This week's 6 top farming stories

From an impartiality row following the promotion of Brian May's badger documentary to catching up with farmers about their harvest time so far - these are six farming stories not to miss this week on FG

clock • 1 min read
This week's 6 top farming stories

READ NOW: BBC sparks impartiality row over Brian May's badger documentary

The BBC has landed at the centre of an impartiality row following its promotion of a documentary about the culling of badgers presented by animal rights campaigner and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.

 

READ NOW: NSA raises concerns over the potential 'long-term damage' to sheep farming due to 'failing' border security controls

The NSA has said the UK's agricultural sector could face ‘severe long-term damage' without greater border security controls after claims that ‘substantial quantities' of sheepmeat have entered Britain illegally.

 

READ NOW: Vicon gives technical insight into its FastBale Premium

Originally released in 2016, the Vicon Fastbale has remained unique as the only non-stop round baler on the market. The UK-developed machine uses two bale chambers which creates a partial bale before transferring to the second chamber to reach the final size and then transferring to the wrapping table if producing haylage or silage.

 

READ NOW: Competition fuels milk price increases

Assessing the current increases in milk prices could reveal not only the reasons behind impending price changes for September but also possible longevity, or lack thereof of these increases. 

 

READ NOW: Blackface flock suited to Dumfries hill farm

A passion for Blackface sheep has helped Richard Carruthers build a thriving livestock business on a Buccleuch Estate farm.

 

LISTEN NOW: Farmers Guardian Podcast: The Harvest Diaries - "Harvest time should be a time to reflect"

As harvest 2024 is now well under way, we caught up with three farmers to find out about their experience after pests, persistent storms and setbacks. 

 

More on Farm Life

Emma Robinson: "We decided to tick the Basic Payment Scheme box this year"

Emma Robinson: "We decided to tick the Basic Payment Scheme box this year"

Farmers Guardian columnist Emma Robinson on farm inspections, funding, weather implications and a new Welsh Government

Emma Robinson
clock 31 May 2026 • 3 min read
Seven-year-old pursues farming dream: "One day I want my own land and a farm shop"

Seven-year-old pursues farming dream: "One day I want my own land and a farm shop"

At just seven years old, Archie Morris is on a mission to become a farmer, despite not being from a farming family

clock 31 May 2026 • 4 min read
How organic premiums make a low-input system stack up on Devon farm

How organic premiums make a low-input system stack up on Devon farm

Champion sheep shearer Alan Derryman runs a large New Zealand Romney flock and a 70-cow Stabiliser herd on his organic unit in Devon

Wendy Short
clock 28 May 2026 • 7 min read