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Helping Rural Businesses Thrive

The extraordinary heat over the past few weeks has certainly tested us all, and it seems there is more of the same to come. While the sunshine was welcome after such a wet start to the year, the recent conditions have been a reminder of just how quickly farming can swing from one weather extreme to another. It is timely therefore that a Water Abstraction Group is formally launching in Herefordshire on the 6th July, full details of the event can be found below. The group is open to all with abstractions from surface or ground water that have concerns about future supplies for their farming businesses. 

Keeping up with the weather has been challenge enough lately, but keeping up with Westminster isn't far behind! With another new Prime Minister and Farming Minister now in post, let's hope this latest chapter brings the stability and certainty that farm businesses need to plan with confidence. The new window for SFI has just reopened and time will only tell how long that budget will last... days? Weeks?

We're delighted to announce a new collaborative partnership with Dŵr Cymru's WaterSource initiative, working together to help farmers reduce the risk of contaminants reaching drinking water supplies while supporting practical, profitable farming. We’ll be featuring articles about key topics relating to this in coming editions so watch this space.

We've had great attendance at our recent events which always seek to share the leading practices in our county and provide the opportunity for discussion and learning between farmers. Many thanks to Ben Andrews, Fraser Hawkins & Savannah Edwards who shared their experiences of working with the Hub to a packed audience in the Future of Farming Tent at the Three Counties Show. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and to have such positive conversations about the important role Rural Hubs and farmer-led initiatives play in supporting resilient farm businesses and our rural community. 


Upcoming Events

Herefordshire Water Abstraction Group Launch Event   

Mon 6th July

6:30pm to 8:30pm  

Hereford Rowing Club, HR4 0BE

Join us for the launch  of HWAG and be part of a farmer-led approach to water management in Herefordshire.  

For more info click here
To book your place click here

WEBINAR: Lower Costs, Lower Carbon: Practical Nutrient Use

Tues 14th July     

12:30pm to 1:15pm  

Short webinar for practical ideas on reducing reliance on bought in nitrogen, improving soil health, and better nutrient decisions.

To book your place click here

Wye Living Lab Workshop  

Mon 27th July

12pm to 4pm  

Weobley Village Hall, HR4 8SN

A 3-year Living Lab approach has been launched for the Wye, led by UWE Bristol and supported by Herefordshire Rural Hub. 

For more info click here
To book your place click here

NSA Sheep Event

Tues 28th July 

9am to 5pm

Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW 

Biennial one-day show.  It is the flagship event for NSA with a series of workshops and seminars.

For more info & to book your place click here

Leominster HR Clinic with Marches HR

Wed 29th July 

9:30am to 1:30pm 

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 

AHDB Herefordshire: Multi-Species Swards - From Seed to Feed 

Thurs 30th July

10am to 2:30pm  

Boycefield Farm, Dilwyn, HR4 8JF

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

To book your place click here 

Click here to see Whats On in Herefordshire..


Hub Go-To-Businesses
link

HCR Law: Food for Thought Report - Shaping Sustainable Farming Futures

British farming has rarely been more strategically important. At a time of geopolitical
instability, climate volatility and rising input costs, the UK’s ability to feed itself is no
longer a comfortable assumption — it is a matter of national resilience.

Our new report, Food for Thought – Shaping Sustainable Farming Futures, examines
the key challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural sector today....

To Read The Full Article Click Here 


Funding & Schemes

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

Window 1 (opened 30 June 2026) 
  • 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.
Window 2  (opens September 2026)
  • Open to all eligible farm businesses.
  • Closed when funding is fully allocated or by March 2027.

What's Changed? 

SFI 26 has been designed to be simpler and more flexible than previous rounds. Key changes include:
  • 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.
Payment rates have also been reduced for three high-uptake options: 
  • Herbal Leys (CSAM3)
  • Winter bird food (CAHL2)
  • Legume fallow (CNUM3)

Who Can Apply? 

Eligibility remains largely unchanged.  Applicants must:
  • 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. 
For Window 1, businesses must also:
  • 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 

For farmers with SFI23, CS MidTier, CS Higher Tier or HLS agreements which expire by the end of February 2027, the RPA have been developing functionality in the SFI26 application service to allow you to apply for land in those expiring agreements before their existing scheme expires. This new functionality will be available for Window 2 (from September 2026).

Small farms eligible for Window 1 may wish to consider whether applying during Window 2 would better suit their circumstances.

Preparing Your Application 

Defra expects strong demand, before applying you are encouraged to:
  • 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.
Defra will publish regular updates as each funding windows reaches 25%, 50% and 75% of it budget allocation.

Keep up to date with the latest announcements and funding updates via Defra Farming Blog click here.

Full SFI Guidance is available on GOV.UK click here.

Capital Grants 2026 – Get Ready for July Applications


Farmers and  Landowners in Herefordshire can now begin preparing for the reopening of Capital Grants this July, with £225 million available nationally to support environmental improvements on farms.

The updated Defra guidance has now been published, giving applicants time to review requirements before applications open.

Funding Available

Capital Grants will continue to support 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 one application, with one application allowed per SBI.

Key Changes for 2026

There are several updates to the scheme this year:

  • Agroforestry items and woodland condition assessments have been removed from the standalone offer and are expected to move into Higher Tier later this year.
  • Tree guard item TE6 has been withdrawn and replaced with new item TE19.
  • Items TE7 and TE8 have updated specifications.

Defra is also placing greater emphasis on submitting all supporting evidence upfront, following delays and rejected applications in previous rounds.

Preparing to Apply

Farmers are encouraged to prepare early by:

  • Checking RPA registrations, maps and land parcels are up to date
  • Gathering supporting evidence before applying
  • Claiming completed Countryside Stewardship works to free up parcels
  • Reviewing cashflow, as grants are paid after work is completed

Applications over £50,000 will require proof of available funds from a qualified accountant.

Tenant Farmers and CSF Support

Tenant farmers with less than five years remaining on their tenancy may need landlord consent and will need to complete a land ownership control form.

Some items will also continue to require Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) support before applications can proceed. 

To request a CSF visit for water quality items such as roofing and concreting which need endorsement complete this form: Catchment_Sensitive_Farming_Advice_Request_Form.pdf  and then send to: csf.severn@naturalengland.org.uk

Full guidance and item specifications are now available on GOV.UK click here.
Learn more via Defra Farming Blog click here.

Bovine TB Strategy Published


Defra has published a new expert-led strategy setting out how England aims to achieve TB-free status by 2038.

The recommendations place a much stronger focus on preventing the spread of TB between cattle, alongside improved testing, surveillance, biosecurity and the gradual introduction of cattle vaccination by 2030, subject to regulatory approval. The strategy also supports a long-term move away from widespread badger culling towards targeted vaccination and other science-led measures.

The Government will now consider the recommendations before confirming how the new strategy will be implemented. We'll keep you updated as further details emerge.

To read the TB Strategy  for England you can view on TB hub website - click here.

Funded Poultry Biosecurity
Vet Visits Now Available 

Avian influenza remains a serious risk for poultry keepers, with outbreaks leading to the loss of flocks and movement restrictions that can disrupt businesses.

To help reduce the risk, the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway is offering funded Poultry Biosecurity Reviews. Eligible poultry keepers can claim £430 towards a vet visit, where they'll receive practical, site-specific advice on improving biosecurity, along with a written report to help protect their flock.

The scheme is available to eligible poultry businesses in England that meet the minimum flock size requirements, and a review can be claimed for each eligible site.

Funded visits must be completed by 31 December 2028. 

Visit Defra Farming Blog for more information and how to apply - click here.

£123 Million Boost for Farm Innovation


The Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) is receving an additional £53 million, bringing total investment for 2026/27 to £123 million.  Supporting businesses to trial new technologies and innovative approaches that improve productivity, reduce costs and strengthen resilience.

Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the programme supports innovation at every stage - from early research and development through to on-farm trials and commercial deployment.  The investment also contricutes towards the governments commitment to invest at least £200 million in agricultural innovation by 2030.

A range of funding opportunities are available throughout the year:  
  • ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 9 - Closes 8 July - £2500 to acess expert support to prepare a full application.
  • ADOPT Full Grant: Round 8 - Closes 29 July - £50,000 to £200,000 for on-farm innovation projects and trials lasting up to 2 years.
  • ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 10 - Opens 9 July, Closes 29 July - £2500 to acess expert support to prepare a full application.
  • Feasibility Studies: Round 5 - Opens 15 July - £200,000 to £500,000 to test whether an innovation works in practive, with projects lasting up to 2 years.
For more information and how to apply click here.


Training & Development

Apprenticeships, Training and 
Short Courses 

Rural Apprenticeships available:
  • Animal care and Welfare
  • Farm Worker
  • Forestry and Arboriculture
  • Welding
  • Farriery
  • Equine
  • Countryside Ranger
Training & short courses available throughout the year for:
  • Safe Use of Pesticides
  • Telehandler/ ATV
  • Tractor Driving
  • Welding, Metal Work & Fabrication
  • Blacksmithing
  • Chainsaw Maintenance
For full course details click on the links below:
Or email enquiries@hlnsc.ac.uk

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

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


Advice & Support

New SFI Cost/Benefit Tool for Farmers


The AHDB has launched a new online Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Cost/Benefit Tool to help farmers assess the financial impact of SFI actions on their businesses ahead of the next application windows.
Developed with farmers, the tool provides a practical way to explore how different SFI actions could benefit individual farms. It estimates potential payments while also factoring in the costs of implementing each action, giving users a clearer picture of the likely net financial benefit.
The tool features a simple, user-friendly interface that explains how the calculations are made and allows results to be tailored to individual farming businesses, helping farmers make informed decisions before applying.

SFI application windows:

  • Window 1: Opened 30 June 2026

  • Window 2: Opens September 2026

For more information on how to use the tool and to access it, click here.

Ergonomic Seating & Workplace Furniture.

Poor seating can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain, while also reducing productivity and contributing to increased staff absence.
Create a healthier, more productive workplace with ergonomic solutions that enhance comfort, reduce strain, and optimise performance every day.

Wyvern Business Systems specialises in: 
  • Display Screen Equipment (DSE) and Ergonomic Assessments.
  • Specialist ergonomic chairs.
  • Adjustable desks and workstation accessories.
  • Product demos and trials.
  • Expert guidance for safe, healthy working setups.
Visit our website or call us on 01432 271 233 to explore services to help make your working environment healthier and more enjoyable.

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


Please contact us on  info@herefordshiremeadows.org.uk 
If you have fields you were hoping to put into SFI as GRH6 so we can demonstrate the local demand for this action to be reinstated and to secure a means to access the CSHT action: CGS22: Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland 

Herefordshire Meadows also offer several charged services for landowners:
  • 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. 
Visit the website to find out more, including current availability of funding for capital works or other free services.

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


Field Options and the Wye & Usk Foundation work together to provide a drilling service for under-sowing cover crops in maize.  A limited grant of £6 per acre will also be available for new adopters in 2026.

The benefits significantly outweigh the cost:
  • 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)
Want to know more about timing, what to sow, utilising the cover crop & who is operating the drill?  Full details are available on www.wyeuskfoundation.org / www.field-options.co.uk

Reserve your drilling slot now: T
Field Options - Nick Duggan - 07557 988858 - nd@field-options.co.uk
Wye & Usk Foundation - Jonny Pugh - 07825 743447 -  jonny@wyeuskfoundation.org


Consultations

Defra Publishes New Farming Roadmap 2050 

Defra has published its new Farming Roadmap 2050, setting out the Government's long-term vision for farming in England and the support available to help farm businesses remain profitable, productive and resilient.

For farmers and rural businesses, the roadmap confirms continued investment in Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, alongside funding in productivity, technology and innovation.  It also commits to improving digital services, supporting animal health and welfare, strengthening food security and helping the sector adapt to climate change. 

While many of the proposals build on existing policies rather than introducing immediate changes, the roadmap provides a clearer picture of the Government's long-term priorities. Farmers planning future investment, diversification or environmental projects may find it useful to understand how support is expected to evolve over the coming years.

The full Farming Roadmap and supporting documents are available on the Defra Farming Blog and GOV.UK.

Farmers Invited to Shape Future Solutions to Drought and Blackgrass 

Rothamsted Research is inviting farmers to take part in a new survey exploring two of the most significant challenges facing arable farming: drought resilience and blackgrass control.

The survey is part of a wider research project aimed at developing practical, farm-focused solutions that support productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Researchers are keen to hear directly from farmers about their experiences, current management practices, and priorities for future innovation. The feedback gathered will help guide future research and ensure that new solutions are shaped by real on-farm needs.

Find out more and take part in the survey click here.

ASCA Lauches New Survey for the UK Pig Sector.. 

The Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) has launched a survey for the UK pig sector to gain a better understanding of current challenges, awareness of the Fair Dealing Obligations, and experiences across the supply chain.

Producers, processors, and others working within the industry are invited to share their views and experiences.

The feedback received will help identify areas where further guidance and engagement may be needed, while also providing insight into how the regulations are operating in practice.

For more information please click here

The survey closes on Monday 27 July 2026. Click here to have your say.

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.

Rhia Bell - 
Hub Administrator
For info about our events, newsletter & partnerships with Hereford Grassland
and Farm Herefordshire click here.
Dan Smith -
Hub Farm Facilitator
For advice & support on nutrient management, grassland management or to share potential event topics 
click here.
Max Eckert -
Hub Wyescapes Programme Manager
For information about our Wyescapes Landscape Recovery project 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

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.
Herefordshire Rural Hub, 
Agriculture House, Beech Business Park,
Tillington Road, Hereford
HR4 9QJ
Tel: 01432 268428


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