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

Tenant farmers call on Labour to reconsider ‘ill-thought’ farm tax raid

6 hours 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 week 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

2 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

1 month 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.
Two appointments at Carlisle-based H&H Group Plc

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

Scott Donaldson & Robin Anderson TWO strategic appointments have been announced by Carlisle-based H&H Group Plc. Robin Anderson, current Head of Farmstock Operations for Harrison & Hetherington, will take up the role of Managing Director,. while Scott Donaldson will move into the newly created role of Group Director for H&H Group Plc. Both Scott and Robin are to take up their new positions with immediate effect.
'People need to be told the truth about what is happening to our upland farms'

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

5 1/1 THE iconic sheep who wander the fells and the shepherds who still ply their ancient trade by tending to their needs and keep are fast disappearing from the Cumbrian landscape, it is claimed. Instead the close-cropped upland fells, the gateway for thousands of walkers, are being ‘destroyed’ and replaced with rough scrubland and coarse grasses.
Calls for Defra budget transparency after SFI closure

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

3 1/1 A CUMBRIAN university professor claims there could still be money in the agricultural pot and calls for more transparency from Defra after they closed the door to new applications for its key green farming funding scheme. .Julia Aglionby, Professor of Practice University of Cumbria and Executive Director Foundation for Common Land said that according to her calculations there is still around £400m in the agricultural budget.
Iconic hill sheep fleeces receive royal touch

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

Adam Day meeting His Majesty The King TWO hill sheep fleeces from the Cumbrian fells, including the iconic Herdwick, were presented to His Majesty The King this week by the Farmer Network, one of the Country's leading farmer support organisations. The network had been invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Majesty. He is Patron of the Royal Countryside Fund which supports several farm support organisations including the Network.
Nominations still open for prestigious Cumbria Farmer Awards

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

TIME is running out to nominate yourself or someone you know who is deserving of the crown of Cumbria Farmer Awards 2025. Cumbria Farmer Awards, launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership for the third year running with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, celebrates the very best of the county’s farming by recognising and rewarding innovation, hard work and passion for agriculture. The awards, which celebrates its fifth year, is thrilled to announce our host for the 2025 ceremony is Adam Day.