The Welsh cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs has today (Monday, April 29) announced £20 million for two funding schemes to support investment on farm infrastructure. Huw Irranca-Davies said the funding will help build resilience to the potential impact of climate change. The £20 million has been committed to two schemes to support farmers reach compliance with the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021. The Nutrient Management Investment Scheme and the Small Grants – Yard Coverings scheme will open shortly and by the summer, the Welsh ..read more

Authorities in the US have confirmed viral fragments of avian influenza – or bird flu – in one-in-five samples of commercial milk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that it had received some initial results from its nationally-representative commercial milk sampling supply. It had confirmed last week that it was carrying out this sampling after confirming the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in some pasteurised milk samples, which came after the virus was confirmed in dairy cattle on some farms. Initial results from this testing show that around 20% of the 297 sam ..read more

NFU Mutual is urging farm shop owners to stay vigilant as its research shows “an alarming number of cases of theft and violence across the country”. The rural insurer’s survey of 500 decision makers in retail revealed that two thirds of rural retailers have suffered from crime in the last 12 months. This has cost shops in those areas an average of more than £40,000 in that time. The research also found that one in 20 rural retailers had lost between £200,001 and £500,000 to crime over the same period. Farming specialist at NFU Mutual, David Harrison, said: “Our study shows a worrying number o ..read more

Deutz Fahr has recently launched a new range of tractors that are said to embody versatility, modularity, strength and good value for money within the utility mid-segment.  This segment represents what is commonly referred to as stockman’s tractors, machines which are bigger and more capable than compacts yet are lacking the power and size deemed necessary for tillage operations. Deutz Fahr has named this new series of tractor the Series 5 Keyline and they are said to be designed to offer maximum flexibility while ensuring reliable performance. Ideal for small yards Agility is one major ..read more

John Deere has just unveiled its latest forestry machines at a launch event in Helsinki. The new machines cover both the harvesting and forwarding of timber. Known as the H Series harvesters and forwarders, they are said to demonstrate higher productivity with lower fuel consumption, better stability and improved operator ergonomics. John Deere claims that it is setting new production system standards in forest machinery operations with these latest machines, noting that its investments in product development, innovation and technology will result in improved business performance for its cust ..read more

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has said there are practical steps that farmers can take to improve environmental impact while also boosting profit. A joint report between HCC, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), has laid these steps out. The study explored how 16 practices, across four categories, could contribute to increased productivity and profitability and reduced environmental impact. The categories are: genetics and breeding, calving and fertility, feed and management. HCC research and development and sustainability ex ..read more

Case IH is intending to return to Cereals 2024 on June 11-12 with a new stand that will showcase not only its latest machinery, but also its connected services. The stand will incorporate one of the largest working demonstration plots on the Cereals site, according to the company, and will provide the first opportunity for UK farmers to see a new Axial-Flow 260 Series combine harvester and the latest harvesting innovations. Cereals 2024 is a trade show for hundreds of exhibitors involved in the arable/tillage sector and will take place in Hertfordshire. Lying at the heart of the hospitality a ..read more

Hi-tech optical sensors in fields could provide an effective means of monitoring beetle numbers arriving in oilseed rape fields, according to a new study. Results from an optically sensed field were compared to those baited with standard water traps and in-field counting by hand. The optical sensors recorded an increase in pollen beetles two days ahead of water traps and four days ahead of plant counts. In terms of early detection and numbers of beetles recorded, this was clearly the most efficient pollen beetle monitoring method. “Understanding the dynamics of pest immigration into a crop fi ..read more

The Forestry Commission is seeking someone with experience in forestry and/or land management to take on the role of woodland officer. The salary range for the role is £34,080-£36,934 and the application deadline is 11:55p.m on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The role is a fixed term appointment until March 31, 2025 with possibility of extension or permanency, but no guarantee. The Forestry Commission is comprised of the government’s forestry experts, and it facilitates the protection, improvement and expansion of England’s trees, woodlands and forestry sector. The role will be based at the Forestry Com ..read more

Grenadier was initially renowned for its size, strength and skill at throwing grenades at the foe, a role which later morphed into the ability to lead assaults on enemy positions. It also gave the name to a London pub in which the concept of a replacement for the venerable Land Rover Defender was first discussed, and so, in turn, it became the natural moniker for the vehicle involved. The original utility Land Rover was in production for nearly 70 years and left a big reputation behind, and so the question of whether the newcomer can fill its shoes arises. Breaking the mould Ineos, the compan ..read more