Get ready to apply for SFI26
Initial information on the SFI26 scheme is now live on GOV.UK for farmers who may be eligible to apply in Window 1.
Farming podcast: building resilience through soil and water management
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The Team and Graham Higgins, Posted on:
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Conversations we're having, Defra Farming Podcast
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.
Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships: helping new solutions reach farms
Through the Farming Innovation Investor Partnerships competition, 12 projects are expected to secure more than £40 million in private investment to help bring agri-tech innovations to market. A further competition will open next month.
Apply for a Lowland Peat Water Discovery Grant
You can now apply for a Lowland Peat Water Discovery Grant. Up to £4.5 million is available to help farmers and local partners explore more sustainable ways of managing water in lowland peat areas.
FETF 2026: apply now for equipment and technology grants
Applications are open for FETF 2026, with £50 million available to help farmers, growers and contractors invest in equipment that improves productivity, animal health and welfare, and slurry management.
New guidance to support long-term farm business tenancies
The Farm Tenancy Forum has published new guidance to support landlords and tenants considering long-term Farm Business Tenancies. The guidance helps both parties set clear expectations from the outset and will help build strong, productive landlord-tenant relationships.
Join our webinar: building farm resilience in the East of England
On 19 March, we’re hosting a webinar for farmers and land managers across the East of England on how practical changes to farming systems can build farm resilience. In this post, we explain what the webinar will cover and where to find further support.
Using Local Nature Recovery Strategies to guide on-farm decisions
Whether you’re looking to improve soil health, manage flood risk, diversify income or plan future environmental activity, your Local Nature Recovery Strategy can help you decide what to do.
Making our funded vet visits work better for pig farmers
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) testing is a required part of the animal health and welfare review for pigs. From 22 January, vets will be able to use blood samples as an alternative to oral fluid samples, making it easier for pig farmers to take part in the review.
Mandatory sheep carcase classification and price reporting introduced
A mandatory, standardised system for classifying sheep carcases and reporting prices is now in force. This brings sheep into line with beef and pork and will help farmers better understand how their livestock is graded and priced.
Related content and links
Our monthly newsletter
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.
Talk to us
30 October Borderway Agri Expo, Borderway, Rosehill, Carlisle.
4 November Northern Farming Conference at Hexham Auction Mart, Hexham, Northumberland.
4 November Agri Fest South West at Westpoint, Exeter.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.
Helping farmers access water this autumn
The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October.
We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.
As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment.
Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.
Get advice
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.
Storing fertiliser safely
If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.
