Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits

Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits

124 Source: Phys Org April 8th, 2026 Article
In a rare long-term public study that compared the effects of phytochemicals from rosemary and oregano with antibiotic growth promoters, animal scientists with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, found that the natural agents given to weaned pigs supported favourable gut health and growth performance later in their lives by preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization.
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Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil

123 Source: PhysOrg April 8th, 2026 Article
A new international study offers insights into the health risks posed by crops' absorption of "contaminants of emerging concern" (CECs) and flags knowledge gaps the authors say must be addressed. CECs include pharmaceuticals, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials and PFAS (commonly known as "forever chemicals"). The researchers warn that even when present at very low concentrations, these chemicals can subtly alter plant physiology, disrupt soil health and pose wider environmental and human health risks.
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Law Commission publishes agricultural law scoping report for Wales

Law Commission publishes agricultural law scoping report for Wales

122 Source: Georgina Withers-Boalch and Laura Jones, Law Commission April 1st, 2026 Article
In February 2026, the Law Commission published a scoping report on agricultural law in Wales. The scoping report examines a potential code of agricultural law in Wales and marks a significant milestone in the wider initiative to codify the law in Wales. This article briefly explores the scoping report’s key findings, the Law Commission’s rationale for a potential code of agricultural law for Wales and implications for practitioners.
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Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing — Colonies surged 15-fold

Scientists uncovered the nutrients bees were missing — Colonies surged 15-fold

121 Source: Science Daily April 1st, 2026 Article
University of Oxford Scientists have developed a breakthrough “superfood” for honeybees by engineering yeast to produce the essential nutrients normally found in pollen. In controlled trials, colonies fed this specially designed diet produced up to 15 times more young, showing a dramatic boost in reproduction and overall health. As climate change and modern agriculture reduce the availability of natural pollen, this innovation could offer a practical way to support struggling bee populations.
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Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: what is holding us back from creating real value?

120 Source: Aidan Connolly, AgriTech Capital & Camila Ulloa, Purdue University April 1st, 2026 Article
Artificial intelligence is now widely used across agriculture. Sensors monitor livestock performance, software supports crop planning, and supply chains increasingly rely on predictive analytics. Yet a more important question remains. If AI is already present, why are so many organisations still struggling to translate it into consistent, measurable value?
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Authentic livelihoods? Navigating authenticity and change in the Lake District cultural landscape

117 Source: Faye Shortland, Steven B. Emery 2026. Authentic livelihoods? Navigating authenticity and change in the Lake District cultural landscape, Journal of Rural Studies 124 April 1st, 2026 Article
We show that the category of ‘local’ or ‘indigenous’ is not immutable and nor are the practices and interventions that are deemed acceptable. We caution against renditions of local communities as being resistant to change and provide examples of how endogenous pivots toward environmental practices and tourism can be incorporated into an authentic livelihood strategy.
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Are current water reforms enough to secure long-term supply for rural areas?  

Are current water reforms enough to secure long-term supply for rural areas?  

116 Source: Jessica’s Rural Words April 1st, 2026 Article
The scale of the challenge is significant: by 2050, England is projected to face a daily shortfall of nearly five billion litres of water.  Against this backdrop, the central question is whether the Water White Paper – and wider government initiatives – will be sufficient to address these pressures. Jessica Sellick investigates.  
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Automated Milking Systems

Automated Milking Systems

114 Source: Alison Clark, SAC Consulting April 1st, 2026 Article
Labour shortages are leading to an increase in the number of producers turning to Automated Milking Systems (AMS) to reduce the long and often anti-social hours associated with milking twice or three times a day. FAS Scotland has delivered several meetings and webinars on AMS production throughout 2025 for existing producers and those thinking about converting. This note condenses the key points from those events to help you get the maximum benefit from an AMS system
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