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Alex Black

Alex Black

Deputy Editor

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Articles by Alex Black

Almost three-quarters of England now in drought

Environment

Almost three-quarters of England now in drought

The country has recorded its driest July since records began in 1836

clock 10 August 2026 • 4 min read
Finland reports first cases of African swine fever

Pig

Finland reports first cases of African swine fever

The virus was detected in three wild boar piglets found dead

clock 31 July 2026 • 1 min read
50% of Capital Grants budget now allocated

Funding

50% of Capital Grants budget now allocated

The 2026 Capital Grants offer opened yesterday (July 30)

clock 31 July 2026 • 1 min read
Opinion: What a fantastic day shining the light on farming for #Farm24

Farm Business

Opinion: What a fantastic day shining the light on farming for #Farm24

Deputy editor Alex Black looks back at the day

clock 31 July 2026 • 1 min read
Opinion: BBC Farmwatch: Celebrating the people behind England's farming industry

Entertainment

Opinion: BBC Farmwatch: Celebrating the people behind England's farming industry

From Chris Burns, head of local audio commissioning, BBC Local

clock 30 July 2026 • 3 min read
From the editor: Clarity on water policy is needed

Environment

From the editor: Clarity on water policy is needed

This week from Farmers Guardian deputy editor Alex Black

clock 30 July 2026 • 2 min read
Biodiversity Net Gain rule changes ease planning for farm developments

Land and property

Biodiversity Net Gain rule changes ease planning for farm developments

Changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules coming into force on August 6 will remove a significant planning hurdle for many agricultural developments, according to H&H Land & Estates

clock 27 July 2026 • 2 min read
Over 60% of Emergency Heating Oil Scheme requests rejected

Farm Business

Over 60% of Emergency Heating Oil Scheme requests rejected

Scottish Conservative MSP Tim Eagle said the application process had been ‘scandalous’

clock 25 July 2026 • 3 min read
Opinion: Liz Staley - Ensuring farming support reaches farmers and delivers value for taxpayers

Politics

Opinion: Liz Staley - Ensuring farming support reaches farmers and delivers value for taxpayers

Cumbrian farmer Liz Staley reflects on the Sustainable Farming Incentive

clock 25 July 2026 • 4 min read
'Machinery can be replaced, you cannot' – Farm Safety Week

Farm Safety

'Machinery can be replaced, you cannot' – Farm Safety Week

Farmer warns of dangers after combine fire

clock 25 July 2026 • 2 min read