Livestock

Though politicians are still talking about no deal as a serious prospect, behind the scenes, negotiators may be closer than ever to clinching a deal, says Jonathan Roberts, director of external affairs at the CLA.

Farmers look set to benefit from a change in shopper habits brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, with new research showing 63 per cent of Brits are buying more home-grown produce. By Hannah Binns and Abi Kay

If the Conservatives are not prepared to stand up for farmers now and protect them from low-standard imports, they should not expect rural votes when they come knocking for support at the next election, says Labour Shadow Defra Secretary Luke Pollard.

For too long, the CAP rewarded farmers for inefficiency, but new post-Brexit schemes should help farmers to improve profitability and embrace innovation, says John Henning, County Armagh beef farmer.

But a drop in English lamb numbers has offset the increases

Lord Donald Curry has said Ministers would be ‘wise’ to accept his revised amendment to the Agriculture Bill, which would increase parliamentary scrutiny of future trade deals.

NFU Mutual has advised farmers to review their security measures as winter draws in, warning rural thefts could increase this year with fewer people out and about.

Vets may be forced to choose between examining and treating livestock or certifying exports in a worst-case Brexit scenario, British Veterinary Association president James Russell has warned.

Jane King will leave her role no later than September 2021

Per Harkjaer’s experience includes roles as United Coffee and Findus Group