Know How / Environment Must reads Practical adviceSee all ARABLETips on achieving healthy hedgerows on farmHedges are a defining feature of our countryside and one of the best habitats for wildlife on any farm. Far more than being a boundary, they also support farm business… LIVESTOCKHow feeding methane inhibitors can help cut emissionsMethane inhibitors supplied in feed rations could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in ruminants. However, no one size fits all, advises Annie Williams, ruminant nutritionist and… BUSINESSAlternative land uses: Woodland creation - key pointsFinancial support for woodland creation and management in England is at record levels, so it could be the right time to consider this as an option. Talk of reducing sheep… CARBONCarbon markets: A beginner's guideThe UK’s carbon markets are growing, but there is confusion around the principles. Farmers Weekly asks CLA adviser Matthew Doran how they work. See also: Mineral rights - what farmers… BUSINESSRural housing: Options to decarbonise and improve efficiencyFrom period farmhouses to farmworkers’ cottages, rural housing comes in many shapes and sizes, but they all share similar challenges when it comes to energy. Rural properties off the mains… ARABLEHow 'mega-cluster' project benefits farming and natureA project linking farmers and private investors across a 12,500ha area of Sussex is aiming to support nature recovery and food production on a landscape scale. The Weald to Waves… Case studiesSee all LIVESTOCKHow a Portuguese green oasis inspired a move to agroforestryMike Adams had never seen the point in growing trees in fields. But visits to farms in southern Europe and Turkey proved transformational; he is now sold on their benefits… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTBenefits of sward lifting for profit and environmentA decade of sward lifting on a Cornish farm has prevented run-off after heavy rainfall, shortened the winter housing period and is helping soils to sequester carbon. A typical field… CARBONPioneering arable farm sells carbon credits to top F1 teamA pioneering arable farm in Leicestershire has become the first farm in the UK to sell measured carbon credits to a range of buyers on the open market, including the… CROP MANAGEMENTHow farmer uses biodynamic approach to establish cropsFor the past two decades, Wiltshire mixed farmer Richard Gantlett has been using the power of biodynamic farming to grow crops completely free of chemicals and without the plough. With… BIODIVERSITYWild grey partridge project promotes biodiversity and profitA decade-long wild grey partridge project establishing cover crop field margins at a Scottish farming estate has proved an effective way to promote biodiversity and reap an economic return. Balgonie… COVER CROPSCover crop trial reveals impact of grazing on nitratesSince winning the title of Farmers Weekly Environmental Farmers of the Year, Emma and James Loder-Symonds have been busy trialling the impact of grazing cover crops. The cover crop trial… InsightsSee all BUSINESSWhat smarter, fairer farm data means for UK agricultureThere’s no getting around it — farming across Britain is under intense pressure. Whether you’re in livestock, arable, dairy or horticulture, the challenges are piling up: rising input costs, labour… FARM POLICYNI farm policy shift creates challenges for livestock sectorSupport for farm businesses in Northern Ireland is going through a transition period, away from the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) system of support and towards a Farm Sustainability Payment… ARABLEHow cultivated margins help rare plants and biodiversityCultivated margins, or areas of fields that are cultivated annually, but not drilled, are one of the best ways of encouraging rare arable plants and the wildlife that depends on… FARM POLICYNVZ review: Welsh farmer frustration continues with rulesSince 2021, farmers in Wales have had to contend with the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations. These designated the whole of the country as a nitrate vulnerable… AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONWhy scrapping net zero could help tackle climate changeFarmers want to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions – but net zero is disengaging them, says a report. The finding is just one conclusion reached by a… ENVIRONMENTClean energy 2030 – a government at loggerheads with farmers?The UK government has ambitious plans to increase national energy production to reduce reliance on imports and move towards 100% clean energy by 2030. But for this to become reality,… REGENERATIVE AGRICULTUREWhy trees in hedges improve arable farm landscapesTrees in hedges help with habitat provision and carbon storage, bringing diversity and resilience to the farmed landscape, while providing continuity when hedges are being managed. For farmers and growers… ENVIRONMENTAnalysis: What future for sheep farming in the uplands?Sheep farmers can be forgiven for feeling they are being demonised. Week in, week out, there seems to be some new report or TV programme suggesting that sheep are a… Latest environment newsSee all FARM POLICYDefra cuts threaten nature recovery, Reeves warnedFarmers and green groups have raised alarm over the potential for deep cuts to Defra’s budget in this week’s Spending Review – with fears that key farm support schemes could… NEWSUK-wide protests held against large-scale solar farmsCampaigners across England and Wales held a nationwide day of action to challenge Labour’s plans to green light large-scale solar farms on productive farmland. Co-ordinated walks were held on Sunday… ENVIRONMENTSouth Downs National Park launches policy consultationFarmers operating within the South Downs National Park will be expected to plant more trees, help clean watercourses, and provide better public access as part of a new Partnership Management… ENVIRONMENTWelsh Conservatives seek farmland solar panel banThe Welsh Conservatives have called for a ban on solar panels on agricultural land, urging the government to review its solar energy policy. The motion will be discussed in the… NEWSEA criticised for going after farmers, not big pollutersMPs have accused the Environment Agency (EA) of unfairly targeting farmers and landowners with enforcement action, while failing to act on serious pollution by big industry and criminal gangs. In… ENVIRONMENTScottish government scraps Galloway national park planThe Scottish government has decided not to proceed with plans to designate a new national park in Galloway, following significant opposition from local communities, farming and land-based organisations. A public… ENVIRONMENTMixed response to Scottish carbon budget adviceRecommendations by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that Scotland should reduce its greenhouse gas emissions through electrification and changes to agriculture have received a mixed reaction. Welcoming the report, Just… ENVIRONMENTEA launches guidance to support farm inspectionsThe Environment Agency (EA) has released new guidance and a short film to help farmers prepare for inspections, which take place year-round and target areas most at risk of water… FARM POLICYReduction in livestock to meet Welsh climate goals rejectedFarming organisations have rejected calls by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that a reduction in livestock numbers and meat consumption is needed for Wales to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.… ENVIRONMENTPrestwick farm fined £600 for breaching environmental rulesA Prestwick farmer has been issued a £600 penalty after failing to meet environmental regulations during crop cultivation, highlighting the need for farmers to adhere to Scotland’s strict environmental standards.… ENVIRONMENTSoil Association dismay at static organic areaScotland is leading the way in organic land growth for a sixth year, while other nations in the UK continue to fall behind considerably, much to the dismay of the… ENVIRONMENTReport says ruminants part of the solution to climate changeA new report has argued that ruminants fed on grass are better for the environment and can help combat climate change, compared to intensely farmed and grain-fed animals. The Sustainable… VideoSee all AIR AND WATERVideo: FW Investigates - would dredging reduce flooding?The past few months of relentless wet weather have again highlighted the pressing issue of how best to manage rivers and watercourses near farmland. Heavy rainfall events are becoming more… NEWSVideo: Farmer defends his actions on River LuggA Herefordshire farmer who was jailed for causing damage to a protected river has defended his actions, insisting they helped prevent flooding to local properties and land. Several homes along… SHEEPVideo: How a lowland farm is preparing for low-methane sheepResults from the first UK farm to test methane emissions in sheep using portable accumulation chambers have shown they were producing on average about 20g/day of methane and 1.2kg/day of… CARBONClimate adaptation and resilience within the farm businessOn Thursday 27 April 2023, Farmers Weekly hosted its webinar on climate adaptation and resilience within the farm business with the Woodland Trust. Integrating trees into farming systems provides opportunities…
