After such an exceptionally dry summer, the recent rainfall has been a very welcome sight, refreshing parched soils and giving grassland and crops a much-needed drink. Hopefully it marks the start of a more settled spell as we head into autumn.

 SFI Window 1 has now closed and, despite the initial panic that the available funding might disappear within days, the window remained open for considerably longer than first feared. That should provide some reassurance for those of you currently preparing applications for Window 2, due to open later this month – although being ready to go still feels like sensible advice!

Bluetongue unfortunately continues to be a real concern. Herefordshire has so far experienced fewer cases than some other areas, which may well reflect the strong uptake of vaccination across the county both this year and last. But we need to remain vigilant, speak to your vet if you have any concerns and see the latest information on cases and vaccination further down this newsletter.

We’re really pleased to be launching a new Farm Resilience Programme with the Royal Countryside Fund this autumn, and we’re looking for 20–25 Herefordshire farm businesses to join us. It’s a practical programme designed to help you take a step back from the day-to-day and through a series of 4 workshops really look at your business– understanding your financial performance and strengths, identifying opportunities to reduce costs or improve profitability, and making a plan for where you want to go next. There will also be support around succession and planning for the future.

Over the winter months the programme combines one-to-one support, benchmarking, expert input and workshops, but importantly there will be plenty of opportunity to learn from and share ideas with other local farmers too. It will be shaped around what the group finds most useful, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. If you feel your business could benefit from a bit of time to take stock, explore the options and make some plans for the future, we’d love to hear from you.

Finally, we're really pleased to share the findings from our FarmGate Nutrient Balance programme. There is a positive story to tell: the data shows that Herefordshire farmers are already leading the way in reducing phosphate loading on farm. But it has also highlighted just how important informed choices around bought-in compound feed can be, with feed remaining a significant driver of excess nitrogen on many farms. There's lots we can learn from this dataset, and we'll be working closely with ten farms over the next 12 months to build confidence that reductions can be made to nutrient load on farm without impacting animal performance and profitability.

Read more here: FarmGate Nutrient Balance Programme - Herefordshire Rural Hub

As ever, plenty more below – and hopefully September brings a little more balance after a summer of extremes!

Upcoming Events

WEBINAR: SFI26 Explained: Organic Conversion & Management Options   

Wed 9th September

7pm to 8:15pm  

Helping with application planning for organic and non-organic farmers.

For more info & to book your place click here

Out in the Drought Wales: Protecting Production with Summer-Dry Grazing    

Thurs 10th September

10am to 3pm  

Old-Lands, Dingestow, NP25 4DY

A practical on-farm workshop on managing grazing during droughts - with international grazing expert John Bailey, PâtureSens

For more info & to book click here

Kington Agricultural Society Show    

Sat 12th September

9am to 6pm  

The Ovals Farm, Kington HR5 3LN

Largest one-day agricultural show in the county.

For more info click here

Leominster HR Clinic    

Wed 23rd September

1pm to 4pm

Easters Court, Leominster HR6 0DE

FREE expert advice and guidance on all things HR.

For more info & to book your place click here

Hereford Monitor Farm: From Aphids to Action - Managing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in Cereals

Wed 23rd September

10am to 2pm

Raven's Causeway, Wormsley HR4 8LY

To book your place click here 

Business Continuity & Resilience Workshop   

Wed 30th September

1:30pm to 4:30pm 

Elevate Business Lounge, 8 Eign Gate HR4 0AB

Preparing your business for disruption, reducing risk & protecting future growth.

For more info & to book your place click here

Community Wildflower Seeding Event   

Wed 30th September

2pm to 4pm 

Redwood Open Space, Ross on Wye HR9 5UD

Help create a new wildflower meadow.

For more info 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.

Full information is available on our website. Click Here.

Business Support Surgery's
Offering free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

Tues 8th September, 9am to 4pm, Midlands Centre for Cyber Security, Hereford HR2 6NT. For more info & to book your place click here

Mon 14th September, 9:45am to 2:30pm , Leominster Business Hub, Leominster Library, HR6 8BN. For more info & to book your place click here

Tues 15th September, 9:30am to 3:30pm, Ross on Wye Library, HR9 7AN
For more info & to book your place click here

Fri 18th September, 9am to 4pm, The Hope Centre, Bromyard HR7 4QU
For more info & to book your place click here

Tues 22nd September, 9am to 4pm, The Shell Store, Hereford HR2 6SR
For more info & to book your place click here

Hub Go-To-Businesses
link

Farm businesses are facing continued pressure on margins, with arable profitability and cash flow particularly challenging over the past three years. While some sectors including sheep and beef have experienced stronger prices in recent years, the overall picture remains challenging with all businesses facing their own pressures, from disease risk to disappointing yields...

Regulation & Compliance

Bluetongue Update

Bluetongue cases continue to increase across Great Britain. As of 25 August 2026, Defra has confirmed 650 cases of BTV-3 in the current outbreak season:

• England: 599 cases
• Wales: 40 cases
• Scotland: 11 cases

• Vaccination is still available, but can take 1-2 weeks from order being placed to being fulfilled.
• There has been no identified impact on fertility as a result of vaccination.
• Farmers should be aware that as a result of bluetongue, infected animals may experience fertility issue – Sperm count of rams can be reduced for up to 70 days after infection due to the effect of high body temperature. Cows that are infected while already pregnant can impact the foetus or result in abortion.

Livestock keepers are encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor sheep and cattle for signs of disease. Symptoms can include fever, lameness, swelling of the head, lips or tongue, discharge from the eyes or nose, mouth ulcers, breathing difficulties and reduced milk production.

Good biosecurity remains important, and farmers should ensure they are familiar with the latest requirements around animal movements, testing and vaccination.  Vaccinated animals need to be recorded and your vet practice will provide instructions for how to undertake this process. We have received some queries where paperwork with vaccination doses has been misplaced, you can follow this link to complete your reporting process - Report your use of the bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccine - GOV.UK

Bluetongue is a Notifiable Disease.  If you suspect bluetongue in your livestock, you must report it immediately to APHA on 03000 200 301. Be assured that if cases are confirmed on your holding, no shut down occurs or restrictions to livestock movements, and there is no enforced culling.

For the latest information on cases, movement restrictions, testing, vaccination and control measures, visit the GOV.UK bluetongue guidance.

Funding & Schemes

Charity Support for Farmers affected by Drought

Farming charity RABI has announced a new £2 million Emergency Drought Grant to help farming households experiencing financial hardship as drought conditions continue to affect parts of England and Wales.

The one-off £2,000 payment is designed to support eligible farmers with everyday household and living costs. The scheme will be rolled out regionally, with applications opening from September.

For full details, including eligibility criteria and application dates, visit RABI’s Emergency Drought Grant webpage.

Government Support for Farmers Following Extreme Dry Weather ..

The Government has announced a package of measures to help farmers manage the impacts of this summer’s prolonged dry weather and prepare for future droughts.

Key support includes:

• Temporary flexibility for ELM agreements, allowing farmers to cut and graze land, create firebreaks and delay some planting where dry conditions have made it difficult to meet agreement requirements. Payments will not be affected.
• An additional £50 million for SFI26 Window 2, bringing the total budget to £290 million. Window 2 is due to open to all farmers in September.
• Up to £15 million through the Water Management Grant to support the construction of on-farm reservoirs, with the scheme expected to open in autumn.
• Changes to planning guidance to make it easier for farmers to develop on-farm reservoirs and other essential agricultural infrastructure.
• Greater flexibility around water abstraction, with the Environment Agency prioritising requests for temporary changes to abstraction licences during drought conditions.

As of 15 August, all counties in England meet the criteria for the temporary ELM adjustments, meaning agreement holders can make use of these flexibilities while drought or prolonged dry weather status remains in place.

Farmers are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest guidance from the Environment Agency and Rural Payments Agency. Further information on the support measures please visit Defra farming blog.

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.

Trying something new on farm can involve time, cost and uncertainty.  ADOPT helps reduce that risk by funding practical, farmer-led on-farm trials and demonstrations that can be tested in real farming conditions and shared more widely.

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 9 - Closes 7th October - £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 11 - Closes 30th September - £2500 to acess expert support to prepare a full application. Click here for more information.

£20million Farming Futures Automation and
Robotics Competition Opens ..

Round 2 of the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition is now open for applications, with £20 million available to support collaborative projects developing practical automation and robotics technologies for agriculture, horticulture and forestry in England.

The competition aims to help businesses improve productivity, address labour pressures and make farming and forestry tasks more efficient. Projects could cover areas such as planting, crop management, harvesting, horticulture and woodland monitoring.

Projects must be collaborative, with a total value of £500,000 to £2.5 million, and demonstrate clear industry benefits and commercial potential.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026 at 11am.

Innovate UK is also providing webinars and resources to help potential applicants understand the competition and build partnerships.

Find out more and apply: Innovation Funding Service

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)

• Budget of £180 million, plus any funding not allocated to Windlow 1 will be added to Window 2.
• 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. 

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.

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.

Capital Grants 2026: applications now closed

The Capital Grants 2026 offer has now closed after its budget has been allocated. Around 17,000 applications have been received from farmers and land managers across England.

Applications are now being assessed, with agreement offers expected to continue throughout the rest of the year.

Read the full update on the Defra Farming blog.

WaterSource Partnership
link

Training & Development

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

Assistive Technology Training & Support  

Helping People Work Smarter, Not Harder.
Assistive technology can help individuals with dyslexia, ADHD, visual impairments, hearing loss, mobility challenges, and other neurodiverse or health-related conditions work more effectively and confidently.

Wyvern Business Systems provides: 

• Assistive technology assessments
• Software and hardware recommendations
• Training for users and support staff
• Workplace adjustment guidance
• Ongoing technical support and reviews

Whether you are supporting an employee, meeting resonable adjustment requirements, or looking to improve workplace accessibility, our experienced team can help.

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

Wye & Usk Foundation
Farm Advisory Service

• Funding opportunity and eligibility review
• Capital item selection and planning
• Application preparation and submission

• Scheme advice and farm-level planning
• Action selection and suitability checks
• Application preparation and submission

Job Vacancy

General Farm & Estate Worker – Worcestershire

A private mixed farm and estate in Worcestershire is seeking an experienced and reliable General Farm & Estate Worker to join its team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The approximately 400-hectare estate comprises arable land, woodland and pasture, with current enterprises including arable cropping, woodland management and overwinter sheep grazing. Plans are also in place to introduce a small cattle herd.

This is a varied, hands-on role, with responsibilities including arable farming support, woodland and hedgerow maintenance, fencing, machinery servicing and operation, pasture management and general estate maintenance. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, use their own initiative and maintain high standards across the estate.

Applicants should have previous farm or rural estate experience, practical maintenance skills and experience operating agricultural machinery. Relevant qualifications, including telehandler/forklift, pesticide application and chainsaw certificates, are required.

The role offers a salary of £32,000–£36,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications, along with paid overtime, 30 days' paid holiday and relevant training. Accommodation may also be available. There may additionally be a part-time role available for a partner.

For full details of the role, essential requirements and information on how to apply, please visit:

General Farm & Estate Worker, Worcestershire – Full Details

Consultations

What is the Impact of Bluetongue in the UK in 2026?
An industry-led survey

Bluetongue virus (BTV3) is having a significant impact on livestock industries across the UK in 2026, and the industry wants to hear directly from farmers about their experiences.

This survey aims to understand how bluetongue has affected farms, flocks and herds — whether or not you have had confirmed bluetongue in your livestock.

Get your chance so the indsutry leaders can hear your views and experiences around vaccination against BTV, to help  understand the challenges farmers are facing and better support and prepare for the ongoing impact of the disease.

If you manage more than one farm, please complete a separate survey for each farm.

To complete the survey, please click here.

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