christmas

Dan Hawes grew up on an arable farm in Suffolk and now produces strawberry and raspberry plants for the UK fruit market with Blaise Plants, sister company to Hugh Lowe Farms, Kent. The business grows outside, under tunnels and in glasshouses and produces more than four million plants a year. The arable side includes environmental schemes, with a mix of wheat, oilseed rape, beans and barley crops

Consumers spent record amounts on food as inflation eased, but much of that spending was due to supermarket promotions

Emma and her family farm in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, milking 100 pedigree Holsteins and selling raw milk from the farmgate. They also run 300 North Country Mules. Emma is Monmouthshire NFU chair and volunteers with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

Festive favourites including wine, whisky and cheese join protected produce status

After years of Covid-19, soaring costs and challenging weather, festive staple suppliers are looking forward to a more peaceful Christmas this year

Revd Jeffrey from The Arthur Rank Centre said: "Whatever your beliefs, this season invites us to reflect on the values of generosity, compassion, and community. These values are at the heart of rural life, and they inspire us to continue supporting one another through every challenge

Financial experts warn farmers of clauses relating to additional festive earnings

For most people their thoughts only turn to Christmas trees in the run up to the festive season but for the Noble family they are a year-round occupation

With the cheeseboard a vital part of festive celebrations, Kevin Beer, of Millbrook Dairy Company, gives his advice on creating the perfect centrepiece

Consumers ready to splash out in 2024