Ajoined-up approach between farmers and government is long overdue. As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for her first Budget on 26 November, the NFU’s call for a “renewed relationship” with farming is as much about trust as it is about tax.
Investment
Confidence in the countryside is fragile. Due to take effect next April, the government’s decision to impose a 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million has chilled investment across the sector. Farmers who should be upgrading grain stores or buying precision kit are instead setting money aside to pay a tax bill they were once told would never come.
rural landscapes splashed across the Labour Party conference stage this autumn.
Without confidence, there is no investment. Without investment, there is no growth. That’s the simple economic truth at the heart of farming’s plea to government. Renewing the relationship requires more than warm words – it needs practical action to unlock capital and remove the handbrake holding the sector back.
‘Still time’
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NFU president Tom Bradshaw says this crisis of confidence should alarm everyone – not just farmers. Why? Because the impact of inheritance on farming families will be felt much more widely than in the countryside.
Confidence
Farming underpins Britain’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – worth £153 billion and supporting 4.2 million jobs. Yet the mood on farms is far bleaker than the sunny pictures of
Defra secretary Emma Reynolds has said she wants to rebuild trust with farmers. The NFU insists there is still time to do it — by scrapping or redesigning the family farm tax and signalling that productive farming and environmental ambition can go hand in hand.
But the clock is ticking. As Chancellor Rachel Reeds holds firm on inheritance tax, farmers face hard choices about the future of their businesses. Unless the Budget brings real change, the “renewed relationship” promised from the Labour conference podium risks wilting before spring planting even begins.
Johann Tasker Editor
Renew relationship with farming, government told
The NFU says farming families across the country have spent the past year trying to decide where to cut onfarm investment so they can save up to pay for a tax liability they’d been promised wouldn’t be introduced by
Rural economy
“These are the businesses that produce the nation’s food, underpin the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – which is worth £153 billion to the economy
Minister remains steadfast on inheritance tax
Farm minister Angela Eagle insists there is no likelihood of a change in the government’s inheritance tax plans.
Speaking to the BBC’s Farming Today programme last month, Dame Angela said the Treasury was determined to press ahead with its decision to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1m.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves would not back down, she claimed. “Despite some of the speculation in the press, there is no likelihood that will happen.
“The announcements have been made and the situation will be as it was announced.”
Repeating the government’s stance that more than three-quarters of estates will not pay any inheritance tax, Dame Angela said: “We have been in discussions. The Treasury have made their announcement and they are not going to move.”
The protest group Farmers To Action has pledged a winter of discontent unless the inheritance tax plan is reversed. Going ahead with the tax will devastate farming families unable to pay it without selling off land, it says.
and supports 4.2 million jobs – and manage and protect our iconic countryside and its landscapes.
“This is the same farmed countryside that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet stood in front of on stage at the Labour Party conference with the emblazoned on top of sunny rural landscapes.
“The reality is far from sunny in those communities, with confidence levels at an all-time low. This matters because without investment in farming today, we risk food supplies for
Defra secretary Emma Reynolds said at this autumn’s Labour conference that she wanted to make sure the government “renewed its relationship” with the NFU and the farming com-
“Even at this late stage, there is still time for the government to do that,” said Mr Bradshaw. The budget is due to take place on 26 November – amid a backdrop of tightening
“Ahead of the Budget, I have urged the Chancellor again to take the handbrake off of Britain’s farmers, look at the alternatives on offer to the family farm tax and work with us to unlock the investment British food production so desperately needs.”
Farm minister Angela Eagle: unmoved
Something a bit different, the installation of ground source heat pipes. It all started when we were asked to have a look at a wet spot in manicured lawn on a local estate. We found that problem, an old brick culvert from a very old drain.
This led onto us being asked to excavate some trenches for ground source heating pipework, 800mm deep x 1.0m wide.
A bit tight and in a manicured garden, we did our best to keep things tidy.
We were then told the pipe had to go under a wall and into a garage!
Took a bit of “chiselling” but our chaps got to the depth required through the garages stone and concrete floor!
It was then all hands on deck to help the heating pipework lads roll the pipe into the trench ready for them to do their thing before we backfill.
SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST DRAINAGE
Extension for mid-tier stewardship farmers
Agreements to run for an extra year
Farmers still awaiting details of Countryside Stewardship mid-tier extensionsare being urged to contact the Rural Payments agency sooner rather than later.
More than 5000 farmers with Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreements due to expire at the end of December are being offered oneyear extensions to maintain environmental and food-production activities.
NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “It means that agreement holders will be able to continue delivering everything from wildflower corridors and habitats for farmland birds to nurturing species-rich grassland.”
Announced on 15 October, the extension aims to ensure continuity of support as the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes continue to evolve. It applies to agreements ending on 31 December 2025.
Funding gap
Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by the Rural Payments Agency with details of how to accept their extension offers. The NFU says farmers who haven’t heard anything by 6 November should contact the RPA.
The extension is expected to be worth about £70m shared among more than 5,000 farmers. More than 77,000 agri-environment agreements
The Country Land and Business Association said the extension was a welcome step that would provide short-term relief for thousands of farmers. But it did not address longer-term uncertainty.
CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said: “Without this extension, thousands of farmers will face a funding gap that puts livelihoods and years of environmental progress at risk.”
But she added: “We continue to call for urgent clarity on the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive to provide certainty and stability for the sector and ensure farmers can continue their efforts to restore nature and farm sustainably.”
Commitment
The CLA team was informed about the SFI redesign principles for 2026 earlier this year, said Ms Vyvyan. She added: “It is now urgent that Labour sets out the SFI scheme to the end of this parliament.”
Farm minister Angela Eagle said the government was backing farmers with the largest investment in nature-friendly farming in history – underpinning a “cast-iron commitment to food security”.
She added: “This targeted extension to Countryside Stewardship mid-tier agreements ensures farmers have the certainty and support
Farm leaders fought hard for extension
Farming organisations across the board fought the campaign for an extension to mid-tier Countryside Stewardship – each claiming victory.
After months of lobbying government ministers and civil servants, the extension was confirmed in a meeting between Defra secretary Emma Reynolds and NFU president Tom Bradshaw on Tuesday 14 October.
“We’re really pleased that Defra has listened and given certainty to so many farmers about the future of their environmental work for the year ahead,” said NFU deputy president David Exwood.
Other organisations also campaigned for the extension. They included the Country Land and Business Association, the Tenant Farmers Association and the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN).
Reassurance
Cambridgeshire farmer and NFFN chief executive Martin Lines said the announcement responded directly to NFFN’s calls for action and gave thousands of farmers across England the reassurance they’ve been waiting for.
Mr Lines added: “Without this decision, many farmers could have faced losing vital income or could have been forced to plough up habitats and other environmental measures that
This ensures farmers have the certainty and support they need “
Navigating Headwinds: Strategic Cashflow Planning
Colin Aitkenhead, Director Agriculture – Virgin Money
As we enter the final quarter of 2025, farmers across arable, dairy, and fruit enterprises are facing a convergence of pressures that demand strategic foresight and financial agility. From volatile weather patterns and rising input costs to policy shifts and labour constraints, the region’s producers must now plan with precision to safeguard profitability and resilience over the next 12 months.
Arable farmers are grappling with the multiple impacts of climate volatility, input inflation, high machinery costs and most concerningly stubbornly low cereal prices. We have seen very variable crop yields in 2025 alongside this, though positively this has been a very kind Autumn – at least at the point of writing this – which brings welcome optimism.
Margins remain extremely tight and with no clarity on what the replacement or extension of Stewardship Schemes and 2026 SFI may look like, we can anticipate you needing a laser like focus on managing operating and overhead costs.
Dairy producers are contending with labour shortages, energy price increases, and in many cases less than ideal winter feed availability. As I write this in the last week we have seen announcements of material milk price reductions across the spectrum of milk processors. Adding in ongoing tightening of slurry management regulations adding compliance costs, and many farms are now requiring infrastructure investment to meet new standards.
Our fruit sector has also seen mixed fortunes. While demand for local produce is strong, growers face acute labour constraints, with seasonal worker availability still below required levels and the need to drive ever more efficiency gains into already tight operating models.
Weather extremes continue to impact yields, and the cost of protected cropping (glasshouses, tunnels) has risen due to energy inflation. All this without considering the challenges in the supply chain.
Succession planning is of course front of mind, with changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief prompting families to reassess ownership structures and long-term viability.
With all these factors, and hence more pressure on profitability, cashflow planning is no longer optional – it’s essential. With a clear plan you’ll be able to make fully-informed decisions, balancing cash availability and maximising profits. Here are five simple actions to consider over the coming weeks and months to help you achieve this.
1) Build a rolling 12-month cashflow forecast. This doesn’t need to be a complex spreadsheet, but somewhere that you capture your key assumptions. Think about seasonal peaks and you can then model different scenarios, don’t be afraid to use free resources such as AI to assist you. Consider if additional funding is required for the short terms or is there a longer-term financing need.
2) Have a close look at your financing structures. Very often items like machinery purchases are financed at an apparent low/zero interest cost but on short 2- or 3-year terms – which are much shorter than the useful life of the asset. A more standard longer-term agreement can often improve cashflow.
Also, be aware, that just because funding from alternate lenders is available, using a number of short-term funders very often can snowball into something more difficult to manage.
3) As such, open and maintain a dialogue with your bank. Keeping all your working capital and core funding with one lender will ensure you leverage the best relationship and transaction costs. Alongside this if one funder has security over your assets then that will also ensure they have sufficient collateral to offer the most flexibility.
4) As someone with 20+ years supporting farmers; I don’t mind bad news, but I don’t like nasty surprises – put another way talk to your bank and do it in good time. If there is an
issue coming that could see overdraft limits being breached, then get this sorted early.
5) With inheritance tax reforms looming, now is the time to engage with advisors on succession strategies. This may involve restructuring ownership, gifting assets, or setting up trusts to protect family wealth and ensure continuity.
In a year defined by complexity and change, Virgin Money’s Agriculture team is a trusted partner for the UK’s farming community. With in depth knowledge of the sector and a heritage rooted in agricultural banking, our team who bring hands-on farming experience and strategic insight will deliver financial solutions tailored to your business.
Whether you’re seeking working capital, navigating succession discussions, investing in sustainability, or planning for growth, Virgin Money offers more than funding, we offer partnership, perspective, and proactive support.
In farming, timing is everything. Let’s plan ahead - together.
Colin Aitkenhead | Director Agriculture
M 07825 016286
E colin.aitkenhead@virginmoney.com
Arable
First harvest estimates confirm mixed fortunes
• Challenging season for cereals
• Eastern regions best for wheat
• Oilseed rape on the rebound
England’s wheat harvest was 17% lower than the 10-year average – despite an increased area, according to provisional Defra estimates.
Output for England is provisionally estimated at 10.6 Mt, up 5% on the year. But the increase is largely due to a 9% increase in cropped area – and it production was still well below the ten-year average of 12.9 Mt.
Regionally, the strongest wheat output remains in East Anglia (3 Mt) and the East Midlands (2 Mt). Yields nationally averaged 7.0t/ha, a slight drop from 7.2t/ha last year and the lowest since 2020 (6.9t/ha).
“Growers faced an extremely challenging season, with a wet autumn followed by a dry spring and summer, making crop management particularly tricky,” said AHDB cereals analyst Gabriel Odiase.
UK picture
Taking the UK as a whole, the AHDB estimates wheat output reached 11.8 Mt – an increase of 6.2% compared to 2024. But this figure is 8% below the five-year average (2020-2024).
Regionally, the north did better than the south. North-east England saw a 35% year-on-year increase in wheat output largely due to an in-
“
Yields were better further north than in the south (Photo: Baxter Media / Shutterstock. com) It was an extremely challenging season
crease in cropped area. Yorkshire saw output increase of 16% and Scotland saw a production rise by 23%.
Barley
Defra estimates a sharp fall in England’s barley production compared with last year. Total output stands at 4.2 Mt – some 14% lower than in 2024 and 19% below the ten-year average – marking the smallest English barley harvest since 2012.
England’s winter barley output slipped 2% to 2.0 Mt, as a smaller cropped area outweighed higher yields. Spring barley production dropped 23% to 2.2 Mt after poorer
yields across most regions, some 18% below its ten-year average.
Oats and rape
Defra figures suggest a 2% drop in the English oat harvest 755,000t. This is above the ten-year average of 720,000t. Yields dropped across most areas, with only northern England recording an increase in production.
Oilseed rape bucked the downward trend, with a 29% yield increase driving a 5.5% increase in output to 722,000t. This is 17% above the fiveyear average albeit well below the tenyear average of 1.4 Mt due to a much smaller cropped area.
Order early to secure fertiliser, say suppliers
Farmers and other buyers are being urged to place fertiliser orders early to ensure timely access to supplies in time for spring 2026.
Market indicators suggest that geopolitical and logistical pressures could constrain availability if demand is concentrated into a short ordering window, says the Agricultural Industries Confederation.
Climate change means the annual growing season is starting earlier, says the AIC. This is increasing crop development and com-
pressing delivery timelines, so timely ordering is vital to allow sufficient time for sourcing, shipping, and delivery.
Clear signals
“Suppliers need clear demand signals to plan effectively,” said AIC head of fertiliser Jo Gilbertson. “Without early engagement, distribution networks may struggle to meet demand within narrow timeframes.
“This is not about assigning blame, it’s about recognising the realities of longer dis-
tribution lines and processing capacity, and working together to ensure farm productivity is protected.”
New EU tariffs on Russian fertiliser and the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are expected to further affect supply chains.
If EU producers prioritise domestic markets, UK access may be affected. These factors, combined with logistical constraints such as daily bagging and delivery limits, underscore the importance of proactive planning.
Cereal growers face higher insect threat this autumn
Warmer weather fuels rising aphid pressure across Midlands
Growers are being urged to stay alert for signs of insect activity as mild conditions and a lingering green bridge between crops increase the threat from pests.
Warm, dry weather through September and early October has prolonged aphid flights and encouraged multiple pest species to thrive in newly emerged cereals. Agronomists warn that without careful monitoring, early infection could hit yields hard next summer.
Conditions have been ideal for pests like bird cherry–oat aphid, grain aphid, gout fly and leafhoppers, says Will Foss, technical manager with agronomy group Hutchinsons. The message to growers is simple: don’t drop your guard, he adds.
Suction
traps
Subsequent spray requirements can be judged using digital tools such as the T-Sum 170 function in Hutchinsons’ Omnia system. This calculates the accumulated temperature units needed for two generations of aphid to develop after a first treatment.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s BYDV management tool, suggests many crops drilled in early October will hit the T-Sum threshold for a potential insecticide application by the third week of the month, says Mr Creasy.
Rothamsted Research suction traps saw a rise in bird cherry–oat aphids in September, with some grain aphids early in the month. Both are key vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), which can reduce yields by up to 60% in wheat and 50% in barley.
“Not all aphids will be carrying the virus,” says Mr Foss, “but the latest data indicates that on average 30% of aphids tested are viruliferous, although with large differences from site to site. This is higher than 2024.”
Mr Foss recommends targeting aphids with a pyrethroid insecticide as soon as migration into crops is evident. “Early postemergence herbicide applications can be an opportunity to add an insecticide for initial control,” he says.
During September, T-Sum 170 was reached in just two weeks for much of Great Britain, says Mr Foss.
This shows how quickly populations can build and multiply under mild conditions, he adds.
Heightened threat
The same concern is echoed by RAGT technical manager Andrew Creasy, who says the unseasonably warm autumn created the perfect setup for BYDV outbreaks across the region. Settled weather and abundant green cover from volunteer cereals have allowed aphids to remain active for much longer than usual, explains Mr Creasy. Although some growers held off drilling, most winter crops are now in the ground.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions may limit options for some farmers. With more than 700,000ha in the CIPM4 action – ‘no use of insecticide on arable crops’ – participants must forgo chemical sprays to claim the £45/ha payment.
“For most growers, autumn drilling is now nearly complete,” says Mr Creasy. “Where BYDV is a concern, the key is to use the risk prediction tools and apply insecticides only when thresholds are reached.
BYDV remains the most economically damaging virus of UK cereals, with a potentially devastating effect on yield in the worst cases. Long-term, though, the hope is that genetic resistance will become an increasingly key part of the solution.
Continued on p13
Bird cherry aphids are more prevalent this season [photot: Siafu comms]
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Arable
Continued from p10
A high-yielding RAGT BYDV-resistant feed wheat is currently being considered for the AHDB Recommended List. If all goes to plan, it could be a game-changer.
Until then, monitoring crops remains important – although it isn’t always straightforwar. BYDV-infected plants show yellowing or reddening leaves, stunted growth and poor tillering – but by the time these symptoms appear, yield loss is locked in.
“Crop monitoring in the autumn is useful, but in practice it’s difficult,” says Ruth Stanley of Sumitomo Chemical. “Bird cherry-oat aphid is very hard to spot – often mistaken for specks of dirt at the plant base – and can even remain active below ground.”
Seed dressing
Until its withdrawal in 2018, the neonicotinoid seed dressing clothianidin (Deter) provided strong protection against early aphid attacks. Its loss, coupled with insecticide resistance and warmer autumns, has made control far more complex.
“Historically, crops drilled after mid-October rarely needed an insecticide because there were so few aphids present in early November. That’s not guaranteed anymore.
If it’s 15°C in the sunshine, aphids will be flying – even if it feels cooler in the shade.”
The bright green contrast of emerging seedlings against bare soil makes newly drilled fields attractive to insects. Weather too is important. If mild conditions persist through October and November, activity may continue well into winter.
Weed treatments can give around six weeks’ protection, but when sowing takes place early and the autumn stays warm, follow-up foliar sprays are often required. Once thresholds are reached, a well-timed pyrethroid remains the most effective option..
Active ingredients
Tools such as the AHDB’s BYDV Acronym Model help growers track aphid activity and determine when intervention is needed. Despite some resistance developing in certain populations, pyrethroids still form the backbone of control strategies.
Mrs Stanley highlights the importance of choosing the right active ingredient. Not all pyrethroids are equal, she says. Esfenvalerate, from Sumitomo Chemical, is long-lasting, so less product is needed for a strong protective effect.
It also persists longer in the field than most other pyrethroids. While many degrade in alkaline soils, esfenvalerate remains active for up to 65 days, with rainfast protection lasting around three weeks.
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Growers face a difficult balance between protecting crops and meeting environmental commitments.
At the moment though, IPM remains the cornerstone of responsible control – using cultural and biological methods first, then targeted insecticides when justified.
Regular field walking, forecasting tools, delayed drilling where feasible, and destruction of the green bridge all help to limit pest pressure. In high-risk situations, chemical protection may still be warranted to safeguard establishment and yield.
With the combination of mild conditions, earlier drilling and fewer chemical tools, this autumn really is a perfect storm for BYDV, says Mrs Stanley. Staying vigilant now will save a lot of heartache later, she adds.
Looking ahead
The long-term outlook depends on innovation – both in crop genetics and pest monitoring technology. BYDV-resistant varieties, combined with precision-ag tools that predict aphid movement and infection risk, will be increasingly important.
For now, growers are urged to walk fields frequently, record sightings and keep in touch with agronomists. The mild autumn may have been a boon for drilling, but it also means pests are thriving.
Maximise winter cereal potential with micronutrition this autumn
A decent feed before dormancy will help crops thrive next spring
Optimal drilling conditions this autumn don’t negate the need to ensure crops get everything they need when it comes to nutrition.
As winter approaches, ensuring cereal crops are well-established is essential for a successful spring – and micronutrition plays a critical role in achieving this, say agronomists.
With good soil conditions and timely drilling, crops are likely to be wellestablished this autumn, making foliar nutrition essential to supply the nutrients needed for them to reach their full potential.
Micronutrients such as zinc and manganese are particularly important this autumn, says Chris Bond, crop nutrition product manager at FMC. But secondary nutrients such as magnesium should be remembered too.
“These nutrients are essential for root development, frost tolerance, and overall crop resilience. Applying them at the right time ensures crops are prepared to thrive through the winter and into the spring.”
This is even more important this year amid a concerning trend of increasing nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc and magnesium, explains Mr Bond.
“We’re seeing year-on-year growth in deficiencies, with zinc levels rising from 64% in 2018 to 80% in 2025, and magnesium levels increasing from 68% to 81%,” he says.
This growing trend highlights the need to look after these nutrients, especially during the autumn.
“Magnesium, zinc, and manganese
are vital for plant processes that boost winter tolerance,” says Mr Bond.
“Most importantly, they all impact photosynthesis in some way, and having continuous photosynthesis throughout the winter months provides crops with the vital energy they need to transition smoothly into spring’s crucial growth stages.”
Magnesium
Magnesium is a vital nutrient for sustaining energy levels during winter. While often applied later in the spring, its role in numerous plant processes means it should be available throughout the growing cycle.
One important role of magnesium is as a central ion in the chlorophyll molecule, making it key for capturing light energy. But it is prone to leech-
ing – especially in a wet winter.
“Without sufficient magnesium, crops struggle to maximise their energy production, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall vitality,” he says.
“Magnesium helps release energy from ATP, which is the plant’s fuel.It also works with an enzyme to absorb carbon dioxide, which is the first step in making carbohydrates.”
“Winters have been extremely wet over the past few seasons, which means magnesium would have leached through the soil profile.
“As we can see from tissue testing, it has not been adequately replaced by soil application or sufficiently drawn back into the rooting zone via mass flow. Growers need to pay close attention to ensure crops have an adequate supply going into winter.”
Zinc
Important for root development and frost tolerance, zinc plays a critical role in photosynthesis, cell structure, and hormone production.
Focusing on root development will help cereals to tap into vital resources, ensuring steady growth during the colder and wetter months. Zinc is essential for resilience below the ground, bolstering growth and root development, says Mr Bond.
Tissue testing shows that zinc deficiency has been rising year-on-year, with 80% of crops tested in 2025 below the optimum, he adds. This highlights the importance of maintaining Continued on p17
• Improved nutrient use efficiency
• Creates the ideal conditions for soil microbes to thrive
• Calcium enhances soil structure and root development
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Arable
the right levels.
Mr Bond notes that zinc is commonly found to be deficient in crops in the spring because cold, wet winter conditions reduce availability.
“When temperatures drop and soils become waterlogged, microbial activity is lower, and zinc binds with other elements in the soil, forming insoluble compounds that are hard for crops to absorb,” says Mr Bond.
Foliar feed
Applying zinc in the autumn, particularly as a foliar feed, helps crops establish strong roots before winter dormancy, ensuring they can access water and nutrients efficiently and maintain steady growth into spring.
Chlorophyll production and therefore, photosynthesis, rely heavily on manganese, which plays a vital role in photosynthesis. It sits within a protein complex, helping to transfer energy from chlorophyll to power the production of carbohydrates.
Manganese
“These carbohydrates are then used for other important plant processes,” says Mr Bond. “Essentially, manga-
tosynthetic capacity.
“Deficiencies are more common in light or chalky soils with high calcium levels,” adds Mr Bond.
“This is because calcium competes with manganese for the same uptake sites in the plant and also increases soil pH, making manganese rather less solubleand therefore even harder for plants to access.
Mr Bond recommends that manganese is applied as part of a regular crop nutrition program, ideally from the early autumn.
How to apply
“This helps ensure the crop has the necessary levels of manganese to support photosynthesis and cell wall formation, particularly as crops build biomass before winter dormancy.”
To help address all these nutrients, Mr Bond recommends growers consider products like Cereal Plus, which contains magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc and is quickly taken up by cereals.
Key nutrients
“Products like Cereal Plus are designed to deliver the key nutrients crops need at this time of year. As a foliar option, it gets straight into the plant, bypassing any issues with nutrient lock-up in cold, wet soils.”
It can be applied from the three-leaf stage onwards and works well alongside other treatments, such as crop protection sprays or growth regulators. This encourages crops to build strong roots and a robust canopy before winter dormancy.
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Potatoes & Root Crops
Potato sector prepares for industry extravaganza
Free entry for two-day event
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend British Potato 2025, which takes place on 19-20 November at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate.
Organisers say the two-day “seed to shopping trolley” extravaganza will bring together growers, packers, processors, retailers and suppliers for a two-day trade exhibition and seminar programme.
Held every two years, BP2025 offers a chance to assess machinery, handling systems, agronomy innovations, supply-chain issues and business contacts all under one roof. Visitor entry is free and pre-registration is available.
What to expect
The exhibition floor will feature an extensive list of exhibitors representing every part of the industry – from growers and equipment manufacturers to pack-house specialists and logistics providers.
Rising input costs, variable weather and narrow margins remain persistent pressures for growers. As a result, the sector is turning increasingly to technology and variety development to boost resilience.
Attending the event will help inform investment decisions ahead of
next season. It will also provide the opportunity for visitors to discover cutting-edge technologies and network with key decision-makers
The event’s seminar programme is now available, offering 45-minute sessions followed by Q&A, with no booking needed.
Speaker topics include a special look at ways to manage the threat from a changing late blight landscape.
Changing future
Other talks include future changes to UK’s supply of seed potatoes and transformative reduced-input potatoes. These sessions are expected to highlight developments in crop protection, seed sourcing and reducedinput strategies.
The “seed to shopping trolley” event is for the entire supply chain
The seminar programme will offer insight into major issues affecting the sector. These include changing consumer trends, supply-chain resilience and technical developments – with a special look at global markets and consumer habits.
The opening day starts at 9.15am. The Harrogate venue is purpose-built for trade events and provides indoor and outdoor space for both machinery display and technical seminars.
Organisers says the event will offer a compact environment to review emerging technologies, engage with suppliers, and participate in technical discussion relevant to pressing issues in the industry.
For full details and to register, visit www.britishpotato.co.uk
Greater flexibility for seasonal workers
Growers are set to benefit from new rules giving more flexibility under the government’s Seasonal Worker Scheme (SAWS), following years of lobbying by the NFU.
From November 2025, seasonal workers will be able to spend up to six months in the UK in any 10-month period. This reduces the gap previously required between visas, enabling employees to return more quickly for successive growing seasons.
The move is expected to ease labour shortages by allowing experienced workers to move
smoothly between sectors and farms. It forms part of the NFU’s wider strategy to support long-term expansion of vegetable and horticultural production.
Earning opportunities
NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “This will also help workers, who are a vital part of our industry, to maximise their earning opportunities, as well as boosting confidence among farmers and growers.
“This is a significant achievement and
something we’ve long been campaigning for. It gives workers and employers the flexibility needed for the unpredictability that can often come with farming and growing.”
To strengthen the move further, Mr Emmett said it was essential for the government to confirm the SAWS 2026 visa allocation as soon as possible, giving growers the certainty they need that enough workers will be available for next year’s harvest.”
The NFU says it will continue to press for additional flexibility for seasonal poultry workers to help meet demand.
Potatoes & Root Crops
Rushlift to showcase Bobcat range at British Potato 2025
Material-handling specialist
Rushlift Ltd will exhibit the latest Bobcat equipment at the British Potato event, which takes place on 19-20 November at the York shire Event Centre, Harrogate.
The company, a nationwide multibrand supplier of forklifts and ware house machinery, will appear on Stand 115. Its display will include a range of Bobcat material-handling models designed for agricultural and industrial use.
On display
Among them are the BPM20N-7 and LPM15N-7 pallet trucks, the D35C9 3.5-tonne diesel forklift, and the B25NS 2.5-tonne and B50XC-7 5-tonne electric forklifts.
As one of the UK’s main events for potato growers, processors and sup ply-chain professionals, British Pota to 2025 provides a platform to show how Bobcat’s handling equipment and Rushlift’s nationwide support can meet the needs of busy farm and
pack-house operations.
“We’re thrilled to be promoting the Bobcat Material Handling range at such a key industry event,” said Craig Davenport, sales director at Rushlift, which provides handling solutions for businesses of all sizes.
“Bobcat equipment is built for performance and reliability, exactly what’s needed in the fast-moving, seasonal world of agriculture. Our team will be on hand to discuss how we can support with tailored solutions that keep their operations running smoothly.”
Visitors to Stand 115 will be able to view the new Bobcat forklifts and warehouse machinery – and learn more about Rushlift’s hire, sales and servicing packages. Technical staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Rushlift supplies equipment, service and rental support across the
UK from a network of local depots. The firm says its presence at British Potato 2025 underlines its continuing commitment to the agricultural sector.
Special offer from biostimulant distributor
MJP Supplies, the UK distrib utor of the German-devel oped seaweed biostimulant Algifol, will celebrate its 20th anni versary with a special offer at this month’s British Potato event.
Since taking on Algifol in 2005, the company has witnessed growing adoption among British potato grow ers, crediting the product’s efficacy for rising demand and consistent re peat business.
MJP Supplies will showcase the product for the second time in Exhi bition Hall A on stand 132A. The Brit ish Potato event takes place on 18-20 November at the Yorkshire Event Cen tre in Harrogate.
Discount vouchers
“British Potato 2023 was our first appearance at the show, and we were very pleased with the interest Algifol received, so we’re exhibiting again,” said Marcus Palmer, owner of MJP Supplies.
To mark the 20th anniversary, the company is running an Algifol com petition with 20 discount vouchers
Right: The B25NS electric forklift
Below: Bobcat’s pallet truck
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“We have been very pleased with the performance of the new UltraStor storage system. The savings are so great, I kept re-checking my numbers! The quality of potatoes coming out of the store in June was as good as the day they went in.”
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Potatoes & Root Crops
‘Stay safe’ reminder when carting root crops
• Big rise in trailer accidents
• ‘Abide by law or face a fine’
• Know weights and speeds
Tractor and trailer drivers are being reminded to stay safe when carting root crops during the darker months.
The Root to Success initiative is promoting all aspects of safe towing following a 16% rise in trailer incidents over the past 18 months. It is highlighting the need to comply with the law and safe working practices.
Operators and employers have an obligation to comply with DVSA roadworthiness rules and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 [PUWER], as well as British Standard 14200/2023.
“Managing risk is an essential part of modern farming,” said co-ordinator Jane Gurney, of the Tilly Pass campaign. Darker months remain a key time for accidents, especially when transporting root crops, she added.
Compliance
“When employing the services of a contractor on your farm or estate, they must provide evidence to you of their full compliance of qualified maintenance and record keeping. This could not be more relevant than during the root crop season.
“Making a risk assessment around this or indeed any hazard is an essential part of everyday agriculture. The person making and sharing these must have the appropriate qualifications,
knowledge and experience.”
The Root to Success campaign is supported by police, safety experts, trailer manufacturers and industry bodies. They include sugar beet processor British Sugar, which said safety from farm to factory remains a priority.
High standards
A British Sugar spokesperson said: “We work together with several stakeholders across the beet growing area to ensure that we are setting high standards within this area.
“Every year, we remind hauliers transporting beet loads into the factory of safe load guidance, and work hard to make sure all of our industry partners are aware of any changes.”
Trailers should be sheeted if fully loaded or have sufficient ullage so the load cannot fall from the trailer. Operators should have a good understanding of the weights and speeds of their vehicle combination.
Penalties
Trailer weights are set at 18.29 tonnes, a tractor not exceeding 12.71 tonnes; this makes a combination of 31 tonnes train weight. A tractor and trailer combination should not tow faster than 25mph/40kph.
A police spokesperson said: “Sugar beet can cause damage to vehicles or collisions from drivers swerving to avoid when falling off trailers and could result in a roadside penalty of points on a licence and fine.
“We prefer to educate and explain the reasons for following the regulations to prevent incidents occurring and keeping everyone safe.”
What is the Tilly Pass?
The Tilly Pass is a nationwide trailer inspection and maintenance scheme designed to be compliant with health and safety regulations.
An annual inspection is performed by fully qualified authorised technicians to bring trailers back to factory standard, improving both their performance and the safety innovation of the towing industry.
The risk of towing a combination that is not properly inspected and serviced should never be underestimated. On-site incidents can lead to fatal and life changing injuries – but accidents can often be avoided with the right attention to detail.
A Tilly Pass inspection and service is carried out by authorised technicians across our UK wide network. Technicians follow a strict procedure, recording every trailed braked item’s unique data.
For farm safety checks and inspection details, visit www.tillypass.co.uk
Loose loads
‘must be secured’
Updated guidance reinforces the need for operators to secure loose loads properly – or face legal action.
The requirement to sheet grain, silage and root crops has long been expected. But the DVSA update makes this clearer after a number of incidents where material fell from trailers and caused serious harm.
Loose loads can shift and bounce out, posing a risk to other road users,” says Jane Gurney, of the Tilly Pass safety campaign. “The rule is straightforward: if it’s loose, secure it.”
The only exception to this rule is when the load sits low enough in the trailer body for it to be fully contained without sheeting. Operators must risk assess every load they move to ensure compliance.
DVSA examiners can take action if they believe a load is unsafe, regardless of any assessment by the driver or operator. It says the message is simple: securing loads properly prevents accidents and protects everyone on the road.
Trailers must be properly maintained, says the Root to Success campaign (Photo: M G White / Shutterstock.com)
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An early break in potato dormancy is likely to follow this year’s hot summer, say root crop agronomists.
Much will depend on update of sprout suppressant maleic hydrazide during the dry weather. Good uptake will help to delay any break of dormancy – but poor uptake will exacerbate the challenge.
“I haven’t yet seen any data on maleic hydrazide uptake, but I don’t see why it should have been horrendous,” says Norfolk-based independent agronomist Simon Alexander.
“It was dry last year and we saw some quite good uptake. But with how hot it has been, in theory, we should see dormancy break earlier than normal, so careful monitoring of stores is going to be essential.”
A similar view is taken by independent potato agronomist Simon Faulkner, of SDF Agriculture. The accumulation of day degrees has been much higher than during a more normal year, he says.
Day degreees
“I suspect dormancy break will be sooner rather than later, which we are already seeing a little bit. That’s mostly tubers which have become green, so are ones closer to the surface and have accumulated more day degrees.”
Mr Faulkner stresses that testing is a valuable management tool, especially in this type of season. “If the tuber hasn’t taken up sufficient maleic hydrazide, it will be a candidate for earlier dormancy break, so there is some benefit of doing one or two samples.”
Both agronomists expect dormancy to break two to four weeks earlier usual. “It’s difficult to give a concrete answer,” says Mr Faulkner. “It will depend on varieties, on MH uptake, on
Fogging potatoes is especially important this season
Processing potatoes
“Clearly, processing potatoes are at higher risk because you’re storing them at higher temperatures, whereas you will have more time with cold stores. Pulling temperatures down to 3°C clearly slows the process.”
“It’s difficult to give a concrete answer
Not all products need to be applied pre-sprouting, says Geoff Hailstone
Early lifted potatoes going into storage could also be at higher risk, suggests Mr Alexander. “Most growers start worrying about stores once they finish lifting, but it’s crucial those ear-
where potatoes lifted into ambient stores. That’s because night-time temperatures remained high during the early part of the season which will have exacerbated the risk.
Mr Alexander is less concerned about crops that appear to be sprouting in the field – although both agronomists emphasise the need to monitor crops and remain vigilant for any signs of activity.
Watchful eye
“On some varieties, such as Agria, you can dig up plants and they’re hairy and have chits. I don’t believe that is conventional dormancy break, and I’ve never seen it have an impact on sprouting in store – so don’t panic if you do see it.”
Mr Faulkner adds: “Be vigilant –look around the stores, especially in areas where there could be slight variations in temperature where dormancy could break sooner and treat accordingly.
“You might end up needing one or two more applications than usual. When it comes to application, make sure stores are in a fit state in terms of dryness – no wet patches or condensation on the roof, for example.”
Attention to detail should standard practice in any year – but it is particularly important this year. Following best practice will increase the likeli-
Continued on p26
Potatoes & Root Crops
Continued from p25
hood of good application efficacy, despite the potential of an early break in dormancy.
In-store programme
UPL potato technical specialst Geoff Hailstone advises growers to consider starting their in-store programmes with a product that uses a physical mode of action. “This approach maximises the crop’s natural dormancy,” he says.
“Unlike products which need to be applied ahead of sprouting, a product like Argos (orange oil) can be delayed until sprouts begin to appear, pushing back in-store treatments until it’s clear that crop dormancy is broken.
There are multiple in-store sprout suppressants, with each having notable benefits, says Mr Hailstone. Growers and store managers should select the product most appropriate to their own situation, he adds.
“I’d encourage them to build a programme around these based on the merits of the available products to reduce storage costs and maximise potato quality. The market is tough at the moment, and every little gain helps improve profitability.”
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Livestock
Plan early to ease winter feed shortage
Wfarmers are being encouraged to pri oritise forage budgets.
fodder quality are encouraged to feed their best quality forage to the ani mals who need it most in the months ahead following the dry growing sea son across much of country.
fice confirmed summer 2025 was the warmest on record. The UK had a mean temperature of 16.1°C between 1 June and 31 August – some 1.51°C above the earlier record.
Budgeting tool
“Some farms have plenty of good qual ity forage, while many farms are going to be seriously short this year,” says Jimmy Goldie, chief technical officer at Carr’s Billington.
Mr Goldie recommends utilising a
forage budgeting tool to estimate daily feed-out rates to help work out forage stocks and requirements. Farmers should measure up silage clamps and count bales – and analyse forage to assess quality.
“It’s important to start planning now,” says Mr Goldie. “It’s a lot easier to make a small adjustment now to ensure you get through the winter, rather than reaching February and realising you’ve run out of feed.”
Once forage stocks have been counted and analysed, Mr Goldie says farmers need to compare this to the number of livestock on the farm – and adapt
Farmers who finish beef calves may choose to take advantage of higher store cattle prices and sell them early or feed them a bit harder and finish them quicker, so they’re not on the farm as long and don’t need as much
Feeding high barley diets to finish cattle quicker may also be an attractive option to reduce reliance on forage. The on-farm price of barley is reasonably low due to many crops not meeting malting specifications this year.
But Mr Goldie added a note of caution: “High barley diets put cattle at risk of acidosis so take care to balance the diet to ensure optimal rumen func-
tion and the best feed conversion possible.”
The recent milk price drop means dairy farmers should check again to ensure buying in concentrates to make up energy shortfalls is cost-effective – although farmers need diets must be balanced to match milk quality requirements.
Body condition
In all instances, though, Mr Goldie says farmers should ensure their best quality forage is given to the animals who need it the most – including incalf suckler cows, transition dairy cows and milking cows.
“Assess the body condition of spring-calving suckler cows now and ensure they have sufficient energy and protein through the winter to make sure they’re sustained for calving next spring,” he explains.
He says although there is no onesize-fits-all approach to winter feeding in 2025, the key to a successful season will be careful forward planning in collaboration with nutritionists and feed advisers.
“You almost need to start with a blank sheet of paper, work out what you want to achieve and what feed you’ve got available to do that. It’s important to ensure any bought-in feed is both nutritionally efficient and makes economic sense.”
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How tracking gulls could predict bird flu outbreaks
• Sea birds spreading avian influenza
• GPS tags and trackers follow seagulls
• Aim to forecast disease outbreaks
Poultry producers could soon benefit from tracking wild birds when assessing the risk of avian influenza to their flocks.
Livetec Systems is working to integrate data on wild bird movements into its Livestock Protect platform. It says this will help producers understand where cases of bird flu in wild birds are happening – and how this could impact their flocks.
“Despite the hot weather experienced over the summer months, the virus has persisted in wild birds, with gulls being a particular concern,” says Julian Sparrey, the company’s group technical director.
Infection levels
There were 856 cases of avian influenza in wild birds in 2025 to the week ending 12 October – with a large proportion of these cases reported in gulls, according to data from the An imal and Plant Health Agency.
“These birds are the sentinels for where the disease is in the country, and they are only the tip of the ice berg, showing a small proportion of how much of the wild bird population is infected with the virus,” says Mr Sparrey.
It has long been suggested that highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread long distances by the wind.
But Mr Sparrey believes the bird flu virus is more likely being spread by wild birds as they move with the wind.
Daily travel
“A study involving GPS tags on gulls originating from the coast of the Neth erlands highlights how far the birds travel daily – and potentially spread disease – while on the hunt for food,” he adds.
“It showed that once these gulls started ranging out to feed, they were coming across to the UK on an almost daily basis and ranging as far north as the Peak District for a couple of months, before heading back to the Dutch coast.”
Data from other studies shows some gulls are prepared to travel as far as 300km for feed, with a daily range of around 30km, says Mr Sparrey.
“These birds are a bridge species
Seagulls have been a particular concern this year
Gulls are the tip of the iceberg “
meaning they’re moving the disease around,” he adds.
Strong biosecurity
“They’re often found on poultry farms looking for water or feed, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong biosecurity measures and shed maintenance in particular.”
The hope is that integrating the findings from this study into Livetec’s Livestock Protect App could help better predict bird flu outbreaks.
Mr Sparrey says track daily movements of gull species could then be overlapped with cases of bird flu.
Stunning pigs with carbon dioxide be fore slaughter should be phased out within five years, says the govern ment’s animal welfare watchdog.
The recommendation by the Animal Wel fare Committee was published last month. Exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide in commercial systems causes pigs to suffer avoidable pain, respiratory distress and fear, it said.
“To prevent pigs experiencing avoidable pain, distress or suffering at slaughter asso ciated with high concentration carbon diox
Julian Sparrey: On top of bird flu
“For us, the future of livestock disease is all about prevention, protection, planning and prediction; we need to reduce reliance on stamping out as a control strategy. Being better able to predict when one might occur at locally will be of huge benefit.”
Watchdog wants ban on carbon dioxide stunning
that could deliver on animal welfare, it added. Any new approach must be commercially viable – to ensure uptake, meat quality and to prevent any unintended consequences. Throughput capacity must be sufficient to ensure pigs were not held on farm or in lairage longer than necessary.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “Unfortunately, there is still no conclusive ‘best’ alternative due to issues with throughput capacity, meat quality and cost. The UK pig industry must now work together to decide how we go forward.”
Sheep, science and shouting about Britain
As I write this, I’m about to swap my woolly jumper and autumn layers to attend – and present at – the International Sheep Veterinary Congress in Australia, writes Nerys Wright.
It’s a real honour to be part of such a global gathering of sheep minds, and I’m hugely grateful to the East of England Agricultural Society for supporting me on what promises to be the trip of a lifetime.
Body scoring
I’ll be presenting on my doctoral research, focusing on the importance and uptake of ewe body condition scoring – a topic I’m passionate about and one that’s gaining traction in improving flock health and productivity.
I’ll be sharing the stage with some well-known sheep researchers, which is both exciting and a little surreal. It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase the work being done in the UK and to learn from others tackling similar chal-
gue we’ve got plenty to shout about. Our parasite control is worldclass, resistance is emerging slower than in some regions, and full EID in sheep gives us traceability many people envy. Plus, we’re actively working to reduce subsidy dependence and improve flock resilience.
I’m also keen to learn
sunshine. I’ll be packing my notebook, my curiosity, and a healthy dose of pride in what we do well. Australia, I’m coming for you –with a suitcase full of questions and a head full of sheep.
The Sheep Geeks podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.
Body scoring ewes is gaining traction in improving flock health
Sheep farmer achieves high lamb growth
gic grazing system, paired with effective worm management.
“We’re working to constantly evolve our system to reduce reliance on inputs, get more from our grass and improve margins,” he explains.
“This year, our lambs have achieved average daily liveweight gains of around 310g/day at eight-weeks-old and 330g/day at 16-weeks-old which is the best we’ve ever had from grass alone.”
He adds: “Since finishing lambs off just grass we’ve had more lambs hitting target grades of 3L, 3U and 4L. In addition, by reducing our concentrate costs, we’ve seen our margins improve by £20 per lamb on last year.”
Grazing focus
Good grass management and ensuring lambs are provided with the right grazing platform to meet their growth potential is the foundation of Mr Roobottom’s system.
He implements a paddock grazing system and focuses on testing grass
Will Roobottom (above) and drenching sheep
quality to ensure his stock always have access to the best possible grazing.
“We move ewes and lambs onto a new paddock every three days on a 21day rotation to ensure they’re regularly going onto fresh pasture and allowing the grass time to regenerate,” explains Mr Roobottom.
He says these timings are altered in accordance with grass availability to ensure the flock do not go without sufficient food.
To track efficacy, he measures daily liveweight gains to monitor lamb growth every eight weeks, with additional checks when drafting lambs for slaughter or if a drop in condition is noticed.
“Due to our haylage business, we have a lot of grazing for our stock
Will’s top tips for worm control
Regularly weigh lambs to track growth rates
Carry out routine faecal egg counts (FECs) to spot worm challenges early
Avoid blanket dosing – treat based on evidence
Keep pastures clean through rotation and rest
Include a break dose once a season to clear out resistant worms
Quarantine and worm all bought-in or returning sheep before mixing with the flock
numbers, which allows us to be flexible and extend paddocks when needed,” he says.
While this summer’s drought did mean adapting his usual plan, Mr Roobottom says he remains committed to one key principle – keeping quality grass in front of his stock. “By providing lambs with quality forage, they achieve better finishing times.”
Monitoring for worms
Worm populations are monitored closely by Mr Roobottom so he can act before they significantly impact on performance.
“Even a small worm burden can pull lambs back,” he says. “We had a group of lambs drop their growth rates to around 100g/day during a worm spike – which shows how quickly it can affect performance.”
Routine faecal egg counts (FECs) are carried out at least monthly, with extra samples taken when growth rates indicate a burden.
Mr Roobottom values FEC so much that he has invested in his own FECPAK for analysing samples – giving him the freedom to check worm counts on farm whenever he feels it is required.
“It’s important to use daily liveweight gains in conjunction with FEC testing, as together they give the full
picture,” he says.
“This year brought a new worm challenge in our ewes – Haemonchus, which we’ve never had before.
“We identified it through testing after noticing a few poorer ewes, and it’s definitely something we’ll be mon itoring for now.
“Our worm count was 2,200 and 66% of these were Haemonchus eggs, so we gave the ewes a yellow wormer and the follow-up drench check showed a 93% drop in eggs.”
Strategic worming
Mr Roobottom follows a planned ap proach to worm control throughout the year. “We typically start off with a white wormer for Nematodirus when the forecast indicates that the hatch is happening,” he explains.
“This year, because of the dry weather, worm egg counts stayed mostly low with a clear wormer used later in the summer when egg counts increased.” Mr Roobottom says he al ways uses a break dose later in the sea son.
“We’ve used Zolvix™ for five or six years now,” he says. “It clears out any worms that other products might miss
and helps slow resistance building.” He says replacing one routine treatment with a group 4 wormer later in the season can help reduce the bur-
den of resistant worms and help lambs make better use of the grass they eat, while supporting weight gains and freeing up pasture for other stock.
“Keeping lambs clean means they can meet their full potential, as every mouthful of grass goes towards growth,” adds Mr Roobottom.
“Worms are the silent killer, but if you don’t manage them well, you can see what grass is really capable of delivering.”
Quarantine protocols
In addition to grazing management and strategic worm control, Mr Roobottom follows a strict quarantine protocol and any new sheep are treated as high-risk.
The protocol involves worming and isolating any bought-in stock, or animals returning from summer grazing, for at least 28 days before they join the main flock.
“We give any ewes coming onto farm a Group 4 wormer, so resistant worms are cleared before being turned out onto pasture,” he explains. “It’s about protecting what we’ve already got and stopping resistant worms entering the farm.”
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Monitoring sheep carefully is key, says Will Roobottom
Technology & Precision Farming
‘Carbon-friendly farmers better placed for future’
Ajoined-up approach is needed for more growers and livestock producers to embrace carbon-friendly farming, says a report.
A raft of different carbon assessment tools with different standards means the system is too confusing to help most farmers make the leap, suggests the latest analysis from the UK Agri-Tech Centre.
With multiple carbon tools available, inconsistent standards and rising pressure from buyers and banks to prove progress, the report calls for collaboration across the supply chain.
Benefits
Farmers stand to gain from this, the report says – not just through access to green finance and carbon markets, but by driving input efficiency and business resilience.
“A coordinated approach is needed across policy, practice, standardisation, financial support and innovation,” it says. “Transparency around methods, boundaries, functional units and allocation methods can support efforts to address this gap.”
Consistent standards will encourage more farmers to adopt carbon-friendly methods, says report
Processors, retailers and lenders are already demanding consistent emissions data, says the study. Farms that provide it will find themselves better placed to secure contracts, credit and future market access.
The survey of 29 agrifood organisations shows that over half now require some form of carbon assessment from suppliers. Yet cost, confusion and data reliability remain stubborn barriers.
Uncertain standards
Farmers and advisers reported a patchwork of carbon tools with competing methodologies –
leading to assessment fatigue and uncertainty about which standard they should follow.
To fix this, the Agri-Tech Centre is urging policymakers, tool developers and supply chain leaders to agree on shared frameworks – harmonising and standardising carbon assessment tools.
“The need to support farmers and growers to adapt production practices that reduce emissions is paramount,” says the report. Without it, carbon accounting risks becoming a tick-box exercise rather than a driver of on-farm change.
For producers, the opportunities are clear. Verified carbon baselines can open
the door to sustainability-linked loans, environmental land management payments and emerging carbon credit schemes.
Affordability
But to reach that stage, the report says farmers need affordable tools, training and trusted advisers who can translate data into action. It also calls for digital platforms that make data collection easier across mixed enterprises.
Government-backed grants could help cover assessment costs. The challenge now is coordination. A joined-up carbon assessment framework could make the process simpler, fairer and more rewarding for farmers.
Network links farmers and innovation
Anew Ambassador Programme is connecting farmers with emerging agri-tech solutions and boosting collaboration between innovators and the field.
Launched by Agri-TechE, the initiative partners with leading voices in farming to foster genuine discussions and co-develop the right kinds of innovative solutions that ben-
efit farm businesses and the environment.
“The ambassador programme is a fantastic opportunity for farmers and innovators to really share their stories, offer on-theground opinions and showcase what AgriTechE has to offer,” said Agri-TechE director Belinda Clarke.
The first ambassadors – agronomist and
social media creator Louise Penn, potato farmer and educator Luke Abblitt, and regenerative farming specialist Todd Jex – will play a key role in linking research and practical farming. They will trial and demonstrate new technologies, share insights from their own businesses, and provide feedback to help shape innovation that works on farm.
Technology & Precision Farming
Harvester set to transform broccoli sector
An automated broccoli harvest er aims to unlock new value from the crop by harvesting much of the stalk not just the floret.
Usually left as waste in the field, the stalks are separated after harvest and transformed into hypoallergenic, plant-based protein and fibre ingredi ents – generating extra revenue and helping to build a more sustainable food system.
“Broccoli is one of the UK’s most valuable crops – yet up to 70% of each plant goes to waste,” said Mark Ev ans, chief executive of Upcycled Plant Power (UPP), the company behind the harvester.
Lower cost
“Our automated harvesting technology changes that. By automatically capturing more of the plant in a single pass, we can reduce labour costs, increase productivity, and improve harvest quality.”
Mr Evans said: “Crucially, we help a high-value, low-margin crop become a high-value, high-margin crop for UK farmers, removing a key barri-
er to growing more of the crops they want to grow.”
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) – one of the UK’s leading applied research organisations – is working with UPP to develop the design for the manufacture and assembly of the pioneering harvester.
The project was unveiled by Defra minister Angela Eagle at this autumn’s World Agri-Tech Innova-
The broccoli harvester captures more of the crop in a single pass
tion Summit. MTC is delivering the AgriScale pilot in conjunction with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and the Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Andy Barnes, of MTC, said: “By teaming up with UPP, we can apply our robotics and scale-up expertise to strengthen UK food supply chains and boost food security through smarter, scalable solutions.”
Health system helps tackle labour shortage
Automated health management systems are helping dairy farmers struggling to find skilled staff make best use of their limited time.
Technology will never replace good stockmanship skills – but automated systems can provide a valuable extra set of eyes for farmers – enabling them to plan their workloads and prioritise tasks more efficiently.
Early warning
Potential solutions include SmaXtec’s ruminal bolus technology, which acts as an early warning system for animal health. It can flag up problems such as mastitis before they are obvious –saving farmers both time and money.
“The system allows you to administer a quick and easy treatment in a proactive manner, instead of time being spent looking after a sick cow –time that farmers don’t have,” says Robert Kirk, UK country sales manager for SmaXtec.
In addition, says Mr Kirk, the SmaXtec system can also monitor heat detection and issues calving alerts – freeing up time a farmer would previously have spent having to physically look for signs of bulling or calving.
“For a lot of farmers, this type of technology has very much become a day-to-day tool that they use to plan how they will spend the rest of their day,” adds Mr Kirk.
“On family farms in particular, the system enables them to look for any alerts – such as cows that need AId –and then plan who in the family is required in the milking yard, and who is free to do other work on the farm.”
Lastly, Mr Kirk says the use of technology on farms can not only help farmers better manage their limited time but also act as a recruitment tool for youngsters coming into the industry.
“We’re trying to bring a lot more youth into the industry and they really
The automated system monitors cow health
love technology; while we don’t want them to only farm because of this, it can bring them another interest to the business,” he adds.
SHIFT OVER
Midlands Machinery Show
New-format Midlands Machinery
Show gears up for 2025
• Exhibits and live demonstrations
• Latest technology for agriculture
• Range of products and machines
Apacked schedule of live machinery demonstrations will run alongside exhibitor halls at the new-look Midlands Machinery Show this month.
Representing a cross-section of exhibits, driving experiences and business-focused talks and demonstrations, the annual regional event takes place on 19 November at the Newark Showground.
Now in their eleventh year, show organisers have designed a one-day format, creating an environment for time-pressured visitors to make connections, see products first hand, and get the inside line on the issues currently affecting farming.
The Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) organises the event in order to support its charitable objectives to promote, celebrate and champion agriculture across the Midlands region.
Experts
Chief executive Simon Eccleston said: “It’s a chance to speak to experts and see the new product innovations that are coming to market while retaining that social and networking aspect to the show that we know is hugely valued.
He added: “We are anticipating the traditional two days’ footfall will be condensed into the one-day format, and we want visitors to attend to see the full breadth of what the show has to offer.”
Over the past decade the Midlands Machinery Show has attracted visitors from the Midlands and beyond, with many travelling 100 miles or more to attend. Mr Ecclestone says the new format creates an event which focuses on what farmers want.
Diverse exhibits
Exhibitors will showcase a diverse range of new products, services, ma-
Exhibitors and visitors will attend the show from across the UK
ery operators and farm contractors in agriculture.
Farmers will be able to meet major machinery dealers, parts suppliers and engineering specialists, while connecting with consultants and service providers across energy, construc-
Midlands Machinery Show
As well as the latest machinery and live demonstrations, visitors will be able to top up on much-needed BASIS and NRoSO points.
When: Wednesday 19th November 2025
Where: Newark Showground, Lincoln Road, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2NY
Opening Times: 8.30am - 4pm. Dogs allowed on short leads.
Parking is free. Disabled parking available for blue badge holders.
Entry is free of charge but advanced registration is required.
Full details: midlandsmachineryshow.com.
A major highlight of the 2025 event will be the NFU’s Environment Conference, which will share insights on the issues of the day, and update attendees on key areas of agricultural policy.
Driving experience
New for 2025 is a UTV driving experience. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a 4x4 driving course and a packed programme in the demonstration ring, while catching up with colleagues and friends during a quieter time of the farming year.
What makes the show special is the atmosphere, says Mr Ecclestone. Long-standing supporters of the show are once again confirming their attendance, with many exhibitors having been part of the event since 2014.
“It’s a valuable social event, giving people the chance to catch up with contacts and friends, while also delivering strong business benefits. We’re confident this new format will make the show more vibrant and productive for both visitors and exhibitors.”
Midlands Machinery Show
Two new tractors make Midlands Machinery Show debut
Cpreparing to bring two Agco tractors never seen before at the event.
Visitors to the Chandlers stand can get into the Valtra S Series – the most powerful tractor in the Valtra line-up – and the Fendt 832, part of the brandnew 800 Vario Gen 5 series. Both machines are making their debut at the show.
“It’s a great opportunity for our customers to see these fantastic machines at this year’s show,” says Chandlers sales director Rob Immink. “The Valtra S Series and the Fendt 832 deliver the efficiency, performance, comfort and economy that farmers demand.”
Latest machines
Vistors will be able to see both machines up close. The Valtra S Series is designed for advanced operators who need responsive torque, efficiency, and smart farming technology to boost autonomy and profitability.
ing nine counties representing brands that include Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra, alongside a wide range of complementary equipment.
Meanwhile, the new generation Fendt features a powerful new 8.0-litre engine, a redesigned cab with 360? lighting and safety options, a 60kmh maximum speed, and the factory-fit-
With farmers increasingly focused on quality, fuel efficiency and longevity in their machinery investments, the Chandlers says its line-up is designed to meet those demands head-on.
The Midlands Machinery Show is a regular fixture for the company,
New attachments exhibited to show visitors
Buckets and muck grabs will take centre stage on the Taylor Attachments stand at the Midlands Machinery Show.
“I think a lot of people thought for a long time that we only made adaptor plates and headstocks,” says marketing manager Tom Edwards. “But we have a whole range of attachments, which we’re hoping to promote.”
Wisest choice
Tight margins mean many farmers are carefully considering their purchases, acknowledges Mr Edwards. But choosing quality over the cheapest option is always the wisest choice long run, he adds.
“We don’t pretend to be the cheapest option available, but our attachments are long lasting and heavy duty. At shows we can get our products into clients’ hands so they can see for themselves the build quality and strength.
People are being more careful right now and taking longer to make decisions because things need to be right, says Mr Edwards.
“Money isn’t going as far – so people need to know that they’re buying something that’s quality and going to last. That’s where we come in.”
Mr Edwards says he is confident that visitors will appreciate the quality when they see Taylor Attachments in person. “They will also be able to pick up
“The Midlands Machinery Show has always been in such a great location for us – it covers seven or eight of our depots, it’s close to our head office, and the timing works perfectly for farmers,” says Mr Immink.
“What makes this year extra special is bringing these brand-new tractors to the show for the first time, as well as marking our 90th anniversary with our customers.”
The Taylor Attachments range includes buckets and muck grabs
the full set, rather than needing to go elsewhere for different attachments.”
Taylor Attachments are a longterm supporter of the Midlands Machinery Show – choosing to exhibit at the event year after year.
“It’s one of the better events for speaking to people who are genuinely interested,” says Mr Edwards.
•Quality agri seats for the OEM and aftermarket
•Leading suppliers include Grammer, KAB, United Seats
•Retrims, parts and spares
From top to bottom: The new Rancher seat, plus the CS85/H90 and W700 - all from United Seats, Grammer’s Maximo Professional and KAB’s SCIOX Super
Midlands Machinery Show
Grain processing plant boosts farm efficiency
ANorfolk farm has expanded its postharvest capacity and streamlined operations with a new on-farm grain drying and storage plant.
Farm managed Leopold Stolberg wanted to make operations simpler by having a drying and storage plant closer to where combinable crops were being harvested at Eaubrink Farm, near King’s Lynn.
The 4,400ha (11,000-acre) business grows winter wheat and barley and spring barley, sugar beet and beans. Previously grain was transported to a drying facility some distance away – and then brought back to farm to be stored.
A new on-farm plant would result in a significant reduction in transport costs and manpower hours, said Mr Stolberg. “In recent years, we simply didn’t have enough capacity and didn’t want to keep relying on outdated facilities.”
The new bespoke grain processing system comprises a Svegma 54t/hour continuous flow grain dryer, two 3,200 tonne Sukup aeration silos and Skandia elevator handling equipment.
The handling equipment includes a below-ground trench intake with a capacity of 100t/hour, two belt and bucket elevators, four chain and flight conveyors, two paddle sweepers and a dust and chaff remover.
The preferred supplier for the project was McArthur BDC, which is exhibiting at the Midlands Machinery Show. Other on-site contractors included civil contractor DG Scales and Neil Whicker Electrical Services.
Working together
“From day one, I had a feeling that working with its team, we would be in very professional hands,” said Mr Stolberg. “Collaboration played a key role in bringing the project together.”
The site layout was optimised to keep harvest traffic flowing. The trench intake is positioned next to the weighbridge and new plant office so that loads can be weighed, tipped and turned around quickly without disrupting other farm operations.
Grain fed to the dryer line travels via the Skandia belt and bucket elevator, through the dust and chaff remover. It is then transported to a Skandia chain and flight conveyor into the Svegma drier.
Distribution
Once dried, grain is emptied via another conveyor into a second elevator. This in turn feeds a conveyor which distributes grain to one of the two Sukup silos.
Grain enters the plant via the 100t/hour trench intake conveyor. The conveyor then either feeds the dryer line – or bypasses the dryer, allowing grain to be transferred straight into storage aeration silos.
The silos, dryer, handling kit and grain over the underground intake
Midlands Machinery Show
£500 bursary for agri engineering apprentices
Youngsters starting their careers in ag ricultural engineering will be receive a £500 apprenticeship award at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show.
The Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award is run by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS). It provides a £500 bursary, in two instalments, to held apprentices aged 17-25 with their career development.
To qualify, applicants must be working for an agricultural engineering business, studying at an academic institution, and employed by a company exhibiting at this year’s Midlands Machinery Show.
‘Massively helpful’
William Vines from Chandlers Farm Equipment in Spilsby, Lincolnshire, was presented with his award in 2024. He said: “I applied for the award because I felt like it was a really good way to bring in new apprentices to the industry.
“The £500 is massively helpful. It’s expen sive to buy tools nowadays, tools that you do need in order to do your job better and more efficiently. It’s definitely worthwhile get ting involved and applying for the award.”
NNAS chief executives chief executive Si mon Eccleston said: “We’re very proud of
“This award not only gives them recognition, but also provides practical financial support to help them invest in tools, training or resources that will set them up.”
Now in its eleventh year, the Midlands Machinery Show brings together a range of exhibitors and features everything from the latest tractors and machinery to agri-tech innovations, business services and live demonstrations.
Professional services
Highly variable farmland market ahead of Budget
• Land sales achieve softer prices
• Widening range of land valuation
• Cautious wait and see approach
Average farmland values are softening ahead of the autumn Budget – although exceptional prices are still being paid for some parcels of land.
Market conditions are proving highly variable, according to the latest analysis of Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database. Even within the same county, land values are ranging from £7,000 to £17,000/acre for comparable quality arable land.
Arable land prices averaged £10,400/acre in the first nine months of the year – 8% down on the average for all of 2024 (£11,300/acre). Pasture averaged £8,500/acre, about 7% down on 2024 levels (£9,100/acre).
“It’s proving to be a market of contrasts,” said Sam Holt, head of estates and farm agency at Strutt & Parker. “Some farms are attracting strong competition, while others are finding it hard to find a buyer because of a wide range of variables.”
Arable market
Average arable values have dropped because of an increase in the amount of land selling in the £8,000-10,000/acre
band and a contraction in the amount selling for more than £12,000/acre.
“Despite this softening, values do remain high by historic standards. If we look back at the five years to 2020, only about 30% of arable land sold each year achieved more than £10,000/ acre. In 2025, that figure still remains close to 60%.”
A perception remains that a large amount of land has been brought to the open market this year. But Mr Holt says the data tells a slightly different story.
Some 83,000 acres were publicly marketed in the first three quarters of the year – slightly ahead of the fiveyear average, but down just over 10% on the same period in 2024. That represented a fall from 255 to 225 in the number of farms marketed.
Looking ahead
“Despite surveys showing farmer confidence is low, we have not seen this result in an increase in supply of farms to the market and we anticipate the rest of the year will be quiet in terms of new launches.
“As is typical in times of uncertain-
Farmer buyers are taking a longer term view despite lower commodity prices.
It’s proving to be a market of contrasts “
ty, many landowners are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach.
“We know of several vendors who were preparing to sell this autumn but have delayed until early 2026, preferring to first find out what the Autumn Budget may bring.
“The government appears to have a range of revenue-generating ideas on the table but there is no clarity yet on which, if any, will be put forward and people do want more certainty.”
Based on farmland parcels over 100 acres, the data suggests demand has eased from its 2021/22 peak. A greater proportion of farms launched in 2024 remain unsold or have been withdrawn, with sales taking longer.
Most farm sales still achieve guide price
Despite an increasingly variable market, more than 50% of farms are selling at or above their guide price.
Buyer types remain broadly similar, although available data is relatively limited at this point. Farmer buyers continue to account for over half of all transactions, with institutional investors less active over recent months.
This is likely to reflect weaker commodity prices, says Sam Holt, of Strutt & Parker. “Although margins are under pres-
sure, many farming businesses are still prepared to take a long-term view and will pursue opportunities to expand.
“Despite the challenges facing farmers – which include the changes to inheritance tax rules, a squeeze on arable farm incomes and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive – they continue to be active in the market.”
Looking ahead, Mr Holt says his message is clear: plan early and seek guidance as soon as possible. “Success in today’s
farmland market depends on preparation, flexibility, and an awareness of the wider forces at play.
“With farms taking longer to sell, lotting has become an increasingly important tool to attract new buyers and generate competition. Setting realistic guide prices and addressing potential obstacles before launch are equally essential.” has
Working harder –not always smarter
We’d all like to work fewer hours – but it’s not always possible in farming, says Clodhopper
Would you like to work less for the same money? Most of us would, of course, which probably explains rising interest in the idea of a four-day week.
The concept seems to be particularly popular among local council employees, trades unions and Labour supporters. No surprise really – they are among the people likely to benefit most from reduced working hours.
We’re not talking about less pay for less work. And neither are we asking people to cram five days into four. But we are talking about working fewer hours each week over four days rather than five without a corresponding salary reduction.
Work-life balance
I very much doubt a four-day week would work in farming. Most of us already work far more than five days, let alone four. People might joke about arable farmers having winter off, but livestock production is a seven-day week job.
A livestock farmer friend once said he had been working a seven-day week all his life for little reward and nothing was likely to change – although high beef prices mean he is doing much better than his arable friends.
Having said that, health experts believe
a four-day week could have potential benefits for farmer well-being. It’s no secret that a better work-life balance is good for our mental health – a challenge that is keenly felt in farming.
Government-backed trials have also shown that a four-day week can improve productivity. I’m not sure about this but it is certainly true that we are less productive as we become more tired.
No improvement
Defra staff have signed a petition urging their bosses to trial a four-day week. Having dealt with Defra in the past – and suffering their show response to any form of enquiry – I cannot see how working on day less will improve things.
It frustrates me that civil servants can demand a four-day week when farmers are working our socks off to just pay a potential inheritance tax bill. It seems immoral as well as unfair.
But working fewer hours on the farm is not a new idea. About 30 years ago, we started fin-
UK growers have seen yields slump “
ishing the week at 1.30pm every Friday. We started earlier each morning, so there was no reduction in working hours over the week.
The idea was popular with staff – not least because they were paid overtime if they worked beyond 1.30pm on a Friday. The outcome was a higher wage bill but there is no doubt that our staff were happier.
Home and work
Farming though is different to office work. When Covid restrictions hit home, office staff were able to work from home. Many still do – at least for part of the week. For farmers, home is usually the workplace too, so there is no respite.
The lack separation between work and home in farming also extends to the daily routine. In farming, many jobs are time sensitive. Harvest and lambing are just two examples – both eating into what for others is leisure time.
The situation is even more extreme for farms run by one person. There are often not enough hours in a five-day week to do all the fieldwork, practical jobs and the farm management.
So unfortunately, a shorter four-day week isn’t coming to the farming world any time soon. Unless, that is, the weather takes a turn for the worst and sends everyone into the workshop or home earlier.
