From meat marketing guides to Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options and beyond, there has recently been a wealth of information released to farmers which may be of use when making decisions for your herd and managing your business.
This information can sometimes be difficult to navigate and keep track of, so here are some links which may be of use to keepers, processors and retailers of British White cattle:
AHDB Trade and Retail Guides (National)
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have a range of resources for meat producers and retailers. Whether you are a livestock producer, a small family-run butchers, a large cutting plant manager or a farm shop owner, this information is designed to support your business.
Smaller Abattoir Fund (England)
For the first time, smaller abattoirs in England will be able to apply for capital grants through a new £4 million fund designed to boost the sector. Through the Smaller Abattoir Fund, grants of between £2,000 and £60,000 are available at an 40% intervention rate. The items the grant supports have been selected to improve productivity,
enhance animal health and welfare, add value to primary products, and encourage innovation the use of new technologies. The 40% intervention rate means an abattoir applying for an eligible item costing £10,000 would receive £4,000 in capital grant funding and would therefore need to make up the other £6,000.
Deadline for applications is 30th September
TB consultation released (England)
New proposals, which are part of delivering the next phase of the Government’s TB eradication strategy in England, have been set out in a consultation launched on 14th March as part of the government’s bTB Strategy. Achieving OTF status will provide tangible benefits for the cattle industry, rural communities and government.
Take part in the consultation survey here: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/bovine-tb/bovine-tb-consultation-wildlife-cattle
Survey closes 22nd April
LAA Market Prices (England and Wales)
Whether you’re a farmer, buyer, or an industry professional, LAA Market Prices provide you with real time access to live sheep, cattle & pig prices from livestock markets across England and Wales.
Sign up here: https://marketprices.laa.co.uk
DEFRA Farming Blog (England)
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme and explains the reforms to agricultural policy in England, including an overview of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (updated SFI options are due to be released during summer 2024) and grants available for Animal Health and Welfare, in particular the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, for which the current round of applications closes on 1st May.
Visit the blog here: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
You can also subscribe to get email updates as new posts are added: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe
Rural Grants and Payments (Wales)
A summary of grant funding available to farmers in Wales is detailed on the Welsh government website here: https://www.gov.wales/rural-grants-payments