Maureen Hodges

Carlisle

Farming and Rural Affairs Editor at News & Star

Farming and Rural Affairs Editor at The Westmorland Gazette

breaks farming news in Cumbria. All views expressed are my own.

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Articles

Calls to delay changes to damaging farm tax

3 weeks ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

WHAT we do is a job, not a lifestyle, and one that comes complete with uncontrollable forces like the weather and volatile markets, with often little return for the investment and work put in. As farmers we have a real sense of duty in producing high quality produce to the highest global standards, putting our bodies, minds and souls on the line for a purpose greater than us. We are resilient but that only goes so far.
First farmer ever to chair Red Tractor assurance scheme

1 month ago | hexham-courant.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Mr Mackintosh has been serving as interim chair of Red Tractor since Christine Tacon stepped down from the role in July 2024. A statement from the Ownership Body of Assured Food Standards (AFS), responsible for the Red Tractor food assurance programme, said the appointment follows a 'comprehensive and rigorous selection process'.
Cumbrian becomes first farmer in history to chair Red Tractor assurance scheme

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Mr Mackintosh has been serving as interim chair of Red Tractor since Christine Tacon stepped down from the role in July 2024. A statement from the Ownership Body of Assured Food Standards (AFS), responsible for the Red Tractor food assurance programme, said the appointment follows a 'comprehensive and rigorous selection process'.
'Shocking loss' of endangered birds of prey from Cumbrian site

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

THE breeding season at RSPB Geltsdale has been put in jeopardy, it is claimed, with the disappearance of two rare male hen harriers from their nesting site within a matter of days. Their vanishing has sparked renewed outcry over illegal persecution near grouse moors, with the RSPB calling for urgent licensing reform. Staff at the conservation charity have reported being 'sickened' by the sudden loss of the birds from the Geltsdale Nature Reserve near Brampton.
Some farmers can apply for SFI funding, Defra confirms

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Farmers who were locked out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme despite being midway through an application will now be allowed to access support. Defra says those who saved their application but didn’t submit within two months of the scheme’s closure will be allowed to apply up to a maximum of £9,300 per application. It comes after the scheme was shut without any warning in March, sending shockwaves through the farming sector.
Tenant farmers call on Labour to reconsider ‘ill-thought’ farm tax raid

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

The Tenant Farmers Association said the May 2025 local election results should serve as a warning to Labour that the party could lose rural seats at the next General Election if they do not change tack on changes to the farm tax raid. TFA Chief Executive and Farmer columnist, George Dunn, said: “The TFA is apolitical - we lobby all parties equally. However, inevitably, there is a focus on the Party in power which, at the current time, happens to be Labour.
Looming farm tax is 'fuelling mental health crisis'

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

3 1/1 FEARS are growing for the mental health of the county's farmers who face losing their family farms as a result of the proposed changes to inheritance tax. Farming charities like the Farming Community Network (FCN) are seeking views from farmers regarding the current challenges they face with their mental health. A FCN spokesperson said they get calls every day from farmers worried about the family farm tax and other aspects of last autumn's budget.
Cumbrian breeders head to H&H May bull sales

1 month ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Brontemoor Urea - Overall Champion at the H&H 2024 bull sale As we head into the Harrison & Hetherington May Bull Sales we spoke to local Farmer Richard Priestley of Brontemoor Herd of Limousin Cattle at Cracrop Farm, Brampton. Richard Priestley of Cracrop Farm, Brampton, home to the Brontemoor herd has several Limousin bulls heading to Carlisle, this weekend. The Brontemoor Limousin Herd was established in 1987 by Micheal Priestley, Richard’s grandfather, and his father Steven.
Sheep watchdog believes wildfires should spark discussion on destocking

2 months ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

Upland destocking must feature in wildfire discussions, says NSA A SHEEP watchdog believes the worrying spate of wildfires across the UK should spark discussion on upland management and the unintended consequences of destocking.
Major risk of 'catastrophic wildfires' on Cumbria's moorland fells

2 months ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Maureen Hodges

3 1/1 EXPERTS are warning there is a major risk of 'catastrophic' wildfires engulfing swathes of Cumbria's moorland fells, including the Lake District which would put lives at risk. They state that wildfire poses a significant threat to the stunning Lake District which attracts 18 million visitors each year to enjoy its rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.