Arable
Aphids are now a whole-farm problem, and spraying harder won’t solve it
Britain doesn't have one aphid problem. Why the right response in iceberg lettuce is different from wheat, beet or potatoes, what Australia, New Zealand, the US and…
From the fields and beyond
The journal.
Stories, practical guides and a working farmer’s view.
Crops
What supermarkets, processors and foodservice buyers require from fresh produce growers
What Tesco and other supermarkets, processing factories and foodservice wholesalers check before they buy from a grower: assurance, audits, specifications, Brix and labelling.
Crops
Which Route to Market for Your Crop? A Working Grower’s Guide to the Five Channels That Move UK Fresh Produce in 2026
A working grower's comparison of the five UK routes to market for fresh produce: wholesale markets, supermarket contracts, foodservice, direct sales and box schemes, with prices, payment…
News
East Anglia Abstraction Restrictions: Winter Reservoir Refill Is Now the Risk
The EA's 25 September drought update: abstraction restrictions up to 533, Section 57 in East Anglia until 31 October, and farm reservoirs at 0–20%.
Farming Grants
SFI26 Window 2 Applications: 72% Came From Farms Whose Agreements Are Ending
Defra's SFI26 Window 2 figures: 12,200 applications, 72% from farms with agreements ending by February 2027 and about 10% from newcomers. What it means.
Industry
Irrigation and Wash Water Testing for Salad Growers: A UK Guide
What UK salad growers must test, how to treat irrigation and wash water, and the Red Tractor, abstraction and private water supply rules that apply.
Livestock
Sheep Tupping Season UK 2026: Dates, Ram Ratios and Your Lambing Date
When tupping season starts in the UK, when to put the tup in for the lambing date you want, ram-to-ewe ratios, condition targets, raddle and teasers. With.
Grants
Delinked Payments 2026: When You Get Paid and Why the Maximum Is £600
Delinked payments 2026 are capped at £600 for every English farm. Here is how the 98% reduction works, when the RPA pays, and what 2027 leaves behind.
Grants
SFI 2026 Payment Rates: What Each Action Pays and When Window 2 Closed
Every SFI26 payment rate, the Window 2 opening date, the £100,000 annual cap and which actions actually pay enough to be worth the ground.
News
PM Pledges £65m Drought Package as July Driest on Record
The Prime Minister has announced a £65 million support package for English farmers hit by the worst July drought since records began, with cash for water.
Livestock
Sheepdog Breeds: The Border Collie, the New Zealand Huntaway and Which Dog Fits UK Farms
A dog, a flock, and a conversation you can barely hear.
Livestock
Soay Sheep of St Kilda: Britain’s Most Primitive Breed
Meet the small island sheep that kept her independence.
