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Helping Rural Businesses Thrive |
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A showery start to June! With the rain also came a deluge of new funding opportunities launching or reopening… - Farming in Protected Landscapes is now open for applications for land owners and businesses in the Wye Valley AONB
- Skills boost funding to support 50% of training costs for employees with HR & WR postcodes
- ADOPT and Farming Equipment & Technology Fund from Defra to support on farm investment in new technologies and approaches
We wait for next weeks spending review with bated breath and will share information as it becomes available on budgets for farming and rural support.
Also, find out below how our NEW Hub Go-To-Business Farm Options can support your farm compliance. |
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Royal Three Counties Show
Fri 13th - Sun 15th June
Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW
The largest agricultural show in the Midlands! Showcasing the best of British farming, food and the countryside
For more details and how to book please click here |
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Future of Farming Theatre
Providing advice and support to farmers, landowners, and professionals in the agricultural and land-based sectors through panel discussions and networking sessions held over three days.
Friday: Agri-tech, Animal Health, Funding and Finance, Inheritance Tax planning
Saturday: Succession, Diversification, Sustainable supply chains & a Rural Careers Fair
Sunday: Soil health, Water Management, Health & Safety and the one and only Kaleb Cooper
For full details & timings please click here
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| Herefordshire Meadows Mental Health Walk
Learn how a connection with nature can bring significant benefits for our mental health
Wed 25th June
5pm to 7pm
Coddington Court Coddington HR8 1JL
Click here for more info & to book |
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| | WAFM - One Foot in the Grain over 50's Farmers Social
Fri 27th June
12pm to 3pm
Boycefield Farm, Dilwyn, HR4 8JF
Click here for more info |
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Farm Options part of Greener Options are pleased to now be a Go-to Business, offering practical waste solutions to support Herefordshire Rural Hub and the wider farming community. Farm Options was created to take the hassle out of managing waste on farms – particularly when it comes to items like pharmaceutical bottles, sharps, and chemical, herbicide and pesticide waste. Currently supporting over 200 farms across Herefordshire and the surrounding counties with practical waste collection and disposal. |
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FiPL Grant Applications Process is Open
The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, which runs until March 2026, offers support to farmers and land managers in the Wye Valley National Landscape to carry out projects that support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses. This is a DEFRA programme for funding one-off projects. It is not an agri-environment scheme.
The programme works alongside existing and new DEFRA schemes, adding value where it is most needed.
Please contact Richie Alford, Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer on 07496 487645 of farming@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk or check the webpage: Farming In Protected Landscapes (England only) - Wye Valley AONB for more details. |
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Skills Boost Upskilling Grant (April 2025 - March 2026)
Helping an individual learn whilst they work in your business is a great way to develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified employee. Working with colleges, training providers and learning and skills consultants, you can adapt training programmes to meet the needs of your organisation and fill gaps within your workforce skillset, and offer professional development for existing employees.
✅ Matched funded grant for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Businesses
✅ Upskill your Herefordshire and Worcestershire* resident employees and claim up to 50% of the costs back (up to £6,000 per business). Maximum grant per employee is £1,500
✅ Businesses of any size eligible
✅ Grant to support training with accredited and non-accredited courses
✅ 1st April 2025 – 31st March 2026 (or until the money runs out!)
❌ Courses legally required e.g. Health and Safety, First Aid are not eligible
*postcode eligibility applies
To register your interest please complete the following online form |
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The Full ADOPT Grant : Round 1
Between £50,000 and £100,000 for practical on-farm trials and demonstrations of new approaches or technologies.
Applications open from 28 April 2025,
closing 25 June 2025 at 11am.
Please click the following link - Full ADOPT Grant Overview & Application -
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Herefordshire Rural Hub are registered as ADOPT facilitators who can assist with applications.
Please contact Dan Smith if you would like help preparing an application.
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| | The ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant :
Round 1
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Trial BactoTech’s Sustainable Soil Solutions with ADOPT Fund Support
Farmers in Herefordshire now have an exciting opportunity to access funding through the new ADOPT Fund, which supports on-farm trials that enhance productivity and environmental performance.
BactoTech is ready to partner with farmers through this initiative, offering innovative microbiological products that improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.
Key BactoTech Products:
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FabaStym – Promotes nitrogen fixation and supports robust plant growth using naturally occurring rhizobacteria.
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BactoRol Nitrogen – A low-carbon, biological solution that supplies a significant portion of a crop’s nitrogen requirements through beneficial microbes.
These solutions are designed to improve yields, enhance soil structure, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—making them ideal for ADOPT Fund-supported trials.
Why Partner with BactoTech?
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Proven microbial technologies
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Clear environmental and agronomic benefits
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Guidance available for designing and managing successful on-farm trials
Applications for the ADOPT Fund are open until 25 June 2025. Farmers interested in trialling sustainable soil solutions are encouraged to reach out to BactoTech for support.
Learn more and apply here: bactotech.co.uk/herefordshire-farmers-adopt-fund |
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DEFRA’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025 is Now Open Offering grants to farmers, growers, foresters, and contractors in England. The fund supports investment in equipment that boosts productivity, improves slurry management, and enhances animal health and welfare. Grants available: £1,000–£25,000 per theme Total funding: £46.7 million Themes: Productivity, Slurry Management, Animal Health & Welfare Deadline: Midday, 10 July 2025
The fund is competitive, and applications will be assessed based on how well they meet each theme’s objectives. Click here to Find out more and apply |
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Funding Available to Improve Livestock Health and Welfare
Herefordshire livestock farmers can access funding through Defra’s Improve Animal Health and Welfare (IAHW) scheme, supporting proactive vet visits to improve herd and flock health as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.
What’s Covered?
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Animal Health and Welfare Review: A vet visit to assess your animals, test for key diseases, and provide tailored advice.
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Follow-Up Testing: Additional vet support to manage endemic diseases identified in the review.
Funding Levels (per species):
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Pigs: £557 (review), £923 (follow-up)
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Sheep: £436 (review), £639 (follow-up)
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Beef: £522 (review), £837 or £215 (follow-up)
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Dairy: £372 (review), £1,714 or £215 (follow-up)
Who’s Eligible?
Farmers must:
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Apply before arranging a vet visit
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Keep at least 11 cattle, 51 pigs, or 21 sheep
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Be responsible for livestock in England
Up to three reviews and three follow-ups per species are allowed, spaced at least 10 months apart. Activities must be completed by 19 June 2027, with claims submitted by 19 September 2027.
How to Apply
Applications are open year-round. Start by registering on the GOV.UK website, then arrange a vet visit. |
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| | Plant Trees with Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods SchemeLandowners and farmers in Herefordshire can access funding and support through the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme, offering up to 75% funding to plant 500 or more trees over at least 0.5 hectares. Why Get Involved?
Planting trees can: Support biodiversity and wildlife Improve shelter for livestock Contribute to flood prevention Provide long-term income potential
What’s Included?
Eligible applicants benefit from: A site visit and tailored planting plan Trees and protective materials Optional contractor planting (60% funded for 1ha+ sites)
Who Can Apply?
Anyone with land suitable for planting 0.5 hectares or more, either in a single block or in multiple areas of at least 0.1 hectares, planting 1,000–1,600 trees per hectare. Apply Now
Applications are open for planting between November 2025 and March 2026. You’ll need a map and grid reference to apply. For more details and to apply, visit:
www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/morewoods |
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Bluetongue Update: England-Wide Movement Changes Effective 1 July
From 1 July 2025, the Bluetongue Restricted Zone (RZ) will be expanded to cover the entirety of England. This change is designed to simplify livestock movements and provide a more proportionate response to the increasing number of confirmed BTV-3 cases.
Key Information:
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Livestock Movement Within England:
Starting 1 July, cattle, sheep, other ruminants, and camelids can be moved anywhere within England without the need for bluetongue testing or a movement licence.
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Temporary Testing Exemption:
Until 23:59 on 30 June, non-breeding animals over 60 days old can still move from the existing RZ to other locations in England without pre-movement testing, under current exemptions.
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Vaccination Advice:
Keepers are encouraged to consult with their private vets about vaccinating against BTV-3, especially if they move animals to Wales or Scotland. Vaccination is the most effective long-term control measure.
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Reporting Obligations:
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases, abortions, or deformed calves must be reported immediately.
For full guidance on animal movements, restrictions, and disease control measures, visit the government information and guidance page. |
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Regenified - Pilot Programme |
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Herefordshire Rural Hub are working with the Royal Countryside Fund to explore the Regenified certification scheme.
This pilot programme is available for a group of 20 farming businesses and provides an exciting opportunity to participate in a series of workshops over the spring and summer with advisers on regenerative farming.
The programme includes 3 local workshops. Upon completion of the pilot programme, participants will have the opportunity to progress into Regenified's certification process at a much-reduced rate.
If you have been exploring regenerative farming methods on your farm and would like to enquire about one of the final few places remaining on this pilot programme please contact dan@herefordshireruralhub.co.uk |
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Farming with Nature
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust have a small expert team that can provide advice and support on:
- Land Management
- Natural Asset Reviews & Farm Plans
- ELM Advice and Applications
- Peer to Peer Knowledge Exchange
- Conservation Project Management
- Wildlife and Survey Monitoring
- Natural Flood Management
- Watercourses
- Pond Creation and Management
- Environmental Regulation Compliance
- Woodland management.
To find out more click here. |
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| | Species-Rich Grassland: Advisory Services from Herefordshire Meadows
Herefordshire Meadows offer several charged services for landowners:
- Advice & guidance regarding management or restoration of species-rich grassland.
- Grassland assessment for suitability of SFI options for livestock, soil health, flood and drought resilience and biodiversity.
- Grassland surveys e.g. assessing suitability for GRH6 option.
- Guidance regarding permanent grassland, floodplain and cultivated land.
Visit the website to find out more, including current availability of funding for capital works or other free services. |
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Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) SupportCSF have five officers working across Herefordshire: Alice Probert and Rob Edwards cover the Arrow, Lugg, and Frome catchments, Nick Hinchliffe and Tom Lancashire cover the Wye, and Amy Stephens handles the Leadon. CSF offers free, confidential advice to help you meet regulations and improve farm efficiency through better nutrient, manure, and soil management. Officers also assist with government schemes the upcoming Higher Tier. Capital Grant Scheme Update
The Capital Grant Scheme will reopen this summer after a pause. Some items require CSF approval, so if you’re planning to apply, arrange a visit soon. The scheme will provide up to £25,000 for water, air, and flood management projects, and £35,000 for boundary and tree works. Book Your CSF Visit
To request support, email Part 1 of the Request_for_CSF_support_form to csf.severn@naturalengland.org.uk. |
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| | Herefordshire Natural Flood Management (NFM) Project:
Advice & grants availableAdvice and grants are available to support farmers in priority catchments to deliver actions on their farm to store more water on their land and in their soils to protect properties downstream at risk of flooding. The project covers: - Bodenham Brooks (above Bodenham)
- Brimfield Brook (above Brimfield and Orleton)
- Cheaton, Cogwell and Ridgemoor Brook system (above Leominster and Frome)
- Dulas Brook (above Ewas Harold)
- Pentaloe Brook (above Mordiford)
- Tedstone Brook (above Bromyard)
- Red, Norton and Twyford Brook system (above Rotherwas, Hereford).
To find out more click here and/ or contact the WUF Advisers Tom Jolley: tom.jolley@wyeuskfoundation.orgJonny Pugh: jonny@wyeuskfoundation.org |
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The Jack Hughes Fund supports the cost of training for members of Herefordshire’s farming community.
“The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay” Henry Ford |
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Who was Jack Hughes?
Jack Hughes was the late founder of the Herefordshire Proficiency Test Committee (HPTC). Jack Hughes did much to ensure that training was available to the county’s farming community, particularly in relation to young farmers.
How much funding can I claim?
The Jack Hughes Fund will fund 70% of the cost of training up to a maximum of £200.
Are there any limitations?
Applicants must live in Herefordshire. Funding is limited to two applications per annum from a family farming business. Applicants must be over 18 years. Applications must be received and approved before you attend your course.
How do I apply?
The Jack Hughes Fund is managed by the Herefordshire Community Foundation for an application form you need to go to their website: Click Here |
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Apprenticeships, Training &
Short Courses availableRural Apprenticeships available, based at Holme Lacy campus include: - Animal care & welfare
- Farm Worker
- Forestry & arboriculture
- Welding
- Farriery
For more details click here or for enquiries click here.Training & short courses available throughout the year for: - Felling & processing trees
- Safe use of pesticides
- Tractor Driving
- Welding, metal work & fabrication
- Blacksmithing
- Chainsaw maintenance
For full course details click here or for enquiries click here. |
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| | Agriculture Health and Safety:
How to Meet Your Legal Responsibilities (E-Learning)
If you control or manage a farm, you are legally responsible for your safety and that of your employees, contractors, visitors, and anyone affected by your work.
The course consists of 8 modules, covering topics such as falls from height, falling objects, livestock, vehicles, children, electricity, and drowning and asphyxiation.
This will help farmers understand the legal responsibilities for their safety and that of their employees, contractors, visitors, and anyone affected by their work. It will also help farmers identify and manage safety risks.
The E-Learning course consists of training only and a Certificate of Attendance will be available to download and print upon successful completion.
Enrol on this FREE E-learning course click here. |
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| | Kate Speke-Adams -
Hub Managing Director
For details about our projects & opportunities to work with us click here. |
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| | | | Sarah Starkey -
Hub Farm Resilience Project Manager
For info about any of our resilience projects click here. |
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| | Sue Powell -
Hub Finance Officer
For queries about finance & invoicing
click here. |
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| | | | Rhia Bell -
Hub Administrator
For info about our events, newsletter & partnerships with Hereford Grassland
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| | Dan Smith -
Hub Farm Facilitator
For advice & support on nutrient management, grassland management or to share potential event topics click here. |
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| | | | Max Eckert -
Hub Wyescapes Programme Manager
For information about our Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project click here. |
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| | Jennie Hermolle -
Hub Wyescapes Engagement & Communications Manager
For information about our Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project click here |
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To advertise events, services, training and job opportunities with us click here.
Deadline for print copy 24th of each month. |
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| | We're proud to be part of the
Royal Countryside Fund's
Farm Support Group Initiative |
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Disclaimer The Herefordshire Rural Hub accepts no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from any action taken in reliance on the information contained. |
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Herefordshire Rural Hub,
Agriculture House, Beech Business Park,
Tillington Road, Hereford
HR4 9QJ
Tel: 01432 268428
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