At the Oxford Farming Conference on Thursday, Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds delivered the keynote speech with a package of measures which are set out below. You can read the full speech here. Next Steps with the Sustainable Farming Incentive The…
Our area annual meetings will be held in person, with the Farmer Network Company AGM taking place online, to make it accessible for members from all areas. The papers for all meetings can be found below. Northumberland – Wednesday 28th…
Just before Christmas, the government launched a new Animal Welfare Strategy setting out a programme of reforms for farm animals, pets and wildlife. The strategy includes proposals that will impact on farmers including potentially phasing out the use of colony…
The Farmer Network has 8 soil augers available for members to borrow and have one available to buy, priced at £90. Contact Ruth or the Farmer Network office. Our films showing you how to carry out soils tests are here.
The long-awaited farming profitability review lead by Minette Batters was published yesterday. Her 57 recommendations make interesting reading, but we must be realistic in assuming that not all of them are going to be adopted by government. Some of the…
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill passed its final stage in Parliament on 5th December and will now go for Royal Assent. Key points include: Unlimited fines – The old £1,000 cap has gone. Courts can now impose unlimited fines…
From January 2026, all users of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) products will need to hold an up-to-date training certificate. Buyers will need the following proof of competence to purchase and professionally use rodenticides in the UK: proof of certification to…
At the risk of being depressing (and the weather is depressing enough!), this is a reminder that there won’t be a BPS payment this December as the 2025 payment was made in August as a single instalment. However, you should…
Our upcoming Farm Support Sessions bring together advisers offering one-to-one guidance on getting your business prepared for whatever comes next and the latest scheme updates. Farmers can meet individually with Andy Dyer, local farm business adviser or their local CSFO.…
The Northumberland Farmer Network is piloting a new farm business support programme funded by The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF). The programme will bring together 20–25 farm businesses to discuss current challenges, share ideas, and explore ways to strengthen their businesses.…