Latest Press Releases

The competition recognises agriculture’s outstanding individuals from across the UK.   Three finalists have been announced for the prestigious AgriScot Business Skills Award 2025. Rachel Baillie from South Lanarkshire, David Massie from Aberdeenshire and Erin...

From Kent to South West Wales drilling of winter crops is near completion but agronomists are keeping a close eye as grass weeds continue to germinate.  In this BASF blog two agronomists – Chris Taylor from Down To Earth Agronomy and Simon Roberts from CCC Agronomy –...

Louise Penn is an independent agronomist and farm consultant working at Ceres Rural, covering Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and parts of Cambridgeshire. Louise grew up on her family’s tenanted 550ac mixed farm in Northamptonshire but always knew she wanted to be an...

The farmland market in England and Wales remains in limbo as the sector braces for the government’s upcoming Budget and the looming introduction of Inheritance Tax (IHT) reforms. According to the Knight Frank Farmland Index, the average price of bare agricultural land...

Eurostar Commodities has been named a finalist for Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the prestigious Baking Industry Awards for its RISE RE:GEN regenerative flour range, developed in partnership with The Green Farm Collective (TGFC). The company is one of five...

British growers produce over 70,000 tonnes of tomatoes each year, but it would not be possible without seed breeders like BASF | Nunhems who ensure that within each seed is the science to ensure it’ll thrive. Recently, growers, suppliers, retailers and experts came...

A charitable giving page that opens like this, lays bare the agony of losing a child.   “On Sunday 26th January 2025, our 2-year-old, Eleanor and her big sister Fiona, went to bed like any other night. We played, read stories, tucked them in and sang a lullaby....

BASF Agronomy blog featuring award-winning Niab agronomist, Patrick Stephenson Current situation: “We were doing quite well at delaying drilling this autumn but the dam has now burst and diesel is being burnt. Weather and soil conditions are just too good to hold back...

Wallace Currie’s inspiring journey is a powerful reminder that looking after your wellbeing is important for your physical health but can also help you to transform your mindset. His positive and driven outlook on life has carried him through remarkable personal...

The Galbraith Stirling Bull Sales this October boasts a strong line up with 339 pedigree bulls entered alongside over 250 females many with calves at foot, including three herd dispersals.   Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers, United Auctions, will be holding a...

A livestock nutrition expert is urging farmers to make critical decisions now on winter feeding strategies, with a hot, dry summer resulting in reduced silage stocks across Scotland. "This year has once again reminded us of the unpredictability of weather 'patterns' –...

Now in its 25th year, the AgriScot Silage Competition has opened for entries to showcase the very best of this year’s silage production from across the country. The longest running silage competition in the UK, with entries from over 3,000 farmers since it began, it...

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has announced the speaker line-up for its 2026 conference, taking place from 7 to 9 January, with the theme ‘Growing Resilience’. Opening and closing the programme will be global food systems expert Jack Bobo and conservation...

Wellbeing charity Farmstrong Scotland has announced a new campaign to help the agricultural community better understand the menopause and its impact on farming homes and workplaces, for both women and men. Launching in October, to coincide with Menopause Awareness...

The overlooked strength of a staple British Food Fortnight invites us to reflect on the food we grow in this country and the farmers who bring it to our tables. It is also an opportunity to look beyond the familiar and rediscover the true value of staples that too...

Julian Thirsk is an Arable Consultant for Niab. He is responsible for 7,800ha across Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland, as well as his own 325ha farm located in North Yorkshire. In this latest blog Julian reflects on last year's grassweed control, the current...

Farmers, chefs and nutritionists are coming together this Autumn to celebrate one of the UK’s most heroic vegetables. Friday 3rd October is the second British Carrot Day, created by a group of passionate UK farmers who want the nation to rediscover the versatility,...

Farmers, chefs and nutritionists are coming together this Autumn to celebrate one of the UK’s most heroic vegetables. Friday 3rd October is the second British Carrot Day, created by a group of passionate UK farmers who want the nation to rediscover the versatility,...

Wellbeing charity Farmstrong Scotland has launched its annual survey for 2025 following last year's findings that revealed over one third of farmers and crofters across Scotland reported low wellbeing levels. The 2024 survey, conducted in partnership with research...

BASF’s presence at one of the industry’s leading events, Potatoes in Practice last month, underpinned its commitment to this critical crop and gave the opportunity to exchange thoughts on the current season, showcase innovative fungicides, and share insights on their...

Renowned as The UK’s No 1 Farm Business Event, AgriScot is set to return on Wednesday 19 November 2025, promising even more excitement and opportunity for the UK’s leading dairy competition, taking place in the main ring. The event will once again feature the nation’s...

Nick's Top Tips for Grassweed Control: Establish a stale seedbed Invest in robust chemistry at pre-emergence Consider rotational ploughing for bromes Spring cropping remains a valuable tool Positive Outlook for 2025/26: Despite challenges, growers in Northumberland...

AgriScot, the UK’s leading agricultural business event, has launched its pre-registration, allowing visitors to benefit from free entry and free car parking. Supported by Warrendale Wagyu, one of the UK’s leading beef supply chains, producing the highest quality...

“CARROTS are one of our nation’s most versatile yet underappreciated foods,” says leading nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness. Dr Wyness, who has 20 years’ experience as an author, podcast host and public speaker on nutrition and public health, heard through a colleague...

Across the country autumn 2024 provided good conditions for getting on top of grassweeds and many growers have seen populations decline. With a legacy of weed seeds in the soil profile, however, maintaining the focus will be key to continued control. “Those farmers...

AgriScot has launched the 2025 Business Skills Award, marking 15 years of the prestigious competition, with a top prize of £1,000 for the winner, kindly sponsored by Virgin Money. A competition for aspiring agricultural professionals between 18 and 25 years of age...

With an earlier-than-“normal” Scottish cereal harvest and combines making rapid progress through August, fields are being cleared quicker than would be expected, creating some bonus time for remedial work this year. These are what we’ve traditionally seen as “English...

Three young people have been awarded funding to further their skills and wider understanding of agricultural business both at home and abroad.  As he retires as Company Secretary from Scottish Agronomy, the farmer-owned cooperative, a bursary has been set up in George...

With autumn fast approaching, attention is turning to winter wheat drilling and how to achieve the best possible grassweed control to get crops off to a strong start. Black-grass and Italian ryegrass remain two of the most damaging threats to UK arable production....

We meet the fourth generation of a carrot growing family as preparations get underway for a national day to celebrate this often-overlooked hero of the veg rack … WHILE his classmates were heading off on holiday after sitting their GCSE exams, a 16-year-old Will...

Statement from Neil Wilson, Executive Director of The Institute for Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, in response to the Scottish Government’s latest update on the bluetongue virus (BTV) situation in the UK: We are pleased to see that Scottish Government has...

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC), in partnership with McCain Foods (GB) Ltd., is inviting applications for its Inspiring Innovators programme, which will return for the 2026 conference.     Building on the success of its launch last year, the programme will...

For most shoppers, the decision to pick up a pack of beef or lamb takes just seconds. It’s not a detailed analysis of carbon labelling, supply chain credentials or environmental claims, it’s a quick judgement call. As ABP’s Director of Agriculture and Sustainable...

The Turriff Show Business Breakfast delivered its biggest helping of insight and inspiration yet on the second day of the biggest two-day agricultural show in Scotland. Headline sponsor Virgin Money and associate sponsor Ledingham Chalmers helped fuel a lively event...

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has opened applications for Inspire, a programme designed to support food and farming professionals to develop their skills and network. Created to enable ambitious candidates across the rural and agri-food sector to attend OFC for...

The Oxford Farming Conference’s (OFC) new Chairman has shared plans for the charities 90th anniversary, with a focus on challenging the status quo, and driving a positive movement for change within UK agriculture, and beyond. Jude McCann, the OFC’s 2026 Chair and CEO...

Wigtown Show in Dumfries and Galloway will be the first agricultural show in Scotland to host live birds since the ban on the movement of birds, to curb the spread of avian influenza. Taking place on Wednesday 6th August 2025, over 180 birds will be on show for...

Situated five miles from the heart of Turriff, Balmaud Distillery is a bold new chapter for the Strachan family. Balmaud Whisky is the realisation of a dream rooted in generations of hard work, family farming tradition and a deep connection to the land.  For Wilson...

Scottish Agronomy has appointed a new Company Secretary. Following the retirement of George Lawrie, Robin Barron, formerly the General Manager of East of Scotland Farmers, starts his role this month with the independent agronomy cooperative. Managing Director of...

While eggs are the primary focus of Aberdeenshire’s Farmlay Eggs, the head of one the UK’s best-known names in egg production always looks forward to the harvest. “It’s my favourite time of year,” says Iain Chapman, managing director of his family’s £40m turnover egg...

GB Potatoes, in association with the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), has launched a new initiative to support the skills and knowledge development of future growers, leaders and industry experts.     Supporting individuals from seed production to the end...

Turriff Show’s EQ Food and Drink Pavilion is regarded as one of the top attractions at the north east’s traditional yet innovative two-day agricultural show. Running on 3 and 4 August at the Haughs in Turriff, the popular event is set to welcome over 24,000 visitors...

APR & BPR Comment, 22 July 2025 - James Farrell, Head of Rural Consultancy, Knight Frank  In keeping with a now-familiar pattern of sudden and short-sighted announcements, the Government has today published draft legislation confirming its planned reforms to...

Buoyant beef trade at Scotland’s livestock marts is keeping confidence strong in the sector. Even though cattle prices are down from the highs seen earlier in the year, they are still well up year on year, instilling ongoing confidence among beef producers, says...

The farmland market in England and Wales continues to drift, with buyers and sellers hesitating in the face of ongoing political and economic uncertainty. According to the latest Knight Frank Farmland Index, average values for bare agricultural land fell by 2.3%...

It is now weeks away from Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural show. Once again, Turriff Show has an impressive number of livestock entries lined up for the whopping 1,500+ classes taking place on Sunday 3 and Monday 4 August. Entry numbers are now confirmed across...

Two of Scotland’s long established and respected agricultural cooperatives, Highland Business Services (HBS) Ring Ltd and Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd, are delighted to confirm the formal approval and completion of the proposal to merge the two businesses, effective from 1...

Turning her back on a professional curling career has helped Beth Farmer have a clean sweep of her wellbeing FOR somebody who has only just turned 25, Beth Farmer has already managed to fit an awful lot into her young life. Coming from a farming family there can be no...

Cambridgeshire farmer David Felce wins 2025 Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability Award in partnership with The Andersons Centre was requested for the FASTAC, The Country Trust and The Royal Entomological Society Judges praise Felce for collaboration, biodiversity...

The late blight pathogen is constantly evolving, and the emergence of increasingly aggressive blight strains and those with resistance to key chemistries makes building effective programmes more challenging. BASF’s recent Perfecting Potatoes Together webinar, in...

Groundswell 2025, which ran from 1-3 July, welcomed over 10,000 visitors to the Cherry family’s Lannock Farm near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. The sell-out regenerative agriculture event included over 400 speakers from around the world, including the ‘grandfather’ of...

Farmer Stephen Mackenzie shares his inspiring story of swapping the soil for the sea … A BACKGROUND that will ring true with many - having a family member at the helm of the family’s farm and feeling somehow rudderless -set Stephen Mackenzie on a remarkable adventure....

Wiston Estate in West Sussex has employed its first full-time ecologist, funded entirely through income from one of the UK’s earliest private Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) transactions. The appointment marks a significant evolution in how rural estates are embedding...

A new demographic insight tool developed by Knight Frank’s viticulture consultancy is helping one of the UK’s largest wine producers unlock new growth opportunities in direct-to-consumer sales, tourism and winery site development.    MDCV farms over 2,000 acres...

Rural estates are facing persistent difficulty in attracting and keeping the right people, according to Knight Frank’s 2025 Estate Staff Salary Survey. Despite a decade of steady wage increases across rural roles and nearly universal annual pay reviews, 87% of estates...

Two of Scotland’s machinery rings, Laurencekirk based Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd and Inverness based Highland Business Services Ltd (HBS), have today announced plans to merge their activities. The merger between the two cooperatives will substantially strengthen the...

James Farrell, Head of Rural and Partner at Knight Frank, sets out why estates and farms need to adopt a more business-minded approach, the central theme of the Spring/Summer edition of the firm’s flagship Rural Report.     The scale of change facing the...

Now in its ninth year, Groundswell – The Regenerative Agriculture Festival – returns bigger than ever with over 400 speakers and more than 250 sessions across two days, 2-3 July at Lannock Manor Farm in Hertfordshire. From environmental farm business tenancies and...

The Farmers Club Charitable Trust (FCCT) is seeking ‘Snapshot study’ applications from anyone in the farming sector seeking funding to study a topic or theme they are deeply interested in exploring.   “Over the past five years of awarding the Snapshot Study grants we...

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has opened applications for three new individuals to join the board and support the future development of one of the UK’s most renowned agricultural events. Launched in 1936, OFC is known for its high calibre of speakers,...

Lincolnshire family diversified 550ha arable enterprise with 20,000 vines, planted in Jurassic limestone soils New enterprise ads farm income and welcomes the public with tours, a tasting barn and nature trail BASF’s Follow a Farmer series spotlights the family’s...

Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) has added an eighth coop to its board as well as appointing new representatives for the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland and Scotland’s Rural College, SRUC.  SQC’s board has traditionally included...

The Climate Change Committee has once again called for significant reductions in ruminant livestock across Scotland. This time a 26% reduction by 2035. The Committee has once again failed to recognise the importance of cattle and sheep farming to the cultural,...

TICKETS are now on sale for this summer’s Groundswell – The Regenerative Agriculture Festival - which will take place on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 July at Lannock Farm, Hertfordshire. Gabe Brown, one of the pioneers of the current soil health movement, and owner and...

The wellbeing charity for farmers and crofters, Farmstrong Scotland, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £20,000 of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.  The award will be used to expand the charity’s social wellbeing activities across the...

With more than 26 000 ha of wheat and barley in hand across the UK, from Devon to Inverness-shire, Nick Anderson Technical Director of Velcourt, has an eye for detail, which enables him to ensure his fungicide solutions deliver the best profitability. This season he...

Aberdeenshire farmer, Jimmy Dick, has been celebrating after recently winning the overall title for Hoof and Hook at the Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Showwith one of his Limousin cross heifers.  Jimmy, who farms with his wife and family at Northton Farm,...

A battle with brown rust last year has seen Ollie Cook drop Crusoe from the rotation at Shillingford Farm in Oxfordshire and replace it with a new Group 1, SY Cheer, which has a better brown rust resistance score. “I wouldn’t like to guess at the yield loss last...

For generations, rural businesses and communities have contributed significantly to social wellbeing. Anna Collins, Partner at Knight Frank, argues that this contribution must now be properly recognised, incentivised, and rewarded. In light of declining public...

Across the midlands and south east winter crops are looking well, T1 applications are going on and a reasonably kind spring has allowed on farm jobs to get done. Toby Hogsbjerg, Norfolk “So far the season is progressing well,” says Toby Hogsbjerg, Farm Manager at the...

Ofgem’s recently announced reform to accelerate grid connections for new green energy projects is opening up substantial income opportunities for landowners across the UK, says Keir Doe, Managing Director of Renewables Connect, an innovative all-agency platform which...

In March, the UK launched its Pesticides National Action Plan (NAP) 2025. The objective is to reduce pesticide use for environmental and human health reasons.   While it recognises that farmers need the tools to grow food and the merits of Integrated Pest...

Farmstrong Scotland, the wellbeing charity for farmers and crofters, is thrilled to announce its latest fundraising challenge, taking place next month, when eight supporters will abseil from the world’s tallest whisky distillery.  On Sunday 11th May, the daredevil...

Peter Eccles saw himself as a dedicated and conscientious farm manager and hardworking rugby teammate. When both came to an end, he found himself having something of an identity crisis. Now, after opening his own on-farm fitness business and getting involved in...

A landmark building in the heart of Huntly has officially reopened its doors as a dynamic new community space, following a major redevelopment by Huntly Development Trust (HDT). Known as Number 30, the former Cruickshanks department store, which had been vacant since...

With just 13mm of rain since the beginning of March, Norfolk grower, Michael Wilton will start irrigating cereals this week to protect yield potential. Michael manages the Stody Estate’s acreage in North Norfolk alongside 600ha of contract farmland. Crops are looking...

Pea growers have a new, free resource at their fingertips, thanks to a collaboration between ADAS, BASF, and the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO). The inaugural Pea Growth Guide is a comprehensive booklet, available online and in print, sharing...

The farmland market in England and Wales is holding steady in the face of mounting sector pressures, according to the latest results from the Knight Frank Farmland Index. Despite wider challenges across the agricultural sector and ongoing policy uncertainty, values...

A new survey, carried out by the agricultural wellbeing charity, Farmstrong Scotland, has found that farmer and crofter wellbeing is lower than the Scottish population.  More than one-third of respondents fell into the low wellbeing category, when compared to the most...

CARAS the body honouring distinguished service to Scottish agriculture and related sectors has a new Chair. Well respected Midlothian farm and estate manager Bill Gray MBE was appointed at their recent Conference and AGM held at the Royal Highland centre, Ingliston....

Aberdeenshire Farmer Nicola Wordie has thrown her weight behind Farmstrong, speaking out about the importance of connecting with others during tough times. Nicola, aged 26, who, together with her family, farms around 1400 acres near Huntly, has had a whirlwind few...

  Kent grower's 2024 bean crop outperforms winter wheat profitability  Optimal conditions: No compaction, low weed and disease burden vital to success  Strategic input: Herbicide and fungicide choice instrumental for high-yielding beans   In an era where UK...

Farmstrong Scotland, the wellbeing charity for farmers and crofters, has been awarded two years of funding from Perth & Kinross Council. The local authority has agreed to donate £10,000 over two years to fund vital wellbeing activities in the Perth & Kinross...

The four farmer founders of The Green Farm Collective (TGFC) have teamed up with Eurostar Commodities to develop a line of flours produced using regenerative farming practices. RISE RE:GEN Flour has the strapline Farmed with Nature and its launch underpins the intent...

The continued strong beef prices at the livestock marts, up almost 25% on last year, is bringing new faces to the ring as well as encouraging beef farmers to “stick in”, says Alan Hutcheon, President of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers (IAAS).   ...

  Varied establishment within early, mid and late drilled wheat crops   Potential for high disease pressure across all major diseases makes effective, broad-spectrum products key at T0 and T1   Brown rust lesions spotted in forward Crusoe crop mid-February Drilling...

Simon Britton, Head of Agri-Consultancy at Knight Frank, said: “The immediate closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications, without warning or consultation, is deeply frustrating for farmers who were planning on this financial support. Many now face...

ADAS’s latest research on Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle and lodging brings hope for UK OSR crop Data demonstrates high CSFB larvae numbers doesn’t always equal low yields Modelling showed that Caryx® reduced the lodging risk from one in three, to one in five or six for a...