The Source

Agricultural research should put farmers at the heart of project design if it is to deliver lasting changes in farming practice, argues a new paper from researchers involved in the Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) project.

"If you are a farmer or land manager involved in day-to-day or strategic land-management decisions in England, I would be extremely grateful for your perspective. The anonymous survey takes around 10 minutes, and responses will contribute to my University of Warwick research and the recommendations that follow from it. Below is my explanation about why the survey is needed. There is a link to the survey at the end of my article.” Elizabeth Williams.

Blue light is vital for dairy cattle health and productivity. Disruptions to natural light experienced using indoor lighting can negatively impact dairy cattle welfare. Implementing alternative lighting schedules at night that use red-light only can reduce the negative impacts on dairy cattle welfare

The 2026 season has brought an unusually early harvest alongside drought and extreme heat. As the climate and weather patterns continue to change, risks that farmers have always had to manage may need to be considered more seriously.

The effects of regenerative practices are strongly dependent on soil type, climate, nitrogen balance, pest pressure, and the extent of adoption of regenerative practices. Risks may arise during the transition period, including yield declines, nitrogen immobilization, weed infestation, and increased disease pressure.

Education and research farms should aim to demonstrate practical open data systems, acting as key knowledge hubs to support the next generation with the skills required for wider adoption in an increasingly data-driven agricultural landscape.

The outcomes of ORC’s project Early indicators to monitor changes in soil health: evidence to update guidance for UK farmers, have been published.

NewHarvest began with a simple but urgent recognition: the UK’s food system is dangerously fragile, and very few people in positions of power are responding with the seriousness the moment demands.

It is true that many practices now heralded as regenerative agriculture are like the farming of old. The difference now is that we can measure the improvement. Can we? Can you not get any result you like?

The environmental impact of livestock production can be mitigated by reducing the crude protein of the animal’s diets, particularly poultry, due to their high demand for crude protein.

The assessment of animal welfare on commercial farms is essential not only to safeguard the health and wellbeing of production animals and to ensure compliance with legislation, but to also provide assurance to consumers that the meat, milk, and eggs that they consume have been produced to a satisfactory welfare standard.

Attention is turning to solutions that can help stabilise water availability across the farmed landscape. One such solution that is increasingly visible across Scotland is the Eurasian beaver.