defra

Written by William Kellett The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the launch of a new initiative exploring a structured approach to controlling sheep scab – and looks forward to coordinating the work in southwest England. The NSA is just one of a number of partners involved in the...

With the consultation due out on the exit scheme next week, is anyone interested in taking this payment and what would it need to be to incentivise you?

As we head into spring, at AHDB we are starting data collection for the Planting and Variety Survey. The survey provides an estimate of the area and variety breakdown of cereals and oilseed rape to be harvested in Great Britain. Data accuracy and transparency is key to markets. As such...

I have no experience of bvd, I’ve got 40 suckler cows and last year i had a few poor calves (unusual) and a few abortions, and 9 not in calf, it’s been suggested that this could indicate bvd. I’m interested in tag testing this years calves to give me an idea of if anything is going on. What...

Government backs campaign to protect seals Written by Defra Press Office On Friday 2nd April 2021, the Seal Alliance launched a campaign, backed by Defra, aimed at educating the public about the devastating impacts human interactions can have on seals. This was reported on across broadcast...

We are working with the University of Bristol and the Royal Agricultural University to find ways to incentivise better welfare on pig farms. This Defra funded research will inform the development of future voluntary funding schemes to help support pig producers and improve animal welfare on...

Our work to improve inspections and make penalties proportionate Written by Andy King To many, cross compliance is something of a mystery. I want to explain what it is, why it’s important and what we are doing to improve it, particularly considering the increased flexibility we now have from...

As per the title, This paper is based around Corn, Almonds and range grazing in the U.S. but makes interesting reading. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7953916/

Conversations we're having Written by The Team We are invited to join a number of panel discussions, Q&A sessions and webinars, hosted by external organisations. This post contains links to some recent events. Posts of this kind are tagged 'conversations we're having'. Farming Today...

Shaping the new Landscape Recovery scheme Written by The Team Natural England/Peter Wakely The success of any piece of policy or scheme depends on how it holds up in real life. That is why we’re running a series of Test and Trials with farmers before the launch of new schemes. Last month...

New Countryside Code launched to help people enjoy the outdoors Written by Defra Press Office There is widespread national coverage on the launch of Natural England’s new version of the Countryside Code, with pieces in the Daily Telegraph, The Times, Daily Mail, I News, Independent, Express...

Event Duration Monitoring data published by the Environment Agency Written by Defra Press Office Yesterday (31 March), the Environment Agency published the Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data for 2020, which tracks the operation of storm overflows, leading to coverage in the Guardian, Times...

Written by Iain Hoey OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) has expressed concern over the widening gap between European and English policy developments, following the publication of the European Commission’s Organic Action Plan, with its CEO saying the UK parliaments plans for the sector...

Minister Pow on preventing litter in public spaces Written by Defra Press Office The Government is very clear on littering: It is careless and thoughtless. It blights our communities, spoils our countryside, harms our wildlife and wastes taxpayers’ money to clean it up. There has been...

Written by William Kellett Farm unions have responded positively to the launch of the new Countryside Code which was announced by the government today (April 1). NFU NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts said that “the iconic British countryside offers a multitude of benefits to the public...

Written by John Swire A new refreshed Countryside Code has been published, 70 years since the first booklet was published in 1951 The Code allows people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves A new...

For grazing livestock on arable fields. Pics don’t really do it justice but on the right it had stubble turnips planted in September and sheep went on in Dec - end of Feb. On the left was just a mustard cover crop.

The Farming Investment Fund: an overview Written by Gordon Jones In the Agricultural Transition Plan, we said we believe there is a way for the industry to increase productivity in an environmentally sustainable way without relying on Direct Payments. As Direct Payments are phasing out, new...

After yet another shite winter I’m sick to the back teeth of wet Croft’s and trudging through mud to feed sheep. Lost one in a river too last night which tbh I just find funny now rather than upset as wtf can you do! Looking to build a small shed, will be about 32sq meters inside. Will be...

New projects across England to fund innovative ways to protect against flooding Written by Defra Press Office There is extensive coverage today in the Daily Telegraph , The Daily Express, Sky News, BBC News, the Yorkshire Post and Eastern Daily Press of our £150 million Flood and Coastal...