The Source

By understanding fragmentation as a process that unfolds over time, the researchers believe scientists can reduce confusion, improve evidence for conservation decisions, and develop more effective strategies to protect biodiversity. 

Local food has long been thought of as a “nice-to-have”. But a new review of evidence finds that local food systems are often less dependent on volatile markets and can be more price stable.

With Red Tractor reviewing its farm standards and assessment processes, many agricultural businesses will be looking again at whether they are ready for future checks.

“When you have all these layers in place, then you can really understand the potential of a field and how to maximise it without relying on what is happening in the field right now,”

The opening event of the Dyson Farming Research Centre (DFRC) reinforced the increasingly powerful narrative that agriculture is unlikely to be transformed one research project, or one start-up company at a time.

The messages are mixed and the discussion is personal but having a clear business strategy as a tenant farmer and a good offering to your landlord, understanding their needs and wants whether it be agricultural, environmental, capital growth or diversification, is a great way to build a long term working relationship.

Regenerative textiles have spent years making the case for better materials. The harder question—whether the systems needed to turn promising crops into functioning textile economies can actually be built—is only now being tested.

"The best time to start testing soil organic matter (or carbon) was 20 years ago; the second best time is now"

Last month, Defra asked farmers and land managers to share their experiences of rising fertiliser costs and how they are affecting on -farm decisions

Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) is the gold standard method to evaluate welfare and is one of the few methods we have for identifying and assessing positive welfare. It incorporates information on animals’ body language; indicators that have not previously been used. QBA has been included in the Welfare Quality® protocol.

Led by SRUC, the GreenShed system will also produce low-carbon fertiliser and has the potential to remove the equivalent of 237 tonnes of carbon dioxide per farm per year.

This review positions calf nutrition not simply as a management tool for short-term performance but as a biological lever with far-reaching impacts on lifelong animal health, efficiency, and sustainability