This week's 6 top farming stories

• READ NOW: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer appoints Steve Reed as Defra Secretary

What do we know about Labour's Defra Secretary Steve Reed? Mr Reed said a Labour Government would listen, respect and work in partnership with farmers and producers, ensuring they played a valued part in decision-making. 

• READ NOW: Grass breeding for the future - resilience is key

Barenbrug, who specialise in grass variety breeding and production for UK agriculture, and the team at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) grass breeding programme based at Loughgall, Co Armagh, are looking ahead to the needs of the UK's livestock farmers in 2050.

• READ NOW: Exclusive Farmers Guardian Podcast: Red Tractor interim chair Alistair Mackintosh says rebuilding farmer confidence is a priority

• READ NOW: From the editor: A healthy nation starts with food

This week in her 'from the editor', Olivia Midgley discusses how high food security should be in Sir Keir Starmer's "in-tray that is bursting with priorities."

• READ NOW: Farmers need to be listened to on wolf, lynx or bear reintroductions

Much greater levels of research and consultation, especially with livestock farmers, are necessary to weigh up the delicate balance of pros and cons around reintroducing apex predators.

• READ NOW: How the General Election could shake-up rural Britain and farming communities

After Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party secured a majority Government on July 4, the Agricultural Industries Confederation has analysed how the election result could shake-up rural Britain and farmers.