This week's 6 top farming stories

From what we know about the new Defra Secretary Steve Reed to our exclusive interview with Red Tractor interim chair Alistair Mackintosh - these are six farming stories not to miss this week on FG

clock • 2 min read
This week's 6 top farming stories

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. 

 

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.

 

Red Tractor interim chair and Cumbrian farmer Alistair Mackintosh said regaining farmer confidence was a challenge he was keen to 'step up to', acknowledging it had been lost. He said "the senior leadership team and professionals in that office deliver what these boards tell them it is not the other way round. Although some farmers feel it is. But I promise you it is not."

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."

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

2020 Fendt 828

2020 Fendt 828

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

2016 Massey Ferguson 5610

2016 Massey Ferguson 5610

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

2021 Massey Ferguson 5S.125

2021 Massey Ferguson 5S.125

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Politics

Sir Ed scores unfortunate non-UK meat 'own goal' in back British campaign

Sir Ed scores unfortunate non-UK meat 'own goal' in back British campaign

In the aftermath of President Trump's trade tariffs, Sir Ed Davey wanted to promote the need to back British produce. However, he made an unfortunate error while doing so

clock 09 April 2025 • 2 min read
Young farmers to vote on 'detrimental impact' of IHT changes

Young farmers to vote on 'detrimental impact' of IHT changes

YFCs have been encouraged to have their say and vote on the impact of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Inheritance Tax changes on the next generation of farmers

clock 09 April 2025 • 2 min read
Reeves told to stop using MPs as 'human shields' and face farmers

Reeves told to stop using MPs as 'human shields' and face farmers

Efra chair Alistair Carmichael accuses Chancellor of showing lack of respect to farmers over Budget talks

clock 09 April 2025 • 2 min read