This week's 6 top farming stories

From an impartiality row following the promotion of Brian May's badger documentary to catching up with farmers about their harvest time so far - these are six farming stories not to miss this week on FG

clock • 1 min read
This week's 6 top farming stories

READ NOW: BBC sparks impartiality row over Brian May's badger documentary

The BBC has landed at the centre of an impartiality row following its promotion of a documentary about the culling of badgers presented by animal rights campaigner and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.

 

READ NOW: NSA raises concerns over the potential 'long-term damage' to sheep farming due to 'failing' border security controls

The NSA has said the UK's agricultural sector could face ‘severe long-term damage' without greater border security controls after claims that ‘substantial quantities' of sheepmeat have entered Britain illegally.

 

READ NOW: Vicon gives technical insight into its FastBale Premium

Originally released in 2016, the Vicon Fastbale has remained unique as the only non-stop round baler on the market. The UK-developed machine uses two bale chambers which creates a partial bale before transferring to the second chamber to reach the final size and then transferring to the wrapping table if producing haylage or silage.

 

READ NOW: Competition fuels milk price increases

Assessing the current increases in milk prices could reveal not only the reasons behind impending price changes for September but also possible longevity, or lack thereof of these increases. 

 

READ NOW: Blackface flock suited to Dumfries hill farm

A passion for Blackface sheep has helped Richard Carruthers build a thriving livestock business on a Buccleuch Estate farm.

 

LISTEN NOW: Farmers Guardian Podcast: The Harvest Diaries - "Harvest time should be a time to reflect"

As harvest 2024 is now well under way, we caught up with three farmers to find out about their experience after pests, persistent storms and setbacks. 

 

More on Farm Life

Jeremy Clarkson admits he had never heard of Cereals as Diddly Squat prepares for this year's event

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clock 18 April 2026 • 4 min read
Farming Matters: Kerriann McLackland – "Public countryside access fosters a lifelong passion and cultivates a sense of care through experience"

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This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: Kerriann McLackland, head of estates at the Countryside Regeneration Trust

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clock 18 April 2026 • 4 min read
Emmerdale's Cain Dingle prostate cancer storyline informed by real East Yorkshire farmer

Emmerdale's Cain Dingle prostate cancer storyline informed by real East Yorkshire farmer

Denys Fell, 75, had no symptoms when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024 — now his story is helping drive an Emmerdale and Macmillan Cancer Support campaign to reach rural communities who face extra barriers to getting help

Alex Black
clock 16 April 2026 • 3 min read