Rachel Reeves

Weather woes and the fallout from the Budget dominated the past 12 months as farmers prepare to welcome 2025

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley

This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: CLA vice-president Joe Evans

Amid growing unrest from farmers over a proposed Inheritance Tax announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget, the Defra Secretary has faced pressure for the number of farms he has visited since July 5

"We are calling on the Chancellor to meet and run a formal consultation, to find a solution that will protect the long-term interests of family businesses and farms and, crucially the jobs and investment they provide"

Farmers have collected toys and money which will be donated to foodbanks and children's charities during the route

"If the Chancellor will not listen and work with the farming community to find a way forward, her battle with the countryside will simply become a long running sore. It is a very bad look for the Government"

The Office for National Statistics said GDP fell 0.1% in October 2024. Services showed 'no growth', while Production (-0.6%) and construction (-0.4%) both fell.

"I do not think large farmers should be exempt from Inheritance Tax because no-one else is"

North Northamptonshire Council becomes latest to back its local farmers against 'ticking time bomb' Budget