Finding a balance between farming for the environment with productivity

Reaching a crossroads as the Basic Payment Scheme is phased out has necessitated big decisions for a hill farmer in West Yorkshire. Chloe Palmer reports.

clock • 8 min read
Finding a balance between farming for the environment with productivity

Choosing whether to opt for the environmental route or increase productivity from the family farm is the decision currently facing James Howard. James' family has been farming at Holme, West Yorkshire,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Life

Farmer triumphs in bid to reduce UPFs in school meals

Farmer triumphs in bid to reduce UPFs in school meals

Should ultra-processed foods be banned in schools?

Chris Brayford
clock 04 May 2026 • 3 min read
Swinney's pledge to cap food prices will only hurt farmers

Swinney's pledge to cap food prices will only hurt farmers

Farmers said everyone wants food to be affordable, but it cannot be done at the expense of undermining the people who produce it

Chris Brayford
clock 04 May 2026 • 3 min read
Young butcher wants to keep tradition alive - "More young blood is needed to keep farming alive"

Young butcher wants to keep tradition alive - "More young blood is needed to keep farming alive"

Passionate about keeping his family legacy alive, butcher Luke Swales talks to Sarah Todd about championing the industry and spreading the farm-to-fork message on social media

Sarah Todd
clock 03 May 2026 • 7 min read