sfi

David Morley, of H&H Land and Estates said with a dwindling Basic Payment Scheme and no means of making up this lost income, it was farmers who have demonstrated a ‘long-term commitment to delivering environmental enhancement who are being unfairly penalised'

New analysis shows hill farmers are only receiving 8% or £39m of the Government's new farming support scheme, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, despite the uplands occupying ‘around 15% of England's area'

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said there are sheep farmers who have 'wholeheartedly thrown themselves into the SFI pilot', whose agreements have now ended with no certainty over continuation into SFI and fears over budget cutbacks

Defra confirmed 76 grant items have been impacted. For farmers who have applied for a grant that is temporarily withdrawn, their application will be put on hold and will be contacted early next year

The NFU has expressed ‘extreme concern' to reports the scheme is now unlikely to open until mid-2025

Fears for uplands and common land farmers following reduction in direct payments

Winter wheat growers considering companion cropping this autumn need to be aware of herbicide compatibility and machinery requirements.

James and Isobel, with their two young children, recently bought their first farm, and plan to run beef and sheep over 13.8 hectares (34 acres), renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres). James works for tech firm Breedr as UK country manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley

From 'Clarkson's Clause' and its influence on ease of diversification for UK farmers to key changes in SFI options - these are five farming stories not to miss this week on FG