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Know How / Air and water

As part of the transition to a more sustainable future, improving air and water quality is fundamental. New regulations will come into force to reduce ammonia emissions and fertiliser use in the agricultural sector. We look at low-emission farming techniques which can help you become less reliant on inputs that are harmful to the environment.

AIR AND WATER

Water warnings as Met Office issues first ever 'Red' alert

With record temperatures of 40C or more forecast by the Met Office in the coming days, farmers are being urged to reduce their water use, where possible, to help conserve…

ENVIRONMENT

Dutch farmer protests against emissions cuts spread across EU

Dutch farmer protests over government policies and rising “agflation” destroying their businesses have spread to more European countries. The farmers are protesting about rising costs and government restrictions put on…

AIR AND WATER

Dutch farmers organise mass protests in face of farm closures

Thousands of farmers in the Netherlands have taken part in protests against Dutch government plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions. The protestors blocked motorways with columns of slow-moving tractors as…

AIR AND WATER

Dairy Crest faces record £1.52m fine for pollution offences

Dairy Crest, the maker of Cathedral City cheddar and official supplier of cheese to the Queen, has been fined £1.52m for pollution offences – the largest fine ever awarded for…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Groundswell stirs debate over certified regen standards

Debate is intensifying over whether regenerative agriculture should be properly monitored and certified to prevent people jumping on the bandwagon without abiding by its principles. The increasing popularity of regen…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

How undersowing can help soils and bring grazing income

Undersowing maize with companion grass mixes as winter grazing for sheep is returning a profit for a Welsh livestock farm, while also protecting soils. Mathew Van Dijk undersowed 5ha (12…

PIGS

11 ways pig farmers can aim for net zero

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the pig industry (for each unit of meat) are lower than the dairy, beef and sheep sectors. However, there are still ways producers can reduce…

AIR AND WATER

EA rejects FOI request for data on River Lugg case

The Environment Agency (EA) has declined to give information on how much taxpayers’ money and time its staff have spent prosecuting a Herefordshire farmer who admitted damaging the protected River…

DAIRY

Can palm-oil be replaced in feed to help cut dairy emissions?

Fat supplements are incorporated into dairy diets to provide energy and enable cows to maintain butterfat levels. Most of those used in the UK are formulated with palm acid oil.…

AIR AND WATER

Farmer pleads guilty to damaging River Lugg

A Herefordshire farmer has pleaded guilty to damaging the protected River Lugg after a high-profile investigation by government agencies into unauthorised river maintenance work. John “Pudge” Price, a potato, cereal…

SLURRY AND MANURE MANAGEMENT

Government rules out tougher planning rules for stock housing

The government has turned down calls for tougher planning rules on new intensive livestock units in its response to a damning report on water quality. The report, released in January…

AIR AND WATER

Farm hits out at EA over £450,000 river work cost

A farm that paid out more than £466,000 after it damaged a river habitat has accused government officials of causing mental duress and wasting taxpayer money. Paul Rackham Ltd from…