in UK agriculture.
Government to freeze SAWS quota

4 November 2009

THE Government has confirmed it will maintain restrictions on the number of Bulgarians and Romanians allowed to work in Britain in order to protect British workers during the recession.
Decision day looms on supermarket ombudsman

3 November 2009

MPs have called on the Government to show its support for a supermarket ombudsman as the deadline for its recommendation looms.
Climate change 'on our doorstep' as Scotland battles floods

2 November 2009

SCOTLAND’S environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham has warned the heavy flooding seen in many parts of the country could be the start of worse to come as a result of climate change.
Human viruses being 'passed on to farm animals'

29 October 2009

HUMAN viruses are now passing across to farm animals, a new study by researchers at Edinburgh University’s Roslin Institute had found.
NFU hits out at 'alarmist' climate change report

29 October 2009

THE NFU has hit out at a report from Friends of the Earth (FoE) which claims climate change will send food prices soaring with a pint of beer costing £18 in 2030.
Final push on ombudsman as EU plans retail shake-up

28 October 2009

INDUSTRY leaders from across the food supply chain met in London today (Wednesday, October 28), for a final push to convince Ministers to set up a supermarket ombudsman.
Fears for the future of agricultural science

28 October 2009

A LEADING research scientist has called on the Government to increase support for agricultural science, warning there are not enough students taking up careers in agricultural research.
MPs slam Defra and RPA over single payment ‘debacle’

28 October 2009

A COMMITTEE of MPs has hit out at the failures of the RPA and Defra in administering the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) to England’s farmers.
RASE finances ‘safe’ as it pays out on Royal Show prizes

27 October 2009

THE Royal Agricultural Society for England (RASE) has confirmed Royal Show prize winners will receive their prize money this week, more than three months after the event.
Dairy industry 'must do more' to improve welfare

26 October 2009

THE UK dairy industry must do more to improve the welfare of the dairy cow, according to a new report from the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC).
Defra accused of 'skewed priorities'

26 October 2009

THE Countryside Alliance has accused Defra of ‘skewed priorities’ after the Department spent £180,000 redesigning its official website.
The complete guide to the UK's EID rules

23 October 2009

WITH just months before the EU’s EID regulations come into force, Jack Davies takes an exclusive first look at the new rules and what farmers will need to do to comply.
Former Defra Minister to chair science and technology group

22 October 2009

FORMER Defra Minister Jane Kennedy has been confirmed as the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science in Technology in Agriculture.
Consumer expectations of organic ‘too high’

22 October 2009

CONSUMERS expectations of organic food go ‘significantly beyond’ the standards set for producers, a report from the University of Exeter found.
Meat labelling probe launched at Surrey abattoir

21 October 2009

POLICE in Surrey have launched an investigation following allegations an abattoir in Guilford had sold bogus ‘British’ and ‘organic’ meat to two leading supermarkets.
Scottish independence better for farmers - Lochhead

21 October 2009

THE Scottish Government made a renewed call for independence this week, claiming farmers would be benefit if ties to Westminster were cut.
UK rejects EU’s emergency dairy fund

20 October 2009

FARMING Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the UK would not support the EU’s €280 million package to boost the dairy sector.
Europe proposes €280m fund to boost dairy industry

19 October 2009

AGRICULTURE Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has confirmed plans to set up an €280 million fund to help support Europe’s ailing dairy sector.
Mammoths return to the UK to take national 'wheat art' prize

19 October 2009

A LINCOLNSHIRE farmer scooped a £5,000 prize after he created a family of mammoths on his farm using wheat bales.
EU agrees to €10 million bovine TB package for UK farmers

16 October 2009

THE UK’s bovine TB eradication plan has been given the green light by the EU’s animal health committee, which agreed a €10 million funding package to help implement the plan.
Scots urged to vaccinate before expiry date

16 October 2009

FARMERS in Scotland are being urged to make the most of government-funded bluetongue vaccines before they expire next month.
Exchange rate to boost SPS payments by 15pc

15 October 2009

DEFRA has confirmed the exchange rate for the 2009 Single Payment Scheme (SPS), giving farmers the opportunity to boost their payments by 15 per cent.
Defra backs fund for new crop protection products

15 October 2009

DEFRA has backed plans for a £13 million research and development fund to develop new crop protection products following confirmation of the EU’s ban on a range of vital pesticides.
MEP calls for urgent financial support to help with EID

15 October 2009

LIBERAL Democrat MEP George Lyon has called on the Scottish Government to provide financial support to farmers in a bid to help them comply with the EU’s controversial rules on EID in sheep.
Minister dismisses retailers' argument over ombudsman plans

15 October 2009

A GOVERNMENT Minister has dismissed the argument put forward by leading retailers that a grocery market ombudsman would result in increased food prices for consumers.
EID trial highlights major issues over technology

14 October 2009

INDUSTRY leaders in Scotland raised concerns over the implementation of EID after the results of a pilot scheme into the regulations highlighted a series of flaws in the technology.
Kendall calls on retailers to drop ombudsman opposition

13 October 2009

NFU president Peter Kendall has called on supermarkets to back an independent ombudsman ‘before it’s too late’.
Farmer climbs London's 'fourth plinth' to get his message across

13 October 2009

A NOTTINHAMSHIRE farmer took to London’s Trafalgar Square this morning (Tuesday, October 13) in a bid to highlight the importance of farming.
Experts call for 70pc increase in food production

13 October 2009

FARMERS will need to increase their productivity by 70 per cent if they are to produce enough food by 2050, experts have warned.
Report calls for major change in animal welfare rules

12 October 2009

A NEW report from the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has called for a major re-think on animal welfare from Government, farmers and retailers.
NFU 'confident' of badger cull in the next 12 months

9 October 2009

THE NFU says it is ‘confident’ political opinion is shifting on the issue of bovine TB and has begun preparations to begin a badger cull in the next 12 months.
Landmark merger set to put Scottish science on the map

7 October 2009

TWO of Scotland’s leading science institutes are to join forces to form a new research centre for food, land use and climate change.
Retailers switching from British pork to cheap imports - NPA

7 October 2009

THE National Pig Association (NPA) has called on retailers to show support for British pork after a recent survey found a ‘significant’ number had switched to cheaper, imported products.
British Sugar confirms 2010/11 beet price

6 October 2009

BRITISH Sugar and the NFU have agreed a price for 2010/11 beet contracts, but negotiations are set to continue in an attempt to thrash out a more sustainable, long-term deal.
Defra confirms EID rules for in-business movements

6 October 2009

FARMERS moving sheep to temporary grazing or rented land will not be forced to use individual recording when EID comes into force next year.
Tesco sales rise as profits top £1bn

6 October 2009

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco announced pre-tax profits of £1.42 billion for the six months to the end of August, defying the global recession as sales continued to rise.
Processors have 'nowhere to hide' on milk price

5 October 2009

NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones accused dairy processors of failing to pass on price increases to their farmer suppliers.
NBA calls support extension for over 48-month cattle

5 October 2009

THE National Beef Association (NBA) has called on Defra to extend financial support for the collection of over 48-month cattle.
Jeremy Clarkson hits out at Government's farm rules

29 September 2009

TOP Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has hit out at the red tape hanging over farmers after he became the latest celebrity to move into farming.
Vets hit out at plans to split animal health and welfare

29 September 2009

VETS have hit out at Defra’s plans to retain control of animal welfare under its Responsibility and Cost Sharing Agenda (RCS).
NBA hits out at plans to pass on costs of carcase testing

29 September 2009

THE National Beef Association (NBA) has hit out at plans by the Verterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to ‘dump yet more cost on farmers’ by recovering the cost of carcase residue testing.
Review drenching strategies or face the rise of the super-worm

28 September 2009

FARMERS and vets will need to change their attitudes towards anthelmintic wormers or face the prospect of an army of drug-resistant worms on UK farms, leading veterinary experts have warned.
Defra announces measures to protect British soils

24 September 2009

DEFRA has announced a raft of measures to be introduced as part of its strategy to protect Britain’s soils.
D-day for pesticides as new EU regulation is put to the vote

24 September 2009

THE Government is set to vote against controversial proposals in the EU which could see a vast number of pesticides banned, leaving farmers facing reduced crop yields.
Scots urged to complete LFA forms or risk losing payments

23 September 2009

FARMERS in Scotland’s Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) are being urged to complete forms sent out by the Scottish Government requesting information on the number of livestock being kept on the farm.
Human strain of 'swine flu' discovered in Irish pig herd

18 September 2009

A PIG herd in Northern Ireland has tested positive for the novel human form of swine flu, H1N1 influenza A.
Government abandons new farm waste charges

18 September 2009

THE Government has abandoned plans to charge farmers for registering exemptions for agricultural waste.
Wheat production down for 2009 as weather takes its toll

18 September 2009

THE latest results of the NFU’s harvest survey show wheat production is down on the five year average.
Slaughter tag concessions won in sheep EID battle

18 September 2009

INDUSTRY leaders have finally agreed a workable solution for the implementation of electronic identification (EID) of sheep from January next year.
Business leaders to tackle rural recession worries

11 September 2009

RURAL and business leaders will hold talks today (Friday, September 11), on understanding the impact of the recession on Britain’s rural businesses.
Europe braces for milk shortages as farmers call for strike

11 September 2009

DAIRY farmers from across Europe are threatening to disrupt milk supplies and leave supermarket shelves empty.
EU rules out further changes to EID rules

11 September 2009

EUROPEAN Commission officials have told farm leaders there will be no more changes to the controversial rules on electronic identification (EID) in sheep.
New funding round for organic conversion in Wales

10 September 2009

WELSH Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, has announced arrangements for the re-opening of the Wales Organic Farming Conversion Scheme – providing a short window opportunity for farmers to apply to join between September 15 and until September 30.
UK backs GM approvals overhaul

10 September 2009

THE UK Government gave its backing to calls to speed up the approval process for GM crops within the EU amid fears the current system could decimate livestock production.
Fears over trade as EU plans tough animal transport rules

9 September 2009

NFU Scotland has hit out at plans from the European Commission to tighten the laws on animal transport.
Farmers begin salvage operation after heavy flooding

9 September 2009

FARMERS in Scotland are facing a major salvage operation after storms battered parts of the country last week, leaving fields flooded and crops sodden.
Virtual farming takes the internet by storm

8 September 2009

FARMING is now one of the world’s most popular online activities, with more than 38 million people around the globe tending to their virtual herds and cultivating their virtual fields.
Scots call for central database to cope with EID

8 September 2009

SCOTTISH farmers have called for a central database to be set up to record sheep movements once controversial rules on electronic identification (EID) come into force.
EU to investigate retailers over dairy pricing

7 September 2009

SUPERMARKETS across Europe could face investigations into dairy prices after a report from the European Commission (EC) claimed retailers were failing to pass price cuts back to consumers.
Fertiliser fire blamed for ‘British Roswell’ UFO incident

7 September 2009

WHEN coloured lights were reported moving through Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk in December 1980, it sparked global interest from UFO watchers who claimed it was proof of alien life arriving on earth.
Soil Association calls on Benn to uphold herbicide ban

28 August 2009

THE Soil Association (SA) has written to Defra Secretary Hilary Benn calling on him to maintain the ban on the herbicide aminopyralid, which was withdrawn from the market last year.
Natural England confirms changes to Environmental Stewardship penalties

26 August 2009

NATURAL England has confirmed key changes to the way farmers are penalised for breaching Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements.
New signs issued to farmers to warn walkers of cattle dangers

26 August 2009

THE NFU has issued new signs for farmers to remind walkers of the potential dangers of stampeding cattle.
New minimum wage announced for Scottish apprentices

25 August 2009

AGRICULTURAL apprentices in Scotland are set to receive a statutory minimum wage for the first time after the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) confirmed new rates of pay for the industry.
NFU hits back at latest poultry welfare claims

25 August 2009

THE NFU has hit back at calls from animal welfare organisations for the UK to maintain lower stocking densities for broiler chickens than elsewhere in Europe.
Calls for solidarity ahead of sugar price meeting

24 August 2009

THE NFU has called on sugar growers to show solidarity ahead of its price meeting next month after recent talks with British Sugar collapsed.
Warmer weather eases harvest worries

20 August 2009

FARMERS attempting to bring in this year’s harvest were given a reprieve as warm weather over the past few days dried out waterlogged fields, giving growers the opportunity to get the combines rolling.
Industry in-fighting threatens to stall EID plans

20 August 2009

FARMERS faced with complying with new rules on electronic identification (EID) in sheep could find they have little time to adjust to the regulations as in-fighting between industry stakeholders threatens to delay the plans.
Fears for trade as Scotland applies for TB free status

20 August 2009

THE Scottish Government has applied to the European Commission to be officially recognised as free of bovine TB.
Scottish Government ‘misguided’ on crofting reform

14 August 2009

CROFTERS in Scotland have hit out at the Scottish Government’s plans for reform, claiming it fails to address many of the recommendations set out by a crofting task force earlier this year.
B&Q to sell pigsties as home farmer revolution takes hold

14 August 2009

DIY superstore B&Q is planning to stock pigsties to cash in on the increasing number of consumers looking to rear their own farm animals.
Defra ready to lift restrictions on waterlogged soils

14 August 2009

DEFRA is ready to lift cross-compliance rules restricting the use of machinery on waterlogged soil after recent downpours have left many farmers struggling to bring in the harvest.
Anger as Scotch whisky firm imports Swedish malt

14 August 2009

NFU Scotland has expressed its anger after it revealed drinks manufacturer Diageo had imported 3,000 tonnes of Swedish malt.
Sainsbury's guarantees market for dairy bull calves

12 August 2009

SAINSBURY’S supermarket has launched an initiative that will guarantee a market for dairy bull calves for members of its dedicated dairy suppliers.
NBA warns of beef supply shortfall

12 August 2009

THE National Beef Association (NBA) has warned the UK is facing a major shortfall in beef supply after a dramatic recovery in prime cattle prices this week.
Renewed calls for ban on Brazilian beef

11 August 2009

THE farming industry has hit out at a recent EU report which concludes the standards of beef production in Brazil are good enough for export to Europe.
Defra proposes voluntary sheep slaughter tag

11 August 2009

THE livestock industry has been given until the end of August to give its views on Defra’s final options for implementing EID in sheep.
Bank of England pumps £50bn into economy

7 August 2009

THE Bank of England has pumped another £50bn into the UK economy as it held interest rates at 0.5 per cent.
Dairy industry close to meeting environmental targets

6 August 2009

THE UK dairy industry is on track to meet its goal of reducing its environmental impact, according to the latest figures from Defra.
Farmers continue to borrow despite lending slump

5 August 2009

AGRICULTURE has continued to defy the slump in lending during the recession after the Bank of England’s latest figures showed borrowing rose by £329 million in the second quarter of 2009.
EID slaughter derogation could hit market prices

5 August 2009

LIVESTOCK auctioneers have reiterated their opposition to plans to take advantage of the EID slaughter derogation, warning it could have a major impact on market prices.
Industry puts pressure on Mandelson to act over ombudsman

4 August 2009

INDUSTRY leaders and MPs have called on Business Secretary Peter Mandelson to take urgent action to set up a supermarket ombudsman.
Scotland rules out early farm payments

4 August 2009

SCOTTISH farmers will not be able to take advantage of an EU scheme to pay Single Farm Payments (SFP) up to two months early, after the Scottish Government announced it would stick to its current December start date.
Competition Commission submits final ombudsman proposal

4 August 2009

THE Competition Commission (CC) has put forward a formal recommendation to Government to introduce a supermarket ombudsman after some of the UK’s leading supermarkets failed to sign up to the proposals.
Scotland to decide on TB status

3 August 2009

SCOTLAND could be set to become the UK’s first bovine TB free area after Scottish Government officials met with industry stakeholders to discuss submitting an application to the European Commission.
MPs urged to campaign for British milk to stem trade deficit

16 June 2009

MEMBERS of Parliament are being urged to do their bit to stem the mounting trade deficit in the UK dairy sector.
Defra confirms grant funding as biogas vision gets underway

9 June 2009

DEFRA announced the successful projects set to receive Government grants to help develop anaerobic digestion (AD) technology this week, with a number of projects set to trial on-farm digestion.
Jane Kennedy leaves Defra

8 June 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy has left the Government - making her the eighth Minister to leave in the last few days.
Benn 'delighted' to stay at Defra

8 June 2009

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn said he was ‘delighted’ to remain in his post after Gordon Brown’s cabinet reshuffle last week.
Hilary Benn stays at Defra as Brown wrings cabinet changes

5 June 2009

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn remains in the top job at Defra despite a cabinet reshuffle which had seen him tipped to move up the Ministerial ladder.
DFB collapse: OMSCo takes on organic producers

5 June 2009

THE Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative (OMSCo) has agreed to collect and market milk produced by Dairy Farmers of Britain’s (DFB) organic members.
Vets hit out after bluetongue vaccine price cuts cost thousands

5 June 2009

VET practices which were forced to sell bluetongue vaccines at a loss following Defra’s decision to cut the price of vaccine have lost thousands of pounds as a result.
Vets hit out after bluetongue vaccine price cuts cost thousands

5 June 2009

VET practices which were forced to sell bluetongue vaccines at a loss following Defra’s decision to cut the price of vaccine have lost thousands of pounds as a result.
DFB producers face cash crisis as farmers lose May milk cheques

3 June 2009

DAIRY Farmers of Britain (DFB) producers have been left facing a crisis after they were told they would not be receiving their May milk cheques after the co-operative went into receivership.
What's next for DFB producers?

3 June 2009

Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) has come to the end of the line and its producers will now be wondering what will happen to their milk and their supply contracts.
DFB producers to lose May milk cheque

3 June 2009

DAIRY Farmers of Britain producers were left shocked after they were told they would not be receiving their May milk cheques after the co-op was placed into receivership today (Wednesday, June 3).
Welcome news on nitrogen as fertiliser prices come down

3 June 2009

FARMERS waiting to hear new season fertiliser prices were given welcome news this week as the UK’s only fertiliser manufacturer GrowHow announced Nitrogen prices at lower levels than last year.
Welcome news on nitrogen as fertiliser prices come down

3 June 2009

FARMERS waiting to hear new season fertiliser prices were given welcome news this week as the UK’s only fertiliser manufacturer GrowHow announced Nitrogen prices at lower levels than last year.
Welcome news on nitrogen as fertiliser prices come down

3 June 2009

FARMERS waiting to hear new season fertiliser prices were given welcome news this week as the UK’s only fertiliser manufacturer GrowHow announced Nitrogen prices at lower levels than last year.
End of the line for Dairy Farmers of Britain?

3 June 2009

THE future of Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB) could be settled today (Wednesday, June 3), amid rumours the processor could be sold off, or even put into administration.
Austrian Government backs UK in fight against EID

2 June 2009

THE Austrian Government has confirmed it will oppose EU plans to introduce compulsory electronic tagging (EID) of sheep.
Austrian Government backs UK in fight against EID

2 June 2009

THE Austrian Government has confirmed it will oppose EU plans to introduce compulsory electronic tagging (EID) of sheep.
Dairy farmers warn of mass exodus over NVZ costs

1 June 2009

MORE than a third of dairy farmers in South East England say they will quit the industry because they can’t afford to meet the cost of NVZ requirements.
Dairy farmers warn of mass exodus over NVZ costs

1 June 2009

MORE than a third of dairy farmers in South East England say they will quit the industry because they can’t afford to meet the cost of NVZ requirements.
Liquid milk consumption set to rise

1 June 2009

THE balance of milk supply and demand remains an issue in the EU, but global consumption of milk and other liquid dairy products is going to increase for the foreseeable future.
UK supermarkets accused of contributing to Amazon decline

1 June 2009

SOME of the UK’s leading supermarkets have been accused of contributing to deforestation of the Amazon rainforest in a new report published by environmental campaigners, Greenpeace.
MSPs call for concerted effort to fight EID plans

29 May 2009

SCOTTISH politicians from all the major parties have called for urgent action from Government to reverse the EU’s decision to introduce compulsory EID in sheep.
Farmers' fury as retailers snub dairy summit

27 May 2009

SCOTTISH dairy farmers reacted angrily today (Wednesday, May 27) as three of the UK’s biggest retailers refused to attend the Scottish Government’s milk summit.
Hertfordshire County Show results

27 May 2009

BEEF
Hertfordshire County Show: British Blue heifer tops ‘fantastic’ show line-up

27 May 2009

THE two-year-old British Blue heifer, Netherhall Clever Girl, took the beef inter-breed championship at a scorching hot Hertfordshire County Show at Redbourn, near St Albans, at the weekend.
EU set to make early farm payments

27 May 2009

FARMERS could soon receive their Single Farm Payment (SFP) two months early, under plans being drawn up by EU officials.
Fury as retailers snub dairy summit

May 29th 2009

SCOTTISH dairy farmers reacted angrily this week as three of the UK’s biggest retailers refused to attend the Scottish Government’s milk summit.
Final push to convince retailers to sign up to ombudsman

26 May 2009

THE NFU has teamed up with ActionAid to urge consumers to put pressure on retailers to sign up to the Competition Commission’s proposals for a supermarket ombudsman.
Kennedy backs UK dairy industry in welfare row

22 May 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy was forced to defend the UK dairy industry as MPs latched on to recent complaints from welfare charities over zero-grazing systems.
Herbert: Government is 'failing Britain's farmers'

22 May 2009

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn and his Ministers faced tough questions in the House of Commons yesterday (Thursday, May 21), as Parliament closed for the Whitsun recess.
Scotland to consider 'blue zone' status to protect against bluetongue

21 May 2009

THE Scottish Government is set to carry out an impact assessment on whether to take advantage of EU provisions to declare the country a ‘blue zone’ to beef up protection against bluetongue disease.
Retailers split over ombudsman plans

20 May 2009

WITH just over a week to go before the Competition Commission (CC) closes its consultation on a supermarket ombudsman, leading retailers are continuing to block the plans.
Welfare charity cleared over advert complaints

20 May 2009

COMPASSION in World Farming (CIWF) has been cleared by the UK’s advertising watchdog after complaints were made about a recent advert criticising the pig industry.
Care Farming launches in Scotland

20 May 2009

AN ambitious project aimed at getting people with health or social problems to work on farms was launched in Scotland yesterday (Tuesday, May 19).
Tough new rules planned to keep crofters farming

19 May 2009

THE Scottish Government is set to impose tough new rules on planning and residency of crofting land as part of sweeping changes to help keep crofters farming.
Never mind the butter! Kiwi dairy farmers clash with Johnny Rotten

18 May 2009

FORMER Sex Pistols front man John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) has found himself at the centre of a diplomatic row between the UK and New Zealand dairy industries.
Bluetongue warning ahead of hot summer

18 May 2009

WITH forecasts of a hot summer ahead, farmers are being urged to protect stock against bluetongue in the coming weeks.
NSA rejects EID slaughter derogation

14 May 2009

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for a ‘grown-up’ debate on the implementation of EID after it refused to back Defra’s slaughter derogation on the regulations.
NSA rejects EID slaughter derogation

14 May 2009

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for a ‘grown-up’ debate on the implementation of EID after it refused to back Defra’s slaughter derogation on the regulations.
Milk Link to close Kirkcudbright dairy

14 May 2009

DAIRY processor Milk Link is set to close its Kirkcudbright dairy in Scotland, with the potential loss of 121 jobs.
Milk Link to close Kirkcudbright dairy

14 May 2009

DAIRY processor Milk Link is set to close its Kirkcudbright dairy in Scotland, with the potential loss of 121 jobs.
Scottish industry split over CAP reform

14 May 2009

THE Scottish farming industry is facing a split over how to use funds provided by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to boost key sectors of the industry.
NFU moves to defend dairy industry against welfare claims

14 May 2009

THE NFU has moved to defend the UK dairy industry after a report on the BBC’s flagship rural affairs programme Countryfile criticised the industry’s poor welfare record.
Encouraging uptake in bluetongue vaccination after Defra cuts prices

13 May 2009

BLUETONGUE vaccine manufacturer Merial said there were ‘encouraging’ signs this week that Defra’s move to cut the price of vaccine was having an effect on uptake.
UK Ministers meet to discuss coordinated approach to food security

12 May 2009

MINISTERS from all four UK Governments met in Edinburgh yesterday (Monday, May 11), to discuss the challenges facing the UK food and drink sector and to set out some common goals on tackling food security.
Northern Irish farmers to sue feed firm over dioxin scare

12 May 2009

FARMERS in Northern Ireland who were hit by the dioxin scare at the end of last year have launched a legal bid to secure compensation from the feed company at the centre of the crisis.
Benn: EU approach hampering food security

11 May 2009

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has hit out at EU legislation which is hampering efforts to boost food security.
Benn: EU approach hampering food security

11 May 2009

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has hit out at EU legislation which is hampering efforts to boost food security.
GLA set to work hand-in-hand with UK retailers

11 May 2009

THE Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has published new plans to work with leading supermarkets to combat labour exploitation in the food chain.
Defra forced to slash price of bluetongue vaccine

7 May 2009

DEFRA was forced to slash the price of bluetongue vaccine by 50 per cent this week after 7.5 million doses of stock were left languishing on the shelves.
Defra forced to slash price of bluetongue vaccine

7 May 2009

DEFRA was forced to slash the price of bluetongue vaccine by 50 per cent this week after 7.5 million doses of stock were left languishing on the shelves.
MEPs put more pressure on Benn over EID

6 May 2009

UK MEPS have put further pressure on Defra Secretary Hilary Benn to push for key changes to the EU’s controversial sheep tagging plans.
MEPs put more pressure on Benn over EID

6 May 2009

UK MEPS have put further pressure on Defra Secretary Hilary Benn to push for key changes to the EU’s controversial sheep tagging plans.
Benn backs pork safety as WHO ditches 'swine flu' tag

5 May 2009

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn moved to reassure consumers over the safety of pork products as he met with pig industry leaders to discuss the recent ‘swine flu’ outbreak.
Defra set to raise ceiling on RDA grants

5 May 2009

FARMERS could soon be offered 100 per cent grant funding by Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) under new plans put forward by Defra.
Watch the videos from the NFYFC AGM

5 May 2009

AS almost 5000 young farmers descended on Blackpool for the 2009 NFYFC AGM, the Farmers Guardian team was on hand to film all the action.
Farmers call for explanation as police close party

3 May 2009

YOUNG farmers have appealed for an explanation after police closed down their flagship AGM fancy dress party hours before it was due to finish.
Young farmers call for action from Defra

1 May 2009

EMOTIONS ran high in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens today (Saturday, May 2) as Young Farmers tackled officials from Defra and the Environment Agency (EA) on the major issues affecting the farming industry.
Retail group hits out at ombudsman plan

29 April 2009

THE British Retail Consortium (BRC) has hit out at plans by the Competition Commission to set up a supermarket ombudsman to police relationships with their suppliers.
Competition Commission publishes supermarket watchdog plans

28 April 2009

THE Competition Commission (CC) has published its long-awaited proposals for a supermarket ombudsman, calling on the UK’s major retailers to sign up to an independent watchdog.
Swine flu is 'nothing to do with the food chain'

28 April 2009

AS swine flu threatens to escalate into a global pandemic, the pig industry has moved swiftly to assure consumers that pork products remain safe to eat.
UK on alert as swine flu hits Scotland

28 April 2009

THE Government is stepping up disease surveillance after officials confirmed the swine flu (H1N1) virus suspected of killing around 100 people in Mexico has now spread to the UK.
Competition Commission set to publish ombudsman proposals

28 April 2009

THE Competition Commission is due to publish its long-awaited proposals for a supermarket ombudsman this morning (Tuesday, April 28).
UK on alert as deadly swine flu hits Scotland

27 April 2009

THE Government is stepping up disease surveillance after officials confirmed the swine flu (H1N1) virus suspected of killing around 100 people in Mexico has now spread to the UK.
Fearnley-Whittingstall takes his message to Defra

27 April 2009

CELEBRITY chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has stepped up his campaign to improve the welfare of the UK’s broiler flock by taking his message direct to Defra.
Government to relax immigration rules for sheep shearers

27 April 2009

THE Home Office is set to fast-track sheep shearers through the immigration system to help avoid a major shortage of workers this summer.
Exclusive: Strict import tests in force as vaccine remains unused

24 April 2009

DEFRA is set to introduce a tough new import testing regime to keep bluetongue at bay this summer amid fears it could return from the Continent.
Scientists publish first full cattle genome

24 April 2009

A TEAM of international scientists has published the first complete cattle genome, opening the door to major advancements in animal science and breeding.
FSA confirms meat inspection charge increase

24 April 2009

THE Food Standards Agency has confirmed it will increase meat inspection charges by £800,000 across the UK.
EU confirms plans to reform LFA support

21 April 2009

FARMERS in some disadvantaged areas of Britain could lose financial aid under plans to overhaul the EU's Less Favoured Area (LFA) scheme.
EU plans could strip money from Britain’s upland farmers

21 April 2009

FARMERS in disadvantaged areas of Britain could lose financial aid under plans to overhaul the EU's Less Favoured Area (LFA) scheme.
NFU vice-president election to wait until 2010

21 April 2009

THE NFU will not hold an election for the vacant vice-president’s post until February 2010, president Peter Kendall has confirmed.
G8 farm Ministers conclude food crisis talks

21 April 2009

AGRICULTURE Ministers from the world’s eight richest countries have called for a major boost in production to help alleviate the global food crisis.
EU plans could strip money from Britain’s upland farmers

21 April 2009

FARMERS in disadvantaged areas of Britain could lose financial aid under plans to overhaul the EU's Less Favoured Area (LFA) scheme.
NBA rejects Defra’s cost sharing plans

20 April 2009

THE National Beef Association (NBA) has hit out at Defra’s cost sharing plans, saying it will not support the controversial proposals.
NBA rejects Defra’s cost sharing plans

20 April 2009

THE National Beef Association (NBA) has hit out at Defra’s cost sharing plans, saying it will not support the controversial proposals.
Agriculture Ministers set to conclude key G8 talks

20 April 2009

AGRICULTURE Ministers from the world’s eight richest countries are set to conclude key talks on the global food crisis today (Monday, April 20).
Breed societies pay tribute to the Royal Show

14 April 2009

LEADING breed societies have paid tribute to the Royal Show following the news the show is to close for good after the 2009 event.
Defra looks for way out on unsold bluetongue vaccines

9 April 2009

DEFRA could be forced to destroy, or even give away, millions of doses of bluetongue vaccine after poor uptake by farmers has left millions of bottles languishing on the shelves.
Tight bluetongue restrictions for the Royal Highland Show

9 April 2009

ORGANISERS of the Royal Highland Show have confirmed it will impose tough new restrictions on imported cattle at this year’s event to try and minimise the risk from bluetongue.
Farmers warned over rise in rustling

8 April 2009

FARMERS are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of rustling in recent weeks which have seen tens of thousands of pounds of animals stolen from UK farms.
Scottish Government hits out at Defra cost sharing plans

7 April 2009

THE Scottish Government has hit out at Defra’s plans for Responsibility and Cost Sharing, claiming it is ‘wrong’ to pass costs on to the industry.
GM food still a major concern for UK consumers

7 April 2009

THE British public remains cautious about GM foods, according to a review of recent consumer research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
GM food still a major concern for UK consumers

7 April 2009

THE British public remains cautious about GM foods, according to a review of recent consumer research published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Fischer Boel hears farmers concerns over LFA review

6 April 2009

SCOTTISH farmers have left the EU in no doubt that they will not accept sweeping changes to the Less Favoured Area (LFA) support scheme when it comes under review later this month.
Benn launches plan to improve skills in farming

6 April 2009

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has pledged support to plans to improve the skills base in the farming industry.
Royal Show to end after 2009 event

3 April 2009

THE organisers of the Royal Show have confimed the 2009 event will signal the end of the historic show.
£1.3 billion loan scheme now open to farmers

3 April 2009

FARM businesses will no longer be exempt from the Government’s £1.3 billion Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, guaranteeing credit for businesses struggling with the recession.
Defra rules out changes to tabular valuation after appeal victory

1 April 2009

DEFRA will not be making changes to the table valuation system after it won its appeal against a High Court ruling that would have forced it to change the controversial system.
'No risk' from animal MRSA

1 April 2009

THE European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has poured cold water over claims that MRSA in farm animals is a serious risk to public health.
New reports warns UK poultry industry in urgent need of investment

1 April 2009

RISING costs and an uneven share of retail margins has left the UK poultry industry in urgent need of investment, a new report has warned.
Industry hits out at South Downs National Park plan

31 March 2009

THE farming industry has hit out at Defra’s plans to turn the South Downs into a National Park, labelling it an ‘expensive bureaucracy’.
Experts warn of major UK water shortage

31 March 2009

FARMERS could soon be facing a major water shortage that could leave the country unable to grow enough food to feed a growing population, leading hydrologists have warned.
Calls for food crisis action ahead of G20 summit

31 March 2009

WORLD leaders are being urged to take urgent action to help ease the food crisis when they meet for the G20 summit in London this week.
Jamie Oliver to showcase ‘best of British’ at G20 summit

30 March 2009

CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver is set to serve up a British feast for world leaders as they gather at 10 Downing Street for the G20 summit this week.
Survey exposes British public’s attitude to ‘boring’ countryside

30 March 2009

MORE than half of British people think the countryside is ‘boring’ and many have never even considered visiting it, a new survey has revealed.
Unions rally against meat inspection charges

30 March 2009

FARMING unions across the UK have hit out at plans to increase meat inspection charges, warning many processors could go out of business if the new charges are introduced.
Unions rally against meat inspection charges

30 March 2009

FARMING unions across the UK have hit out at plans to increase meat inspection charges, warning many processors could go out of business if the new charges are introduced.
Unions rally against meat inspection charges

30 March 2009

FARMING unions across the UK have hit out at plans to increase meat inspection charges, warning many processors could go out of business if the new charges are introduced.
Report calls for urgent investment in British chicken

27 March 2009

RISING costs and an uneven share of retail margins has left the UK poultry industry in urgent need of investment, a new report has warned.
UK draws a blank in EID negotiations

24 March 2009

A DELEGATION from the UK has failed to win concessions from the European Commission over plans to introduce compulsory EID in sheep at a meeting of agriculture Ministers in Brussels.
UK draws a blank in EID negotiations

24 March 2009

A DELEGATION from the UK has failed to win concessions from the European Commission over plans to introduce compulsory EID in sheep at a meeting of agriculture Ministers in Brussels.
Hopes ahead of crunch EID meeting today

23 March 2009

AGRICULTURE Ministers from across Europe will meet in Brussels today (Monday, March 23), to discuss proposals for compulsory Electronic Identification (EID) in sheep.
Hopes ahead of crunch EID meeting today

23 March 2009

AGRICULTURE Ministers from across Europe will meet in Brussels today (Monday, March 23), to discuss proposals for compulsory Electronic Identification (EID) in sheep.
Soil Association makes fresh calls for antibiotics ban

21 March 2009

THE Soil Association has repeated its call for the Government to step in and take action to reduce the use of antibiotics in UK farming.
Scottish Government urges Defra to fight on EID

20 March 2009

RURAL Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has called on the UK Government to back the industry on EID when EU agriculture Ministers meet in Brussels for a crunch meeting next week.
Farmers become overnight internet sensation with 'extreme shepherding'

20 March 2009

A GROUP of sheep farmers from Wales have become an overnight internet sensation after their video of ‘extreme shepherding’ was put onto video website YouTube.
Fresh calls for supermarket watchdog as new proposals draw near

19 March 2009

INDUSTRY leaders have stepped up their campaign for a supermarket ombudsman as the Competition Commission (CC) prepares to unveil its latest proposals for the watchdog.
EU bureaucrats to be sent to work on farms

19 March 2009

EU AGRICULTURE officials will be sent on to farms to get a better understanding of how their policies impact on farmers' everyday lives.
New supermarket rules could be 'entirely useless'

19 March 2009

THE new code of conduct for UK supermarkets could be rendered ‘entirely useless’ unless key changes are made before it comes into force next month, legal experts have warned.
Maintaining livestock numbers ‘critical’ to Scottish agriculture

18 March 2009

THE growing decline of livestock in Scotland is putting the country’s farming industry and its food security at risk, warned David Caffall, chief executive of the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).
NSA 'not for turning' on EID

17 March 2009

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has written to Defra Secretary Hilary Benn urging him to back the UK industry’s corner on EID when he meets with European colleagues next week.
NSA 'not for turning' on EID

17 March 2009

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has written to Defra Secretary Hilary Benn urging him to back the UK industry’s corner on EID when he meets with European colleagues next week.
EU moves to curb ‘splash and dash’ biofuel scam

16 March 2009

THE EU Commission has slapped import duties on biofuels in an attempt to curb the ‘splash and dash’ scam undercutting EU producers.
AHDB confirms levy increase for pig producers

16 March 2009

THE Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed farmers' levy rates for 2009/10 after they were given the green light by Government Ministers.
AHDB confirms levy increase for pig producers

16 March 2009

THE Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed farmers' levy rates for 2009/10 after they were given the green light by Government Ministers.
AHDB confirms levy increase for pig producers

16 March 2009

THE Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed farmers' levy rates for 2009/10 after they were given the green light by Government Ministers.
IBM unveils improved online cross-compliance tools

12 March 2009

COMPUTER giant IBM has launched a new step-by-step guide to cross-compliance in an attempt to guide farmers through the application process.
Industry hails NVZ derogation a victory

11 March 2009

FARMERS across the UK have been given a major boost after Defra confirmed it has secured a key derogation in the battle to reduce the burden of NVZ regulations.
NVZ derogation gives farmers a major boost

11 March 2009

FARMERS in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones have received a stay of execution.
Wiseman’s potential £2m hit after Tesco cuts

11 March 2009

ROBERT Wiseman dairies has warned it could lose £2 million in operating profit after Tesco cut the processor’s contract to supply own-label fresh milk by 80 million litres a year.
Scottish farmers maintain bluetongue vigilance

11 March 2009

FARMERS in Scotland are turning their backs on imported animals in a bid to keep the country free of bluetongue, new figures from the Scottish Government have shown.
Defra announces 2009 tour dates

10 March 2009

DEFRA has announced the dates for its livestock market tour, where farmers will be given an opportunity to discuss key issues with Defra officials.
Farmer fined for damaging key conservation site

9 March 2009

A FARMER in Cumbria has been fined £1,200 and ordered to pay £4,663 costs after he pleaded guilty to damaging a nationally important wildlife site through overgrazing.
NFUS: Defra's control of Scottish budgets 'unacceptable'

9 March 2009

NFU Scotland has called on Defra to cut the purse strings and give the Scottish Government full control of the animal health budget following the publication of last week’s National Audit Office (NAO) report.
UK 'falling behind Europe' on green energy

9 March 2009

THE GOVERNMENT has been accused of falling behind the rest of Europe on anaerobic digestion, as MPs accused ministers of ‘being asleep at the wheel’.
Tesco branded 'manipulative monopoly’ following competition appeal victory

6 March 2009

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has been accused of operating a ‘manipulative monopoly’ after it won an appeal against the Competition Commission’s (CC) proposal to introduce a competition test into planning law.
Scots to save money on sheep dip disposals

6 March 2009

SCOTTISH farming leaders have hailed proposals to permanently reduce the charges imposed on sheep farmers for disposing of their sheep dip.
Putting potatoes back on the table

March 6th 2009

GROWERS, packers and retailers all need to work together to ensure potatoes continue to be a staple on the British dinner table, according to British Potato Council (BPC) chairman Allan Stephenson.
Scottish farm census a ‘wake-up call’ to the industry

5 March 2009

FIGURES published by the Scottish Government show a decline in every main sector of the industry, and farming leaders have called on the Government to step in to halt the decline of the Scottish agriculture.
Bluetongue risk with north:south divide

3 March 2009

FARMERS need more information about bluetongue before they will commit to vaccinating against the disease this spring, a new report has revealed.
Bluetongue risk with north:south divide

3 March 2009

FARMERS need more information about bluetongue before they will commit to vaccinating against the disease this spring, a new report has revealed.
NFUS delivers funding vision for SRDP

3 March 2009

NFU Scotland has delivered its vision for the future of the £1.6 billion Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP), claiming the current programme has ‘lost its way’.
Defra opens applications for CSF grants

3 March 2009

APPLICATIONS for capital grants under Defra’s Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) scheme opened this week as it was extended into its third successive year.
Farmers and vets to lose out as bluetongue vaccines expire

2 March 2009

DEFRA has confirmed that bluetongue vaccines will not be granted an expiry date extension, leaving farmers facing a race against time to vaccinate ready for the summer.
Farmers and vets to lose out as bluetongue vaccines expire

2 March 2009

DEFRA has confirmed that bluetongue vaccines will not be granted an expiry date extension, leaving farmers facing a race against time to vaccinate ready for the summer.
Ombudsman row rumbles on

2 March 2009

INDUSTRY leaders have called on supermarkets to agree to a grocery market ombudsman ahead of the Competition Commission’s public consultation on the issue.
Agriculture in the national news

2 March 2009

A DAILY look at how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Monday, March 2).
Tougher retailers’ code to outlaw some supermarket rules

27 February 2009

THE Competition Commission has published details of its new strengthened code of practice for UK grocery retailers, following its three-year investigation.
FWAG Scotland goes into administration

25 February 2009

BELEAGUERED charity the Farm Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Scotland has been placed into administration after it failed to secure key funding.
Leading scientists to develop research roadmap for UK agriculture

25 February 2009

INDUSTRY leaders from throughout the supply chain have called for a new scientific framework for agriculture, identifying key priorities for research to help protect the UK from an impending food crisis.
UK farmers can help lead global agriculture revolution

23 February 2009

FARMERS in developing countries can learn a lot from their British counterparts in building a new framework for global agriculture, claimed the president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP).
McLaren lays down challenge to Scottish Government

23 February 2009

NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren opened the union’s AGM in Aviemore last week by laying down a challenge to the Scottish Government to deliver on its warm words to the country’s farmers.
Lochhead urges investment in Scottish agriculture

23 February 2009

SCOTTISH farming has a ‘window of opportunity’ during the recession to position itself at the heart of the country’s economy, said Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead.
Lochhead to pursue Benn 'relentlessly' on ombudsman

20 February 2009

SCOTLAND'S Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has called on Hilary Benn to urgently set up a supermarket ombudsman.
Scots ‘ready to take to the streets’ over EID

19 February 2009

SCOTTISH sheep farmers are ready to take to the streets in protest against EU plans to introduce compulsory EID, warned NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren today (Thursday, February 19).
Ulster Farmers Union backs Government over payment fiasco

18 February 2009

THE Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has backed the Northern Ireland Government over the fiasco which saw hundreds of farmers queue outside Government offices for up to 48 hours to apply for new farm payments.
NFUS delivers new proposals for Scottish rural development

18 February 2009

NFU SCOTLAND has presented Ministers with new proposals it hopes to have included in the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) as it comes under review.
Kennedy outlines UK biogas vision

18 February 2009

ANAEROBIC digestion (AD) will be commonplace in the farming industry by 2020, predicted Farming Minister Jane Kennedy as she outlined her vision for the future of on-farm renewable energy.
Kennedy outlines UK biogas vision

18 February 2009

ANAEROBIC digestion (AD) will be commonplace in the farming industry by 2020, predicted Farming Minister Jane Kennedy as she outlined her vision for the future of on-farm renewable energy.
Macdonald to step down as NFU director general

18 February 2009

NFU director general Richard Macdonald has announced he will stand down from his post later this year.
Poultry farmers could lose GM-free status

18 February 2009

THE poultry industry has called for an urgent re-think of its GM-free status, warning it could soon be impossible to produce chicken without GM feed.
Poultry farmers could lose GM-free status

18 February 2009

THE poultry industry has called for an urgent re-think of its GM-free status, warning it could soon be impossible to produce chicken without GM feed.
Kennedy backs farmers on IPPC fight

18 February 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy was greeted by a wave of applause as she addressed the NFU Conference, promising farmers she would back the industry in its fight against Integrated Pollution Prevention And Control (IPPC) rules in Brussels.
Kennedy backs farmers on IPPC fight

18 February 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy was greeted by a wave of applause as she addressed the NFU Conference, promising farmers she would back the industry in its fight against Integrated Pollution Prevention And Control (IPPC) rules in Brussels.
New task force to help boost pig farming

17 February 2009

DEFRA has provided a major boost to the UK's pig farmers, unveiling a new pig industry task force to help develop a sustainable and profitable pig industry.
NFU launches dairy rescue plan

17 February 2009

NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones told dairy farmers they still had a bright future as he unveiled the union's survival plan for the industry at this year's NFU Conference.
NFU launches dairy rescue plan

17 February 2009

NFU dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones told dairy farmers they still had a bright future as he unveiled the union's survival plan for the industry at this year's NFU Conference.
HSE 'delighted' with safety campaign progress

17 February 2009

THE Health and Safety Executive said it was 'delighted' with the progress of its farm safety campaign, reporting a ten per cent uptake from UK farmers.
Kendall rallies against set-aside proposals

16 February 2009

A COMPULSORY replacement for set-aside will have 'serious' consequences for the environment and could see farmers quit the Government's flagship environmental schemes.
Kendall rallies against set-aside proposals

16 February 2009

A COMPULSORY replacement for set-aside will have 'serious' consequences for the environment and could see farmers quit the Government's flagship environmental schemes.
Farm leaders back call for GM crops in Europe

13 February 2009

THE NFU has backed calls for politicians in Europe to give farmers the chance to grow GM crops after a recent survey showed a majority of farmers were in favour of the technology.
New guidance for ELS and cross-compliance

February 13th 2009

FARMERS are being advised to take extra care when filling out cross-compliance and Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) forms.
‘British jobs for British workers’ on UK farms, MPs told

12 February 2009

DESPITE rising unemployment and growing demand for support for the British workforce, farmers are still struggling to attract workers from the UK.
New figures show 2008 ‘biotech boom’

12 February 2009

BIOTECH crops are set for a major boom after almost 11 million hectares of new plantings were recorded in 2008.
Livestock markets to launch EID trial

12 February 2009

AUCTION marts in England are set to embark on an eight-week trial of EID to determine how the regulations could impact on the day-to-day operations of livestock markets.
Scotland unveils new funding body to replace FFB

12 February 2009

SCOTTISH Ministers have stepped in to offer increased support and funding for the country’s food and drink industry following the closure of marketing body Food From Britain (FFB).
Fresh call for bluetongue import ban as voluntary ban fails

11 February 2009

INDUSTRY leaders made fresh calls for an import ban on livestock from bluetongue affected areas on the continent after Belgian authorities confirmed the presence of a new strain of the virus.
Bpex adverts banned over welfare claims row

11 February 2009

PART of a major advertising campaign from Bpex to promote the British pig industry has been banned after animal welfare groups complained to the UK advertising watchdog.
Watchdog rules NFU TB adverts ‘misled the public’

11 February 2009

A SERIES of adverts for the NFU, which called for a badger cull to stop the spread of bovine TB, have been branded ‘misleading’ by the UK’s advertising watchdog.
Government accused of ‘dragging its feet’ over EU pig welfare

6 February 2009

THE Government has admitted pushing Europe to improve welfare standards for pigs before 2013 has been a ‘difficult’ issue.
Government accused of ‘dragging its feet’ over EU pig welfare

6 February 2009

THE Government has admitted pushing Europe to improve welfare standards for pigs before 2013 has been a ‘difficult’ issue.
Will Government never learn?

February 6th 2009

THE Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has a tough fight on its hands. Defra’s withdrawal from funding key development work at the Institute of Animal Health at Pirbright now leaves the project woefully short of funds.
MEPs call for action on EID

5 February 2009

TWO MEPs, one from Scotland and one from Wales, have called on their colleagues throughout Europe to sign up to a declaration calling for compulsory EID to be scrapped.
Benn pledges support for ailing rural businesses

5 February 2009

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has pledged to support rural businesses during the recession.
Pork sales hit new high as the Jamie Oliver effect kicks in

3 February 2009

JAMIE Oliver’s influence on the pig trade is already starting to take effect with some retailers reporting record sales of British pork following his call to buy British last week.
NFU Scotland anger over 'selfish' English farmers

3 February 2009

NFU Scotland hit out at 'selfish' farmers in England who continue to import animals from bluetongue-hit areas on the continent.
Report warns the UK needs major food security overhaul

2 February 2009

THE UK cannot afford to take its food supply for granted and will need radical change if it is to avoid descending into an all-out domestic food crisis, warns a new report from influential think-tank Chatham House today (Monday, February 2).
Industry hails Jamie Oliver pig appeal

2 February 2009

THE farming industry has reacted well to TV chef Jamie Oliver's calls for consumers to support higher welfare pig production by buying British.
Scottish producers respond to import ban calls

2 February 2009

NFU Scotland has praised the country's farmers after recent figures showed calls to stop importing animals from Europe helped protect the industry from bluetongue.
NFU: 'No surrender' on EID

2 February 2009

THE NFU has reiterated its 'total opposition' to controversial EID plans at a meeting of MPs and EU Commissioners.
NFU: 'No surrender' on EID

2 February 2009

THE NFU has reiterated its 'total opposition' to controversial EID plans at a meeting of MPs and EU Commissioners.
Could agriculture be the recession’s shock winner?

January 30th 2009

As industries across the UK face a deep and painful recession, Jack Davies looks at the threats and opportunities for British farmers during the economic gloom.
GM: Farmers should be given more power in deciding its future

January 30th 2009

The GM debate entered a new era this week when a panel of scientists took to the stage at London’s Science Museum to publicly discuss the issue.
Research shows huge public support for British pork

29 January 2009

ALMOST 60 per cent of consumers would switch to buying British pork if they were made aware of welfare standards for imported pigs, claimed a new survey published today (Thursday, January 29).
Defra confirms EID slaughter exemption

28 January 2009

FARMERS in England will not be required to electronically tag sheep intended for slaughter before 12 months of age when EID rules come into force on December 31 this year.
Defra confirms EID slaughter exemption

28 January 2009

FARMERS in England will not be required to electronically tag sheep intended for slaughter before 12 months of age when EID rules come into force on December 31 this year.
TV farmer backs Tesco in welfare row

28 January 2009

NFU poultry board chairman Charles Bourns has defended supermarket giant Tesco after it was the subject of fierce criticism from TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall this week.
Kennedy launches animal slaughter consultation

27 January 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy has launched a consultation on proposed new rules on the welfare of animals at slaughter.
Kennedy launches animal slaughter consultation

27 January 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy has launched a consultation on proposed new rules on the welfare of animals at slaughter.
World Bank promises major investment in food security

27 January 2009

THE World Bank has called for more resources from developed countries to help solve the global food crisis, promising to increase its own contribution by $2 billion (£1.4bn) a year.
World Bank promises major investment in food security

27 January 2009

THE World Bank has called for more resources from developed countries to help solve the global food crisis, promising to increase its own contribution by $2 billion (£1.4bn) a year.
Meat off the menu at NHS hospitals

27 January 2009

HOSPITAL patients are to be denied access to meat as part of NHS plans to make the Health Service go green.
Defra plans new poultry welfare rules

27 January 2009

DEFRA has announced plans for new rules on poultry welfare to meet tough new EU guidelines.
Defra plans new poultry welfare rules

27 January 2009

DEFRA has announced plans for new rules on poultry welfare to meet tough new EU guidelines.
Meat off the menu at NHS hospitals

27 January 2009

HOSPITAL patients are to be denied access to meat as part of NHS plans to make the Health Service go green.
Kennedy launches animal slaughter consultation

27 January 2009

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy has launched a consultation on proposed new rules on the welfare of animals at slaughter.
Industry defends chicken standards ahead of Hugh’s attack on Tesco

26 January 2009

THE poultry industry has moved to defend its welfare standards ahead of a new show from TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall which aims to get consumers to switch to higher welfare poultry.
NFU rejects Irish calls for export support

26 January 2009

THE NFU has dismissed calls by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) for a currency support scheme to safeguard the country’s exports.
NFU rejects Irish calls for export support

26 January 2009

THE NFU has dismissed calls by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) for a currency support scheme to safeguard the country’s exports.
Unemployment figures rise as 820 jobs go at Vion

21 January 2009

FOOD processor Vion has been forced to axe up to 820 jobs across the UK as part of a major re-structuring of its business.
Harvest fears as recession forces migrant workers home

21 January 2009

CROPS could be left to rot in the fields this summer as migrant workers leave the UK in their droves over fears for the country’s faltering economy, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
NFUS calls for watchdog at Tesco meeting

20 January 2009

NFU Scotland has reiterated calls for a supermarket ombudsman to be set up, after a meeting with Tesco’s commercial director Richard Brasher today (Tuesday, January 20).
Crofters step up calls for bluetongue exemption

20 January 2009

CROFTERS on the Western Isles of Scotland have called on the Scottish Government to exempt them from the country’s compulsory bluetongue vaccination strategy.
Switching crop variety could help solve climate change

16 January 2009

FARMERS in Europe and North America could help alleviate climate change by changing the varieties of crops they grow, claimed a study by scientists at Bristol University.
NFUS president set to quit dairy farming

16 January 2009

NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren has announced he is on the verge of quitting the dairy industry.
Job cuts at turkey processor as recession takes its toll

16 January 2009

TURKEY producer Bernard Matthews is to axe 130 jobs at its processing plant in Norfolk as the recession begins to take its toll.
Consumers say supermarket behaviour is ‘unacceptable’

15 January 2009

A YOUGOV survey published today (Thursday, January 15), found more than 80 per cent of consumers believe the way supermarkets treat their suppliers is ‘unacceptable’, with the same number again backing calls for an independent regulator.
Government hits out at CAP failures

15 January 2009

THE Government has admitted the CAP is ‘very inefficient’ and has let down both farmers and consumers.
Credit crunch impact on farming minimal

15 January 2009

FARMERS are coping well with the recession as affordable credit continues to be available, claimed the NFU following its recent credit crunch survey.
FWAG Scotland's future in doubt after funding cuts

14 January 2009

BOSSES at the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) in Scotland will meet today (Wednesday, January 14), for urgent talks over the charity’s future after a cut in funding threatened to send it into administration.
Wind farm plans scrapped as economic crisis takes its toll

12 January 2009

AN AMBITIOUS scheme which aimed to establish the UK’s first rural sector power company has been closed after the economic crisis threw the plans into disarray.
Campaign calls for pork labelling overhaul

12 January 2009

THE RSPCA has launched a new campaign calling on supermarkets to sign up to a voluntary labelling agreement on pork products.
Campaign calls for pork labelling overhaul

12 January 2009

THE RSPCA has launched a new campaign calling on supermarkets to sign up to a voluntary labelling agreement on pork products.
Confidence in the rural economy remains high

12 January 2009

CONFIDENCE in the rural economy is higher than in the economy as a whole, claimed the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) as it launched its Rural Economy Index.
Confidence in the rural economy remains high

12 January 2009

CONFIDENCE in the rural economy is higher than in the economy as a whole, claimed the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) as it launched its Rural Economy Index.
Scotland will not embrace GM

7 January 2009

SCOTLAND will not follow the rest of the UK in looking to GM technology to increase food production and address food security.
Premium market could fall victim to recession

7 January 2009

FARMER-OWNED dairy company Long Clawson Dairy has announced it is to release a range of value products to help the business through the recession.
Lochhead calls for greater Scottish independence at Oxford Farming Conference

6 January 2009

THE Scottish Parliament needs more power to be devolved from Whitehall if it is to deliver for farmers, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead warned.
RPA significantly improves Single Payment delivery

6 January 2009

THE Rural Payments Agency (RPA) significantly improved its delivery of the Single Payment Scheme in the first month of the EU payment window.
Farm businesses in danger of ‘vicious spiral’ of decline

6 January 2009

FARM businesses will have to act quickly if they are to avoid becoming casualties of a devastating recession, warned the chief executive of one of the UK’s biggest food wholesalers.
Calls for MEPs to reject ‘barmy’ labelling laws

5 January 2009

CONSERVATIVE MEP Chris Heaton-Harris called on his colleagues to throw out proposals on labelling at the European Commission, brandishing the rules as ‘barmy’.
Industry calls for action on supermarkets for 2009

2 January 2009

INDUSTRY leaders have called on the Government to step in and introduce a supermarkets ombudsman in 2009 to ensure fair play between retailers and farmers.
New campaign to urge farmers to ‘come home safe’.

2 January 2009

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign to prevent deaths on farms after the latest figures showed agriculture to be one of Britain’s most dangerous professions.
Unions unite to survey UK sheep producers

January 2nd 2009

FARMING unions across Britain are set to survey sheep producers to determine the impact of electronic identification (EID) and tagging on the future viability of their businesses.
Kendall: Tough times ahead for 2009

1 January 2009

DEMAND for home-grown produce could plummet in 2009, leaving many farmers facing tough times unless retailers and regulators come out in support of producers, NFU president Peter Kendall warned.
NFU Scotland announces presidential candidates

29 December 2008

NFU Scotland has announced the candidates for its 2009 elections, with president Jim McLaren set to stand unchallenged for a second term in the job.
Boost for farmers using on-farm anaerobic digestion

28 December 2008

FARMERS treating manure and slurry in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants have been granted a welcome reprieve as the Environment Agency (EA) announced they would no longer need waste permits to spread digestate on their fields.
NFU Scotland threatens to go to court over rent reviews

26 December 2008

NFU Scotland has threatened landowners with court if they do not ‘play fair’ on rent reviews.
48-month rule changes laid before Parliament

23 December 2008

DEFRA has submitted new legislation to Parliament today (Tuesday, December 23) that will see the age of BSE testing rise from 30 to 48 months.
Sheep producers asked: Will you carry on after EID?

23 December 2008

FARMING unions across Britain are set to survey their sheep producers to determine the impact of electronic identification (EID) and tagging on the future viability of their businesses.
Farmers vow to keep opt-out after EU vote

22 December 2008

FARMING unions have vowed to fight on after the European Parliament voted in favour of ending the UK’s opt-out of the 48-hour working week.
NFU plans for 2010 sugar negotiations

22 December 2008

THE NFU is set to hold a series of meetings with sugar producers to set out its vision for 2010 beet contracts.
NFU plans for 2010 sugar negotiations

22 December 2008

THE NFU is set to hold a series of meetings with sugar producers to set out its vision for 2010 beet contracts.
GM contamination confirmed at Somerset site

19 December 2008

OILSEED rape at a trial site in Somerset has been contaminated by GM seed, Defra has confirmed following an investigation by its GM Inspectorate.
An understandable reluctance

December 19th 2008

WHAT a difference a year makes! Last year Defra gave the farming industry an early Christmas present of 22.5 million doses of bluetongue vaccine and a vector-free period to go with it.
Increasing consumer awareness of welfare

December 19th 2008

ANIMAL welfare labels should be introduced across all meat and dairy products to help improve standards on the farm, a Government advisory panel claimed this week.
Questions raised as more imported cattle test positive for BTV8

18 December 2008

DEFRA has confirmed another case of bluetongue from cattle imported from France, this time in a batch of 12 cattle on a farm near Crewe.
Scottish Government confirms plans to scrap 'Right to Buy'

18 December 2008

THE Scottish Government has ruled out any extension of ‘Right to Buy’ legislation for farm tenancies following a report from the Tenant Farming Forum (TFF) this week.
Fears over bluetongue vaccine supply as Defra confirms no order for 2009

17 December 2008

ENGLAND will not be guaranteed enough vaccine to protect livestock from an outbreak of bluetongue in 2009, after Defra confirmed it would not be issuing a tender for more supplies.
Monitor Farms deliver 600 per cent return for Scottish farmers

17 December 2008

THE Scottish farming industry is reaping huge dividends from the groundbreaking Monitor Farm programme, says a new report from the Scottish Government.
Defra confirms no tender for 2009 bluetongue vaccines

16 December 2008

DEFRA has confirmed it will not be issuing a tender for bluetongue vaccines for 2009, but will instead open it up to the free market.
Defra confirms no tender for 2009 bluetongue vaccines

16 December 2008

DEFRA has confirmed it will not be issuing a tender for bluetongue vaccines for 2009, but will instead open it up to the free market.
NFUS blames ‘cut-throat’ retail tactics for turmoil at major processor

16 December 2008

SCOTTISH industry leaders have delivered a damning indictment of major retailers following the announcement of potential lay-offs at one of the UK’s biggest vegetable producers.
NFUS blames ‘cut-throat’ retail tactics for turmoil at major processor

16 December 2008

SCOTTISH industry leaders have delivered a damning indictment of major retailers following the announcement of potential lay-offs at one of the UK’s biggest vegetable producers.
Banks accused of 'unacceptable' behaviour towards farmers

15 December 2008

A NUMBER of leading banks have been accused of placing increased pressure on farm businesses following a survey of Scottish farmers.
Banks accused of 'unacceptable' behaviour towards farmers

15 December 2008

A NUMBER of leading banks have been accused of placing increased pressure on farm businesses following a survey of Scottish farmers.
New campaign calls for Government action on factory farming

15 December 2008

INTENSIVE farming of meat and dairy is ‘obliterating rainforests’ and must be tackled by Government, said a new report from environment campaigners Friends of the Earth.
Kennedy pledges support to beleaguered pig industry

15 December 2008

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy has pledged her support to the British pig industry following a meeting with pig producers last week.
Kennedy pledges support to beleaguered pig industry

15 December 2008

FARMING Minister Jane Kennedy has pledged her support to the British pig industry following a meeting with pig producers last week.
Fischer Boel to visit Scotland over post-2013 CAP support

12 December 2008

EU agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel is set to visit Scotland in 2009 after NFU Scotland put its case forward for continued support of the country’s farmers as part of the CAP.
'Hatch Factor' initiative aimed at school children

12 December 2008

POULTRY producer 2 Sisters Willand has launched a new initiative encouraging school children to learn about chickens.
Government food security stance ‘dangerously complacent’

12 December 2008

THE Government’s attitude to food security is ‘dangerously complacent’ the Soil Association has warned.
Latest developments in tackling bluetongue in the UK

December 12th 2008

As Defra mulls over the details of the EU’s latest plan to overhaul its bluetongue control strategy, Jack Davies looks at how the proposals could affect the UK.
Wiseman joins business big league

11 December 2008

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has confirmed it has joined the FTSE250 share index – a list of some of the biggest companies in the UK.
EU court rules cross-compliance is ‘not working’

11 December 2008

THE European Court of Auditors (ECA) has delivered a damning report on cross-compliance, concluding the system needs a major overhaul in order to achieve its aims.
EU to divert €5 billion of farm subsidies to help economy

11 December 2008

THE EU has announced an ambitious plan to divert €5 billion from farm subsidies into programmes to stimulate the economy by boosting energy and internet links.
Dairy industry stunned by Tesco weekend price cuts

10 December 2008

THE dairy industry has been left stunned after supermarket giant Tesco sold milk for just 25ppl in a short-term promotion aimed at boosting its sales amid the economic downturn.
Defra launches NVZ appeals process

10 December 2008

DEFRA has issued advice for farmers wishing to appeal against the designation of their land within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).
Defra launches NVZ appeals process

10 December 2008

DEFRA has issued advice for farmers wishing to appeal against the designation of their land within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).
Higher beef incomes justify slaughter price hike - NBA

9 December 2008

THE beef industry is generating higher income despite tighter consumer spending and falling sales volumes, said the National Beef Association (NBA).
Farmers invited to ask the experts on bluetongue

8 December 2008

FARMERS in South East England are being invited to a series of meetings to help them get to grips with bluetongue disease and the vaccination strategy for the coming year.
Sainsbury’s initiative to boost British farming

5 December 2008

SAINSBURY’S unveiled another initiative to firm up its commitment to British farmers – committing to 100 per cent British meat in all prepared meals.
Sainsbury’s initiative to boost British farming

5 December 2008

SAINSBURY’S unveiled another initiative to firm up its commitment to British farmers – committing to 100 per cent British meat in all prepared meals.
EU vets to discuss bluetongue import ban

1 December 2008

EU VETS are set to meet tomorrow (Tuesday, December 2), to discuss plans to re-vamp Europe's bluetongue controls, opening the door for countries to impose import bans from areas where disease is circulating.
Sainsbury's to pay premium to young farmers

28 November 2008

YOUNG farmers in Wales are set to receive a major boost after supermarket giant Sainsbury's announced a new initiative to source Welsh lamb exclusively from young suppliers.
Is there a future for GM in this country?

November 28th 2008

The first round of the great GM debate ended in outright victory for the doubters. But the biotech industry is trying again with a new generation of GM products. Alistair Driver, Jack Davies and William Surman investigate in this Farmers Guardian special report.
Calls for bluetongue importers to be 'named and shamed'

26 November 2008

INDUSTRY leaders in Scotland have called on Defra to implement a 'name and shame' policy for producers importing infected stock from the continent.
Warning for livestock farmers as sea eagles look set to return

26 November 2008

FARMERS in Norfolk have been warned about potential dangers to livestock after conservationists announced plans to re-introduce sea eagles to the area.
Warning for livestock farmers as sea eagles look set to return

26 November 2008

FARMERS in Norfolk have been warned about potential dangers to livestock after conservationists announced plans to re-introduce sea eagles to the area.
New approach for environmental schemes

26 November 2008

NATURAL England has announced changes to environmental farm payments that will see money targeted in particular conservation areas.
DEFRA confirms bluetongue serotype 1 on Lancashire farm

25 November 2008

DEFRA has confirmed the discovery of bluetongue serotype 1 (BTV1) in five imported cattle on a farm near Blackpool, Lancashire.
DEFRA confirms bluetongue serotype 1 on Lancashire farm

25 November 2008

DEFRA has confirmed the discovery of bluetongue serotype 1 (BTV1) in five imported Bazadaise cattle at a premises at Hambleton, near Blackpool, understood to be a small farm run by A.R. and C.A. McCulloch.
Meat inspectors call off strike

25 November 2008

UNISON has called off its meat inspectors strike after an agreement was made today (Tuesday, November 25) with employers at the MHS.
Meat inspectors call off strike

25 November 2008

UNISON has called off its meat inspectors strike after an agreement was made today (Tuesday, November 25) with employers at the MHS.
Mixed reaction as industry leaders warn Budget did not go far enough

25 November 2008

ALISTAIR Darling's emergency ‘mini-Budget’ has met with a mixed reaction from farming leaders today (Tuesday, November 25), as NFU president Peter Kendall said the measures were of 'limited value’ to UK agriculture.
Meat inspectors confirm Christmas strike dates

25 November 2008

MEAT inspectors across the UK have confirmed a three day walk-out next week following a row with Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) bosses over pay.
Gangmaster stripped of licence after serious rule breach

25 November 2008

THE Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has revoked the licence of a Northamptonshire gangmaster following allegations of ‘unsafe accommodation and an injury to a worker’.
At a glance: The Pre-Budget report

25 November 2008

THE Treasury’s Pre-Budget report yesterday (Monday, November 24), amounted to an emergency ‘mini-Budget’ as Alistair Darling announced a range of measures aimed to boost consumer spending and the competitiveness of small businesses.
Rising fuel costs despite VAT cut

24 November 2008

FARMERS hoping for a reduction in fuel bills were left disappointed today (Monday, November 24), as the Government confirmed it would increase fuel duty to offset cuts in VAT announced by the Chancellor.
Rising fuel costs despite VAT cut

24 November 2008

FARMERS hoping for a reduction in fuel bills were left disappointed today (Monday, November 24), as the Government confirmed it would increase fuel duty to offset cuts in VAT announced by the Chancellor.
Talks fail as meat inspectors threaten strike

24 November 2008

MEAT inspectors have failed to reach an agreement with Meat Hygiene Service bosses after crunch talks over a planned Christmas walk-out.
Talks fail as meat inspectors threaten strike

24 November 2008

MEAT inspectors have failed to reach an agreement with Meat Hygiene Service bosses after crunch talks over a planned Christmas walk-out.
County council farms ‘more important than ever’

24 November 2008

COUNTY councils across the UK must do more to support tenant farmers on council-owned farms, warned Sir Don Curry, chairman of the Sustainable Farming and Food Delivery Group.
Stolen UK farm machinery recovered in Poland

24 November 2008

STOLEN farm vehicles worth more than £200,000 have been recovered in Poland after a major investigation into the theft of high value farming machinery.
Stolen UK farm machinery recovered in Poland

24 November 2008

STOLEN farm vehicles worth more than £200,000 have been recovered in Poland after a major investigation into the theft of high value farming machinery.
Agricultural Industries Confederation's annual conference

November 21st 2008

Leaders in the agri-supply industry gathered at the East of England Showground for the Agricultural Industries Confederation’s annual conference last week.
UK declared free from avian flu

20 November 2008

DEFRA has confirmed the UK is now officially free from avian influenza following the outbreak on a farm in Oxfordshire in June this year.
Human trafficking ring exposed after dawn raids

19 November 2008

EIGHT people have been arrested after a major operation to tackle human trafficking was carried out this week.
Countryside Survey re-opens set-aside debate

19 November 2008

THE removal of set-aside will be a ‘significant blow’ to biodiversity and the environment, warned Natural England.
New superbug discovered on UK dairy farm

18 November 2008

A NEW superbug has been found on a British dairy farm for the first time, and experts have warned it could lead to an explosion of antibiotic resistant bacteria in UK farming.
Action needed to avoid farming 'crisis'

18 November 2008

THE Soil Association has called on the Government to develop a ‘food plan’, or else the industry will descend into an all-out crisis.
Defra launches £2 million biodiversity fund

18 November 2008

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn announced a £2 million funding package to help boost wildlife conservation in rural England.
Defra denies secret GM trials

17 November 2008

DEFRA has moved to deny reports that it is set to carry out secret GM crop trials around the UK.
Defra denies secret GM trials

17 November 2008

DEFRA has moved to deny reports that it is set to carry out secret GM crop trials around the UK.
GrowHow refuses to ‘second guess’ fertiliser prices

17 November 2008

UK fertiliser manufacturer GrowHow has responded to criticism over its prices, warning it will not ‘second guess’ the market until the New Year.
Biofuels will send millions into poverty

17 November 2008

EUROPE must ‘slow down’ on biofuels, or else risk sending millions of people over the poverty line, warned the head of the Government’s biofuels' watchdog.
Biofuels will send millions into poverty

17 November 2008

EUROPE must ‘slow down’ on biofuels, or else risk sending millions of people over the poverty line, warned the head of the Government’s biofuels' watchdog.
Jamie Oliver launches new pig campaign

17 November 2008

CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver is set to turn his attention to the pig industry, hoping to raise the profile of British pig farmers.
Jamie Oliver launches new pig campaign

17 November 2008

CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver is set to turn his attention to the pig industry, hoping to raise the profile of British pig farmers.
Dairy Farmers of Britain quashes administration rumour

14 November 2008

DAIRY Farmers of Britain (DFoB) has moved to assure its producers they will receive their milk cheques next week, despite rumours the group was going into administration.
Dairy Farmers of Britain quashes administration rumour

14 November 2008

DAIRY Farmers of Britain (DFoB) has moved to assure its producers they will receive their milk cheques next week, despite rumours the group was going into administration.
Potential of local food sector to boost returns and address food security

14 November 2008

LOCAL food has the potential to increase sales to around £15.6 billion a year – but first action must be taken by industry, retailers and Government, said a new report.
NFU demands fertiliser price cut

12 November 2008

NFU president Peter Kendall issued a warning to UK fertiliser manufacturer GrowHow today (Wednesday, November 12), calling for the firm to drop its prices or face serious questions over competition.
NFU rubbishes new waste proposals

11 November 2008

THE NFU has hit out at Government plans to pile more costs on to farmers by forcing them to pay for environmental license exemptions for agricultural waste.
Sainsbury's chief says no to 'Buy British'

11 November 2008

THE chief executive of one of the UK’s biggest supermarkets is set for a collision course with British farmers after he slammed campaigns encouraging consumers to buy British produce.
Scientists claim GM infertility link

11 November 2008

AUSTRIAN scientists claim to have discovered a link between GM maize and reduced fertility after conducting a series of trials on mice.
New Government contracts could boost British food sales

10 November 2008

GOVERNMENT departments could be set to increase the amount of British food they buy, under new plans for public procurement contracts.
Benn backs GM food safety

10 November 2008

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has admitted that scientific evidence 'clearly' demonstrates the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods.
Benn backs GM food safety

10 November 2008

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has admitted that scientific evidence 'clearly' demonstrates the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods.
Interest rates slashed - but debt costs will remain high

6 November 2008

THE Bank of England has slashed interest rates to levels not seen in over 50 years, but there are fears farmers' debt costs could remain high for the time being.
Interest rates slashed - but debt costs will remain high

6 November 2008

THE Bank of England has slashed interest rates to levels not seen in over 50 years, but there are fears farmers' debt costs could remain high for the time being.
BTV-6 ‘could spread unchecked for a year’

6 November 2008

FARMERS in the UK are unlikely to see a vaccine for the latest bluetongue strain to infect Europe for at least a year, a leading vaccine manufacturer said.
Record borrowing in agriculture as debt costs look set to rise

5 November 2008

THE Bank of England announced a new record high for agricultural borrowing, with an increase of £950 million compared to last year.
Council u-turn after complaints drive commitment to support local food

5 November 2008

COUNTY Councillors on the Isle of Anglesey were left red faced this week after they were forced to review school catering contracts after parents complained about the volume of foreign meat being served.
Record borrowing in agriculture as debt costs look set to rise

5 November 2008

THE Bank of England announced a new record high for agricultural borrowing, with an increase of £950 million compared to last year.
Farmgate prices continue to lag behind retail

5 November 2008

THE gap between retail and farmgate milk prices has continued to widen, according to the latest farm statistics from Defra.
Weetabix appeal for increased volumes of British white wheat

5 November 2008

WEETABIX has appealed for an increased tonnage of white wheat variety Zircon in a move to secure more domestic produce.
Weetabix appeal for increased volumes of British white wheat

5 November 2008

WEETABIX has appealed for an increased tonnage of white wheat variety Zircon in a move to secure more domestic produce.
Farmgate prices continue to lag behind retail

5 November 2008

THE gap between retail and farmgate milk prices has continued to widen, according to the latest farm statistics from Defra.
Archbishop of York in ‘buy British’ plea

4 November 2008

THE Archbishop of York has led calls for a return to a ‘buy British mindset’, encouraging consumers and Government to play their part in supporting British farmers.
New bluetongue strain not a threat

4 November 2008

THE new strain of bluetongue virus discovered in Switzerland last week could already have spread across Europe undetected, but officials have said the risk to livestock is minimal.
Meat inspectors threaten a Christmas walk-out

3 November 2008

MEAT inspectors throughout England, Scotland and Wales have threatened to go on strike in the run up to Christmas after a row over working hours.
Meat inspectors threaten a Christmas walk-out

3 November 2008

MEAT inspectors throughout England, Scotland and Wales have threatened to go on strike in the run up to Christmas after a row over working hours.
GM soy bean could prevent heart attacks

3 November 2008

HEALTH-PROMOTING GM products could soon be on sale in supermarkets after researchers in the US successfully trialled a GM soya bean that can help reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Scottish bluetongue vaccination gets underway

3 November 2008

SCOTLAND joined the Bluetongue Protection Zone this morning (Monday, November 3), for the first time as a compulsory vaccination strategy was rolled out.
Scottish vaccination gets underway

3 November 2008

SCOTLAND joined the Bluetongue Protection Zone this morning (Monday, November 3), for the first time as a compulsory vaccination strategy was rolled out.
GLA delivers final warning to Northern Ireland

31 October 2008

THE Gangmasters Licensing Authority delivered a stark warning to labour providers in Northern Ireland to get their house in order or face a series of fresh investigations.
BASF braces itself for global recession

31 October 2008

CHEMICAL giant BASF admitted the next 12 months will be a huge challenge, despite reporting strong results for the year.
Scientists discover yet another new bluetongue strain

30 October 2008

SCIENTISTS have discovered another new strain of bluetongue, this time in goats in Switzerland.
New bluetongue threats drive call for import ban

30 October 2008

FARMERS are being urged to avoid importing animals from Europe after the arrival of a third strain of bluetongue on the continent.
New bluetongue threats drive call for import ban

30 October 2008

FARMERS are being urged to avoid importing animals from Europe after the arrival of a third strain of bluetongue on the continent.
Farmer walks clear after plane crashes into tractor

30 October 2008

A FARMER in Norwich escaped unharmed yesterday (Wednesday, October 29), after a plane crashed into his tractor, killing one man and seriously injuring another.
New guidelines open the door to carbon labelling

29 October 2008

NEW guidelines for businesses to measure the carbon footprint of their products were made public today (Wednesday, October 29), opening the door to wide-scale carbon labeling on food produce.
Food inflation set to end

29 October 2008

FOOD inflation is set to fall dramatically over the coming months, and could even disappear by the end of 2009, says a new price forecast from English Food and Farming Partnership (EFFP).
Biotech key to global food challenge

28 October 2008

BIOTECHNOLOGY will be key to unlocking the potential of UK agriculture to meet the global challenges of food security and climate change.
Studies could help assure consumers over GM

28 October 2008

CONSUMERS will accept GM foods – but only if their safety can be proved, claimed the Government’s chief scientific advisor.
Farmer fined for recklessly interfering with badger sett

27 October 2008

A KENT farmer has been fined more than £2,000 after he admitted recklessly interfering with a badger sett, using a burrow blaster to blow it up.
Purple GM tomatoes to help fight cancer

27 October 2008

SCIENTISTS have unveiled the latest GM food product – a purple tomato which can protect against cancers.
Purple GM tomatoes to help fight cancer

27 October 2008

SCIENTISTS have unveiled the latest GM food product – a purple tomato which can protect against cancers.
New bluetongue strain confirmed

27 October 2008

DUTCH authorities have confirmed a new strain of bluetongue has been discovered on three farms in the south of the country.
New uplands funding ‘criminally inadequate’

27 October 2008

THE new Upland Entry Level Scheme (UELS) could leave many farmers facing a massive drop in their incomes, claimed Shadow Defra Secretary Tim Farron.
Food sales fall for first time in 20 years

24 October 2008

SALES of food have dropped for the first time in over two decades as consumers start cutting back on purchases, says the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Food sales fall for first time in 20 years

24 October 2008

SALES of food have dropped for the first time in over two decades as consumers start cutting back on purchases, says the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Grain tariffs offer hope for struggling growers

October 24th 2008

THE EU has outlined plans to assist arable farmers hit hard by recent falls in grain prices, confirming it will re-introduce cereal import duties.
New inquiry looks to boost hill farming

23 October 2008

THE future of upland farming in England is at a ‘turning point’ and urgent action is needed to ensure its long-term viability, claims the Government’s rural advocate Dr Stuart Burgess.
New inquiry looks to boost hill farming

23 October 2008

THE future of upland farming in England is at a ‘turning point’ and urgent action is needed to ensure its long-term viability, claims the Government’s rural advocate Dr Stuart Burgess.
Consumers not concerned by GM

23 October 2008

MOST consumers in Europe are not concerned about buying GM foods, says a new EU study into consumer attitudes towards the technology.
Consumers not concerned by GM

23 October 2008

MOST consumers in Europe are not concerned about buying GM foods, says a new EU study into consumer attitudes towards the technology.
Brazilians agriculture is accused of ‘illegal practices’ over beef exports

23 October 2008

BRAZILIAN agriculture authorities have been accused of ‘illegal practices’ when auditing and certifying farms cleared for export to the EU.
Dutch impose emergency bluetongue export ban

21 October 2008

AUTHORITIES in the Netherlands have imposed an export and breeding ban on sheep and cattle after a potential vaccine-resistant strain of bluetongue was discovered in the east of the country.
Case study: Rebuilding a broken business

17 October 2008

FOR farmer John Emerson, last year’s foot-and-mouth outbreak set him back 14 years as he watched his cattle and pigs culled on suspicion of infection, leaving him having to rebuild his business from scratch.
Case study: Pedigree Breeder still in the red after foot-and-mouth

17 October 2008

ANGUS Stovold’s farm is heavily in debt following last year’s foot-and-mouth outbreak which caused untold damage to his business.
Case study: Pride demands justice from Defra

17 October 2008

ROGER Pride was as the centre of last year’s foot-and-mouth outbreak , with his farm in Surrey the first to be hit by the disease in August last year.
Delaying EID adoption could hit Single Payments

16 October 2008

CONTROVERSIAL EID plans can not be put off any longer, warned new Farming and Environment Minister Jane Kennedy yesterday (Wednesday, October 15).
Delaying EID adoption could hit Single Payments

16 October 2008

CONTROVERSIAL EID plans can not be put off any longer, warned new Farming and Environment Minister Jane Kennedy yesterday (Wednesday, October 15).
Supply chain relationships essential during cash crisis

15 October 2008

FARMERS and retailers will need to work together to ensure the long-term future of the supply-chain and to make sure the food industry is well placed to handle the global economic crisis.
Supply chain relationships essential during cash crisis

15 October 2008

FARMERS and retailers will need to work together to ensure the long-term future of the supply-chain and to make sure the food industry is well placed to handle the global economic crisis.
Retailers set out strategies to handle the credit crunch

15 October 2008

BRITAIN'S leading retailers delivered their views on how the food industry can adapt and survive in the challenging economic climate as delegates gathered for the IGD's convention in London yesterday (Tuesday, October 14).
Tesco 'can't afford' ombudsman

15 October 2008

A SUPERMARKET ombudsman is a cost too far – and one the retail industry can not afford, claimed a leading executive at Britain’s biggest supermarket.
Kendall: Government not doing enough

15 October 2008

THE GOVERNMENT is not doing enough to support UK farmers in meeting the global challenge of food security, claimed NFU president Peter Kendall.
‘Good times are over’ warn UK retailers

15 October 2008

CONSUMER spending may never return to the levels of the last decade and retailers and suppliers will need to react to the changing demands of their customers.
IGD convention

15 October 2008

CONSUMER spending may never return to the levels of the last decade and retailers and suppliers will need to react to the changing demands of their customers.
MPs set for EID debate

15 October 2008

MPs are due to debate the EU’s controversial EID plans today (Wednesday, October 15), as the new Food and Farming Minister Jane Kennedy makes her first Westminster speech in her new role.
MPs set for EID debate

15 October 2008

MPs are due to debate the EU’s controversial EID plans today (Wednesday, October 15), as the new Food and Farming Minister Jane Kennedy makes her first Westminster speech in her new role.
Banking crisis bites as commodity prices drop

14 October 2008

GRAIN prices dropped dramatically last week as the global financial crisis continued to take its toll on the commodity markets.
Benn calls on supermarkets to back farm businesses

13 October 2008

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has called on supermarkets to do everything in their power to ensure food producers are paid quickly, to ease pressure from the credit crisis.
Benn calls on supermarkets to back farm businesses

13 October 2008

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has called on supermarkets to do everything in their powers to ensure food producers are paid quickly, to ease pressure from the credit crisis.
United Oilseeds warns of tough year ahead after bumper profits for 2008

13 October 2008

UNITED Oilseeds has announced bumper profits for the 2008 financial year, but admits 2009 could be one of its toughest years yet as input prices continue to soar and prices drop.
United Oilseeds warns of tough year ahead after bumper profits for 2008

13 October 2008

UNITED Oilseeds has announced bumper profits for the 2008 financial year, but admits 2009 could be one of its toughest years yet as input prices continue to soar and prices drop.
Miliband told to strengthen climate change targets

8 October 2008

THE Government’s new Climate Change secretary Ed Miliband was given a stark warning that the UK needs to do more to combat climate change.
Water management 'should be a key priority'

8 October 2008

MAINTAINING the water environment should be a key strand of Government policy on agriculture, claims the National Trust.
British is best on biofuels

8 October 2008

BRITAIN is ahead of target to meet the EU’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) as British-grown biofuels lead the way in environmental standards, says the latest Government report.
British is best on biofuels

8 October 2008

BRITAIN is ahead of target to meet the EU’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) as British-grown biofuels lead the way in environmental standards, says the latest Government report.
UN calls for major re-think on biofuels

7 October 2008

BIOFUEL policies need an ‘urgent review’ or else governments risk undermining global food security, warns the latest report from the UN.
Consumers confused over GM foods

7 October 2008

CONSUMERS need more information on Genetically Modified (GM) food if the technology is to enter widespread use in British agriculture, claims a new report.
Consumers confused over GM foods

7 October 2008

CONSUMERS need more information on Genetically Modified (GM) food if the technology is to enter widespread use in British agriculture, claims a new report.
Wiseman announces producer price increase

7 October 2008

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has confirmed that it is to increase its farmgate milk price by 1ppl from November 1, taking its standard price to a total 27.2ppl.
Wiseman announces producer price increase

7 October 2008

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has confirmed that it is to increase its farmgate milk price by 1ppl from November 1, taking its standard price to a total 27.2ppl.
Farming going down ‘the wrong path’ on biotechnology

7 October 2008

FARMING needs to undergo ‘dramatic changes’ if it is to meet the needs of a rapidly booming population, warned a leading scientist form one of the world’s biggest biotech firms.
Soil Association hits back at credit crunch claims

6 October 2008

ORGANIC farming is not on the brink of disaster during the credit crunch, claimed Helen Browning the Soil Association’s director of farming.
European experts gather to debate pesticide proposals

6 October 2008

PESTICIDES legislation was high on the agenda at the Healthy Foods European Summit in London today (Monday, October 6), as industry leaders held a fierce debate on the future for food production.
European experts gather to debate pesticide proposals

6 October 2008

PESTICIDES legislation was high on the agenda at the Healthy Foods European Summit in London today (Monday, October 6), as industry leaders held a fierce debate on the future for food production.
Tesco’s Promar requirement ‘heavy handed’

1 October 2008

NFU Scotland has expressed its concerns over Tesco’s two-tiered milk price after the supermarket said producers who did not sign up with consultancy firm Promar would not receive the full 0.75ppl increase.
Tesco delivers two-tier price increase

1 October 2008

TESCO is to increase its base milk price to 28.75ppl following a 0.75ppl increase to its suppliers which will come into force from today (Wednesday, October 1).
Tesco delivers two-tier price increase

1 October 2008

TESCO is to increase its base milk price to 28.75ppl following a 0.75ppl increase to its suppliers which will come into force from today (Wednesday, October 1).
Milk Link raise milk price 1ppl

1 October 2008

MILK Link has confirmed it will increase its member milk price by 1ppl from today (Wednesday, October 1)
Dairy Crest under pressure from rising costs

1 October 2008

DAIRY Crest could be forced to cut staff and close some of its processing plants, on the back of increased pressure from rising input costs and the gloomy economic outlook.
Bumper profits as Tesco defies the credit crunch

1 October 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has seen its UK sales increase by almost £2 billion despite cash-strapped shoppers being hit by the credit crunch.
Dairy Crest under pressure from rising costs

1 October 2008

DAIRY Crest could be forced to cut staff and close some of its processing plants, on the back of increased pressure from rising input costs and the gloomy economic outlook.
'Disturbing drop' in bluetongue vaccination as rumours take hold

30 September 2008

FARMERS are being warned not to ignore the threat of bluetongue, following an alarming drop in the take-up of vaccine.
Meat rationing 'vital' to combating climate change

30 September 2008

PEOPLE must be rationed to just four portions of meat and one litre of milk a week if a climate change catastrophe is to be avoided, warns an influential new report.
New UN procurement policy to help the world's poorest farmers

29 September 2008

THE World Food Programme (WFP) is set to change the way it buys food, launching a plan to purchase directly from some of the world’s poorest farmers.
Scotland hosts first Supermarket Summit

29 September 2008

SCOTTISH First Minister Alex Salmond hosted the first-ever Supermarket Summit this week in an attempt to bring producers and retailers together to discuss issues facing the sector.
NFU attacks 'irresponsible and shortsighted' RSPCA

29 September 2008

THE RSPCA has been branded ‘irresponsible and shortsighted’ after it called on EU agriculture ministers to outlaw the egg production using enriched cages.
NFU attacks 'irresponsible and shortsighted' RSPCA

29 September 2008

THE RSPCA has been branded ‘irresponsible and shortsighted’ after it called on EU agriculture ministers to outlaw the egg production using enriched cages.
Wiseman increases selling price to cover rising costs

29 September 2008

ROBERT Wiseman dairies expects a ‘significant improvement’ in the second half of the year after it called on retailers to increase their milk price.
A strong business case for using sexed semen

September 26th 2008

A NEW report into the use of sexed semen provides a 'strong business case' for dairy farmers to take up the technology, claim animal welfare charities.
Mixed picture as harvest struggle goes on

24 September 2008

GOOD weather last week provided farmers across the UK with an opportunity to salvage some of this year’s harvest, but for some areas the struggle against the wet weather continues.
Mixed picture as harvest struggle goes on

24 September 2008

GOOD weather last week provided farmers across the UK with an opportunity to salvage some of this year’s harvest, but for some areas the struggle against the wet weather continues.
Welfare labels grow as farmers shift to meet demand

24 September 2008

HIGHER welfare meat products are growing in popularity despite the recent squeeze on consumer spending, encouraging record numbers of farmers to change their production methods.
Welfare labels grow as farmers shift to meet demand

24 September 2008

HIGHER welfare meat products are growing in popularity despite the recent squeeze on consumer spending, encouraging record numbers of farmers to change their production methods.
Shetland farmers granted bluetongue exemption

23 September 2008

THE Scottish Government has agreed to reverse its compulsory vaccination policy in the Shetlands after heavy lobbying from the islands' farmers.
AHDB launch debate on the future of quality assurance

23 September 2008

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has begun consulting on the future of quality assurance schemes that could see levy money pumped into one cross-sector scheme.
AHDB launch debate on the future of quality assurance

23 September 2008

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has begun consulting on the future of quality assurance schemes that could see levy money pumped into one cross-sector scheme.
Genus announce profit rise

23 September 2008

GENETICS firm Genus has announced a 40 per cent rise in profit despite ‘harsh market conditions’ in the livestock industry.
New Asda scheme could net dairy farmers £2 million

23 September 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Asda has launched a new scheme which will see its dairy farmers supplying beef into its standard range products for the first time.
New Asda scheme could net dairy farmers £2 million

23 September 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Asda has launched a new scheme which will see its dairy farmers supplying beef into its standard range products for the first time.
Early lamb finishing key to better returns

23 September 2008

FINISHING store lambs early could be the key to securing higher prices come next spring, claims Eblex.
Bluetongue vaccines delivered into the open market

22 September 2008

MORE batches of bluetongue vaccine will come on the market this morning (Monday, September 22) after Fort Dodge became the first firm to release product into the open market.
Tesco launches dairy centre of excellence

22 September 2008

BRITAIN’S biggest supermarket chain, Tesco, has launched a new research centre to help work on the issues facing the UK dairy industry.
Counting the cost of harvest 2008

September 19th 2008

THE drier weather this week came as a relief for many farmers across the country, giving them an opportunity to get out and bring in some of this year’s harvest.
High grain prices here to stay, claims new report

18 September 2008

A NEW report from researchers at the University of Illinois claims the prices of corn, wheat and soybean will remain high for at least the next thirty years.
High grain prices here to stay, claims new report

18 September 2008

A NEW report from researchers at the University of Illinois claims the prices of corn, wheat and soybean will remain high for at least the next thirty years.
Price delays cost dairy farmers millions

17 September 2008

BRITISH dairy farmers have lost out on hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue as farmgate price rises lag behind commodity prices, says DairyCo’s latest supply chain analysis.
Price delays cost dairy farmers millions

17 September 2008

BRITISH dairy farmers have lost out on hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue as farmgate price rises lag behind commodity prices, says DairyCo’s latest supply chain analysis.
Government ‘doesn’t care’ about farmers

16 September 2008

LEADING Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of abandoning rural communities and farmers in its attempt to win city votes.
Lib Dem Conference

16 September 2008

LEADING Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of abandoning rural communities and farmers in its attempt to win city votes.
Lib Dems attack Defra’s upland compensation

16 September 2008

DEFRA has abandoned its commitment to assisting hill farmers, claimed the chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hill Farming.
Global wheat supplies could offset poor UK harvest

15 September 2008

A BUMPER global harvest could help make up the shortfall in UK production after one of the wettest Augusts on record brought the domestic harvest to a near standstill.
Global wheat supplies could offset poor UK harvest

15 September 2008

A BUMPER global harvest could help make up the shortfall in UK production after one of the wettest Augusts on record brought the domestic harvest to a near standstill.
Calls for investigation after GM seeds found in Scotland

12 September 2008

ANTI-GM campaigners have reacted furiously after unauthorised GM seeds were discovered in a field of oilseed rape in Scotland.
Merger proposes major new grain company

12 September 2008

GRAINFARMERS and Centaur Grain have revealed plans to merge the two businesses, in a move which could create one of the largest grain companies in the UK.
Merger proposes major new grain company

12 September 2008

GRAINFARMERS and Centaur Grain have revealed plans to merge the two businesses, in a move which could create one of the largest grain companies in the UK.
Landlords urged to think twice about rent increases

12 September 2008

TENANT farmers could still see rent increases this autumn, despite the growing pressure of rising input costs hitting farm profits, says the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA).
Dorset County Show

September 12th 2008

Torrential rain turned the Showground into a mudbath, but top class cattle and sheep line-ups, and the Charollais Sheep Society’s Champion of Champions 2008 competition, took minds off the inclement weather.
Kicking a man when he's down

September 12th 2008

IT was meant to be one of the biggest harvests in recent history as more crops than ever were planted with farmers looking for a bumper harvest to capitalise on booming prices.
Robert Wiseman Dairies sets new 'green' standards

September 12th 2008

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies took a step towards environmental sustainability as it formally opened its new dairy at Bridgwater in Somerset – dubbed Britain's green and white dairy.
Business as usual at Dairy UK despite NFU withdrawal

11 September 2008

DAIRY UK will continue to support the dairy industry and provide a strong voice for British dairy farmers despite the NFU’s shock resignation, says chief executive Jim Begg.
Business as usual at Dairy UK despite NFU withdrawal

11 September 2008

DAIRY UK will continue to support the dairy industry and provide a strong voice for British dairy farmers despite the NFU’s shock resignation, says chief executive Jim Begg.
Bluetongue confirmed in the North-East

10 September 2008

BLUETONGUE has been confirmed for the fourth time this summer in imported animals after 18 cattle in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, were confirmed with the disease.
Farmer stages dramatic sheep rescue

10 September 2008

A FARMER in Northumberland staged a dramatic rescue as flood waters threatened to wipe out his stock over the weekend, taking to the water in a drysuit and a canoe to drag his sheep to safety.
The ‘soul destroying’ reality of harvest 2008

9 September 2008

FOR many farmers, this year's harvest will be remembered for the torrential and constant rain that has plagued farmers as they struggled to bring in their crops.
Stop eating meat to save the planet, claim scientists

9 September 2008

CONSUMERS must cut down on red meat if scientists are to successfully combat climate change, claimed leading experts at a meeting in London last night (Monday, September 8).
Stop eating meat to save the planet, claim scientists

9 September 2008

CONSUMERS must cut down on red meat if scientists are to successfully combat climate change, claimed leading experts at a meeting in London last night (Monday, September 8).
Dairy profits up, but prices must rise

9 September 2008

MILK price increases and efficiency improvements from Britain’s dairy farmers are essential to combat rising input costs, says the latest findings of Promar’s Farm Business Accounts (FBA) analysis.
Dairy profits up, but prices must rise

9 September 2008

MILK price increases and efficiency improvements from Britain’s dairy farmers are essential to combat rising input costs, says the latest findings of Promar’s Farm Business Accounts (FBA) analysis.
Leading scientists set to deliver climate change vision for farming

8 September 2008

CLIMATE change and the carbon footprint of livestock farming is due to come under the spotlight at a debate in London tonight (Monday, September 8) as some of the world’s leading scientists gather to discuss the impact of agriculture on the environment.
Bucks County Show

September 5th 2008

THE impressive two-year-old Limousin heifer, Baviere, took the beef inter-breed championship.
Wiseman sets new environmental standards for the dairy industry

4 September 2008

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies took a step towards environmental sustainability yesterday (Wednesday, September 3), as it formally opened its new dairy at Bridgwater in Somerset – dubbed Britain’s green and white dairy.
Wiseman sets new environmental standards for the dairy industry

4 September 2008

ROBERT Wiseman Dairies took a step towards environmental sustainability yesterday (Wednesday, September 3), as it formally opened its new dairy at Bridgwater in Somerset – dubbed Britain’s green and white dairy.
Report claims organic more attractive as oil price rises

4 September 2008

RISING oil prices could see many farmers switching to organic as combinable crops such as wheat, barley and oilseed rape could become more profitable compared to their non-organic counterparts.
Report claims organic more attractive as oil price rises

4 September 2008

RISING oil prices could see many farmers switching to organic as combinable crops such as wheat, barley and oilseed rape could become more profitable compared to their non-organic counterparts.
Report claims organic more attractive as oil price rises

4 September 2008

RISING oil prices could see many farmers switching to organic as combinable crops such as wheat, barley and oilseed rape could become more profitable compared to their non-organic counterparts.
Prime cattle prices rise as supplies remain tight

2 September 2008

BEEF farmers are on top again after prime cattle prices saw a mid-August upturn as short global supplies continue to benefit producers.
Prime cattle prices rise as supplies remain tight

2 September 2008

BEEF farmers are on top again after prime cattle prices saw a mid-August upturn as short global supplies continue to benefit producers.
Industry desperate for price rise after latest dairy costings

2 September 2008

THE cost of milk production looks set to rise further over the next twelve months with an estimated 3ppl increase, claims the latest report from Kite Consulting.
Industry desperate for price rise after latest dairy costings

2 September 2008

THE cost of milk production looks set to rise further over the next twelve months with an estimated 3ppl increase, claims the latest report from Kite Consulting.
Compensation becomes available for beet growers and contractors

1 September 2008

COMPENSATION for beet growers and contractors affected by the EU’s Sugar Restructuring are now eligible for compensation and are being urged to apply as soon as possible.
Compensation becomes available for beet growers and contractors

1 September 2008

COMPENSATION for beet growers and contractors affected by the EU’s Sugar Restructuring are now eligible for compensation and are being urged to apply as soon as possible.
Compensation becomes available for beet growers and contractors

1 September 2008

COMPENSATION for beet growers and contractors affected by the EU’s Sugar Restructuring are now eligible for compensation and are being urged to apply as soon as possible.
Defra: No mix-up on Devon bluetongue tests

1 September 2008

DEFRA has moved to quash claims its tests for bluetongue disease were inaccurate and had given false readings in the case of infected cattle on a farm in Devon.
All England and Wales now in the Bluetongue Protection Zone

1 September 2008

THE whole of England and Wales is now a Bluetongue Protection Zone, freeing up animal movements as the vaccination strategy reaches its final stages.
Imported cows bring fresh bluetongue to the UK

29 August 2008

THE Bluetongue virus has been confirmed in eight imported cattle on a farm near Tiverton, Devon.
Free trade also imports disease

August 29th 2008

THEY said it would re-appear – but not necessarily in the way it has. Bluetongue has again arrived in the UK – this time brought in with two rams imported from France.
Bluetongue confirmed in the south of England

27 August 2008

INVESTIGATIONS are underway after bluetongue was found in imported rams on two farms in the south of England.
Bluetongue confirmed in the south of England

27 August 2008

INVESTIGATIONS are underway after bluetongue was found in imported rams on two farms in the south of England.
The food price war

August 22nd 2008

As retailers continue to cut prices to allay consumer fears over the rising cost of food, Jack Davies looks at how the economic downturn could impact on supermarkets and their farmer suppliers.
Expert panel calls for more from retailers

12 August 2008

MILK prices on offer today are inadequate to secure farmers an acceptable margin – that was the message from dairy farmers as they tuned in to Farmers Guardian’s live web debate today.
China lift UK pig ban

12 August 2008

ALL restrictions on livestock and meat exports from the UK into China were finally lifted this week, bringing significant trading opportunities for producers.
Tesco cheap milk sparks price war fears

12 August 2008

TESCO has come in for fierce criticism after it launched a value range of fresh milk, cutting prices by 10p per litre.
Tesco cheap milk sparks price war fears

12 August 2008

TESCO has come in for fierce criticism after it launched a value range of fresh milk, cutting prices by 10p per litre.
China lift UK pig ban

12 August 2008

ALL restrictions on livestock and meat exports from the UK into China were finally lifted this week, bringing significant trading opportunities for producers.
China lift UK pig ban

12 August 2008

ALL restrictions on livestock and meat exports from the UK into China were finally lifted this week, bringing significant trading opportunities for producers.
Excellent harvests across Europe will bring prices down

8 August 2008

EXCELLENT harvests so far this season across Europe have the potential to bring prices down. With a 20 million tonne surplus expected in the European Union growers are likely to face direct competition from the Black Sea region.
Excellent harvests across Europe will bring prices down

8 August 2008

EXCELLENT harvests so far this season across Europe have the potential to bring prices down. With a 20 million tonne surplus expected in the European Union growers are likely to face direct competition from the Black Sea region.
Excellent harvests across Europe will bring prices down

8 August 2008

EXCELLENT harvests so far this season across Europe have the potential to bring prices down. With a 20 million tonne surplus expected in the European Union growers are likely to face direct competition from the Black Sea region.
Oil ‘supply crunch’ could see prices rocket

8 August 2008

THE price of oil could rocket to $200 a barrel in the next five to ten years unless there is a dramatic fall in demand, warns a new report out today (Friday, August 8).
Oil ‘supply crunch’ could see prices rocket

8 August 2008

THE price of oil could rocket to $200 a barrel in the next five to ten years unless there is a dramatic fall in demand, warns a new report out today (Friday, August 8).
Dairy sector seminar

August 8th 2008

DAIRY farmers have never faced such challenging dilemmas as now. At a time when inputs are soaring, putting relentless pressure on margins, it is hardly surprising they are finding themselves at a crossroads.
Regulation changes to have a wide-reaching effect on farming

August 8th 2008

Despite intense industry lobbying, the Government has gone ahead with its decision to expand the designated Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) in England, delivering a bitter blow to many farmers.
Farmer finally relieved of foot-and-mouth restrictions

6 August 2008

THE farmer at the centre of last year’s foot-and-mouth outbreak has spoken of his relief after restrictions were finally lifted on his farm this morning (Wednesday, August 6).
Ministers call on Government to reverse 4x4 tax hike

6 August 2008

MINISTERS on the Environmental Audit Committee have called on the Government to reverse its decision to increase car tax until a proper impact assessment is carried out.
Ministers call on Government to reverse 4x4 tax hike

6 August 2008

MINISTERS on the Environmental Audit Committee have called on the Government to reverse its decision to increase car tax until a proper impact assessment is carried out.
Dairy Farmers of Britain posts £3.6 million loss

6 August 2008

DAIRY Farmers of Britain has reported a loss of £3.6 million in the year ending March 2008.
Dairy Farmers of Britain posts £3.6 million loss

6 August 2008

DAIRY Farmers of Britain has reported a loss of £3.6 million in the year ending March 2008.
Tesco urged to back British online

5 August 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has come under pressure over its online store after reports that consumers are finding it difficult to buy British produce.
Lending in agriculture at an all time high

4 August 2008

BANK lending to agriculture has risen to an all time high of £10.6 billion at the end of June, says the Bank of England.
Lending in agriculture at an all time high

4 August 2008

BANK lending to agriculture has risen to an all time high of £10.6 billion at the end of June, says the Bank of England.
World trade talks collapse after row over farm subsidies

30 July 2008

THE world trade talks in Geneva have collapsed, after a row over farm subsidies caused a split between ministers at the WTO negotiations yesterday (Tuesday, July 29).
World trade talks collapse after row over farm subsidies

30 July 2008

THE world trade talks in Geneva have collapsed, after a row over farm subsidies caused a split between ministers at the WTO negotiations yesterday (Tuesday, July 29).
Benn ignoring the evidence on set-aside

29 July 2008

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has been accused of ignoring the evidence on set-aside in his response to Sir Don Curry’s report.
Positive outlook for beef as market prices strengthen

29 July 2008

DESPITE predictions of a downturn in consumer demand for beef, producers can still expect to see prices continue to rise for the rest of the year.
Positive outlook for beef as market prices strengthen

29 July 2008

DESPITE predictions of a downturn in consumer demand for beef, producers can still expect to see prices continue to rise for the rest of the year.
Syngenta announces major investment boost

28 July 2008

SYNGENTA is to increase investment in UK manufacturing and research and development by more than £100 million.
Ministers set for crunch trade talks

28 July 2008

TRADE ministers from around the world will continue key talks in Geneva this week as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) attempts to break the deadlock on a global trade deal in the Doha round of negotiations.
Ministers set for crunch trade talks

28 July 2008

TRADE ministers from around the world will continue key talks in Geneva this week as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) attempts to break the deadlock on a global trade deal in the Doha round of negotiations.
Syngenta announces major investment boost

28 July 2008

SYNGENTA is to increase investment in UK manufacturing and research and development by more than £100 million.
Syngenta announces major investment boost

28 July 2008

SYNGENTA is to increase investment in UK manufacturing and research and development by more than £100 million.
First milk launches first 100 per cent Welsh cheese

28 July 2008

FIRST Milk has launched its first Welsh cheese, hoping to tap into consumer interest in local produce to put Welsh cheese on the map.
First milk launches first 100 per cent Welsh cheese

28 July 2008

FIRST Milk has launched its first Welsh cheese, hoping to tap into consumer interest in local produce to put Welsh cheese on the map.
Bernard Matthews unveils new image

28 July 2008

TURKEY giant Bernard Matthews is set to re-launch its brand, focusing on its commitment to championing British agriculture.
Farmers must be allowed to produce 'as much food as possible' - Chancellor

25 July 2008

FARMERS should be given the tools to make decisions based on the market and be allowed to produce ‘as much food as possible’ claimed the Chancellor Alistair Darling as he paid a visit to NFU president Peter Kendall’s farm yesterday (Thursday, July 24).
Benn backs controversial set-aside plans

25 July 2008

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn has accepted the findings of Sir Don Curry’s report, signalling a move towards new compulsory measures to replace set-aside.
Stand firm behind British growers

July 25th 2008

FIRST it was pounds and ounces, and this week we finally lost the battle to save the beloved acre from being consigned to history.
Chancellor set for talks with Peter Kendall

24 July 2008

THE CAP health check, rising input costs and food security will all be on the agenda today (Thursday, July 24), when Chancellor Alistair Darling pays a visit to NFU president Peter Kendall’s farm.
Meat from cloned animals declared safe

24 July 2008

EU scientists have concluded that milk and meat from cloned animals is safe for human consumption and almost indistinguishable from conventionally produced meat.
Brussels to re-think transport regulations

24 July 2008

THE European Commission has launched a review of the new animal transport regulations – just 18 months after they were introduced.
Brussels to re-think transport regulations

24 July 2008

THE European Commission has launched a review of the new animal transport regulations – just 18 months after they were introduced.
Defra under pressure to deliver on food security

24 July 2008

INDUSTRY leaders have urged Secretary of State Hilary Benn to acknowledge the value of domestic agriculture in tackling the food crisis and ensuring the UK maintains a strong level of food security.
Shock as bovine TB found in goats

23 July 2008

BOVINE TB has been discovered in goats in England and Wales, sparking an investigation by Animal Health and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Raising BSE age limit a step closer

23 July 2008

EU scientists have acknowledged that raising the age limit on cattle for BSE testing would have a negligible effect on public health, opening the door for a change in legislation.
Raising BSE age limit a step closer

23 July 2008

EU scientists have acknowledged that raising the age limit on cattle for BSE testing would have a negligible effect on public health, opening the door for a change in legislation.
Confidence high among Scottish cattle farmers

22 July 2008

SCOTTISH cattle farmers are showing cautiously but increasing confidence in the beef sector, says a new survey from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Dairy farmers can take advantage of autumn prices

22 July 2008

DAIRY farmers across the country have a golden opportunity to boost margins by taking advantage of valuable seasonality bonuses this autumn without changing calving patterns, says Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB).
Dairy farmers can take advantage of autumn prices

22 July 2008

DAIRY farmers across the country have a golden opportunity to boost margins by taking advantage of valuable seasonality bonuses this autumn without changing calving patterns, says Dairy Farmers of Britain (DFB).
Dairy Crest makes good start despite ‘difficult market conditions’

22 July 2008

DAIRY Crest has defied rising input costs to post a five per cent sales growth in its dairy business for the first three months of 2008.
Lamb market outlook positive, says Eblex

18 July 2008

PROSPECTS for the UK sheep market remain positive as prices look set to stay above the long-term average, says the latest outlook from Eblex.
Farmers can’t afford to lose the focus in fight against bluetongue

18 July 2008

UPTAKE of the bluetongue vaccine has fallen off in recent weeks, and farmers are being urged not to become complacent but to protect their stock ready for when the disease comes back.
Lamb market outlook positive, says Eblex

18 July 2008

PROSPECTS for the UK sheep market remain positive as prices look set to stay above the long-term average, says the latest outlook from Eblex.
Lamb market outlook positive, says Eblex

18 July 2008

PROSPECTS for the UK sheep market remain positive as prices look set to stay above the long-term average, says the latest outlook from Eblex.
EU hands €1 billion of unspent subsidies to Africa

18 July 2008

THE European Commission has backed a plan to give almost €1 billion (£800 million) of unspent farm subsidies in aid to Africa’s farmers.
Kent County Show

July 18th 2008

THE impressive two-year-old Limousin heifer, Sundale Bonbon, clinched a double in front of a packed crowd at the Kent County Show. Detling, taking the beef inter-breed championship and supreme cattle championship. Pictures by John Eveson.
Bluetongue zones extend as Merial wins its license

17 July 2008

DEFRA has announced that the Bluetongue Protection Zone (PZ) will be extended on Monday, July 21 as another 2 million doses of vaccine are delivered.
FSA agrees Meat Hygiene proposals

17 July 2008

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) today (Thursday, July 17), agreed on a raft of proposals to reform the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), including introducing a controversial new charging regime.
Defra launches food security debate

17 July 2008

HILARY Benn has launched a debate on how to ensure a secure and sustainable food supply in Britain.
Farmers tell Brown more needed on fuel duty

17 July 2008

THE Government’s fuel duty rise has been postponed after Gordon Brown came under more pressure this week over the rising cost of fuel.
Farmers tell Brown more needed on fuel duty

17 July 2008

THE Government’s fuel duty rise has been postponed after Gordon Brown came under more pressure this week over the rising cost of fuel.
Co-op to join supermarket big league with Somerfield takeover

16 July 2008

THE Co-Operative Group has completed its takeover of Somerfield that will see the group increase its market share and challenge the ‘big four’ retailers.
Co-op to join supermarket big league with Somerfield takeover

16 July 2008

THE Co-Operative Group has completed its takeover of Somerfield that will see the group increase its market share and challenge the ‘big four’ retailers.
Kendall to meet with EU Commissioner

16 July 2008

NFU president Peter Kendall will meet today (Wednesday, July 16) with the EU Commissioner for public health to talk about TB, pesticides, EID and GMOs.
Mandleson accused of working against farmers' interests

16 July 2008

EUROPEAN farmers have slammed Peter Mandleson’s approach to the WTO talks, warning the best possible outcome could still mean a €30 billion loss for the farming industry.
Defra faces legal challenge over pesticide risk assessment

15 July 2008

A LANDMARK High Court battle will begin today (Tuesday, July 15), as pesticides campaigner Georgina Downs begins a legal challenge against Defra.
Defra faces legal challenge over pesticide risk assessment

15 July 2008

A LANDMARK High Court battle will begin today (Tuesday, July 15), as pesticides campaigner Georgina Downs begins a legal challenge against Defra.
Defra faces legal challenge over pesticide risk assessment

15 July 2008

A LANDMARK High Court battle will begin today (Tuesday, July 15), as pesticides campaigner Georgina Downs begins a legal challenge against Defra.
Processors accused of fixing cattle prices

15 July 2008

BEEF processors have been accused of trying to ‘trick’ finishers into accepting lower values for their cattle by deliberately pulling down prices.
Processors accused of fixing cattle prices

15 July 2008

BEEF processors have been accused of trying to ‘trick’ finishers into accepting lower values for their cattle by deliberately pulling down prices.
Processors accused of fixing cattle prices

15 July 2008

BEEF processors have been accused of trying to ‘trick’ finishers into accepting lower values for their cattle by deliberately pulling down prices.
Disease risk from pregnant cow imports

July 11th 2008

FARMERS are being reminded to be cautious when importing pregnant cattle this summer, as it could bring bluetongue disease to new areas of the UK.
Disease risk from pregnant cow imports

July 11th 2008

FARMERS are being reminded to be cautious when importing pregnant cattle this summer, as it could bring bluetongue disease to new areas of the UK.
Protection Zone to be extended on Monday

10 July 2008

THE bluetongue Protection Zone is due to be extended further next week as Defra is set to deliver another two million doses of vaccine.
Sugar beat offer ‘insufficient’

9 July 2008

FARMERS should think carefully before committing to sugar beet for the 2009 season, a leading agribusiness consultant has warned.
Sugar beet offer ‘insufficient’

9 July 2008

FARMERS should think carefully before committing to sugar beet for the 2009 season, a leading agribusiness consultant has warned.
Sugar beat offer ‘insufficient’

9 July 2008

FARMERS should think carefully before committing to sugar beet for the 2009 season, a leading agribusiness consultant has warned.
Good outlook for farming – but retailers, processors and Government all have a part to play

7 July 2008

RISING food prices and tightened supply have provided agriculture with good prospects for the future – but first farmers will need to see a commitment right through the supply chain.
Bluetongue zone extends as vaccine is delivered

7 July 2008

THE Bluetongue Protection Zone was extended today (Monday, July 7) following the delivery of almost two million additional doses of vaccine.
NFU tells Defra 'the gloves are off'

4 July 2008

NFU director general Richard MacDonald fired a warning shot to Hilary Benn over the decision on TB at the Royal Show this morning.
Veal range provides new outlet for dairy bull calves

2 July 2008

SUPERMARKET Marks & Spencer has launched the widest range of high-welfare British veal products on the high street, providing a retail outlet for hundreds of dairy calves every year.
Veal range provides new outlet for dairy bull calves

2 July 2008

SUPERMARKET Marks & Spencer has launched the widest range of high-welfare British veal products on the high street, providing a retail outlet for hundreds of dairy calves every year.
Veal range provides new outlet for dairy bull calves

2 July 2008

SUPERMARKET Marks & Spencer has launched the widest range of high-welfare British veal products on the high street, providing a retail outlet for hundreds of dairy calves every year.
Tesco put pressure on Mugabe by withdrawing trade

1 July 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has cut its trade ties with Zimbabwe, taking Zimbabwean food off its shelves and stopping sourcing produce from the country.
Tesco put pressure on Mugabe by withdrawing trade

1 July 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has cut its trade ties with Zimbabwe, taking Zimbabwean food off its shelves and stopping sourcing produce from the country.
New report alleviates corn price fears after US floods

1 July 2008

CORN prices fell sharply this week after the US agriculture department (USDA) predicted a bumper harvest despite severe flooding in the Midwest which had threatened to wipe out millions of acres of planted crop.
Farmland continues to defy the credit crunch

1 July 2008

AS the credit crunch throws the residential property market into a spin, farmers are questioning the effect on farmland value – but they have nothing to fear, says Charlie Evans of land agents Strutt and Parker.
Farmland continues to defy the credit crunch

1 July 2008

AS the credit crunch throws the residential property market into a spin, farmers are questioning the effect on farmland value – but they have nothing to fear, says Charlie Evans of land agents Strutt and Parker.
Report calls for urgent flood preparations

25 June 2008

THE Government must make 'urgent and fundamental' changes to make sure the country is prepared for flooding in the future, claims the Pitt Review into last year's flooding.
Brazilian firm buys major UK poultry processor

24 June 2008

POULTRY processor Moy Park is to be bought by a Brazilian firm to create the world’s ninth largest poultry processor.
Brazilian firm buys major UK poultry processor

24 June 2008

POULTRY processor Moy Park is to be bought by a Brazilian firm to create the world’s ninth largest poultry processor.
US flooding to drive corn price hike

24 June 2008

SEVERE flooding in the US could trigger a spike in global corn prices as millions of acres of crop were hit by the adverse weather.
Vion pledges investment after Grampian takeover

June 20th 2008

DUTCH food giant Vion has pledged to provide ‘significant investment’ after its takeover of Grampian Country Food Group, providing a major boost to the UK livestock industry.
Businesses must adapt to higher costs

June 20th 2008

THE beef industry desperately needs to adapt to high input prices if it is to survive, let alone turn a profit, agricultural consultant David Hughes warned last week.
Supermarkets must increase returns to farmers, says NFU

18 June 2008

THE NFU has called on supermarkets to increase prices paid to livestock farmers after a new report showed the full extent of production cost increases.
Supermarkets must increase returns to farmers, says NFU

18 June 2008

THE NFU has called on supermarkets to increase prices paid to livestock farmers after a new report showed the full extent of production cost increases.
Supermarkets must increase returns to farmers, says NFU

18 June 2008

THE NFU has called on supermarkets to increase prices paid to livestock farmers after a new report showed the full extent of production cost increases.
Waitrose switch to 100 per cent British pork

17 June 2008

WAITROSE has delivered a boost to the struggling pig industry, after committing to buy all of its fresh pork and bacon from British farmers.
Waitrose switch to 100 per cent British pork

17 June 2008

WAITROSE has delivered a boost to the struggling pig industry, after committing to buy all of its fresh pork and bacon from British farmers.
Record growth for British food exports in 2007

16 June 2008

EXPORTS of British food have experienced a record-breaking year, with sales exceeding the £11 billion mark for the first time ever.
Record growth for British food exports in 2007

16 June 2008

EXPORTS of British food have experienced a record-breaking year, with sales exceeding the £11 billion mark for the first time ever.
Vaccination campaign ahead of expectations

13 June 2008

SUFFICIENT bluetongue vaccine is now on order to ensure all livestock in England, and most in Wales, can be protected by the autumn.
Second batch of vaccines expected in July

12 June 2008

THE second batch of bluetongue vaccines could start arriving as early as July, say manufacturers Merial Animal Health.
FBI figures paint mixed picture for the industry

4 June 2008

THE latest Farm Business Income (FBI) figures paint a mixed picture for the industry with arable returns predictably improving whilst profits for much of the livestock sector have been placed under extreme pressure.
Milk crisis spreads as support given to German strikes

3 June 2008

MILK processors across Europe will enter fresh talks this week in an attempt to end the strike which has crippled milk supplies across the continent.
Milk crisis spreads as support given to German strikes

2 June 2008

MILK processors across Europe will enter fresh talks this week in an attempt to end the strike which has crippled milk supplies across the continent.
More farmers get bluetongue vaccine

30 May 2008

BLUETONGUE vaccine will be available to farmers in Wales, Cornwall and much of Yorkshire next week when Defra extends the Protection Zone as more vaccine becomes available.
Call for fair regulation in labour market

May 30th 2008

THE Association of Labour Providers (ALP) has called on the Government to make an urgent announcement on the future of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA).
Investigation finds ‘no risk’ from contaminated feed

29 May 2008

ANIMAL health has completed its investigation into contaminated feed, concluding that there was no risk to human health.
Renewed hope in fight to kill off sheep EID plans

29 May 2008

SHEEP farmers were offered a glimmer of hope this week as MEPs unanimously voted in favour of revising the European Commission’s controversial sheep ID proposals.
Renewed hope in fight to kill off sheep EID plans

29 May 2008

SHEEP farmers were offered a glimmer of hope this week as MEPs unanimously voted in favour of revising the European Commission’s controversial sheep ID proposals.
Industry groups urge EU to uphold US poultry ban

28 May 2008

EUROPEAN consumer and agriculture organisations have written to the European Commission calling on it not to lift the ban on US poultry.
Industry groups urge EU to uphold US poultry ban

28 May 2008

EUROPEAN consumer and agriculture organisations have written to the European Commission calling on it not to lift the ban on US poultry.
Scottish minister calls for SAWS re-think

28 May 2008

THE Scottish Government is set to lobby Westminster over the shortage of seasonal agricultural workers amid fears that fruit and veg will be left unpicked in the fields this summer.
Surrey County Show

27 May 2008

THE two-year-old Sussex bull, Mayfield Major 9, from M.K.D. Hind, took the beef inter-breed championship at a wet and windy Surrey County Show, at Guildford this week.
ALP call for fair regulation in labour market

27 May 2008

THE Association of Labour Providers (ALP) has called on the Government to develop a new framework for regulation in the labour market, including scrapping the agricultural minimum wage.
New proposals seek to end the WTO deadlock

23 May 2008

EUROPE’S farmers stand to lose billions in annual sales under new proposals put forward by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) this week.
Fighting for better working conditions

May 23rd 2008

As the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) celebrates the second anniversary of its crackdown on unlicensed labour, Jack Davies looks at its initial impact.
UK agriculture needs new vision for scientific research

21 May 2008

UK agriculture needs a new vision for scientific research and development if it is to meet the challenges of food security and climate change, says a new report.
New survey reveals climate change threats and opportunities

20 May 2008

ALMOST half of farmers in England believe climate change is more of a threat than an opportunity, a new survey has shown.
EU face challenge on biofuel ‘splash and dash’

19 May 2008

THE EU will be challenged over the ‘splash and dash’ biofuels scam tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20), as a UK MEP calls on Commissioners to make the practice illegal.
EU face challenge on biofuel ‘splash and dash’

19 May 2008

THE EU will be challenged over the ‘splash and dash’ biofuels scam tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20), as a UK MEP calls on Commissioners to make the practice illegal.
Bluetongue zones extended as more vaccine arrives

16 May 2008

DEFRA is set to extend the Bluetongue Protection Zone after the delivery of a further three million doses of vaccine.
Producers urged to look out for new consumer trends

16 May 2008

FARMERS need to start preparing for the credit crunch as consumer spending patterns start to change, warned a senior buyer at Britain’s biggest supermarket.
Producers urged to look out for new consumer trends

16 May 2008

FARMERS need to start preparing for the credit crunch as consumer spending patterns start to change, warned a senior buyer at Britain’s biggest supermarket.
Darling under fire for CAP attack in EU treasury letter

15 May 2008

CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling has come in for fierce criticism after he wrote to EU treasury ministers this week, calling on them to scrap import tariffs and to abolish the CAP in order to tackle the global food crisis.
Pig producers see little benefit from retail price hikes

13 May 2008

DESPITE steady retail price increases, pig producers are continuing to struggle, and are leaving the industry in droves, says BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan.
Pig producers see little benefit from retail price hikes

13 May 2008

DESPITE steady retail price increases, pig producers are continuing to struggle, and are leaving the industry in droves, says BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan.
Production costs in focus at Pig and Poultry Fair

13 May 2008

POULTRY producers will need to see a fair price if they are going to meet public demand for British chicken, the NFU said.
Production costs in focus at Pig and Poultry Fair

13 May 2008

POULTRY producers will need to see a fair price if they are going to meet public demand for British chicken, the NFU said.
Research calls for strategic plan for dairy sector

12 May 2008

NEW research calling for a UK strategic plan for the dairy sector has been published, urging Government to provide concrete policies to ensure a sustainable, vibrant and profitable future for dairying.
Research calls for strategic plan for dairy sector

12 May 2008

NEW research calling for a UK strategic plan for the dairy sector has been published, urging Government to provide concrete policies to ensure a sustainable, vibrant and profitable future for dairying.
Investigation uncovers ‘shocking’ working conditions of Polish migrants

12 May 2008

A GANGMASTER who forced migrant workers to pick Daffodils for just 4p a bunch, has had his licence revoked after an investigation uncovered ‘shocking’ working conditions.
Protection Zone extended as Defra delivers 1 million more doses

12 May 2008

BLUETONGUE vaccine was made available to more farmers in the south of England today (Monday, May 12), as Defra extended the Protection Zone and released a further one million doses of vaccine.
US in talks over poultry import ban

12 May 2008

A 10-year row over US poultry imports could be settled when US and EU officials get together for the Transatlantic Economic Agenda (TEC) in Brussels tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13).
US in talks over poultry import ban

12 May 2008

A 10-year row over US poultry imports could be settled when US and EU officials get together for the Transatlantic Economic Agenda (TEC) in Brussels tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13).
More bluetongue vaccine on the way

7 May 2008

DEFRA has issued a tender to supply an extra 13 million doses of bluetongue vaccine to protect the country against the spread of disease.
EU could lift feed ban

6 May 2008

BRITISH farmers could save millions on their feed costs if the EU presses ahead with controversial proposals to relax the ban on animal proteins in pig and poultry feed.
EU could lift feed ban

6 May 2008

BRITISH farmers could save millions on their feed costs if the EU presses ahead with controversial proposals to relax the ban on animal proteins in pig and poultry feed.
Farmers report rise in killer ravens

6 May 2008

FARMERS across the country are reporting a huge increase in the number of ravens swooping on livestock and killing newborn lambs and calves.
Farmers report rise in killer ravens

6 May 2008

FARMERS across the country are reporting a huge increase in the number of ravens swooping on livestock and killing newborn lambs and calves.
Bluetongue vaccine gun warning

2 May 2008

FARMERS and vets are being warned not to use the vaccine guns produced to help deliver the bluetongue vaccine with the smaller 20ml vaccine bottles.
1,600 OELS agreements checked for overpayment

2 May 2008

MORE than 1,500 payments made to farmers under Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) are being reviewed after Natural England found that some had been overpaid by up to £25,000.
Concern over availability of vaccine outside the zones

May 2nd 2008

BRITISH farmers are being prevented from stopping the spread of bluetongue because of strict European Union rules outlawing vaccination outside of a Protection Zone.
Hear what the experts have to say on bluetongue

May 2nd 2008

LISTEN to our podcasts as we put your questions on bluetongue to our panel of experts to find out just what you can expect this summer.
Bluetongue vaccination set to begin

1 May 2008

FARMERS in the south of England can start protecting their stock against the spread of bluetongue disease after the first batch of vaccine was sent out to vets this week.THE first batch of bluetongue vaccine, ordered from Intervet last year, is being released to wholesalers and is ready for distribution to the Protection Zones in England.
1,600 OELS agreements checked for overpayment

May 2nd 2008

MORE than 1,500 payments made to farmers under Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) are being reviewed after Natural England found that some had been overpaid by up to £25,000.
Supermarket shake-up a step closer to fair trade

30 April 2008

FARMERS can celebrate victory today, (Wednesday, April 30) as the Competition Commission (CC) published a raft of proposals in a major shake-up of Britain’s supermarkets.
Supermarket shake-up a step closer to fair trade

30 April 2008

FARMERS can celebrate victory today, (Wednesday, April 30) as the Competition Commission (CC) published a raft of proposals in a major shake-up of Britain’s supermarkets.
Your bluetongue questions answered

29 April 2008

OVER the past two weeks, we have been talking to the key players preparing to begin the UK’s first vaccination programme against bluetongue disease. From the decision makers at Defra to the vaccine manufacturer Intervet, we have been putting your questions to the experts to find out just what you can expect. JACK DAVIES reports.
OFT raids supermarkets in new price-fixing probe

28 April 2008

BRITAIN'S biggest supermarkets are under further investigation for price-fixing after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) raided retailers' offices last week.
Fuel shortages tighten as strike hits oil supplies

28 April 2008

STRIKE action at Scottish oil refinery is costing the economy £50 million a day and has led to a surge in fuel prices and shortages at some garages across the UK.
Bluetongue is set to return this summer, but what if you don’t vaccinate?

April 25th 2008

BLUETONGUE looks set to return to our shores this summer, and unless farmers vaccinate as soon as possible, it will spread far wider and far quicker than before and could devastate farm businesses.
Bluetongue is set to return this summer, but what if you don’t vaccinate?

April 25th 2008

BLUETONGUE looks set to return to our shores this summer, and unless farmers vaccinate as soon as possible, it will spread far wider and far quicker than before and could devastate farm businesses.
OFT admits ‘serious errors’ in price fixing enquiry

23 April 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has been awarded £100,000 and a written apology from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) after the watchdog was forced to admit it had made no clear findings regarding allegations of price fixing.
OFT admits ‘serious errors’ in price fixing enquiry

23 April 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has been awarded £100,000 and a written apology from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) after the watchdog was forced to admit it had made no clear findings regarding allegations of price fixing.
Strike action could lead to fuel shortage

22 April 2008

OIL prices have been driven to close record levels following fears of a strike at a major refinery in Scotland and could lead to fuel shortages, NFU Scotland has warned.
Scottish decision major blow to wind farms

22 April 2008

PLANS to build Europe’s largest onshore wind farm have been scrapped after the Scottish Government refused consent in a landmark decision which could have wide implications for renewable energy in the UK.
Mock funeral marks death of an industry, say growers

22 April 2008

CAULIFLOWER growers will take centre stage at the Real Food Festival in London this week, when they stage a protest calling for better prices for British cauliflowers.
New report predicts record year for cereal production

15 April 2008

CEREAL production in 2008 is set to break records, according to the latest forecast from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
New report predicts record year for cereal production

15 April 2008

CEREAL production in 2008 is set to break records, according to the latest forecast from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
New report predicts record year for cereal production

15 April 2008

CEREAL production in 2008 is set to break records, according to the latest forecast from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
UN body calls for radical reform of farming

15 April 2008

INDUSTRIAL farming is failing, and will need radical reform if the industry is to meet the challenges of a growing population and climate change, according to a new report.
NFU answers critics over carbon footprint claims

14 April 2008

THE NFU has hit back at claims that livestock production’s carbon footprint could be greatly reduced if people stop eating meat and dairy products.
Hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation as food crisis grows

14 April 2008

HUNDREDS of thousands of people are at risk of starvation as a result of the escalating food crisis, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.
Scottish Government agrees to order bluetongue vaccine

April 11th 2008

FARMERS in Scotland will be given the opportunity to vaccinate against bluetongue this winter after the Scottish Government agreed to secure 12 million doses of vaccine.
‘Eco-town’ sites are shortlisted

April 11th 2008

GOVERNMENT plans to build 10 new ‘eco-towns’ came a step closer to reality this week after Housing Minister Caroline Flint announced 15 potential locations.
Halt disease spread with vaccination, farmers urged

April 11th 2008

FARMERS in the south-east of England are being urged to vaccinate their livestock as soon as possible and halt the spread of bluetongue disease.
Latest figures show decreasing gender pay gap

April 11th 2008

THE latest official figures on earnings for agricultural and horticultural workers paint a mixed picture, with men experiencing a drop in wages whilst women have seen an increase in their hourly pay over the last quarter.
Vets advise farmers facing bluetongue threat

April 11th 2008

FARMERS are being reminded to be aware of the signs of bluetongue disease as virus-carrying midges become active again.
Supermarkets rally against calls for an ombudsman

10 April 2008

SUPERMARKET giants Asda and Morrisons have written to the Competition Commission calling on investigators not to recommend a supermarkets ombudsman.
EU finally agrees bluetongue import restrictions

9 April 2008

THE EU has finally approved new movement controls in an effort to control the spread of bluetongue across the continent.
Brown warned over rising price of food

9 April 2008

GORDON Brown has been warned that the rising price of food could threaten economic stability and could lead to further rioting across the globe.
Brown warned over rising price of food

9 April 2008

GORDON Brown has been warned that the rising price of food could threaten economic stability and could lead to further rioting across the globe.
South East farmers urged to vaccinate against bluetongue

7 April 2008

FARMERS on the front line against bluetongue are being urged to vaccinate against the disease when the vaccine becomes available in May.
Government scheme to increase retail links with Africa

7 April 2008

THE Government is urging supermarkets to strengthen links with African farmers and to source more produce from abroad.
New waste regulations come into force this weekend

4 April 2008

NEW regulations on the disposal of waste will cut down on red tape and protect the environment and human health, according to Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste Joan Ruddock.
Defra release details of vaccination strategy

4 April 2008

DEFRA has released details of how it intends to roll out vaccination against bluetongue to farmers across England.
Is the charity moving away from its core principles?

April 4th 2008

FOR more than 175 years the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has safeguarded animal welfare in the UK. But in recent years, it has come under growing criticism from supporters concerned that it is moving away from its core principles.
Vaccination on track, but EU movement confusion

3 April 2008

INTERVET is on track to exceed its target for delivery of the bluetongue vaccine, expecting to provide more than 2 million doses to farmers in May.
Vaccination gets under way as Europe takes its first deliveries

3 April 2008

VACCINATION against bluetongue is under way on the continent as farmers attempt to get to grips with the disease that has devastated livestock across Europe.
New animal pathogen laws placed before Parliament

3 April 2008

THE role of inspecting and regulating laboratories handling live animal viruses is to move away from Defra after new legislation was put before Parliament this week.
Intervet gets licence for bluetongue vaccine

1 April 2008

INTERVET is set to launch production of its vaccine against bluetongue serotype 8 after it was granted approval today (Tuesday, April 1) by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Soil strategy consultation launched

1 April 2008

DEFRA has launched a consultation on protecting England’s soils for the future through a new Soil Strategy.
Soil strategy consultation launched

1 April 2008

DEFRA has launched a consultation on protecting England’s soils for the future through a new Soil Strategy.
RSPCA protest innocence over sacred cow ‘mercy killing’

1 April 2008

THE RSPCA has claimed it has no case to answer over the killing of a sacred cow at Europe’s largest Hindu temple.
Food producers warned of major labour shortage

31 March 2008

BRITISH food producers are at risk of a major labour shortage according to Unite, the UK’s biggest union for farmworkers.
RSPCA sued over sacred cow ‘mercy killing’

31 March 2008

MONKS from Europe’s largest Hindu temple are suing the RSPCA after the charity slaughtered one of its sacred cows.
Bluetongue case in New Forest

28 March 2008

DEFRA has announced that the Bluetongue Protection Zone has been extended following confirmation of another case of the disease.
Abattoirs face pressure to belly clip ‘dirty’ cattle

March 28th 2008

ABATTOIRS in the UK are coming under increased pressure to provide a belly clip service for ‘dirty’ cattle and shift responsibility away from the farmer.
Dairy UK warns Government to re-think restrictions on junk food advertising

26 March 2008

DAIRY UK has called on the Government to re-think its restrictions on junk food advertising, claiming they are doing little to fight the obesity epidemic in the UK.
Heinz cleared of misleading public over Farmers Market ads

26 March 2008

FOOD manufacturer Heinz has been cleared of misleading the public in its marketing for its Farmers Market soup range.
FFB to close following Defra funding cuts

25 March 2008

FOOD From Britain (FFB), the body responsible for promoting British food abroad, is to close at the end of March next year.
NFU report analyses meat retail sector

25 March 2008

FIERCE supermarket competition is preventing increased farmgate value entering the supply chain, according to a new report by the NFU.
NFU report analyses meat retail sector

25 March 2008

FIERCE supermarket competition is preventing increased farmgate value entering the supply chain, according to a new report by the NFU.
‘Boom times’ ahead for farming

March 21st 2008

AGRICULTURE is set for a ‘once in a generation’ boom, and City investors are keen to capitalise on the optimistic predictions for the future.
M&S hoping farmers can help power store

17 March 2008

MARKS and Spencer is encouraging farmers to install wind turbines on their land to help the supermarket meet its energy needs.
Effectiveness of UK bluetongue strategy questioned by European veterinary group

March 14th 2008

A WAR of words has broken out over Defra’s bluetongue strategy, with a leading association of European vets claiming it would not be sufficient to halt the spread of disease.
Effectiveness of UK bluetongue strategy questioned by European veterinary group

March 14th 2008

A WAR of words has broken out over Defra’s bluetongue strategy, with a leading association of European vets claiming it would not be sufficient to halt the spread of disease.
Farmers get ready for return of movement restrictions

11 March 2008

FARMERS in the bluetongue zones have less than a week to move their livestock before tough movement restrictions are reintroduced.
Farmers get ready for return of movement restrictions

11 March 2008

FARMERS in the bluetongue zones have less than a week to move their livestock before tough movement restrictions are reintroduced.
Research essential to ensure UK agriculture meets future challenges

11 March 2008

BRITISH farmers are uniquely placed to make the most of climate change, according to a panel of animal science experts.
Defra urged to buy in more vaccines

10 March 2008

BLUETONGUE vaccines ordered by Defra may not be enough to halt the spread of bluetongue disease, according to pharmaceutical firm Fort Dodge.
Defra urged to buy in more vaccines

10 March 2008

BLUETONGUE vaccines ordered by Defra may not be enough to halt the spread of bluetongue disease, according to pharmaceutical firm Fort Dodge.
Morrisons makes commitment to British beef

10 March 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has committed to supporting British farmers by sourcing all its fresh beef in the UK.
Morrisons makes commitment to British beef

10 March 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has committed to supporting British farmers by sourcing all its fresh beef in the UK.
Northern Ireland import ban extended

10 March 2008

THE emergency ban on importing female cattle from bluetongue zones to Northern Ireland has been extended.
NFUS call for compulsory vaccination in fight against bluetongue

5 March 2008

LIVESTOCK farmers in Scotland are becoming increasingly worried about the threat of bluetongue, and have called on the Scottish government to place an order for vaccine.
Pig producers stage Downing Street price protest

4 March 2008

HUNDREDS of farmers descended on Whitehall today (Tuesday, March 4) in a show of support for the country’s struggling pig producers.
RSPCA criticised over poultry welfare claims

3 March 2008

THE RSPCA has come in for criticism following its claim that three quarters of British consumers want to buy free-range, organic or high welfare chicken.
Bluetongue Protection Zones extended

3 March 2008

THE Bluetongue Protection Zone (PZ) has been extended further into Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire following the discovery of two new cases of the disease.
Bird flu Wild Bird Control Area

3 March 2008

THE Wild Bird Control Area in the south west of England has been reinstated following a new case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu in another wild bird on the Dorset coastline.
Climate change report due for European launch

29 February 2008

THE farming industry is set to launch its climate change report in Brussels on Monday (March 3), setting out recommendations and future priorities for the industry.
U-turn expected on Scottish bluetongue decision to counter a ‘flare-up’ of the disease this summer

February 29th 2008

THE Scottish Government is expected to confirm a reversal of its position on bluetongue vaccination after it meets livestock sector stakeholders next week.
Food survey shows shift in consumer attitudes

27 February 2008

BRITISH consumers are becoming less concerned about country or origin and food safety when it comes to their weekly shopping, according to a new survey.
Why everyone should buy local produce

25 February 2008

ALL food eaten was once sourced locally but now the food on your table could just as easily have come from Australia or South America. JACK DAVIES explores what is going to be done to convince consumers to buy local once again.
Bluetongue zones extended into Cornwall as Defra announces end of vector-free period

25 February 2008

DEFRA has announced that the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone has been extended into Cornwall to allow farmers to trade as normal in the South West.
Bluetongue’s impact on summer shows

February 22nd 2008

ORGANISERS have called on Defra to extend the Bluetongue Zones as soon as possible to ensure this summer’s agricultural shows can go ahead as planned.
Benn’s vaccination strategy to control disease spread

February 22nd 2008

DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has published plans for a vaccination strategy to help control the spread of bluetongue disease.
Bluetongue’s impact on summer shows

February 22nd 2008

Majority of event organisers want the zones extended
Cameron urges Government to address food security crisis

18 February 2008

DAVID Cameron has called on the Government to recognise the urgent issue of food security and to help British farmers meet growing consumer demand.
Independent ombudsman to curb supermarket power

15 February 2008

BRITISH farmers celebrated a victory today (Friday, February 15) as the Competition Commission published its proposals to curb the power of the major supermarkets.
Passionate pleas from farmers help investigators to tackle supermarket power

15 February 2008

THE Competition Commission’s latest report is expected to push forward on revolutionary new measures to curb the power of the big supermarkets.
Victory for farmers expected as Competition Commission announces supermarket shake-up

15 February 2008

FAIR trade for British farmers will come a step closer to reality today (Friday, February 15), when the Competition Commission (CC) publishes its recommendations in the supermarkets enquiry.
Carbon footprint labelling a step nearer

February 15th 2008

CARBON footprint labelling is a step closer to reality with seven leading companies signing up to the Carbon Trust’s trial to develop a standard label for measuring the greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services.
Animal welfare campaign launched

13 February 2008

ANIMAL welfare charities from across the world have formed a coalition in a bid to stop the long distance transport of farm animals for slaughter.
Sales of free-range chickens double at Tesco but affordable options also available

13 February 2008

DEMAND for free-range chicken has rocketed following recent celebrity campaigns, forcing supermarket giant Tesco to double the amount it sells.
Water strategy to target agricultural pollution

12 February 2008

SECRETARY of state Hilary Benn has set out the Government’s water strategy, vowing to tackle water pollution in agriculture as part of the commitment to securing England’s water supplies.
Morrisons set for court battle over price-fixing allegations

11 February 2008

SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons is taking legal action against the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) over the recent enquiry into alleged price-fixing on dairy products.
£800,000 marketing campaign signals the return of NZ lamb

February 8th 2008

NEW Zealand lamb is back on British menus with the launch of a £800,000 marketing campaign – and bosses are confident that it will prove more successful than last year.
Full-time farm incomes rise

7 February 2008

DEFRA’s farm income figures have revealed a mixed year for the industry, with arable farmers celebrating a bumper year while livestock farmers experienced a torrid 12 months.
MEPs demand EU supermarket investigation

6 February 2008

THE EU could be set to launch an investigation into the behaviour of big supermarkets after a proposal received the backing of over half of MEPs.
EU drops labelling plans

6 February 2008

THE European Commission has come under fire after it backed down on plans to introduce compulsory country of origin labelling on food products.
Benn pledges £34.5 million to act on Pitt Report

4 February 2008

SECRETARY of State Hilary Benn has pledged £34.5 million to implement the recommendations from Sir Michael Pitt’s report into the summer floods.
Brazil slams beef ban as ‘unjustified and discriminatory’

4 February 2008

BRAZILIAN ministers have reacted angrily after the European Commission rejected a list of 2,600 farms which claim to meet strict EU standards.
Bluetongue zones extended as Defra confirms four new cases

4 February 2008

THE bluetongue zones have been extended after pre-movement testing discovered four new cases of the disease.
Two new bird flu cases confirmed

4 February 2008

DEFRA has confirmed two new cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in wild mute swans in Dorset.
BPC defends its decision on levy rebate

1 February 2008

THE British Potato Council has hit back at claims it treated some growers unfairly by refusing to provide a rebate on their levy after their crops were destroyed by the summer floods.
New figures show slow progress in fight against climate change

1 February 2008

THE Climate Change Committee has a tough task on its hands if it is to meet its targets for CO2 reduction after the latest government figures show no significant drop in emissions.
BPC refuses to offer levy rebate to flood hit growers

February 1st 2008

THE British Potato Council has come under fire after refusing to offer a rebate on the levy charged to farmers in Hereford who lost their crops to the summer’s floods.
Defra announces new climate change chief

29 January 2008

BUSINESS leader Adair Turner has been appointed as the first chair of the Government’s new Committee on Climate Change.
Tribute to the forgotten farming army

29 January 2008

WOMEN who worked on the land to provide food for the nation during World War I and II are to be honoured for their role in the war effort.
Organic production falling short of demand

28 January 2008

BRITISH farmers are struggling to meet growing demand for home grown organic produce, according to a new report.
Organic production falling short of demand

28 January 2008

BRITISH farmers are struggling to meet growing demand for home grown organic produce, according to a new report.
Cloned foods are a step closer to reality

January 25th 2008

CHARITIES involved in animal welfare have slammed moves to allow meat and milk from cloned animals to be sold on supermarket shelves.
Changes to Bird Registration Scheme announced

24 January 2008

DEFRA have announced the decision to streamline the bird registration scheme in England, removing the burdens placed on many bird keepers.
New initiative announced to develop a UK beef market from male dairy calves

23 January 2008

INDUSTRY leaders, politicians and animal welfare charities have given their backing to a scheme to develop a domestic beef market from black and white male dairy calves.
New initiative announced to develop a UK beef market from male dairy calves

23 January 2008

INDUSTRY leaders, politicians and animal welfare charities have given their backing to a scheme to develop a domestic beef market from black and white male dairy calves.
MPs call on the Government to set example in its restaurants

22 January 2008

MPs have called on the Government to ensure that it sets an example to the public by stocking more free-range eggs and chicken in the House of Commons restaurants.
Ground-breaking agreement leads the way for UK veal market

21 January 2008

BRITAIN’S biggest supermarket chain has pledged to phase out foreign veal and instead stock meat produced from UK dairy calves.
Defra staff stage industrial action over pay

21 January 2008

ANIMAL health specialists are due to begin industrial action today, as they refuse to work above and beyond their contracted terms.
Jamie disappointed over restaurant fowl up

18 January 2008

JAMIE Oliver has been left with egg on his face after it was revealed that one of his restaurants was serving battery eggs to customers.
Benn warning to 'remain vigilant' as heavy rain continues

18 January 2008

SECRETARY of state Hilary Benn has warned people to ‘remain vigilant’ as heavy rain continued to fall across the UK, putting many areas at risk of flooding.
Despite TV campaigns for poultry welfare, cheap chicken sales are on the up

17 January 2008

SALES of free-range and organic chickens rose this week following high profile campaigns on poultry welfare from TV chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Jamie apologises to Sainsbury’s staff

14 January 2008

JAMIE Oliver has written to staff at Sainsbury's to apologise for comments made in the press last week, criticising the supermarket.
Meat and milk from cloned animals ‘safe for consumption’

14 January 2008

BRITISH consumers could be able to buy food produced from cloned animals in the future after EU scientists gave the technology the green light this week.
Call for poultry price rise to meet welfare demands

January 11th 2008

BRITISH poultry farmers will need to see prices increase if they are to meet the growing public demand for improved welfare standards, according to industry leaders.
Bourns rubbishes press reports

10 January 2008

THE NFU’s poultry board chairman, Charles Bourns has rubbished reports that he has quit the industry.
Poultry farm investigated over welfare concerns

7 January 2008

AN investigation has begun into the conditions on a poultry farm in Herefordshire after a video was released claiming to show birds living in substandard conditions.
Jamie cries ‘fowl’ over animal welfare

4 January 2008

JAMIE Oliver has called on the public to ‘buy British and buy better welfare’ when it comes to chicken as he begins his latest campaign to change how poultry is produced in the UK.
Poultry farming under the spotlight

3 January 2008

THE way poultry is farmed in the UK is set to become a hot topic in the coming weeks with celebrity chefs and animal welfare charities launching campaigns on the issue.
Report examines trends in food production and consumption

3 January 2008

A NEW report into the challenges faced by the food sector identifies food security and climate change as two of the key issues for the Government to get to grips with.
M&S bird imports 'a one-off'

3 January 2008

MARKS and Spencer has said it is not looking to import turkeys next Christmas after it came in for criticism from farmers for stocking Brazilian birds in 2007.
Survey shows awareness of climate change among farmers is growing

2 January 2008

INDUSTRY leaders have called on farmers to continue their good work in responding to climate change, following a recent survey into farmers’ attitudes on the subject.
Bluetongue reprieve?

21 December 2007

FARMERS trapped in the bluetongue zones are set for a reprieve as Defra prepares to temporarily relax movement restrictions in place to deal with the disease.
What the vets say about prescriptions

December 21st 2007

Over the past few weeks FG has been finding out how farmers go about buying prescription-only animal medicines.
More imported cows bring bluetongue to the UK

20 December 2007

BLUETONGUE disease has been detected in 20 imported cows on a farm in Worcester after they were brought in from the Netherlands.
Investigation into latest bluetongue case

19 December 2007

AN investigation has begun to establish how an infected cow from Germany was allowed to bring bluetongue to a farm in Middlesbrough last week.
Live exports resume

17 December 2007

AN EU decision to lift all restrictions imposed on farmers following the summer outbreaks of foot-and-mouth has now come into force, opening the door for live exports for the first time since August.
Live exports resume

17 December 2007

AN EU decision to lift all restrictions imposed on farmers following the summer outbreaks of foot-and-mouth has now come into force, opening the door for live exports for the first time since August.
Ex-swill producers vow to continue their fight

17 December 2007

PIG farmers have vowed to continue their fight for compensation after an Ombudsman’s inquiry found Defra guilty of maladministration in banning pigswill in 2001.
Study shows Defra failed to contain FMD

14 December 2007

DEFRA failed to contain the summer’s foot-and-mouth outbreak despite declaring the country disease-free, a new study has shown.
Defra guilty of maladministration - but no compensation

14 December 2007

DEFRA has been found guilty of maladministration following a five-year investigation into the ban on pigswill processing.
Picking the right crop for your needs

December 14th 2007

DAIRY herd feed efficiency and crop choice came under the spotlight in a forage maize workshop at Ullingswick, Herefordshire.
Study finds pesticide levels did not pose a risk to school children

13 December 2007

PESTICIDE residues found in fruit and vegetables supplied to school children did not pose a risk to children’s health, a study has found.
Decision to scrap management plans from ELS attacked

13 December 2007

THOUSANDS of farmers have been left struggling to qualify for rural development funding after Defra was forced to scrap a number of key environment management plans this week.
Defra updates blueprint for exotic diseases

12 December 2007

DEFRA’s contingency plan to deal with outbreaks of exotic diseases has been laid before Parliament.
MPs call for action over poultry welfare

12 December 2007

MPs have called on the Government to take action to address issues of poultry welfare and the heavy discounting of poultry products in supermarkets.
MPs call for action over poultry welfare

12 December 2007

MPs have called on the Government to take action to address issues of poultry welfare and the heavy discounting of poultry products in supermarkets.
Swill processors to hear if they have case for compensation

12 December 2007

FARMERS suing Defra for maladministration following the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 will hear this week if they have a case for compensation.
Swill processors to hear if they have case for compensation

12 December 2007

FARMERS suing Defra for maladministration following the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 will hear this week if they have a case for compensation.
Food prices hit a new high

7 December 2007

FOOD prices in the UK have hit a new high, signalling the beginning of the end for cheap food, according to new research published this week.
Flood funding request ignored

5 December 2007

GOVERNMENT ministers were warned that spending on flood defences was being ‘severely rationed’ long before last summer’s floods which devastated much of the countryside.
EU lifts FMD restrictions while live exports are set to resume

4 December 2007

THE EU has voted to lift all foot-and-mouth restrictions imposed on farmers following the summer outbreaks, opening the door for live exports for the first time since August.
EU to increase animal disease budget to €187

3 December 2007

A TOTAL of €187 million will be available for the control and eradication of animal diseases in Europe next year, following a decision by the EU last week.
Farmers recognised for commitment to British food and farming

3 December 2007

TWO Devonshire farmers who set up a producer group with their neighbours are celebrating after they were named ‘Best Producers’ at this year’s BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards.
EU’s zero-tolerance stance ‘could ruin livestock industry’

November 30th 2007

THE EU has come under growing pressure to relax its attitude toward GM crops after ministers warned the current system threatens to ruin the livestock industry.
Retailer grain deal first

29 November 2007

ARABLE farmers received a major boost after supermarket giant Sainsbury’s announced a ‘ground-breaking’ deal to secure the long-term future of their wheat supplies.
Retailer grain deal first

29 November 2007

ARABLE farmers received a major boost after supermarket giant Sainsbury’s announced a ‘ground-breaking’ deal to secure the long-term future of their wheat supplies.
New export rules explained

28 November 2007

NEW rules on meat and meat products exports continue to place tight conditions on some farmers in the south of England.
Import duties on cereals to be suspended

28 November 2007

THE EU has outlined plans to scrap import duties on cereals.
Import duties on cereals to be suspended

28 November 2007

THE EU has outlined plans to scrap import duties on cereals.
EU offers export refund on pigmeat

27 November 2007

THE EU has revealed plans to introduce an export refund on pigmeat to help combat falling producer prices.
TV chefs uncover the realities of food production

26 November 2007

THREE of the UK’s most popular chefs are set to join forces in an attempt to change how people in Britain think about their food.
IAAS calls for direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep

26 November 2007

THE Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has called on the EU to consider re-introducing direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep.
IAAS calls for direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep

26 November 2007

THE Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has called on the EU to consider re-introducing direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep.
Rooker opens UK's first bioethanol plant

23 November 2007

LORD Rooker welcomed the expansion of the environmental industries sector this week as he opened the UK’s first bioethanol plant.
Government initiative to cut consumer electronics

23 November 2007

THE Government is set to work with major retailers in a bid to phase out electrical products which are using too much energy.
£56m in support may go

November 23rd 2007

EU SUPPORT to British farmers could be slashed by as much as £56 million if proposals to cap Single Payments are approved.
New homes plan could fail to meet rural housing needs

November 23rd 2007

GOVERNMENT plans to reform planning policies have come under fire from campaigners claiming the plans could fail to meet the need for more rural housing.
EU reveals its CAP 'health check'

20 November 2007

The EU has finally revealed its plans for reforming the CAP, publishing the proposals for its policy ‘health check’ today (Tuesday, November 20).
CAP health check to tackle environmental issues

20 November 2007

THE European Union publishes its review of the Common Agricultrural Policy today (Tuesday, November 20) as it launches the CAP health check.
Redgrave Poultry claim it was operating to 'stringent bio-security measures'

19 November 2007

THE company which owns the farm at the heart of the bird flu outbreak has hit out at speculation over how the H5N1 virus came to infect its poultry.
‘Modernise’ warning for national estate farmers

November 16th 2007

TENANT farmers on the national estate are being urged to modernise and develop new income streams, after a survey published this week revealed a dramatic fall in incomes and farm numbers on the estate.
Second farm suspected of H5N1 infection

15 November 2007

DEFRA has confirmed that birds have been slaughtered on suspicion of infection at one of the farms identified yesterday (Wednesday) as a ‘dangerous contact’ for bird flu.
Exports resume but controls for some tightened

November 9th 2007

THE foot-and-mouth export restrictions on meat and meat products will be lifted next week, but movement controls for some farmers will be tightened after a European Union decision this week.
EU to lift most export restrictions

6 November 2007

THE EU has decided to lift export restrictions from most of Britain following a meeting of the European Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) today (Tuesday, November 6).
Church speaks out against supermarkets

6 November 2007

THE Church of England has spoken out against the major supermarkets, claiming they are putting farmers’ livelihoods at risk.
Competition Commission report

5 November 2007

FARMERS are being urged to contact the Competition Commission with their views on last week’s initial report into the groceries sector.
Competition Commission report – the response

1 November 2007

THE Competition Commission’s report on the provisional findings of its grocery market investigation was greeted with a mixed reaction.
Cultivation of GM crops rocketing in Europe

30 October 2007

CULTIVATION of GM crops in Europe has rocketed in the last year, according to figures out this week.
Europe to address rising feed costs

30 October 2007

THE European Parliament is set to investigate rising feed costs after a debate in Strasbourg this week.
Europe to address rising feed costs

30 October 2007

THE European Parliament is set to investigate rising feed costs after a debate in Strasbourg this week.
Delta Two given ultimatum in Sainsbury's bid

30 October 2007

THE fate of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s will be decided in the next week, after bidders for the business were given an ultimatum to come up with an further £500 million or forget about a takeover.
Delta Two given ultimatum in Sainsbury's bid

30 October 2007

THE fate of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s will be decided in the next week, after bidders for the business were given an ultimatum to come up with an further £500 million or forget about a takeover.
Cultivation of GM crops rocketing in Europe

30 October 2007

CULTIVATION of GM crops in Europe has rocketed in the last year, according to figures out this week.
BPEX calls for temporary suspension of pig levy

29 October 2007

WITH the pig industry facing a crisis from rocketing feed prices, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has called for a temporary suspension of the pig levy to ease the pressure on farmers.
Study finds organic food is healthier

29 October 2007

ORGANIC food is more nutritious than ordinary produce and can even help fight cancer, according to new research out this week.
Competition Commission report into supermarket behaviour due out this week

29 October 2007

FARMERS will be hoping to score a victory over the supermarkets this week when the Competition Commission publishes its preliminary report into the behaviour of supermarkets.
BPEX calls for temporary suspension of pig levy

29 October 2007

WITH the pig industry facing a crisis from rocketing feed prices, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has called for a temporary suspension of the pig levy to ease the pressure on farmers.
BPEX calls for temporary suspension of pig levy

29 October 2007

WITH the pig industry facing a crisis from rocketing feed prices, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has called for a temporary suspension of the pig levy to ease the pressure on farmers.
Carbon emissions from food transport continue to soar

26 October 2007

DESPITE a greater awareness of the environmental impact of food miles, carbon emissions from food transport continue to soar, according to a report out this week.
Poultry farmers warned to stay alert and look for signs of bird flu

25 October 2007

BIRD flu will be unlikely to spread from farm to farm if it hits the UK again this autumn but poultry farmers are being warned to stay alert this autumn and look out for signs of the disease.
Brown urged to guarantee bluetongue vaccine is available

24 October 2007

The Prime Minister is being urged to take immediate action to ensure a vaccine is available to help prevent the spread of bluetongue disease.
Bluetongue casts a large shadow over next year’s shows

19 October 2007

ORGANISERS of next year’s shows and events face a major planning headache in trying to deal with the outbreak of bluetongue disease.
Rural businesses are hit by postal dispute and the threat facing post offices

October 19th 2007

POSTAL strikes across the country have hit rural businesses hard and look set to put a number of people out of business.
Bluetongue virus found in sheep

15 October 2007

THE Bluetongue virus has spread to sheep for the first time since it arrived in the UK earlier last month.
McDonald's to pay more for British pork and beef

15 October 2007

FAST-FOOD giant McDonald's has announced it will increase the prices paid to British farmers for the pork and beef it uses in its products.
Wales to seek lamb welfare scheme approval

10 October 2007

THE Welsh Assembly Government has asked the European Commission to approve a disposal scheme for light lambs to ease the pressure on Welsh farmers.
Foot-and-mouth restrictions to be lifted in Scotland

9 October 2007

FOOT-AND-MOUTH restrictions will be lifted early in Scotland, allowing farmers a return to relative normality from October 17.
Waitrose announces unprecedented pricing structure

9 October 2007

SUPERMARKET chain Waitrose has outlined its commitment to the British livestock industry by announcing an unprecedented pricing structure which hopes to secure the industry’s long-term future.
Waitrose announces unprecedented pricing structure

9 October 2007

SUPERMARKET chain Waitrose has outlined its commitment to the British livestock industry by announcing an unprecedented pricing structure which hopes to secure the industry’s long-term future.
Celebrity chef lends his support

4 October 2007

JAMIE Oliver has leant his support to the NFU’s campaign to encourage shoppers to buy more British lamb and support farmers hit by the recent foot-and-mouth and bluetongue outbreaks.
Bluetongue: The facts

4 October 2007

FOLLOWING the confirmation of a bluetongue outbreak JACK DAVIES answers farmers’ concerns in an FG Q and A and WILLIAM SURMAN looks at the continental experience of the bluetongue virus.
Countryside Alliance appeal for the Government to invest in rural roads

4 October 2007

THE Countryside Alliance has called on the Government to invest in rural roads to help reduce the accident rate.
As bluetongue cases reach 24 UK included in EU zone for first time

3 October 2007

THE number of confirmed cases of bluetongue disease has risen to 24, Defra has revealed.
OFT report alleges dairy price fixing amongst UK processors and retailers

September 28th 2007

DAIRY farmers are locked in a war of words with supermarkets and processors after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) published its report into price-fixing last week.
Vaccination not a front-line defence against the virus

27 September 2007

DEFRA have revealed that vaccination will not be used as a front-line defence against the bluetongue virus.
Virus arrival ‘no surprise’

27 September 2007

MIDGES carrying the bluetongue virus to the UK have arrived in Suffolk from northern Europe, says Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker.
Fears bluetongue virus may not be killed off

26 September 2007

WITH a warm start to winter predicted this year, there are fears that the bluetongue virus may not be destroyed by the weather.
Clinical signs of bluetongue

26 September 2007

Bluetongue is a disease affecting all ruminants including sheep, cattle, deer and goats.
Suspected FMD case on Hampshire-Sussex border

24 September 2007

A SUSPECTED case of foot-and-mouth is being investigated on a farm near Petersfield on the Hampshire-Sussex border.
Dairy farmers not to blame in price-fixing fiasco

20 September 2007

THE shadow minister for rural affairs, Peter Ainsworth, has defended dairy farmers, saying they are not to blame for the fiasco over price-fixing of dairy products.
Year of Food and Farming to continue as planned

17 September 2007

DESPITE the latest foot-and-mouth outbreak, the Year of Food and Farming will still be going ahead with its regional launches, organisers say.
Cash requested to help farmers during FMD crisis

14 September 2007

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for monies from the Single Payment Scheme and Hill Farm Allowance to be paid earlier in order to ease farmers' cash flow problems during the foot-and-mouth crisis.
ALP cost rise and disputes claim over new wages order

14 September 2007

AGRICULTURAL workers who work longer hours are set to lose out and the cost of labour looks set to rise when the 2007 Agricultural Wages Order comes into force next month, according to the Association of Labour Providers (ALP).

Farmers GuardianJack Davies Editorial

Farmers Guardian
Jack Davies Editorial