Articles
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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West Coast Calves – Key Facts and Figures
Calves born and bred on the West Coast of Scotland play a hugely important role in contributing to maintaining Scotland’s critical herd mass. Suckler herds on the Western Isles contribute…
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Improvements in Broadleaved Trees – An Opportunity for Landowners
Broadleaf tree planting has increased dramatically since the 1980s, driven largely by environmental schemes and landscape objectives. But broadleaves can offer far more than amenity or conservation value alone. Thanks to advances in…
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The Dairy Labour Crisis – Who will Milk the Cows Tomorrow?
Across the dairy sector, margins are under increasing pressure. Following the recent milk price drops and ongoing market volatility, rising input costs and heightened environmental regulations often dominate headlines. For many producers, labour is no longer just…
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Putting Pasture to Work in your Dairy System
Margins are tightening in dairying, the average cost of production in 2024/25 was calculated at 48.5ppl with the average farm gate milk price reaching a high of 46.56ppl in October 25. The sharp…
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