Sarah Kidby

Ipswich

Livestock Editor at Farmers Guide

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Articles

Innovative organic fertiliser proves to be a hit with UK vineyards

1 week ago | fruitandvine.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

VineLohas fertilisers are produced in the UK using enzyme technology to turn animal by-products into safe, low carbon fertilisers – with dramatic results for soil health on vineyards. In the world of viticulture, soil health is a cornerstone of quality wine production. Forward-thinking vineyards across the UK are increasingly turning to Lohas Fertiliser – an innovative, sustainable solution that combines science with nature to nurture stronger vines and healthier soils.
English wine gathers pace, but investment is needed

2 weeks ago | fruitandvine.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

VineDespite a global and national decline in wine consumption, UK wine continues to see rapid growth – but challenges remain. WineGB and NIAB experts shared their thoughts at this year’s Oxford Farming Conference. Sarah Kidby reports. The latest WineGB figures show UK sparkling wine production rose by a staggering 187% in five years – reaching 6.2 million bottles in 2023. While still wine is yet to catch up, it’s gathering momentum and also saw a boost of 117%, to 2.6m bottles, in the same period.
Diversifications help fruit business thrive in tough times

1 month ago | fruitandvine.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Featured GrowersBarra Berries opened their 13th century tower house for a series of diversifications including weddings, accommodation, a restaurant and farm shop, alongside their livestock and soft fruit businesses. Sarah Kidby reports. Husband-and-wife team David and Sarah Stephen have launched a growing number of diversifications over the past 10 years, from their captivating Scottish castle in Aberdeenshire – an unusual L-plan tower house that dates from the 13th century.
What are the latest farm machinery trends in 2025?

Mar 18, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Machinery As the agricultural sector continues to evolve in response to global challenges, 2025 marks a pivotal year for innovative farming solutions, AMTEC explains. Climate change and rising operational costs are the two main impacts for innovative farming solutions and technological advancements in 2025.
What's driving the rise in used farm machinery purchases?

Mar 14, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Machinery A new report sheds light on what is currently driving farmers to purchase new or used farm machinery, with cost and condition being key factors. Weather and government grants were among the factors influencing whether farmers choose new or used farm machinery, according to a new survey by AMTEC. Farmers who responded cited purchasing price and condition among their top concerns (26% and 25% respectively), but just 2% said financial support was key factor.
Supporting diversification plans with asset finance

Mar 14, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Diversification Close Brothers Asset Finance explains how it can help farmers make their diversification plans a reality. With rising costs across the board, farmers are increasingly looking to diversify and find innovative ways to save and make money. Photovoltaics or a biomass boiler are a good example, which can be used to supplement the energy needs of both the farm and house.
Farm business income report shows cereals hit hard

Mar 12, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Cereals Defra’s latest Farm Business Income report predicts which sectors will see a rise or fall in income over 2024/25. Incomes for cereal farms in England are set to fall by nearly a third in 2024/25 due to a combination of challenging weather conditions and lower output prices, according to the latest . Average farm business income (FBI) is predicted to fall to £27,000, with wheat hit particularly hard.
Seventh Carbon Budget calls for livestock numbers to be cut

Feb 28, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Environmental The CCC’s Seventh Carbon Budget to the government has recommended a substantial cut to livestock numbers and meat consumption. Farmers have strongly criticised the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget, which calls for cattle and sheep numbers to be curbed by 27%. It also recommends a 25% reduction in average meat consumption.
Hot topics tackled at Dairy-Tech 2025

Feb 27, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

The event saw hundreds of exhibitors launch a range of new products, while visitors questioned key industry figures. Sarah Kidby reports. Coming at a particularly tough time for farming, just a few months on from the Autumn Budget and shortly after the review into farm assurance, this year’s Dairy-Tech saw a number of hot topics debated at Stoneleigh Park on 5th February.
What farming grants will be available in 2025?

Feb 26, 2025 | farmersguide.co.uk | Sarah Kidby

Politics Defra has shared much-awaited news on the farming grants that will be available this year, including Higher Level Stewardship and Capital Grants. Coinciding with the NFU Conference, Defra has released long-awaited information on the farming grants that will be available in 2025. There has been much concern over the long delays to the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, particularly for upland farmers.