CCA Rural

02/09/2026

https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/01/capital-grants-2026-now-closed/

The 2026 Capital Grants offer is now closed. In this guest post, the Rural Payments Agency's Chief Executive, Oliver Munn, shares some early reflections on the data and the environmental ambition they represent.

29/08/2026

https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/29/sfi26-update-window-1-now-closed/

Window 1 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) has now closed. We expect Window 2 to open from 22 September. This post provides an overview of figures and insights from Window 1.

27/08/2026

🌿 Managing Hedgerows with SFI26 🌿
Are you taking part in the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26)? The hedgerow management actions can bring environmental and financial benefits while supporting biodiversity on your farm

💰You can apply for planting , Laying and managing Hedgrows on your farm

✅ Key SFI26 Hedgerow Actions:
🌲Maintenance & Cutting: Trim hedges thoughtfully to encourage healthy growth without harming wildlife habitats. Follow SFI26 seasonal guidance for timing.
🌲Gapping Up & Planting: Fill gaps with native hedging species. This strengthens the hedge structure and improves connectivity for wildlife.
🌲Recording & Reporting: Keep clear records of all hedgerow work, including dates, species planted, and any changes to original plans. Documentation is essential for payment claims

💡 Tips for Success:
Prioritise native species and perennial growth to maximize biodiversity benefits 🦋🐛🪲

⏰ Our deadline for new clients is 18th September 2026 to be able to support SFI 26 Round 2 applicants.

📣 Boost biodiversity and secure your SFI26 payment! 🌱 Manage your hedgerows responsibly: plant gaps, time your cuts, and keep records.
🌲Make every hedge count for wildlife and your farm’s profits!"

26/08/2026

🌱🚜 W**D SPRAYING ON FARMS – ARE YOU PROPERLY LICENCED?
Using herbicides and other plant protection products on a farm isn’t simply a case of picking up a sprayer and getting started.

If you use professional pesticides in your farming business, you generally need to:

✅ Be registered as a professional user
✅ Hold the appropriate pesticide competence certificate — unless working under the required supervision
✅ Use only products authorised for the intended crop/use
✅ Follow the product label and all application restrictions
✅ Keep the required spray records
✅ Carry out appropriate risk assessments and protect people, livestock and the environment
✅ Make sure your application equipment and spraying practices are suitable

For many agricultural applications, qualifications such as PA1 and the relevant PA6/PA2 modules may be required depending on the equipment and method being used.

⚠️ Don’t assume that having a tractor or sprayer means you’re automatically qualified to spray.

The rules can vary depending on the product, equipment, location and type of application.

📌 Before spraying, check the current HSE/Defra requirements and make sure you have the correct certification and authorisation.

24/08/2026

With the pot due to close on SFI 26 Round 1 at the end of August .. It is time to get ready for SFI 26 round 2 to open in September. The date has not yet been confirmed but if they follow the trend of the other application windows it will probably be the end of the month . 🐑🐑🐑

Below is a link of the guidance 🐑 But if you don't want to get lost down the rabbit hole of information 🐰 We can support your application , Get in touch ☎️

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance -ready-to-apply

21/08/2026

Boost your farm’s biodiversity and secure £257 per pond, per Agreement over a 3 year period with SFI 2026!
🚜🌾Under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI 2026), action WBD1 (Manage ponds) rewards you for protecting these vital wildlife hubs.

Here is what you need to know:

💰 The Payout: £257 per pond, per year (paid quarterly over a 3-year agreement).

🦆 The Goal: Manage scrub, protect water quality, and prevent livestock trampling to help local nature thrive.

🗺️ The Catch: Ponds must be registered on your digital maps and declared under the WFO3 land use code.

📅 Application Windows:If you missed Window 1 in June, Window 2 opens this September 2026 for all remaining eligible farmers!September to November is the ideal time to plan your physical maintenance work, so get your digital maps sorted now.

🛠️🔗 Head to the official GOV.UK SFI scheme rules and check your eligibility! or even easier - Get in touch and we can help 🐑 💦 🐟

20/08/2026

We have been in our new office for almost a year ! No idea where that time has gone .. Sharing the space with our Accountancy team we offer accountancy and compliance services for farming business alongside all other types of businesses ..

📍We offer virtual appointments
📞If you need support .. Get in touch .. 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

[email protected]
Clayton Chartered Certified Accountants

https://www.facebook.com/reel/861713819652169

20/08/2026

If you had walling or fencing in your Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreement that ends in 2028 - You only have until March 2027 to claim for the works ! With winter months approaching some of these jobs become more tricky due to ground conditions and access … So don’t delay - Book your contractor ASAP … 🐑 🐮 🐷 🌱

17/08/2026

https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/15/new-drought-support-for-farmers/

13/08/2026

https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/12/managing-farms-and-land-during-prolonged-dry-weather-and-drought/

Almost three-quarters of land in England is now in drought after experiencing record-low rainfall and unusually high temperatures. As the dry weather looks set to persist, we've gathered information and resources to help farmers and growers.