Watch: how a White Peak beef farmer uses herbal leys
In the latest film in our White Peak herbal leys series, beef farmer James Frost shares how he establishes and manages herbal leys to support forage quality, soil health and biodiversity.
Graham is a creative producer and film-maker.
In the latest film in our White Peak herbal leys series, beef farmer James Frost shares how he establishes and manages herbal leys to support forage quality, soil health and biodiversity.
Listen to the latest Defra Farming Podcast to hear how innovation funding is helping farmers turn new ideas into practical solutions. Two guests share how research, collaboration and on-farm trials are helping them improve productivity, reduce costs and build more resilient businesses.
In this video, Gloucestershire Farmer Edward Earnshaw explains how Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions are helping his small family farm streamline management, cut input costs, and boost profitability while delivering environmental benefits.
Last summer, we visited farmers in the Derbyshire White Peak to hear what they’ve learned from growing herbal leys in improved grassland systems. Working with Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser Ben Rodgers, they have been exploring how multi-species swards can be integrated into grassland farming. In this post, we’re sharing the first films from that work.
In this episode, a Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser speaks to two arable farmers. One farms in Norfolk and the other in Cambridgeshire. They discuss how natural processes, like soil and water management, can help farms reduce costs.
As Round 6 of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund opens, we hear from two farmers who have received funding. Thomas Slattery from the Support Hub speaks to Bryony Graham in Essex and Peter Southwell in East Yorkshire.
In this post, we share the latest podcast featuring Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator Richard Thompson with Paul Tompkins (NFU Dairy Board Chair) and Michael Masters (Barber's Farmhouse Cheesemakers). They discuss building a fairer, more transparent supply chain following new regulations. We also include a link to, and summary of, the ACSA's first annual report.
In this episode of the podcast, guest host Neil Pickard talks with Stuart Johnson, Soil Farmer of the Year 2023, and Kyle Richardville from Understanding Ag. They discuss how improving soil health can increase profitability on mixed, arable and upland livestock farms.
In this episode, arable farmer and leader of the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN), Tom Allen-Stevens, speaks with farmer Martin Lines and agronomist Ed Schofield about their experiences of implementing integrated pest management (IPM).
In this episode of the Farming podcast, our lead for healthier animals, Martin Jenkins, talks to dairy farmer Karen Halton. They are joined by infectious disease expert and vet James Russell. They explain what to expect from the SFI annual health and welfare review,
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Team.
On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved. Find out more

Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
Meet the team in September

9–10 September Westmorland Show at Lane Farm, Crooklands, near Kendal, Cumbria.
12 September Romsey Show at Broadlands Estate, Romsey, Hampshire.
16 September UK Dairy Day at Telford International Centre, Telford, Shropshire.
19 September Isle of Wight Ploughing Match at Isle of Wight, Hampshire.
26 September Southwell Ploughing Match and Show at Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending in 2026

The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.

Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
From 6 April 2026, qualifying agricultural and business assets will continue to receive full inheritance tax relief up to a combined value of £2.5 million. Lower relief rates will apply to assets above this amount. Learn more

Innovate UK Business Connect invites you to join its new directory and connect with public sector buyers.