Articles
Spring Malting Barley Outlook 2026
Key Points Weak and uncertain export demand for whisky is feeding back down the supply chain Spring malting barley contract tonnage expected to be lower in 2026 Feed markets likely…
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Alternative Protein Crops Overview
There has been a significant amount of research conducted in recent years to explore the potential of home-grown protein crops which may be viable in the UK. This article gives an overview to the…
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EASR Explained: Updated Rules For Farmers Drawing Water From Rivers And Burns
November 2025 saw the introduction of the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (EASR). This new regulatory framework amends or replaces several pieces of legislation governing waste management, water, industrial activities and…
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Business and Policy February 2026 – Digital Marketing: Making your Farm or Croft Stand Out
With livestock to feed, fences to repair, and spring sowing around the corner, it is not surprising that marketing is often a job which falls down your to-do list. However, neglecting it risks putting your business on the…
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Business and Policy February 2026 – Milk
Milk production data Domestic milk production continues to rise, with a GB production figure of 34.87mlitres for the week ending 17th January 2026. This is 0.6% higher than the previous week and 3.5% higher than the same week in 2025 (an extra…
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Business and Policy February 2026 – Sheep
The Present Although prime lamb prices entering 2026 remain historically strong; at time of writing (28/01/2026), they are around 50p/kg down on this time last year. While the June Defra Census reported a 1% reduction in breeding ewe numbers from 2024…
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Business and Policy February 2026 – Beef
New Year Prices Remain Historically High Finished beef prices have started strongly and as of mid-January for week ending 24 January R4L grades were sitting at 650p/kg/dwt. Although prices remain historically high, prices have continued…
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Business and Policy February 2026 – Arable
Heavy volumes weigh on markets Markets had incorrectly presumed that the latest USDA report would report on tighter maize and soya bean stocks and broadly stable wheat inventories. Instead, the report, which was issued on the 12th of January delivered a clear bearish…
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Business and Policy February 2026 – Policy Update
Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme The Scottish Government have launched a new £1 million capital grant scheme for the Agri-Tourism Sector. The Agri-Tourism Investment Scheme (AIS) is designed to help agritourism businesses in Scotland to be financially sustainable,…
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Artificial Insemination (AI) in the Suckler Herd
While more commonly used in the dairy industry and pedigree beef cattle, artificial insemination (AI) still has a place in commercial suckler herds because of the increased costs of replacement females and bulls, greater focus on calving…
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