Welcome to our August newsletter. The extreme conditions on farm continue, and with field, building and machinery fires now seemingly a daily occurrence, please take extra care throughout what remains of harvest operations. We all hope for the best, but now is definitely the time to plan for the worst – keep fire extinguishers close at hand, water bowsers filled and ready, and make sure everyone working with you knows what to do if a fire starts.

Another potential flash in the pan is the latest Capital Grant offer! Having only opened last week, it is already being reported that around 75% of the available funding has been allocated. If you have an application underway, there really is no time to waste.

Next week we have the final Wye Living Lab workshop, where farmers and other stakeholders will help determine how £1m of research funding is focused over the next three years. This is a real opportunity to make sure the research tackles the practical questions we still need answers to about how our soils, nutrients and water interact, and how we keep nutrients where crops need them rather than losing them to our rivers and streams. We encourage as many as possible to join us for the afternoon, lunch will be served on arrival and you can claim for your time to attend > Book your place here.

As always, there’s plenty to digest in this month’s newsletter – business support surgeries, info on funding schemes like SFI and ADOPT, and opportunities to participate in surveys and trials.

While we watch the horizon for rain, please keep looking  after yourselves and each other – when conditions are this challenging, getting everyone home safely at the end of the day is what matters most.

Upcoming Events

Business Support Surgery   

Wed 5th August

9am to 4pm  

Herefordshire Council Offices, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE

Offering free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

For more info & to book your place click here

Business Support Surgery   

Thurs 6th August

9am to 3:30pm  

Ross on Wye Library, Cantilupe Rd, HR9 7AN

Offering free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

For more info & to book your place click here

Wye Living Lab Workshop   

Mon 10th August

12pm to 3pm  

Whitney Village Hall, The Hope Centre, Hereford Rd, Bromyard HR7 4QU

Join the final co-design workshop to help shape the next stage of the Living Lab programme in the Wye catchment.

For more info click here
To book your place click here

Business Support Surgery   

Tues 11th August

9am to 4pm  

The Hope Centre, Hereford Rd, Bromyard HR7 4QU

Offering free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

For more info & to book your place click here

Business Support Surgery   

Tues 18th August

9am to 4pm  

The Shell Store, Canary Drive, Skylon Park, Hereford HR2 6SR

Offering free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

For more info & to book your place click here

Leominster HR Clinic with Marches HR

Wed 26th August 

1pm to 4pm

Marches HR Office, Easters Court, Leominster HR6 0DE

If you run a small business or charity then this in-person HR clinic is the perfect opportunity to get FREE expert advice and guidance.

To book your place click here 

Business Support Surgery   

Thurs 27th August

9:30am to 3:30pm  

The Masters House, Ledbury HR8 1EA

Offering free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

For more info & to book your place click here

Save the Date!

Rural Business Advice Day  2026

Wed 11th November 

11am to 4pm   

The Shell Store, Canary Drive, Skylon Park, Hereford HR2 6SR

The Counties Go-To Event for Farming & Rural Businesses.

If you are interested in having a stand please contact Rhia for more information.

Hub Go-To-Businesses
link

Farmers and land managers are being encouraged to act now following the reopening of the Capital Grants scheme, whilst also preparing for Round 2 of Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) which is expected to open in September. Strong demand for funding is anticipated despite the increased budget...

Funding & Schemes

Capital Grants 2026 – Now Open:
75% of Budget Allocated Already..

Capital Grants opened on Thursday 30th July, demand has been exceptionally high, with 50% of the available budget allocated within the first 24 hours. Last update on the 1st August showed 75% had been allocated. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

To avoid delays, ensure you have all the necessary supporting evidence ready before submitting your application. Applications submitted with the required documentation are more likely to be processed efficiently.

Defra hosted a webinar on 30th July to explain the 2026 Capital Grants offer. Representatives from Defra, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) covered:

• Grant items that require CSF advice before applying.

• How the RPA application and claims process works.
  

Click here to watch the webinar recording.

Funding Available

Capital Grants continue to support a range of practical on-farm improvements, including:

• Boundaries, Trees and Orchards – up to £35,000

• Water Quality – up to £25,000

• Air Quality – up to £25,000

• Natural Flood Management – up to £25,000

Applicants can include items from multiple categories within a single application. One application is permitted per Single Business Identifier (SBI).

Key Changes for 2026

There are several important changes to this year's scheme:

• Agroforestry items and woodland condition assessments have been removed from the standalone Capital Grants offer and are expected to move into Higher Tier later this year.

• Tree guard item TE6 has been withdrawn and replaced with TE19.

• Items TE7 and TE8 have updated specifications.

• Defra is placing greater emphasis on submitting all supporting evidence at the point of application, following delays and rejected applications in previous rounds.

Preparing to Apply

Before submitting your application, you should:

• Check your RPA registrations, maps and land parcels are up to date.

• Gather all supporting evidence in advance.

• Submit claims for completed Countryside Stewardship works to free up eligible land parcels.

• Review your cashflow, as Capital Grants are paid after work has been completed.

Applications requesting more than £50,000 will require evidence of available funds, certified by a qualified accountant.

Tenant Farmers and Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF)

Tenant farmers with less than five years remaining on their tenancy may require landlord consent and will need to complete a Land Ownership and Control Form.

Some grant items also require advice from Catchment Sensitive Farming before an application can be submitted. For water quality items, such as roofing and concreting, applicants should complete the Catchment Sensitive Farming Advice Request Form and email it to csf.severn@naturalengland.org.uk to request a visit.

Full guidance and item specifications are now available on GOV.UK click here.
Keep up to date with latest upates via Defra Farming Blog click here.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opens for
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT)

Defra introduced a new Expression of Interest (EOI) process for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) on 21st July, making it easier for more farmers and land managers to access the scheme.

What can you submit an EOI for?

Expressions of Interest can now be submitted for:

• Agroforestry

• Woodland Improvement

• New Single-Focus Agreements, designed to support priority environmental outcomes, including:

  • Scheduled monument management

  • Species-rich grassland

What are Single-Focus Agreements?

Single-Focus Agreements provide a simpler route into Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier by focusing on one environmental priority. These agreements are less complex than full CSHT agreements, making them quicker and easier to apply for and manage.

Initially, up to 1,200 Single-Focus Agreements will be available.

You can have more than one Single-Focus Agreement on your holding; however, a separate Expression of Interest form must be completed for each agreement.

How to Apply

Before submitting your Expression of Interest:

• Read the guidance on GOV.UK.

• Check that your business contact details and permissions are up to date on the Rural Payments service.

• Complete the online Expression of Interest form.

You will need the following information:

• Single Business Identifier (SBI)

• Customer Reference Number (CRN)

• Business name

• Site name

• The county where most of the land is located

• Approved agroforestry and woodland improvement plans (where applicable)

You'll be asked a series of questions as part of the application and, once submitted, you can request a copy of your completed Expression of Interest by email.

What Happens Next?

Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee that you will be offered a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement.

Defra aims to contact applicants within 10 weeks of submission with the outcome. Correspondence will be sent to the main email address registered on the Rural Payments service.

Since the scheme opened on 21 July, more than 300 Expressions of Interest have already been submitted, demonstrating strong interest in the new process.

For the latest news and updates, visit the Defra Farming Blog.

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) - 2026  
What You Need to Know

Defra has confirmed a total of £240 million budget for SFI26, with £60 million allocated to Window 1. Any unspent funding will roll over into Window 2.
The new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 is now open for Window 1 applications,  offering a simpler scheme, shorter agreements, streamlined actions and a phased application process.

Application Windows

• Open to small farms with up to 50 hectares of agricultural land.
• Available to farms without an existing ELM revenue agreement.
• Closes after two months or when funding is fully allocated.

• Open to all eligible farm businesses.
• Closed when funding is fully allocated or by March 2027.

What's Changed? 

• Three-year agreements replacing previous five-year commitments.
• 71 actions available, compared with 102 under SFI24.
• A maximum agreement value of £100,000 per agreement year.
• Only one SFI26 agreement per  farm business (across both application windows)
• Supplemental actions must be applied for along their related base action.
• Rotational actions can still move between fields, but the total area cannot exceed that entered in year 1.
• The SFI mangement payment has been removed for new SFI26 agreements. Existing SFI23 and SFI24 agreements are not affected.

• Herbal Leys (CSAM3)
• Winter bird food (CAHL2)
• Legume fallow (CNUM3)

Who Can Apply? 

• Be a farmer or land manager.
• Have eligible land located in England.
• Have mangement control of the land for the duration of the agreement.
• Have at least 3 hectares of agricultural land linked to their SBI at the time of application. 

• Be registered with Rural Payments Agency (RPA)
• Have held an SBI with agricultural land linked to it on 1 January 2026.
• Have had no live RPA-administered ELM revenue agreements as of 1 January 2026.

Farms with Existing Agreements 

Preparing Your Application 

• Check your land maps and SBI details are up to date.
• Ensure RPA have the correct contact information.
• Review the scheme guidance and payment options. 
• Ensure you have the necessary permissions to submit and application.

Bovine TB Strategy Published

Funded Poultry Biosecurity
Vet Visits Now Available 

ADOPT Funding - Supporting Farmer-Led Innovation

The Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) fund is designed to support farmer-led, on-farm trials and experiments that test innovative solutions to real farming challenges.

Working collaboratively with others, farmers can explore new approaches, technologies and management practices, generating practical evidence that can be shared across the agricultural sector. The aim is to build confidence and encourage wider adoption of successful innovations.

Funding Available

There are two types of ADOPT grants available:

• Support Grant – A small grant to help applicants access professional support from an industry expert to develop a strong application for a Full ADOPT Grant. This is particularly useful for those who are new to Innovate UK funding. Applying for a Support Grant is optional and is not a requirement for applying for a Full Grant.
• Full ADOPT Grant – Funding to support collaborative, farmer-led on-farm trials and experiments that test innovative ideas and practical solutions.

Looking Ahead

Full details of the eligibility criteria, funding available and application process will be published on the Innovation Funding Service when each funding round opens.

A range of funding opportunities are available throughout the year:  

• ADOPT Full Grant: Round 8 - Closes 12 August - £50,000 to £200,000 for on-farm innovation projects and trials lasting up to 2 years. Click here for more information.
• ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 10 - Opens 9 July, Closes 19 August - £2500 to acess expert support to prepare a full application. Click here for more information.

Regulation & Compliance

Bluetongue Update

Defra has confirmed 84 cases of bluetongue across Great Britain since 1st July 2026.

• England: 81 cases of BTV-3

• Wales: 3 cases of BTV-3

Following recent warm weather, the risk of bluetongue virus (BTV) transmission has increased as temperatures are now high enough for the virus to develop within biting midges.

The overall risk of bluetongue entering England remains medium, and livestock keepers are encouraged to stay vigilant, monitor their animals for signs of disease and keep up to date with the latest guidance.

Farmers and livestock keepers are urged to stay vigilant, watch for symptoms, maintain strong biosecurity, and follow testing and movement rules.

Bluetongue is a Notifiable Disease
Any suspected cases—must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

For full details on movement restrictions, testing requirements, and control measures, visit the government’s bluetongue guidance page.

Training & Development

Open Your Gate – Funding Available for Farmers to Host School Visits

Are you interested in welcoming school groups onto your farm?

AHDB, in partnership with LEAF Education, has launched the Open Your Gate programme to help more farmers offer educational farm visits.

The programme is offering 80 fully funded places nationally on the two-day CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme) training course (worth £360 + VAT), together with one-to-one support from a LEAF Education Specialist to help you plan and deliver safe, engaging visits.

The training will help you:

• Build confidence in hosting school visits.

• Understand health and safety requirements.

• Link activities to the National Curriculum.

• Share your farming story and inspire the next generation to learn about food, farming and the countryside.

The nearest course for farmers in our area will be held in Shropshire (SY5) on 13 and 20 January.

Eligibility

To take part in the programme, you must:

• Be an AHDB levy payer (beef, sheep or dairy) in England.

• Have farming as your primary business.

• Be farm assured (for example, Red Tractor or an equivalent scheme), or provide alternative evidence such as a current Veterinary Attestation for Animal Health Visits.

• Not already hold CEVAS accreditation.

• Be able to meet the minimum visitor requirements, including:

  • Safe visitor access and appropriate biosecurity measures.

  • Handwashing and toilet facilities (these do not need to be fully in place when you apply, as guidance and support will be provided).

  • Public liability insurance that covers educational visits.

• Commit to completing the full programme.

How to Apply

If you're ready to open your gate to local schools, complete the online application form before the deadline.

Applications close one month before your chosen course starts, and you'll be able to select your preferred training location as part of the application.

If you can't attend the January course, you can register your interest to hear about future training opportunities.

For full information please visit AHDB click here.

Apprenticeships, Training and 
Short Courses 

• Animal care and Welfare
• Farm Worker
• Forestry and Arboriculture
• Welding
• Farriery
• Equine
• Countryside Ranger

• Safe Use of Pesticides
• Telehandler/ ATV
• Tractor Driving
• Welding, Metal Work & Fabrication
• Blacksmithing
• Chainsaw Maintenance

• Short Courses
• Apprenticeships

The Jack Hughes Fund supports the cost of training for members of Herefordshire’s farming community.

Advice & Support

Protect Your Farm. Stay Audit Ready. Professional Agricultural

Rodent Management

Rodents threaten your livestock, feed, biosecurity and compliance.  Wilde Pest Control provides professional rodent management programmes combining effective control, practical prevention and comprehensive, audit-ready documentation.

Service Includes:

• Rodent monitoring & control
• Regular inspections & practical recommendations
• Site-specific risk assessments
• Treatment records & professional site plans
• Comprehensive, audit-compliant documentation

Why Choose Wilde Pest Control?

✅RSPH Qualified ✅Fully Insured ✅Rural Pest Management Specialists ✅Trusted by auditors for accurate, traceable records 

Free Site Survey.

Call or WhatsApp: 07976 629523

Email: robwilde@wildepestcontrol.co.uk

Website: www.wildepestcontrol.co.uk

Work Smarter with Cloud Technology 

Modern cloud technology can help rural businesses work more efficiently, securely, and flexibly, wherever you are.

Wyvern Business Systems supports organisations moving to the cloud with: 

• Microsoft 365 & Teams setup.
• Secure file storage and remote access.
• Cloud-based email migration.
• Flexible solutions for hybrid and mobile working.

Whether you're running a farm office, rural enterprise, or growing business, we can help simplify collaboration, improve security, and keep your team connected.

Visit our website or call us on 01432 271 233 to find out how we can modernise your IT systems and support your business for the future.

Expert advice. Tailored support. 

Helping your farm stay compliant, pass inspections, secure funding and gain accreditation.

Specialist advice and tailored documentation to help you comply with regulations and stay inspection-ready.

We can help with:

• Agricultural Compliance
• Farm Assurance
• Stewardship & Grant Applications
• Carbon Auditing
• Health & Safety
• HR Support

T: 01981 590514 E: info@cxcs.co.uk W: https://cxcs.co.uk

Get in touch to find out how we can support your farming business.

Farming with Nature 

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust supports customers with habitat and conservation advice including:

• Wildlife & Habitat Surveying
• Habitat Management Plans
• Biodiversity Net Gain

Find out more and get in touch via www.herefordshirewt.org/farmingwithnature

Practical Microbial Solutions for Farming  

BactoTech UK helps farmers improve efficiency, soil biology and crop resilience with proven microbial products.

We can support farms looking to: 

• Improve nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency, helping reduce the cost of artificial inputs
• Support soil health and root development
• Improve crop establishment and resilience
• Accelerate straw and crop residue breakdown
• Improve slurry and manure management

At a time when fertiliser costs remain a major concern, biological solutions can help farmers explore more efficient ways to support crops and soils.

Visit our website to learn more, or get in touch to discuss which products may suit your farm. 

https://bactotech.co.uk/
hello@bactotech.co.uk

Flower-Rich Grassland: Advisory Services from Herefordshire Meadows

• Advice & guidance on management, restoration and creation of diverse swards and species-rich grassland.
• Grassland assessment and plant surveys for for suitability of SFI/ CSHT/ other grants for livestock, soil health, flood and drought resilience and biodiversity.
• Guidance on all aspects of permanent grassland including in floodplains and creation of diverse swards on cultivated land. 
  

Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) Support

CSF has farm advisers working across Herefordshire, covering the Arrow, Lugg, and Frome, Wye and Leadon catchments.

CSF offers free, confidential and impartial advice. The team of local advisers can help you with: 

• Nutrient management and planning
• Slurry and manure management
• Soil health
• Pesticide handling
• Natural flood management
• Reducing ammonia emissions
• Sustainable water use
• Guidance on farming schemes and regulations

If you are considering applying for future grants, we would strongly recommend getting in touch with CSF as soon as possible to ensure you have the appropriate supporting documents in place ahead of the next application window.

Booking a CSF Visit
To request support, email a completed Catchment Sensitive Farming Advice Request form to  csf.severn@naturalengland.org.uk.

Further information can also be found at Catchment Sensitive Farming - Our advice | Farming Advice Service

Maize Under-Sowing
Service Available Locally

• Winter/ Spring grazing opportunities (up to 3-4 tonnes DM/ha)
• Compliance with Farming Rules for Water (England)
• Enhances soil structure with active root mass
• Retains soil nutrients (+50kg/Ha N + K)
• Reduces soil erosion
• Builds fertility and organic matter
• Mitigates compaction from harvesting machinery
• Eligibility for SFI cover crop option (CSAM2)

Consultations

Herefordshire Council Gypsum trials

Herefordshire Council are seeking farms in the Lugg catchment that would be willing to take part in an upcoming project in partnership with Lancaster University. Building on the positive results from lab-based trials, Herefordshire Council have secured funding to carry out in-field trials using gypsum as a soil amendment to test how the mineral product can reduce the loss of phosphates to water. Evidence suggests that applying gypsum can reduce phosphates lost to water by upwards of 35%, as well as improving infiltration rates, increasing aggregation, and providing essential crop nutrients of sulphur and calcium.

Trial plots of approximately 50m x 20m would be established in participating arable fields and would receive a single application of gypsum in Autumn 2026. Soil samples from trial plots would be taken before the autumn application, and at 4 additional times across of the 12-month project period. All costs would be covered by Herefordshire Council. You can read about the lab-based trials and results at Positive early results from gypsum soil trial to help protect local rivers - Herefordshire Council.

If you farm in the Lugg catchment and would be interested in taking part in the trials, or for more information, contact Herefordshire Council project officer Rosie – Rosanna.willmott@herefordshire.gov.uk or on 01432 261749.

To advertise events, services, training and job opportunities with us click here. 

Deadline for print copy 25th of each month.

Meet the Team

Kate Speke-Adams -
Hub Managing Director

For details about our projects & opportunities to work with us click here.

Sarah Starkey -
Hub Farm Resilience Project Manager

For info about any of our resilience projects click here.

Sue Powell -
Hub Finance Officer

For queries about finance & invoicing 
click here.

Jennie Hermolle -
Hub Wyescapes Engagement & Communications Manager

For information about our Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project click here 

We're proud to be part of the
Royal Countryside Fund's
Farm Support Group Initiative

We're proud to be a Collaborative Partner with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water