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The article discusses the views of the finalists for the "Farmers Weekly" Countryside Farmer of the Year 2011 on their passion for wildlife and landscape. Fay Smith and Abigail Johnson from Leicestershire, England who are sisters feel lucky to grow up in a rural area and be privileged to learn the basics of farming. Charlie Brandsen from Middlesex, England has successfully restored gravel pits in his 45-hectare farm.

The article discusses issues concerning the Young Farmers Clubs in Great Britain. It is experiencing a dramatic change in its membership with more that 50% of its members are under 16 years old. The organization is also facing a problem in organizing its finances. The views of several officers of the clubs and some notable people in agriculture concerning the clubs are highlighted including Stuart Bell, chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs and British shadow agriculture spokesman Jim Paice.

EU officials have been accused of selling out agriculture, after striking a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries that opens the EU market up to greater imports of cheap beef. Mr Healy said: "This is a bad deal for Ireland and for Irish farmers, it's a bad deal for the environment and it's a bad deal for EU standards and consumers. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that farmers in England are looking for guidance on applying for the mid-tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS), are being invited to attend one of a series of local briefings. It mentions that farm advice programme are managed by the Natural England and provides advice to farmers, land managers and their advisors on environmentally sustainable land management practices.

The article reports that the Great Britain's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has reminded farmers that the deadline to complete a transfer so it is ready for a 2019 BPS claim is midnight on May 2, 2019. It mentions that transfers by sale, gift or lease can be logged through the online entitlement transfer service.

The article informs that Wales and Northern Ireland have opened the applications systems for farmers' 2019 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claims. It mentions that the Great Britain's Dept. of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) in Northern Ireland has led the way, opening up for 2019 Single Application forms on March 1, 2019. It also mentions that farmers are able to complete their annual claim using the Rural Payments Wales Online facility.

The article informs that Defra has published new guidance for food and farming businesses wanting to employ seasonal workers from the European Union after Brexit. It also mentions that it will not be necessary to apply for any immigration status or a visa if people are not intending to stay in Great Britain for more than three months. It also mentions that National Farmers' Union representatives are concerned with food and farming businesses.

The article reports on the warning of farm leaders in Northern Ireland that plans to reduce Renewable Heat Incentive payments will destroy farming businesses especially in the poultry sector as of March 2019.

The article reports that the deadline for farmers in Great Britain to trim hedges is on February 28, 2019, noting that hedgecutting is banned from March 1 to September 1 under cross-compliance rules.

The article reports on considerable changes observed in farming in the Great Britain after Brexit. It mentions that Richard King, head of research at the farm business consultant Andersons, has dug through the archives to get a sense of the size and the shape of the sector then. It presents information on arguments for farmers in the most remote areas, running what can be viewed as economically unviable businesses, to receive support payments because of the social and environmental benefits.

The article reports on the awarding of grants by the Scottish government to farms and food businesses from the Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation Fund.

The article reports on the expected decline of average farm incomes in Northern Ireland in 2018-2019 along with a drop in total income from farming due to higher feed and machinery costs. According to the Department for the Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (Daera), average farm business income is now projected to fall from to £26,030. The Ulster Farmers Union is disappointed with the numbers, and highlighted farmers' dependence on direct support payments.

The article reports on the commitment of farm leaders to fight for Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) to continue funding levels in Scotland. It notes the changes in the European Commission's (EC) regulations which will see a reduction in LFASS payments in 2019. It notes that the EC wants the reductions in LFASS since it wants to replace it with the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme.

The article reports that according to the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB), farm workers in Scotland should be paid considerable amount of money per hour. It mentions information on changes bought about in the Scotland's wages board which involves costs of local food in Scotland, and dog allowance. It states that SAWB members will agree a wages order that will come into effect on 1 April 2019.

The article reports that lack of a devolved government in Northern Ireland means that challenges and opportunities facing farmers there run the risk of being overlooked. It mentions that the government of Great Britain should also offer clarity to agri-food businesses as to how cross-border trade might work in the event of no deal being reached between the European Union (EU) and Great Britain.

The article reports that farmers in England with a Higher Level Stewardship agreement are being warned to make sure they are adhering to all terms and conditions of the scheme, particularly if they are keen to see their agreements extended. It mentions views of Andrew Bays, partner at rural property specialists BCM, on farmers. It presents information on the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme.

The article reports that the John Innes Foundation (JIF) is offering a bursary to one undergraduate each year and is aimed at candidates who are not from a farming background and also from families that are financially disadvantaged. Topics include the idea is to attract new entrants into the sector who are looking for a career in primary crop production or farm management, but who need help and support to enable them to do so.

The article offers information on a deal that allows Scottish seed potatoes to be imported into China. Topics discussed include the importance of this deal for the Scottish agriculture sector; the position of China as the biggest potato-producing nation across the globe; and the views of Peter Grewar, chairman of National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland's potatoes working group, on it. Also.

The article offers information regarding legal procedures which should be known to farmers before changing the use of any land classified as uncultivated and semi-natural. It mentions information on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations which protects uncultivated or semi-natural land from changes in agricultural activities that might cause damage by increasing productivity. It presents information on need for landscape, biodiversity and archaeological assessments.

The article informs that farmers in England are using hedges to meet their greening requirements or as part of a Countryside Stewardship claim risk payment delays if they fail to submit any outstanding Rural Land and Entitlements (RLE1) forms and sketch maps. It mentions that affected farmers could submit their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) forms by May 15, 2018.

The article informs that young farmers in Wales, Great Britain are hoping to benefit from Young People into Agriculture. It mentions that the aim of the scheme is to support the next generation of farmers, focusing on those who have the skills and potential to drive change in agricultural industry. It also mentions that horticulture and dairy businesses are expected to score higher than beef, cereals, pig, poultry or sheep enterprises.

The article reports on delay in the Countryside Productivity Small Grants Scheme funding which allows livestock and arable farmers to purchase kit which would make their businesses more efficient and productive. It mentions that the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned supply and delivery issues could scupper farmers' ability to get the equipment within the necessary time. It presents information on warning over pitfalls of sideways tax relief.

The article focuses on the study by statistics agency Eurostat which reveals that Netherlands has the most expensive farmland in the European Union (EU). Topics mentioned include the several countries with farmland more expensive than Great Britain such as Luxembourg and Italy, the price of arable land Romania, and rental prices for agricultural land.

The article provides information on rise in prices of lambs and its impact on import trade of ewes and livestock farming. Topics discussed include views of James Sealy, auctioneer at Newark Livestock Market on the same; old season lamb (OSL) price; and responsive concerns shown by the Great Britain Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The article reports that Scottish rural affairs secretary Fergus Ewing announced that the government will award grants worth 4.2 million pounds in total to young farmers in Scotland who are looking to start a career in agriculture. Ewing said the award would see 81 successful applicants receive a share of the funding, which is part of the New Entrant Start-Up Grant (NESUG) and Young Farmer Start-Up Grant schemes (YFSUG).

The article discusses confusion over energy rules for rural landlords. It mentions that rural landlords have been left in the lurch on the rules surrounding the new energy standards, according to the Country Land and Business Association. It mentions that from April 1, 2018, it will be illegal to let a property with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating lower than E to a new tenant.

The article offers information on the need for farm businesses in Great Britain to be aware of the implications of General Data Protection Regulation with effect from May 25, 2018 . Topics discussed include personnel and payroll details of any employees in agricultural business; views of Graeme Fearon, partner at law firm Thrings, on the same; and obligation of accountability and data collection.

The article reflects on a high amount owed by Scottish farmers to banks that stands at its highest level. It mentions that according to the Bank of England figures also confirm that lending to agriculture is higher than it has ever been. It also presents the views of Scott Walker, chief executive officer at NFU Scotland, on concerns regarding the agricultural industries.

The article presents tips to farmers for reviewing crop insurance in Great Britain. Farmers should be clear on what they need cover for and disclose all information and need to tell their insurer that they are doing things such as renting out a shed, letting property or storing caravans. If they fail to provide that information then they will not be insured for that business risk.

The article offers tips for farmers on how to nominate their selected co-farmers who deserve to win the journal's Rising Star in Great Britain. It offers steps on how to download forms online and pass their nominations. It also requires the need to include contact information of the person they are nominating.

The article offers information on the proposed ban on the use of plant protection products on Ecological Focus Areas in Great Britain from 2018. Topics discussed include the impact of the ban on nitrogen-fixing crops, catch crops and fallow lands, the views of Guy Smith, National Farmers' Union vice-president, on it, and a report by the European Commission on nitrogen-fixing crops.

The article focuses on the creation of a team by Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to handle queries from commoners. It mentions that Foundation for Common Land (FCL) is pressing Defra and the RPA to improve the functionality of their systems so that maps were viewable online. It also mentions completion of the re-mapping exercise by RPA.

The article reports on farmers Andrew McCornick, Allan Bowie and Rob Livesey applying for the role of president of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland.

The article reports on the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) fighting against England's, Herefordshire County Council's farm estate sell-off. It is said that farmers are hoping that a probe by the local government ombudsman (LGO) would support their case to get their notices to quit revoked. LGO said that some "potentially misleading" comments that were made during a public meeting on December 3, 2015, had not influenced the decision of council cabinet members to sell the farms.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture sector in Great Britain. It cites the move by the National Farmers Union (NFU) to urge farmers to participate in the debate on badger culling. The NFU claimed that the farmers should answer the criticisms made by anti-cull campaigners in media and websites like Twitter and Facebook.

The article reports on the decision of British Parliamentary Ombudsman Ann Abraham to reimburse nine farmers who made innocent mistakes on their single farm payment (SFP) applications in 2011. A complaint was filed by the farmers about the approach of the Rural Payment Agency (RPA) to their claims. The RPA was criticized by the farmers for its alleged poor-quality guidance on making a claim. A compensation of 500 British pounds was received by the farmers.

The article reports that 1,730 hectares (ha) of agricultural land will be affected in the second phase of the HS2 high-speed railway project in Great Britain under the new plan by the Department of Transport as of late September 2016. Under the project's environmental impact assessment (EIA), over 50 farms will be affected from the West Midlands to Crewe in England. Also cited is the comment by real property consultant Fisher German senior surveyor Liz Farrall on the developments.

The article reports that there is a possibility that some British farmers were overpaid under the basic payment scheme (BPS) based on the payment reconciliation process being conducted by the British Rural Payments Agency (RPA) as of late September 2016. According to National Farmers' Union (NFU) senior BPS adviser Richard Wordsworth, many farmers, however, are hoping that they will received additional payment. Also cited is the comment by farmer Dave Knight on the BPS.

The article reports that the Rural Payments Agency's (RPA) investigation of inaccuracies on 2015 Basic Payment Scheme claims is frustrating farm producers in Great Britain. It is noted that RPA was working through 13,000 claims where farmers think they may have been underpaid in late June 2016. According to Richard Wordsworth, NFU BPS adviser, the flow of information frustrated farmers as a clear explanation of what was going on with their claim was not given to eople who rang the helpline.

The article reports that the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) underpayment problem has been revealed in a Great Britain National Audit Office (NAO) report. The NAO informed that inaccuracies in payments had arisen where there were differences the claim forms submitted by farmers and the information held on the department's systems.

The article shares tips to help farmers perform stress testing on their family-run farming business. Topics discussed include the auditing of the business to determine weak points, the analysis of longer-term risks in the business and the identification of the goals of the business. Also mentioned are family discussion on succession planning and diversification to reduce reliance on core agriculture and to improve returns.

The article reports on the advance payment scheme launched by the Glanbia Cooperative Society of Ireland that would offer interest-free cashflow support to help dairy and arable farmers cope with price volatility. It informs about the goal of Glanbia to raise fund via an exchangeable equity-linked bond, its total number of members, and share ownership in dairy processor Glanbia Ingredients Ireland. The benefits of the scheme for dairy farmers in terms of pricing and selling are discussed.

The article presents questions and answers related to last-minute issues for English applicants on the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)2016 application deadline.

The article reports on the support shown by the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) to the Farming to London march organised by Farmers For Action (FFA) on March 23, 2016. Topics covered include the presentation of a letter outlining concerns about the industry, the response of TFA chairman Stephen Wyrill to the support received by farmers from consumers and the estimated number of people who will attend the event.

The article reports that Defra farm minister George Eustice announced the European Union (EU) exist plan for Great Britain agriculture and discussed fledgling policies which includes the possibility of area payments to farmers. According to Eustice, the way of tackling agricultural and rural development policy would be completely scrapped if the Great Britain left the EU.

The article reports that farming is among the industries most encumbered by European Union rules, regulations and directives. It mentioned how Great Britain farmers can compete without subsidies when their nearest neighbours and trading partners receive billions of euros in payments. The Great Britain alone receives around three billion per year in subsidies from Brussels.

The article reports that the Tenant Farmers Association was encouraging those landlords who served a Section 12 notice (Agricultural Holdings Act 1986) for a rent review in Great Britain to push for a rent reduction.

The article reports that the Scottish government has removed funding for young farmers. Topics discussed include views of Penny Montgomerie, chief executive officer of Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs (SAYFC), on the decision of the government, increase in the membership fees of the Association to reduce loss from the decision of the government, and mentions loss of funding to the Association.

The article reports that using data to make farming decisions could add over £6.6 billion annually to the value of global cropping, according to a report from Rabobank. The bank predicts that data-led farming methods may help increase yields, but admits that the adoption of smart farming techniques will require farmers to make fundamental changes in the way they operate. Rabobank analyst Harry Smit says smart farming utilises sensor technology to collect and process data.

The article reports on the recognition of the importance of young people to the future of agriculture in Wales during the Royal Welsh Show. European Union (EU) farm commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel took time during her visit on July 23, 2007 to discuss the future of agriculture with representatives of Wales YFC rural affairs committee. Cross-compliance was also discussed as was modulation, on which Boel indicated a preference to increase compulsory modulation across the EU and reduce voluntary modulation.