HomeFarmingFarming News

Milk profits ‘creamed off’

A MODEL of the British milk supply chain, produced by Oxford University economists, confirms the common belief that supermarkets currently hold the bargaining power. Read

NFU worried vital work may be left short of cash

NATIONAL Farmers’ Union members last night welcomed a modest overall increase in the Defra budget, but said they were concerned some areas could be left short of cash. Read

Lamb packs are well received

A NEW promotional pack to help farmers increase lamb sales has been well received by abattoirs and processors as well as farmers. Read

Threat to toad in the hole as pig industry struggles

PIG FARMING experts have warned that the industry is close to meltdown due to increased feed prices. Read

Warning on listed property

OWNERS of listed properties in rural areas are being warned to make sure they have specialist insurance for their homes following a survey which showed many people did not know they would need extra cover. Read

Hit spec – or else

WHEN sending cattle to slaughter, hit spec or it will hit you in the pocket, the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex) has warned farmers. Read

Irish maize experiments expand area for growing

NEW maize growing techniques being pioneered in Northern Ireland could have major benefits for farmers in marginal areas in the North East. Read

Nitrogen fertiliser boost for grass to aid beef

TARGETED use of nitrogen fertiliser will boost early spring grass growth, giving yearling cattle a good chance of finishing off pasture this season, according to independent grassland consultant Bryan Evans. Read

A better way to target specific end markets

A MEETING to show how to select lambs for specific end markets in being staged in the North East later this month. Read

Farmers heckle minister to urge badger slaughter

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn was heckled by farmers yesterday after he pledged to take a decision on preventing TB in cattle, but said the science did not back a badger cull. Read

How agent tries to raise rent

THE Tenant Farmers Association will next week start its nationwide roadshow of meetings for farm tenants, focusing on rent reviews. Read

Supplies of beef and lamb forecast to be tight all year

TWO new reports from the Meat and Livestock Commission both point in the same direction – tight supplies of beef and lamb all year. Read

Study will attempt to solve nitrogen mystery

A NEW project aiming to establish best practice for estimating the amount of nitrogen available to the crop from the soil has been launched by the Home Grown Cereals Authority. Read

NFU fears animal feed prices are set to rocket

THE NATIONAL Farmers Union in England has said it is very concerned about the possibility of huge increases in animal feed over the next 12 months which, it is feared, could be as much as 600%. Read

Fair trade watchdog welcomed

PROPOSALS to appoint a ‘super- market ombudsman’ will provide a long overdue guarantee of fair trade in the food supply chain, rural economy experts have said. Read

Shorthorns are supermums in their field

THE Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society has registered its highest number of calves for four decades – almost matching the number in 1960 before the introduction of continental breeds to the UK. Read

Sheep show a dramatic improvement on chicory

IN a quest to squeeze more from sustainably farmed lowland pastures, Newton Rigg college farm manager David Woodcock has reseeded swards used for fattening March-born lambs with the best quality grass and clover mixture available. Read

Bluetongue vaccine call by Scottish farmers

BEEF farmers in Scotland fear their government is gambling with their future by not ordering blanket bluetongue vaccinations this summer. Read

GM crops use rises by 12%

THE global use of GM crops increased by 12% last year to reach 114 million hectares across 23 countries, a new report shows. Read

Supply chain 'Europe issue'

ESTABLISHING a fair supply chain should be a Europe-wide concern and not just an issue for the UK, NFU senior food chain adviser Robin Tapper told EU policymakers. Read