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Over The Farm Gate

Over The Farm Gate

Join Farmers Guardian Editor Ben Briggs, and Head of News and Business Olivia Midgley, for weekly thought-provoking and lighthearted debate around the key issues affecting farming, food and the countryside right now. This podcast is brought to you in association with the CLA.
This Is Agriculture - Sponsored

This Is Agriculture - Sponsored

This initiative aims to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available in the sector to non-farming audiences.
DataHub

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We collate the financial and market data relevant to UK agriculture, so you can view the latest prices, analyse trends over time and compare prices between UK livestock markets.
Auction Finder

Auction Finder

21 Aug 2018
Your one stop shop for all agricultural sales. Visit the UK’s most comprehensive auction directory.
CropTec

CropTec

25 Nov 2020
The CropTec show is for all farmers and agronomists seeking the latest information on innovative methods to increase profits from crop production.
LAMMA 2021

LAMMA 2021

12 Jan 2021
Visit the UK’s leading indoor agricultural event, with eleven packed halls of the very latest in agricultural machinery and equipment. Now at the NEC, Birmingham this is free to attend and free to park.

Diversification

Could mobile slaughterhouses fill small abattoir gaps?

Could mobile slaughterhouses fill small abattoir gaps?

31 Jan 202009:27
Mobile abattoirs may help farms hit by the rapid loss of small abattoirs over the last few years.
BusinessDiversificationfarm lifelivestock
Inspirational story of farming couple who set up shop in neglected barn

Inspirational story of farming couple who set up shop in neglected barn

30 Aug 201713:10
A farming couple have encouraged others to use relaxed planning rules to set up rural businesses after their farm shop became a rip-roaring success.
BusinessDiversificationfarm life
VIDEO: Meet the innovative farmers putting British wool back on the map

VIDEO: Meet the innovative farmers putting British wool back on the map

11 Oct 201710:00
With the sheep industry under pressure with people eating less lamb and Brexit threatening exports to the continent, Alex Black spoke with the innovative farmers looking to put British wool back on the map
BusinessCampaignsDiversificationfarm lifelivestocksheep
How to succeed at diversification: farmers urged to research market

How to succeed at diversification: farmers urged to research market

20 Nov 201706:00
Diversification is likely to play an important role after Brexit but farmers have been urged to research their intended market first.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm lifeGetting started
Why farmers should consider holiday lets outside tourist hotspots

Why farmers should consider holiday lets outside tourist hotspots

03 Dec 201706:00
With many farms outside typical tourist areas, Cath Anthony at Bidwells told Alex Black why farmers should still consider holiday lets.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationLand and property
Opening a farm shop? Here's five things you need to know...

Opening a farm shop? Here's five things you need to know...

19 Dec 201705:00
Opening a farm shop can be an attractive proposition for a farmer – opening up new markets and gaining an additional income stream which cuts out the middleman.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm lifeGetting startedHandy hintsNew entrants
More than 100 farmers set to launch new nature-friendly farming network

More than 100 farmers set to launch new nature-friendly farming network

05 Jan 201806:00
More than 100 farmers are set to launch a new nature-friendly farming network later today at the Oxford Real Farming Conference.
arableBusinessCrop protectionDiversificationEnvironmentfarm lifelivestock
Farmers urged not to make 'knee-jerk' diversification decisions

Farmers urged not to make 'knee-jerk' diversification decisions

02 Feb 201806:00
Farmers have been urged to do their research before jumping into diversification schemes.
AdvicearableBusinessdairyDiversificationfarm lifeLand and propertylivestockScotland
Demand for free-range eggs driving farm diversification

Demand for free-range eggs driving farm diversification

25 Feb 201812:00
With supermarkets and consumers turning away from eggs from caged hens, there could be opportunities for livestock farmers.
BusinessDiversificationfarm lifelivestockpoultry
Former Royal Agricultural University students team up with Amazon

Former Royal Agricultural University students team up with Amazon

21 Mar 201808:45
Upmarket meat delivery service field&flower is working with Amazon to expand it’s customer base as part of wider growth plans.
BusinessDiversificationfarm lifeGetting startedlivestockNew entrantsYoung farmersYoung Farmers Clubs
New rules for farm building conversions: What you need to know

New rules for farm building conversions: What you need to know

27 Mar 201815:10
A new change in building and planning regulations encourages farmers to take a closer look at their redundant assets in a bid to improve returns.
AdvicearableBusinessdairyDiversificationfarm lifeHandy hintslivestockScotland
Ever thought about turning your farm into a wedding venue?

Ever thought about turning your farm into a wedding venue?

28 Mar 201806:00
Bouquets and brides go hand-in-hand – but whoever thought barns and brides would ever be a winning combination?
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm lifeGetting startedLand and property
Brexit hub: Everything farmers need to know about leaving the EU

Brexit hub: Everything farmers need to know about leaving the EU

29 Mar 201809:00
With just one year to go until Britain exits the EU, Farmers Guardian has launched a dedicated Brexit hub to help readers navigate the uncharted waters ahead.
AdvicearableBrexitBusinessCAP reformdairyDiversificationFundingGetting startedLand and propertyLegislationlivestockPoliticsScotland
10 ways to diversify on your farm and boost income

10 ways to diversify on your farm and boost income

05 Apr 201806:00
As farmers look for more ways to boost their income, we take a look at a handful of diversification options you should consider.
AdviceBusinessdairyDiversificationfarm lifeGetting startedlivestockScotland
Encouraging news as inspector rules in favour of farmer looking to diversify

Encouraging news as inspector rules in favour of farmer looking to diversify

23 Apr 201814:20
There is encouraging news for farmers looking to diversify operations after planning permission was gained to convert and develop a Dutch Barn into an aparthotel using recently introduced Permitted Development Rights.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm life
Diversification on your farm: A guide to setting up and getting started

Diversification on your farm: A guide to setting up and getting started

10 May 201814:40
Diversification can be a daunting prospect and will not be the saviour for every farm.
Diversificationfarm life
The top 10 diversification trends for UK farmers to look out for

The top 10 diversification trends for UK farmers to look out for

14 May 201809:55
As farmers look for more ways to boost their income, Danusia Osiowy and Emily Ashworth take a look at 10 diversification ideas.
Diversificationfarm life
The rise in demand for glamping allows UK farms to flourish

The rise in demand for glamping allows UK farms to flourish

20 May 201812:00
With a surge in demand for agritourism accommodation, farmers continue to flourish in an ever-growing sector. Danusia Osiowy takes a look at how to tap into the market and why glamorous camping is at a record high. 
BusinessDiversificationfarm life
Thinking of diversifying on-farm? All your questions answered...

Thinking of diversifying on-farm? All your questions answered...

17 May 201807:00
Rural surveyor and founder of The Business Barn, Hannah Moule, answers the common questions asked by farmers when it comes to diversifying. 
BusinessDiversificationfarm life
Diversification opportunities increasing: What farmers need to know

Diversification opportunities increasing: What farmers need to know

11 May 201805:00
Diversification on farms is growing steadily across most sectors, with some notable exceptions, according to the latest figures.
Diversificationfarm life
Unions slam claims poultry farms are ruining the environment

Unions slam claims poultry farms are ruining the environment

16 May 201805:00
The industry hit back at claims an ‘explosion’ of poultry farms was having ‘devastating environmental consequences’.
Diversificationfarm lifelivestockpoultryWelfare
Farm business diversification: How to build a brand

Farm business diversification: How to build a brand

18 May 201805:00
Many small businesses and start-ups neglect to spend the necessary time thinking about their brand yet it is a vital part of an overall business.
AdviceDiversificationfarm life
Meet the farmer's daughter who is leading the countryside fitness revolution

Meet the farmer's daughter who is leading the countryside fitness revolution

21 May 201805:00
Tyre flipping, ball slamming and rope battles might not be your typical farm activities but, for one farmer’s daughter, they are just part of an average day.
Diversificationfarm life
Farmers warned as telecom firms seek to slash rental payments

Farmers warned as telecom firms seek to slash rental payments

21 May 201813:00
Mobile operators are trying to take advantage of new rules on the siting of phone masts to offer landowners far less for radio mast sites than they were previously leased for.
BusinessDiversificationfarm life
Agricultural buildings in demand for workshops and storage

Agricultural buildings in demand for workshops and storage

25 Jun 201806:00
With a shortage of industry and workshop space in many areas of the country, Colliers International Tim Davies spoke to Farmers Guardian about how sheds can become the new agricultural crop.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm lifeLand and property
Farm set to become Scotland's first producer of buffalo mozzarella

Farm set to become Scotland's first producer of buffalo mozzarella

03 Jul 201811:48
A farm has been given a share of a Scottish Government fund and plans on becoming the first Scottish producer of buffalo mozzarella.
dairyDiversificationfarm lifelivestock
Two farms team up to host fitness festival and boost awareness of dairy benefits

Two farms team up to host fitness festival and boost awareness of dairy benefits

19 Jul 201814:15
Farmers will be serving fresh local produce including raw milk and cheese and raw milk protein shots.
dairyDiversificationfarm life
Rural young people urged to make their voices heard

Rural young people urged to make their voices heard

10 Aug 201804:00
Rural young people have been urged to be clever and ambitious to tackle the frustrations and challenges within their community.
Diversificationfarm lifeNew entrantsYoung farmers
What you need to know about farm diversification as an extra income

What you need to know about farm diversification as an extra income

03 Sep 201811:13
With subsidies reducing and land prices falling, many farmers are looking to implement a diversification strategy as an extra income stream.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm life
Ambitious dairy farmers giving Italians a run for their money

Ambitious dairy farmers giving Italians a run for their money

03 Sep 201813:54
Without income from farm offices, the Candy family would have struggled to survive during low milk price, which has spurred them on to develop their own Somerset Gelato and rural country markets.
dairyDiversificationfarm lifelivestock
Farm diversification: How to navigate the land and property law

Farm diversification: How to navigate the land and property law

01 Oct 201814:04
Farmers looking to diversify their farm business can get a headstart by understanding the complex legalities and avoiding the pitfalls.
Diversificationfarm life
Six ways to raise finance for your farm diversification venture

Six ways to raise finance for your farm diversification venture

02 Oct 201811:15
Securing finance to fund a new or existing enterprise can be a stumbling block facing many farm businesses.
Diversificationfarm life
One fifth of farmers looking to diversify post-Brexit, new report finds

One fifth of farmers looking to diversify post-Brexit, new report finds

05 Nov 201809:28
NFU Mutual’s Diversification Report found almost half of those surveyed said a diversification project would also make them feel less isolated.
BrexitDiversificationfarm life
‘A pound spent locally will go much further than a pound spent in a chain store’ - Public urged to shop local this Christmas

‘A pound spent locally will go much further than a pound spent in a chain store’ - Public urged to shop local this Christmas

19 Nov 201809:31
The Farmers Union of Wales was urging people to use their local butcher and small shops for food and gifts
BusinessDiversificationfarm life
'The brand is Levi Roots. I am the brand' - food businesses need personality

'The brand is Levi Roots. I am the brand' - food businesses need personality

21 Dec 201807:00
Dragons Den star Levi Roots has been working with students at the Royal Agricultural University to boost their entrepreneurship and skills. Here, he shares some lessons for success.
AdviceBusinessDiversification
UK farmers continue to diversify into areas with more certain financial returns

UK farmers continue to diversify into areas with more certain financial returns

29 Dec 201806:00
Bed and breakfast pigs and cattle rearing and finishing schemes were of interest as farmers look to reduce risk.
arableBeefBrexitBusinessDiversificationlivestockPigPrices & trends
Retailer dairy beef scheme helps UK farmer build for future

Retailer dairy beef scheme helps UK farmer build for future

30 Dec 201806:00
Morrisons Dairy Beef Scheme has helped farmer Richard Ogg create a more sustainable business.
BeefBusinessDiversificationlivestockPrices & trends
Farmers warned they could face huge drops in rental incomes for telecoms masts

Farmers warned they could face huge drops in rental incomes for telecoms masts

05 Apr 201905:00
A Welsh beef and sheep farmer has warned he faced losing 90 per cent of the income from his mast when his contract came up for renewal.
BusinessDiversificationfarm lifeLand and property
Why British farmers should revisit diversification options in wake of Brexit

Why British farmers should revisit diversification options in wake of Brexit

29 Apr 201909:57
With the industry on the brink of major change in the UK, farmers are being urged to look at creating new income streams to de-risk the farming business.
AdviceDiversificationfarm life
Diversification special: How one British dairy farmer is making slurry into money

Diversification special: How one British dairy farmer is making slurry into money

29 Apr 201911:55
Diversifying into renewables has given Jim Shanks an outlet for slurry produced by his dairy cows, and is also fuelling his growing tomato enterprise.
dairyDiversificationfarm lifelivestock
Rural groups team up to press Treasury for smarter spending on countryside

Rural groups team up to press Treasury for smarter spending on countryside

21 May 201912:01
A coalition of rural groups has come together to press Treasury Ministers for smarter and longer-term spending on the countryside.
BusinessDiversificationEnvironmentFundingLegislationPoliticsRural Development
Defra data shows growth in UK organic producers in spite of uncertainty

Defra data shows growth in UK organic producers in spite of uncertainty

23 May 201904:34
While the number of organic processors has declined, bucking the trend seen over the previous five years, the number of organic producers has increased.
arableBeefBusinessdairyDiversificationlivestockPigpoultryPrices & trendssheep
Farmers offered once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Northern Forest

Farmers offered once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the Northern Forest

29 May 201910:42
Farmers and landowners are being offered the chance to be part of the vast new Northern Forest with heavily subsidised tree-planting incentives.
ConservationDiversificationEnglandEnvironmentWildlife
British Farming Awards 2019: Meet our 56 fantastic finalists

British Farming Awards 2019: Meet our 56 fantastic finalists

25 Aug 201919:00
Meet our 56 finalists who are striving to achieve positive change in their businesses up and down the country.
arableAwardsBeefBritish Farming AwardsBusinessdairyDiversificationfarm lifeNew entrantssheepTechnologyYoung farmers
Councils call for permitted development rights to be scrapped as barn conversions soar

Councils call for permitted development rights to be scrapped as barn conversions soar

21 Sep 201908:00
But the CLA said the rules were introduced to allow small villages and rural communities to grow organically and incrementally and were helping tackle housing shortages.
BusinessDiversificationLand and property
Growth opportunities to watch for farmers considering diversification

Growth opportunities to watch for farmers considering diversification

30 Sep 201906:00
The British public is looking for experiences and holidays in the UK countryside, opening opportunities for farmers to diversify.
AdviceDiversificationfarm life
Diversification special: Why location is key for farm shop's success

Diversification special: Why location is key for farm shop's success

29 Sep 201906:00
With building conversions often time-consuming and expensive, Alex Black spoke to Lois Selmes at Waterperry Farm Shop, near Oxford, about how a modular building proved a good option.
AdviceDiversificationfarm life
Diversification special: Solar power allows biodiversity to shine

Diversification special: Solar power allows biodiversity to shine

30 Sep 201906:00
Land used for renewable energy projects is expected to double over the next two decades as the business cases for solar, wind and bioenergy align with the agricultural industry’s aspirations to become net zero by 2040.
Diversificationfarm life
Diversification special: Rural estates assessing non-farming investments

Diversification special: Rural estates assessing non-farming investments

01 Oct 201906:00
As rural businesses look to invest in areas away from farming, Alex Black spoke to Laura de Wesselow about the woodland burial project at the Belsay Estate.
Diversificationfarm life
Diversification special: Planning changes farmers need to watch out for

Diversification special: Planning changes farmers need to watch out for

02 Oct 201906:00
Farmers planning diversification projects need to be aware of recent changes in the planning system.
Diversificationfarm life
Growth in domestic tourism with luxury farm experiences in demand

Growth in domestic tourism with luxury farm experiences in demand

15 Nov 201907:00
Consumers want convenience and unique experiences from farm-based businesses and are willing to pay for the privilege.
Diversificationfarm life
Future-proofing and spreading risk behind farmer's diversifications

Future-proofing and spreading risk behind farmer's diversifications

25 Nov 201906:00
Ambitious and ‘out of the box’ thinking comes naturally to David Haynes. Yet the Leicestershire farmer hit a brick wall 30 years ago.
Diversificationfarm life
Farm Stay adapts to changing holiday habits

Farm Stay adapts to changing holiday habits

01 Feb 202018:00
As more people look to holiday in the UK, Farm Stay is seeking to connect holidaymakers with farmers.
BusinessDiversificationfarm life
Half of UK farmers plan diversification schemes to ‘spread risk’ ahead of funding changes

Half of UK farmers plan diversification schemes to ‘spread risk’ ahead of funding changes

07 Feb 202007:00
Almost half of UK farmers (48 per cent) are planning to set up or expand diversification schemes following the UK’s biggest shake-up in funding for decades, according to new research by NFU Mutual.
BusinessDiversificationfarm lifeFundingTourism
Farmers set to benefit as wind subsidies given green light by Government

Farmers set to benefit as wind subsidies given green light by Government

03 Mar 202012:20
UK farmers could benefit from new onshore wind energy subsidies, following the Government’s latest ruling which allows projects to compete for contracts to generate clean power.
BusinessDiversificationEnergyFunding
'COP26 effect' will benefit UK farm businesses as industry heads for net zero target

'COP26 effect' will benefit UK farm businesses as industry heads for net zero target

11 Mar 202012:30
Policies around climate change mitigation can bring financial benefits for farm businesses. Olivia Midgley reports from the Energy and Rural Business Show at Peterborough Arena.  
arableBusinessDiversificationEnergyEnvironmentFundingPolitics
Agricultural lending to farm businesses tops £572m

Agricultural lending to farm businesses tops £572m

16 Mar 202012:33
Loans given to UK farming businesses increased by 22 per cent to £572m during 2019, according to new figures released at the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation’s (AMC) annual agent conferences.
BusinessDiversificationFunding
Farm shop launches online delivery to ‘create jobs’ amid coronavirus spread

Farm shop launches online delivery to ‘create jobs’ amid coronavirus spread

18 Mar 202015:00
A local farm shop will launch its first online delivery service this week in a bid to create jobs for those who have found themselves out of work amid the coronavirus pandemic.
BusinessdairyDiversificationfarm lifepoultrySurrey
Coronavirus lockdown hits farm diversifications

Coronavirus lockdown hits farm diversifications

10 Apr 202005:30
When the Government announced its unprecedented lockdown measures, restricting people’s movement and closing businesses, many farm diversifications were forced to shut their doors.
BusinessCoronavirusDiversificationFarm focusfarm lifetrade
Diversification - Bigger is not always better, look at 'passive' options first

Diversification - Bigger is not always better, look at 'passive' options first

25 Apr 202005:52
Diversifying income streams to negate falling direct payments will be an attractive option to many farm businesses, but small-scale projects can sometimes be just as lucrative, without carrying as much risk.
AdviceBusinessDiversificationfarm life

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