Farming Online

National Drought Group met today as 71.3% of England now in drought England records its driest July since records began in 1836. Government steps up drought response and is actively considering ways to give more support to farmers. Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August.

Pitchup.com has committed its support for The Farming Community Network (FCN), Britain’s farmers and their families, for a third year. Pitchup, a UK-based global search and booking platform for outdoor accommodation, has steadfastly championed the rural economy since inception in 2009 and is passionate about supporting rural economies.

With much of the UK experiencing exceptionally dry conditions, successful establishment of oilseed rape will be determined far more by soil moisture availability than by calendar date, says Corteva Agriscience.

New research highlights potential impact of weight-loss medications on food and drink purchasing habits New research from The Knowledge Bank, the industry leading insight team from the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, has highlighted the potential impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on food and drink purchasing habits in Scotland, with users reporting changes in the types of products they buy and how they spend their money.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) and the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) are working together to provide helpful, practical guidance for UK farmers as the number of bluetongue (BTV) cases continue to rise and we approach the time of year when breeding and store sheep sales peak. High seasonal temperatures have meant that many UK farmers are struggling with both food and water supplies. These challenges have now been compounded by rapidly growing cases of BTV-3.

Rising fertilizer prices are threatening Afghanistan's 2027 wheat harvest just as farmers prepare for what could be one of the country's most promising wheat-growing seasons in years. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is appealing for USD 38.3 million to enable up to 600 000 farming households to access fertilizer and certified wheat seed ahead of Afghanistan's winter wheat planting season.

Decades of selective breeding and intensive agricultural practices have reshaped cattle genetics - often at the expense of valuable diversity preserved in traditional herds - according to new research from Aberystwyth University. The authors of the study, published in Applied Animal Science<https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2590286525000904>, warn that safeguarding these genetic resources is critical for sustainable farming in the face of climate change and shifting global demands.

New Montrose facility to double blending capacity and support future growth across Scotland Wynnstay Group plc, a leading integrated agricultural supplies business, has announced a major investment in its Scottish fertiliser operations through the expansion of Glasson Fertilisers' blending capacity in Montrose.

The benchmark measure of world food commodity prices edged up in July, as recent heatwaves and energy price dynamics pushed up quotations for cereals, vegetable oils and sugar, according to new data released Friday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Vaccination is the only way to protect herds and flocks against increasing cases of Bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3), veterinary and livestock industry leaders have said. Speaking at special briefing organised by the AHDB and the Battle Bluetongue industry group, the Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) from England, Wales and Scotland reinforced the need for greater vigilance against BTV-3 and urged farmers to report cases of the disease.