Farmers Weekly

Jim George has won first place in our complex category. Hedgetrimming needn’t be an unprofitable job loathed by farmers and contractors across the land, reckons Jim George, who has devised a machine that could turn cuttings into cash. His prototype Hej Harvester does exactly as advertised, trimming and bagging woody stems for burning as biomass, producing biochar or selling as a hitherto untapped commodity.

While full scheme details are yet to be confirmed, we know that around £2.7bn will be invested in sustainable farming and nature recovery/ year from 2026/27 to 2028/29, with around £2bn annually invested specifically into ELM schemes by 28/29. Whilst this is a rise from previously allocated £800m in 2023/24, the funding is expected to be tightly allocated, and for growers who missed out on SFI 2024, securing early access to SFI 2026 will be critical to business resilience.

Polaris has bolstered its UTV line-up with an entry-level model that’s priced to compete against quad bikes. The Ranger 500 is designed to bridge the gap between the maker’s Sportsman ATVs and the Ranger 570, with a 567cc petrol engine that delivers 28hp and 45Nm of torque.

Britain’s taxpayers are generally feeling less well off than last year. The government has no reserves, its debt is mounting, and costs are rising. A number of the wealthiest (best) taxpayers are emigrating. These people are also wealth creators, so their spirit of entrepreneurialism is leaving with them.

Stabiliser cattle at Scadghill Farm © The Priest family For Liz and Rob Priest, switching to organic has sharpened their focus on forage – improving quality, productivity and utilisation. The result is lower costs, strengthened business resilience and peace of mind. Today, they produce 9t of dry matter (DM)/ha from permanent pasture and diverse leys, with 80% utilisation.

German outfit Tadus hopes to become the Tesla of the tractor world, having all but completed the development of its first battery-electric model. This has been undergoing rigorous testing since the government-backed concept was unveiled at Agritechnica two years ago. The T16.20 is capable of a continuous output of 110hp, with intermittent 160hp peaks. Top speed is 40kph.

© WDA Bravo/Alamy Stock Photo Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Andrew Chandler, head of rural agency with Carter Jonas, advises on how much to do in preparation for a farm sale where there are known planning and other issues. See also: Business Clinic: renting a shed to a neighbour for youngstock Q: We are preparing to sell our late parents’ farm, which is a farmhouse, 81ha, barns and some let commercial space.

Neidpath Farms is a large upland livestock enterprise spanning around 2,500 acres across four farms surrounding the town of Peebles in the Scottish Borders. Since 2021, farm manager Matt Griffin has been leading a holistic, nature-friendly approach to agriculture. Here, he shares the lessons he’s learned from keeping this agricultural transition profitable. At Neidpath, the focus is on building a farming system that works with nature while remaining financially resilient.

Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s Business Clinic experts can help. Here, Kate Bell, a partner with accountant Albert Goodman, explains how to approach allocation of private and business uses when reclaiming VAT.

The Woodland Trust works closely with farmers to integrate trees into your farm business. When planning your tree planting, the guidance below can provide ideas and designs to meet your objectives. Shelterbelt: strip of trees and shrubs A shelterbelt is made of trees and shrubs designed to protect livestock and crops from harsh weather. These living buffers are carefully planted in staggered rows, combining different species and heights of trees to create a layered protection against the elements.