News

The government has lifted the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for poultry and captive birds, introduced to help stop the spread of bird flu. The risk of avian influenza has now reduced to ‘low’ for all poultry, the government confirmed on Tuesday (4 June). The AIPZ, which consisted of enhanced biosecurity measures, was brought in…

Small and medium sized farms will soon be able to apply to a share of £5m in grant funding to scale up innovation within the British farming industry. Opening later this month, Defra’s Farming Innovation Investor Partnership Competition aims to accelerate agricultural research and development by blending grant funding with private investment. It specifically seeks…

The government is seeking views from farmers on how to best protect and maintain hedgerows in England following Brexit. Defra’s consultation, open from today to respond, aims to ensure hedgerows continue to get the right level of protection as the UK moves away from cross compliance. The government has a target under the Environmental Improvement…

First Milk and Yeo Valley Production have announced a collaboration with an aim to establish a new conventional regenerative milk pool. The new ‘Naturally Better Dairy Group’ will see co-operative First Milk establish a regenerative milk pool in the South West of England. Founded on the principles of regenerative farming, this group will supply Yeo…

The former chief executive of the National Pig Association (NPA) has been awarded an OBE in the first King’s Honours list. Dr Zoe Leach, better known to many in the pig industry by her maiden name of Davies, was granted the honour in recognition of her services to the industry. Initially joining the group in…

A week-long celebration of one of Britain’s favourite vegetables and the 700 farmers who produce it will commence in July. The UK’s annual celebration of the British pea harvesting season will return for its eighth year between 3 – 9 July. The week, which is spearheaded by British Growers Association (BGA), will celebrate British production…

Farmers have just one month left to apply for grants between £1,000 and £25,000 to invest in new technology and equipment to boost animal welfare. Grants are being provided for a variety of items that could help farmers improve their livestock health and welfare. It is part of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, with…

Farmers could soon be reimbursed for creating water storage ponds or water “batteries” as part of an innovative drought-prevention project. With droughts affecting the UK last summer, the project aims to help farms manage water demand through dry weather, as well as boost aquatic biodiversity. Click here to read the full article

Wynnstay and Humphrey Feeds & Pullets have announced they will combine their poultry feed and pullets, offering into one focused poultry brand. Following its acquisition of Humphrey Feeds & Pullets in 2022, Wynnstay has confirmed that the two businesses will combine poultry operations. The combined poultry operation of both businesses will be branded as Wynnstay…

Agricultural tractor registrations were 10% higher in the first three months of 2023 than 2022, with strong demand particularly from arable enterprises. New figures by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) shows that trends varied between machines of different powers and in different parts of the country. Click here to read the full article