Farm Business

Farm businesses will be able to claim Government backed loans of up to 50,000 with no repayments or interest for the first 12 months.

NFU president Minette Batters says a dairy hardship payment expected to be announced by Government this week has not come quick enough for farmers battling ‘market collapse’.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed it will offer bridging loans to farmers still waiting for 2019 stewardship payments.

A sixth generation farmer has launched a ‘fighting for future farmers’ social media campaign, in a bid to raise awareness of the vital work of the agricultural industry.

Muller has announced it would be ‘unviable’ to proceed with its proposed 1ppl increase from May 1 due to Covid-19 and will hold its price at 26.25ppl for May and June.

The Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA) has called on Government to ensure farm payments are made on time as the deadline to claim was extended due to disruption caused by the coronavirus.

After four weeks in his new role as chairman of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Nicholas Saphir spoke to Hannah Binns about his vision for the levy board, which will see a strong focus on export market development and more effective communication.

NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts has reinforced embracing low-emission farming practices will be ‘key’ to ensuring profitable and productive farm businesses.

Diversifying income streams to negate falling direct payments will be an attractive option to many farm businesses, but small-scale projects can sometimes be just as lucrative, without carrying as much risk.

The coronavirus has shown we can pull together as a community to get things done. We must keep the same spirit to push on with Brexit, says David Herbert, a South Welsh smallholder producing eggs and poultry.