Aleksandra Cupriak, Author at Farmers Guide https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/author/e59fb4f1d360bb35e31daee6525d808437d4d852/ The UK’s Leading FREE Monthly Farming Magazine Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:37:37 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/fa-icon-150x150.png Aleksandra Cupriak, Author at Farmers Guide https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/author/e59fb4f1d360bb35e31daee6525d808437d4d852/ 32 32 ‘No one plans to have accident’ – Farming leaders raise ATV safety awareness https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/business/farm-safety/no-one-plans-to-have-accident-farming-leaders-raise-atv-safety-awareness/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 02:05:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110804 Farming unions have joined forces with the Welsh Farm Safety Partnership to raise urgent awareness about the dangers of ATV (all-terrain vehicle) accidents on farms, during this year’s Farm Safety Week. 

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Farming unions raise urgent awareness about the dangers of ATV (all-terrain vehicle) accidents on farms, during this year’s Farm Safety Week. 
Stock photo.

The NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers’ Union have partnered with Welsh Farm Safety Partnership to raise awareness of ATV safety. 

ATVs are vital tools on many farms, but every year preventable accidents involving these vehicles cause serious injuries and fatalities. With almost 600 farm-related incidents reported in the last year alone, the farming unions are urging everyone in agriculture to prioritise safety and reduce the risks that come with their everyday use. 

To help farmers keep safe, the unions are urging farmers to remember these measures: 

  • A – Always wear a helmet 
  • T – Training  
  • V – Vehicle and maintenance checks 
  • S – Single rider only 

‘Risks are real every time you get on an ATV’ 

NFU deputy president David Exwood, NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader, NFU Scotland vice president Duncan Macalister and UFU deputy president John McLenaghan jointly said: “Every year we see lives shattered by preventable ATV accidents, and it’s time for that to change. That’s why we are coming together to send a clear message: safety must always come first. 

“No one plans to have an accident, and you never know when one might happen. Whether you’re checking livestock or moving around the farm, the risks are real every time you get on an ATV. It’s vital to take life-saving steps like wearing a helmet, completing proper training, being competent and confident in handling the vehicle and carrying out routine safety checks and maintenance.” 

The union representatives urged farmers that safety must be their first thought, not the last one. 

“We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our teams to make smart choices on farm. Let’s lead by example, speak up when something’s not right and make sure everyone gets home safe. Remember, you matter,” they concluded. 

READ MORE: Fatal injuries on farms remain stubbornly high

Read more farm safety news


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AHDB appoints Janet Swadling as interim chief executive https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/business/careers-news/ahdb-appoints-janet-swadling-as-interim-chief-executive/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:07:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110850 The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) announced that Janet Swadling OBE has been chosen as its interim chief executive.

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The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) announced that Janet Swadling OBE has been chosen as its interim chief executive.
Janet Swadling OBE, photo by AHDB.

The decision will be effective from 19th August, with the current CEO, Graham Wilkinson, departing on 22nd August.

AHDB said that the appointment will allow for a necessary break in employment for Mr Wilkinson as he moves to a pork sector levy payer.

Ms Swadling brings more than 35 years of senior leadership experience across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. As a former independent board member of AHDB, she has a strong track record in governance, strategic leadership, and organisational transformation.

Her previous roles include interim chief executive of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and inaugural CEO of The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH).

As interim CEO, Ms Swadling will provide continuity and focus for AHDB as the organisation moves forward with the recruitment of a permanent chief executive, the board said.

Promise of ‘smooth and stable transition’

Emily Norton, chairwoman of AHDB, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Janet Swadling as our interim chief executive. Her deep understanding of AHDB and her wealth of leadership experience make her ideally placed to guide the organisation through this period of transition.

“I want to thank Graham for his commitment and achievements during his time with us and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Janet Swadling added: “It’s a privilege to return to AHDB in this capacity. I look forward to working with our colleagues, levy payers and stakeholders to maintain momentum on key priorities and ensure a smooth and stable transition as the search for a permanent CEO continues.”

The recruitment process for AHDB’s permanent chief executive is already well underway, with a high-quality field of applicants currently being considered.

Read more farm business news.


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Animal Rising protestors sentenced following blockade at Müller site https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/rural/rural-crime/animal-rising-protestors-sentenced-following-blockade-at-muller-site/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:55:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110700 Six animal rights activists were sentenced for aggravated trespass after bringing milk supplies to a halt at a dairy site back in 2022.

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Six animal rights activists were recently sentenced for aggravated trespass after bringing milk supplies to a halt at a dairy site back in 2022.
Photo by Countryside Alliance.

The Animal Rising’s ‘Stop the Supply’ campaign in September 2022 saw the Müller’s Bridgwater site being blockaded by protestors, leading to temporary milk shortages in some retailers across the UK.

Each of the activists was handed a £666 compensation order, payable to Müller, a £114 victim surcharge, and 60 hours of unpaid community work, Countryside Alliance reported.

Though they were originally acquitted in January last year due to insufficient evidence, the six protesters were subsequently found guilty after the Crown Prosecution Service successfully appealed the decision this year.

Daniel Juniper, 30, a former nursery practitioner from Bristol and one of those convicted, claimed: “The climate emergency negatively impacts on our food system in the form of flooding, droughts and yield losses. It is vitally important that the industry recognises that it’s in their interest to move to sustainable alternatives.”

Animal Rising describes itself as a ‘social movement’ that calls for the transition to a plant-based food system and a ‘mass rewilding programme’.

‘Dairy is enjoyed by vast bulk of public’

Commenting on the sentencing, Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, said: “It is right that the offenders have been brought to justice. The public are fed up of being impacted by a handful of obsessive and warped activists.

“Dairy is enjoyed by the vast bulk of the public, and any attempt to disrupt the supply chain must be met with the full force of the law.”

The protesters targeted several dairy processors in 2022.

At Arla Foods’ Hatfield site, activists broke into the dairy distribution centre and caused £100,000 worth of damage, CA confirmed.

A Hertfordshire court then fined 13 of the activists a total of £56,785 for conspiracy to cause damage.

The Countryside Alliance said it will continue to call for robust enforcement of the law to clamp down on harmful and disruptive animal rights activism.

Read more rural news.


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Publication of IHT draft legislation: ‘Farming will be crushed’ https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/business/politics/publication-of-iht-draft-legislation-farming-will-be-crushed/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:02:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110772 Farming representatives have called on the UK government to look at the alternatives to the family farm tax, following the publication of the draft legislation for the Finance Bill.

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Farming representatives called on UK government to look at alternatives to family farm tax, following publication of draft legislation for Finance Bill.
Stock photo.

The government has just outlined plans to hold a technical consultation on the draft legislation, including on inheritance tax, to ensure it “works as intended” before the next Finance Bill, which will take place in autumn 2025.

NFU explained that this is a common process in the development of a Finance Bill, but given the “appalling consequences” of this legislation, the union said it will be holding the government to account on every element of this policy.

A spokesperson for the union said: “The NFU has repeatedly provided evidence that the current policy does not achieve the government’s intentions of closing a loophole, protecting family farms, or generating as much revenue as it should. Nor do we agree that it is ‘not expected to have a material impact on food security’.

“On the other hand, the NFU’s ‘clawback’ solution would allow the Treasury to raise the revenue it seeks without tearing apart farming families or jeopardising domestic food production.”

‘This is a moment that demands listening, compassion and action’

Since the Budget in November 2024, swathes of MPs from all parties, including members of the government’s own backbenches, alongside county councils, farming and business organisations, the food supply chain and over a quarter of a million members of the British public have joined the call to stop the family farm tax.

Even the Office for Budget Responsibility and the government’s own EFRA Committee have highlighted the impact these reforms will have on vulnerable elderly farmers.

Throughout the summer, NFU members have also made their voices heard. At county shows across the country, thousands of letters and postcards were collected from farmers and the public to be sent directly to MPs – each sharing personal stories of how this tax will devastate their family farms.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw
NFU president Tom Bradshaw.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “At the heart of this battle are the elderly farmers who have devoted their entire lives to growing food for the country and supporting their rural communities. They should not become collateral damage.

“To see them face such uncertainty, knowing the legacy they and their families have worked hard for and grown could be ripped away by this tax, is heartbreaking. I cannot begin to imagine the fear many must be feeling right now – their homes, their livelihoods and everything they’ve worked for is under threat.”

Mr Bradshaw said that he has spoken directly to the prime minister and treasury exchequer secretary James Murray about the “disastrous” impact of this tax.

“Yet, despite our persistent efforts, chancellor Rachel Reeves still refuses to meet us to discuss our alternative ‘clawback’ proposal. The Treasury claims our solution will raise less revenue but is refusing to release the modelling on how it came to this conclusion,” he continued.

Mr Bradshaw added that the issue with the family farm tax goes far beyond farming. “The food and farming sector supports millions of jobs, fuels our domestic food supply and contributes billions to the UK economy. When you undermine farm businesses, you undermine a vital part of our national infrastructure. If this legislation goes ahead, it will unquestionably have devastating and irreversible impacts on the country, and it is so poorly designed that it will inevitably have to be changed in the future.

“The prime minister must now take his own advice and listen to the overwhelming evidence that the current policy will not work as intended. To ignore the consequences this tax will bring would be a betrayal of the very people who feed our nation. We cannot stand by and watch the backbone of the countryside be broken when there is a credible alternative being offered.

“This is a moment that demands listening, compassion and action. The government needs to sit down with farming representatives to find a solution that protects the future of our domestic food production – before it is too late.”

READ MORE: ‘Madness’ of IHT reforms revealed, says farming community

READ MORE: Latest IHT report paints ‘catastrophic’ picture of family farming businesses

‘Tax burden on businesses, not wealth’

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan said that the ending of vital inheritance tax reliefs will “crush” farming and family businesses.

“But the Treasury remains deaf, blind and indifferent to the damage to the economy. The CLA has made clear and costed the consequences of this ideological folly: the loss of jobs and the reduction in GVA. Together the industry has offered a sensible alternative via the ‘clawback’ mechanism. The Treasury has given no reason for failing to consider an alternative.

“This is not an impact assessment; it reads like an amateur note from an arrogant government setting and marking its own homework and simply not understanding businesses and food security.

“To be clear, this is a tax burden on businesses, not wealth, delivered without consultation and with derisory engagement. Farmers and family businesses are the backbone of the economy and deserve to be heard by a government that seems hell-bent on pressing ahead, indifferent to the slow but inevitable train crash.”

READ MORE: East Anglia farmers meet with shadow minister: ‘We feel undervalued’

Review your situation

Mark Charter, head of estate management at Carter Jonas.
Mark Charter, head of estate management at Carter Jonas.

Mark Charter, head of estate management at Carter Jonas, added: “After months of protests and government lobbying, many farmers and landowners have been waiting to see if any concessions will be made in the implementation of inheritance tax reforms.

“Now the draft Bill has been published, we recommend that any farming families who haven’t already started reviewing the practical and legal implications of the legislation begin doing so quickly.”

Mr Charter explained that this should include business ownership, partnership agreements, and different structures that can be used for holding property in multi-generational families. Farmers and landowners should also discuss will planning, lifetime gifts, and life insurance.

“While this legislation will not come into force before April 2026, we cannot rule out the possibility of the government making further changes affecting tax planning in its October Budget,” he concluded.

READ MORE: NFU Cymru president urges PM to change IHT proposals ahead of L-Day

Read more political news.


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Clethodim presents resistance breaking opportunity  https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/oilseed-rape/clethodim-presents-resistance-breaking-opportunity/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:59:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110685 Latest resistance testing of samples collected in 2024 across Europe indicates that most grassweeds are largely susceptible to clethodim, a key herbicide for oilseed rape and sugar beet. However, resistance is present in some UK populations.  

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In Europe, most grassweeds are largely susceptible to clethodim, a key herbicide for oilseed rape and sugar beet. However, resistance is present in some UK populations.  

In Europe, 74 samples were collected from blackgrass, Italian ryegrass and loose silky bent survivors from predominantly cereal fields in Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Benelux countries, said Dr Alexander Zeller, European herbicide portfolio manager for UPL.  

Across those samples, Centurion Max provided an average of 98.7% control of the grassweeds grown by the specialist German company Agris42 from the seed samples collected, compared with just 66% control from mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron and 79% with pyroxsulam + pinoxaden.  

The expert said: “I think it proves that using clethodim in oilseed rape or sugar beet can be a resistance-breaking opportunity within a predominantly cereals rotation.” 

It does not mean, however, that resistance is not present in grassweed populations, stresses Tom Wheelhouse, UPL technical specialist in the UK.  

Dosage and right conditions are of key importance

Survey work conducted by expert Dr Stephen Moss when he worked at Rothamsted Research from 2011 to 2014 found two gene mutations that allowed grassweeds to potentially overcome the inhibition of the enzyme acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) by ‘fop’ and ‘dim’ herbicides, including clethodim. Inhibiting that enzyme disrupts lipid biosynthesis, leading to plant death.  

One of the mutations, I-1781-L, was found to be present in 85% of the blackgrass populations at the time, with the second mutation, A-2078-G, present in only 8%, adds Tom. In Italian ryegrass, the situation was reversed, with 57% of the population carrying the 2078 mutation, compared with 31% for the 1781 mutation.  

Tom Wheelhouse, UPL technical specialist in the UK
Tom Wheelhouse, UPL technical specialist in the UK.

Mr Wheelhouse said: “Clethodim is much more affected by the presence of 2078, and less so by 1781, whereas the other ACCase products, such as cycloxydim, are heavily affected by 1781.” 

No further widescale testing of grassweed populations in the UK has been conducted since that time to determine if the relative accumulation of mutations has shifted, although Mr Wheelhouse said that the expectation was that the data would still be representative of the current population in 2024.  

Sampling in the UK last season took a different approach to that in mainland Europe, with samples targeted from fields with a known problem with clethodim control. Not surprisingly, resistance tests using these seeds showed more issues with control, although not for all samples.

One blackgrass sample from the seven collected clearly showed the population was susceptible to clethodim, he added. “That points to the clethodim issue being either poor timing or application technique rather than resistance.” 

Two populations showed similar levels of control to a known population carrying the 1781 mutation. “Using the equivalent dose in the lab test as a field rate of 1 L/ha of clethodim gives around 80% control, which suggests that application or timing and not resistance are driving the issue in the field,” Mr Wheelhouse noted. 

The other four populations were likely to carry the 2078 mutation and be the cause of the poor performance in the field, he suggests. The difference highlights the importance of testing populations, particularly after poor performance in the field.   

Practically, the results emphasise the need to adhere to good stewardship and practices when using clethodim. “In particular, making applications in the right conditions, paying attention to application technique, such as operating at the correct boom height and not going too fast, always include a water conditioner and use a minimum water volume of 150 L/ha. 

“Don’t fit application rate to the field size to avoid having product left over – use the correct dose, and make sure the target weed is at the correct growth stage and is actively growing,” Mr Wheelhouse said. 

‘Don’t push the boundaries.’

In oilseed rape, clethodim should not be applied after 15th October or to crops with more than six true leaves (TL). “If you push the boundaries, that’s when there is potential to cause injury to the crop, in particular if the plant has progressed into the reproductive phases of growth and is beginning to shut down for winter; it doesn’t metabolise the chemical quickly enough, and that’s why you eventually see fused flowers or abortion.” 

That can cause a challenge with timing with the current practice of drilling the crop either very early in August or before or into September. Early drilling could reach that 6 TL stage quickly and potentially before the weed reaches the ideal growth stage of two leaves to one tiller, or when conditions are such that the weed isn’t actively growing, the expert explained.  

Later-drilled crops might not have grassweeds at the target growth stage before the 15 October cut-off, especially where growers have taken advantage of the extra time to create a stale seedbed and spray off emerged grassweeds with glyphosate before drilling.  

Mr Wheelhouse continued: “Understandably, most growers are not balancing decisions about drilling oilseed rape relative to when grassweeds will emerge. But it is something to consider.” 

Centurion Max should only be used as part of a programme, which starts with cultural control, with follow-up applications of propyzamide at least 10-14 days after clethodim applications, he concluded.

Read more arable news


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Tractor and two cars destroyed in farm fire https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/business/farm-safety/tractor-and-two-cars-destroyed-in-farm-fire/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:31 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110669 Six fire crews responded to a blaze in Llangeler, Wales, involving a tractor, two vehicles, bales and a building.

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Six fire crews responded to a blaze in Llangeler, Wales, involving a tractor, two vehicles, bales and a building.
Fire in Llangeler, photos by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters from Llandysul, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn and Llanelli Fire Stations were called to a farm fire just after 2pm on Friday, July 18th.

The incident on a farm in Llangeler, near Llandysul, involved one tractor, however, the fire had also spread to bales, two vehicles and a nearby property.

The blaze at the property, which was caused by the spread, was confined to the kitchen and attic space.

The force confirmed that the crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and to prevent it from spreading further.

Eight breathing apparatus sets, three hose reel jets, one main covering jet and a water shuttling system were used to extinguish the blaze.

After extinguishing the fire, firefighters stayed at the site to monitor for any remaining hot spots. Crews left the scene just before 6pm.

READ MORE: Nottinghamshire: 12,000 straw bales destroyed in fire

Fire in Llangeler, photo by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

How to prevent fires on your farm

  • Regular maintenance – Ensure that your equipment is clean and maintained before every harvest activity. Regular equipment blowdowns and lubrication schedules can help avoid fires within your equipment.
  • Help firemen find you  Provide the fire and rescue service’s control centre with what3words from the entrance of your farm and wait for the first appliance. They will then ask you to guide them to the scene of the incident.
  • Know where your water supplies are – Ensure that any available water supplies on your farm are accessible to fire and rescue crews. If you know where your nearest fire hydrant is, ensure that this is clear and accessible.
  • Have contingency arrangements in place – Consider using cultivators to put in fire breaks where safe to do so. If you have water bowsers available to extinguish spot fires ensure that they are near and full of water.
  • Store safe – Where possible avoid storing bales near main roads to deter would-be trespassers and arsonists. Store pesticides and fertilisers securely and remember it’s critical to let us know if these products are involved in a fire due to the specific risks they pose.
  • Check conditions and consult the Fire Severity Index before planning harvesting activities – This will help you identify the best time of day to start your harvesting to avoid the most extreme weather zones. Also, check wind direction and where possible harvest in the direction of the already cut crop and not the unharvested crop.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Firefighters tackle large blaze involving several farm buildings

READ MORE: Essex: Farm buildings and vehicles destroyed in fire

Read more farm safety news.


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LAMMA and CropTec will co-locate for 2026 exhibition https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable/lamma-and-croptec-will-co-locate-for-2026-exhibition/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:10:50 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110649 LAMMA and CropTec are set to co-locate for the 2026 exhibition, with a promise to deliver an unmatched experience for arable farmers and industry professionals.

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LAMMA and CropTec are set to co-locate for the 2026 exhibition, with a promise to deliver an unmatched experience for arable farmers.
Photo from LAMMA 2025.

The organisers said: “By bringing together the UK’s largest showcase of agricultural machinery and technology with the leading arable sector event, this co-location creates an unparalleled one-stop shop where exhibitors gain access to a powerful, combined arable audience.”

Over recent years, LAMMA and CropTec have each grown as stand-alone events with distinct strengths and audiences.

LAMMA has long been recognised as one of the UK’s premier destinations for agricultural machinery, innovation, and business networking, attracting over 600 exhibitors and attendees representing more than 6.6 million hectares of UK farmland.

CropTec, meanwhile, has become a specialised hub for the arable sector, spotlighting critical industry issues from crop varieties and disease management to pioneering technology and regulatory updates.

Arable and machinery technology in one place

The co-location at LAMMA 2026 is set to combine these strengths, providing exhibitors a unique opportunity to engage with an expanded audience and offering visitors a streamlined experience where they can explore everything the arable sector has to offer, all in one place.

Event portfolio director Sarah Whittaker-Smith said: “This collaboration is about providing real value to our exhibitors and attendees by reducing the time pressures on our busy farmers.

“Farmers who may have previously only attended one event now have a compelling reason to attend both, giving them access to innovations, insights, and industry expertise across both machinery and arable technology.”

Key benefits of the LAMMA and CropTec co-location

  • Access to a robust combined audience: Over 29% of LAMMA’s 34,580 attendees in 2024 were arable and grassland farmers, many of whom had not attended CropTec 2023. With 9,765 farmers in this category alone, exhibitors can look forward to engaging a fresh, substantial audience.
  • Increased convenience and efficiency for visitors: Recognising that farmers are often time-poor, the co-location offers a consolidated, efficient experience where they can connect with both machinery experts and arable specialists in a single venue. This streamlines their ability to access critical insights and products essential for their farm’s success and sustainability.
  • Future-focused innovation at every turn: By uniting LAMMA’s machinery focus with CropTec’s emphasis on arable technology and future-proofing, the combined event ensures that attendees are equipped with actionable strategies and state-of-the-art solutions to help them navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture.

The organisers said that LAMMA and CropTec will continue their individual missions, but this co-location represents a strategic move to help farmers access the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.

For the first time, attendees will find cutting-edge machinery alongside the latest advancements in AI, robotics, gene-editing, and controlled environment agriculture, all under one roof.

Visitors will also benefit from CropTec’s three keynote theatres, focusing on innovation, knowledge, and profit, providing practical guidance on driving profitability and sustainability on the farm.

READ MORE: GALLERY: LAMMA 2025 in photos

Read more arable news.


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Fixing rural connectivity is key to unlocking full potential of British farming https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/business/farm-tech/fixing-rural-connectivity-is-key-to-unlocking-full-potential-of-british-farming/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:37:00 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110637 The latest NFU Digital Access Survey reveals that broadband and mobile coverage in rural areas continues to lag behind the needs of British farming businesses — with more than one in five respondents reporting they cannot access even a ‘decent’ internet speed.

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NFU Digital Access Survey reveals that broadband and mobile coverage in rural areas continues to lag behind needs of British farming businesses.
Stock photo.

The survey found out that 21% of respondents have broadband speeds under 10Mbps – compared to the national average of less than 1%.

Only 22% report a reliable mobile signal across their entire farm, and nearly one out of ten respondents have no 4G or 5G access.

Just 33% of respondents have access to fibre broadband, which is significantly below the UK average of 57%.

Nearly all respondents said mobile signal (98%) and broadband (91%) are important for their business.

Major change is coming

These figures come amid government delays to key rural connectivity targets. The deadline for gigabit-capable broadband and nationwide 5G coverage has been pushed back from 2030 to 2032, and while the Shared Rural Network remains on track for completion by the end of 2025, full rollout and operator compliance are not expected until 2027.

The NFU now warns that these substantial waits risk leaving farming families and rural communities cut off from vital services, especially as the government moves ahead with plans to switch all landlines to digital by 2027 – a major change that relies on strong broadband and mobile infrastructure.

There are some signs of progress: ultrafast broadband access is rising, now reaching 12% of respondents, and more farmers are embracing agri-tech tools such as cloud-based services and GPS, the union said.

The NFU is calling on the government to:

  • Prioritise completing the Shared Rural Network to ensure all rural communities get a reliable mobile signal while the fibre rollout continues.
  • Support all broadband technologies – not just fibre – to bring cost-effective alternatives like fixed wireless or mobile broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas.
  • Provide rural-specific digital skills training within national programmes.

Essential, not optional

NFU vice president Rachel Hallos
NFU vice president Rachel Hallos.

NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said: “We have been consistently told by government that food security is national security, but to deliver on that, farmers need the right tools.

“Reliable broadband and mobile coverage are not optional – they are essential for running efficient, productive farming businesses and ensuring safety in some of the most isolated parts of the country. If a farmer can’t call for help in an emergency, the consequences can be serious.”

Ms Hallos added that poor connectivity is holding back the full potential of British farming.

“We welcome the government’s investment announced in the spending review, but these delays risk leaving rural farms disconnected for longer.

“This isn’t about asking for special treatment. It’s about fairness. Rural businesses, families and communities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else – and that starts with being properly connected,” she concluded.

Read more rural news.


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Krone UK confirms closure of Krone Forage Solutions https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/machinery/krone-uk-confirms-closure-of-krone-forage-solutions/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:16:57 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110657 Krone UK has announced the closure of its company-owned retail facility, Krone Forage Solutions, as part of the strategic commitment to invest in and strengthen its independent dealer network across the UK.

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Krone UK has announced the closure of its company-owned retail facility, Krone Forage Solutions.
Photo by KFS – KRONE Forage Solutions.

The manufacturer said that this move marks a significant milestone in Krone UK’s journey, reinforcing the company’s confidence in its trusted independent dealers to deliver exceptional service, support, and sales expertise to customers nationwide.

Krone UK has announced the closure of its company-owned retail facility, Krone Forage Solutions.
Dr Marcus Oliver, managing director at Krone UK.

Dr Marcus Oliver, managing director at Krone UK, said: “Krone Forage Solutions was established to demonstrate our confidence in the Krone brand and ensure a local presence during a key stage in our UK development in the absence of an independent dealer option.

“It has served its purpose extremely well. Today, our national network of dedicated and highly capable dealers is stronger than ever.

“With this in mind, we are now shifting our focus entirely to supporting our independent dealer partners – enabling them to thrive, grow and deliver outstanding value to our shared customers.”

Mr Oliver confirmed that other than the planned closure of KFS, there are no other intended changes to Krone’s distribution model.

‘Seamless transition’

Krone UK said it is actively working with all affected staff and customers to ensure a seamless transition over the coming months to assure continued access to the Krone machinery range, parts, and service support through its dealer network.

Business will continue as normal across all departments until Krone Forage Solutions ceases trading on 30th November 2025.

The company confirmed that there will be no change to any existing formal agreements/commitments already made to customers or suppliers.

A spokesperson for Krone UK added: “The company remains fully committed to the UK market, with plans for further investment in dealer development, customer service, and aftersales support.

“This decision reflects Krone UK’s long-term vision: to empower its independent dealer network, enhance customer experience, and maintain Krone’s position as the leading specialist in grassland and forage machinery.”

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RHASS fundraises £137k for agricultural charities https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/rural/charity/rhass-fundraises-137k-for-agricultural-charities/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:02:16 +0000 https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/?p=110531 The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland has concluded this year's Presidential Initiative, raising £137,000 for agricultural charities.

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Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland has concluded this year's Presidential Initiative, raising £137,000 for agricultural charities.
Photo by RHASS.

The vital funds were raised earlier this year at the PI’s charity dinner held at the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood and have now been divided between RHASS partner charities: the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ (SAYFC) Big Build, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), RSABI and Farmstrong Scotland.

The PI team’s unique charity dinner auction prizes played a key role in helping to raise the funds, which included a selection of luxury experiences, exclusive sports memorabilia, whisky collections and agricultural prizes.

George Lyon, RHASS president, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the individual members and local companies who were so generous in their sponsorship and support for our Strathclyde RHASS charity dinner.

“The £137,000 we raised for our agriculture charities far exceeded our expectations, and we are delighted to be able to generously support our four agriculture charities.

“The Presidential team decided to give £39,000 each to RSABI, RHET and SAYFC Big Build. We also gave Farmstrong £20,000 on the understanding it would trigger match funding from Movember, which would increase the value of the award to £40,000.

“The Strathclyde Presidency comes to an end on the 16th of July, and the baton is handed over to Aberdeen. I would just like to thank all of our team who worked so hard over the last year to make our Presidency a success.”

Vital funds raised

As well as helping give sector charities a significant funding boost, the Strathclyde Presidential Initiative 2025 also saw the team deliver a series of events focused on agriculture’s journey to net zero, including a parliamentary reception and working with farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses to showcase and promote the latest innovations that are helping the industry to reduce its carbon footprint.

James Logan, chairman of RHASS, said: “Our 2025 Presidential Initiative team have done a wonderful job of helping to shine a light on the sector’s drive towards net zero through some brilliant events.

“More than that, they have also helped raise vital funds for organisations that provide indispensable services for those across the sector and help to champion farming and rural life. We thank George, especially, for the energy and drive he has brought to the role and the entire Presidential Team who have helped to make what’s been achieved this year possible.”

Katrina Barclay, executive officer of RHET, said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been selected to receive this generous donation from the RHASS PI team, who have raised an incredible amount. Supporting the work of our charity in this way helps to keep our free food and farming learning available to schoolchildren all over Scotland. We need to raise about £500k each year, so this donation is very welcome.”

Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, added: “The Strathclyde Presidential team really went above and beyond over the past year, and we are hugely grateful to them for the exceptional amount raised. As a charity we very much depend on the support of people in Scottish agriculture to allow us to do the work we do to provide financial, practical and emotional support to people going through tough times, and this donation means a great deal.”

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