Expanding the Definition of Food Security

From Calories to National Resilience Written by Chris Fellows from Agri Web Media Limited The post-war agricultural consensus was simple: produce more food, more reliably, at a lower cost. For decades, this productionist model delivered exactly what was asked of it. It rebuilt stability, filled supermarket shelves, and normalised the concept of abundance. But 70 …

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RASE Lecture: Creating Conditions for Innovation in Agriculture

Written by Chris Fellows from The Farming Forum The agricultural sector is facing a period of profound transition, driven by climate volatility, shifting geopolitical realities, and a fundamental lack of political understanding.Speaking at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Society of England Lectures, John Gummer, Rt Hon The Lord Deben, delivered a stark assessment of the legislative, …

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Calf Prices Surge: Are the Heady Heights Here to Stay?

The UK calf market has experienced unprecedented volatility over the past twelve months, with prices surging from a baseline of £150 for bulls last spring to record-breaking highs approaching £1,000 for standout animals. Driven by a combination of high finished beef prices, fluctuating feed costs, and seasonal supply shifts, farmers are navigating a complex trading …

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Farming Restructures: Tough Calls and Open Conversations

Why are farmers restructuring their businesses? How are financial pressures, staffing challenges, and mental health concerns shaping these decisions? What role do government policies and market conditions play? How are farmers coping with the scale and equipment demands of modern agriculture? And crucially, how open are farmers prepared to be about these difficult choices? Over …

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SFI Shake-Up: Who Really Wins with the New Sustainable Farming Incentive?

From 15 January to 24 March 2026, 67 UK farmers and stakeholders contributed 598 times to a wide-ranging conversation on the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), averaging 1.46 reactions per contribution. The discussion centred on who stands to benefit from the revamped scheme, with heated debate over payment caps, environmental goals, and the future viability …

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