The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

From the editor: Sheer insanity to believe farming is not critically important to UK

WHEN Minette Batters stood on the NFU conference platform last week and declared that throwing our world leading welfare standards on the funeral pyre of global trade would be ’morally bankrupt’ and ’insane’, she meant it as an admonishing challenge to Government, not as something to aspire to in wider policy construction.

Ben Briggs
Ben Briggs is the group publisher and editor in chief of Agriconnect, overseeing the media business and titles such as Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming.
clock • 2 min read
From the editor: Sheer insanity to believe farming is not critically important to UK

When Minette Batters stood on the NFU conference platform last week and declared that throwing our world leading welfare standards on the funeral pyre of global trade would be 'morally bankrupt' and 'insane',...

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
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Farm Business

Updated advice published ahead of Scottish support scheme opening
Farm Business

Updated advice published ahead of Scottish support scheme opening

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie says a £14.25m budget has been set aside to provide grants of up to £20,000 per farm or croft business

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 19 October 2026 • 2 min read
Food security at risk as Britain's abattoirs hit 'critical low'
Farm Business

Food security at risk as Britain's abattoirs hit 'critical low'

The UK’s food, farming, environmental and animal welfare sectors are calling for the Government to recognise local slaughter capacity as essential food and economic infrastructure

Mia Willemsen
Mia Willemsen
clock 19 October 2026 • 3 min read
Defra's backing of organic will 'act as a tipping point' for the sector
Farm Business

Defra's backing of organic will 'act as a tipping point' for the sector

The Soil Association Certification welcomes Labour plan as sector looks to growth

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 16 October 2026 • 4 min read