Agriculture

News from the Field

Features and views – including insights from our National Agriculture Strategy Director, Oliver McEntyre – and news about the business events we're supporting and visiting.

Livestock and arable industry news

Summer 2019

Oliver McEntyre gives his insight into all things farming, from arable and livestock to finance and agri-tech – and everything in between. Discover the latest news and updates from the industry.

#FarmtheFuture

Inspiring the next generation

We’re launching a nationwide campaign to encourage farmers to kick-start their succession plans.

Supplying Asian markets

Looking further afield for growth

A booming middle class in Asia could present a longer-term opportunity for British farmers and growers. 

Cashflow in farming

Why good cashflow management is key to a successful farming business

Succession planning – the seeds of future security

Succession planning within UK agriculture has often been viewed as a difficult, thorny topic. All too often, it gets left at the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list – or just isn’t addressed at all. Oliver McEntyre, our National Agriculture Strategy Director, considers the personal and business risks of not having a succession plan, and the steps you should take to put one in place¹.

Farm diversification

Helping an award-winning winemaker sparkle

Find out how tenant farmer Charles Palmer’s decision to diversify into vineyards led to success.

Technology in agriculture

The impact of smartphones and apps on farming

Mike Hambly is a fast-moving farmer with an app for everything. See how smartphones are changing the way he manages his business.

Fraud in farming

Preventing farm subsidy fraud

Get some tips to help protect yourself against financial crime, including being wary of impersonators, information seekers and unusual transactions.

Financial support for farmers

Wensleydale farmer knew where to go for finance

How we helped one dairy farmer with the finance needed to get through tough times.

Farming technology

Modernising for long-term success

Discover how the Williams family is using farming technology to get the most from their farm.

Farming transformation

From broiler chickens to home-grown British cassis

Jo Hilditch has taken her family business into new areas. Not content with chicken production, her farm now produces apples and blackcurrants.

Revitalising a dairy business

New technology is helping a farm to flourish

Stowell Farms turned around its dairy business with the help of innovative technology and our support. 

Financial solutions for family run businesses

A shared passion helped us back Brambells Glamping, to keep Buildings Farm a family affair after four generations.

Barclays Agriculture Fund: helping farmers grow and diversify their businesses

Barrow Farm had been in Graham and Kate’s family for over 100 years, but they were keen to make the business more sustainable. The Barclays Agriculture Fund, available to help farmers invest, was able to give them a 100% loan to pay for everything they needed.