The Source

We examine technologies such as digital twins, mobile applications, autonomous systems, location-aware technologies, edge computing, and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) that are revolutionizing agricultural processes.

This paper is an assignment submitted to De Montfort University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of LLM in Environmental Law by Andrew Brown. It asks whether, despite the much higher levels of fines on water companies for environmental offences imposed[NP1]  recently, there remains an unacceptably [NP2] low level of compliance with the regulations. What can be done?

The autumn block herds had lower total income, lower forage purchases, higher labour costs and lower net profit compared with all-year-round. The spring block herds had higher total income, higher forage purchases, and lower labour and overhead costs compared with all-year round. No differences were found between twin block and all-year-round herds.

This systematic review of precision agriculture reveals that some academics make claims about PA and sustainability without presenting adequate evidence. Of 444 English-language academic publications on PA and sustainability, it found 54 papers with field-trial or modelling evidence, and most evidence exists for variable rate technologies in grain farming.

This study tracked GHG emissions arising from croplands and found drained peatlands (35%), rice paddies (35%) and synthetic fertilizer (23%) as the primary contributors. Four crops—rice, maize, oil palm and wheat—accounted for 67% of total emissions.

Animal welfare is the animal’s experience or feelings, on a continuum from poor to good. Measurement of resources describes the risks for poor or the opportunities for good welfare. Animal-based measures provide a greater insight into the animal’s mental state. However, important aspects of animal welfare are not well-captured in existing welfare assessment. Use of sensors may improve our ability to assess some aspects of welfare in the future.

Hearing loss is a pervasive yet often hidden health challenge affecting millions of people across the UK. While 5.8% of GP patients reported deafness or hearing loss in 2024, research indicates that the true figure is significantly higher – affecting up to 18 million adults, or one-in-three, when mild and unilateral loss are included. Prevalence increases sharply with age, meaning rural communities – where 27% of residents are aged 65+ years – are disproportionately affected. Rural workers also face elevated occupational risks, particularly in agriculture, mining, and quarrying, where prolonged exposure to noise increases the likelihood of hearing damage.  What is being done, and what more can be done, to support people with deafness and hearing loss, especially in rural communities? 

Pop ecology promises harmony in farming, but real agricultural decisions demand tradeoffs grounded in ecological reality.

In this post, we explain what to expect from the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer in 2026. We also share the list of the 71 actions available in the new offer, with payment rates.

The application window for the next round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF 2026) will open on 17 March.

Key Messages: The ideal Oilseed Rape (OSR) crop ideotype should have larger, but not just thicker canopies for more efficient and effective light capture. It should also produce a higher-than-average number of seeds per m2 and better than average seed filling. High yielding crops tend to be sown and develop 5-10 days later. They are also associated with higher manuring frequency especially in the autumn. Deep non-inversion establishment most is the common strategy (move soil when needed) (Speaker: Thomas Wilkinson, ADAS)

This paper is an assignment submitted to De Montfort University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of LLM in Environmental Law by Andrew Brown. It shows how the UK system of town and country planning goes some way to protecting the environment but that there is more that could be done to further that aim.