Wight Rural Hub

30/10/2026

The Island appears to have avoided the scale of bluetongue losses experienced in parts of the West Country this summer, helped by a huge vaccination effort from Island farmers and Carisbrooke Vets. But with bluetongue still circulating, what should livestock farmers be doing now and how can we prepare for next spring? At our Bluetongue meeting, Hannah Kenway from Carisbrooke Vets Farm shared an invaluable update on the local situation, including:
🐑 Recognising symptoms in sheep and cattle
🐂 The impact on fertility in breeding rams and bulls
💉 Vaccination and why planning early for 2027 matters
🚜 Risks when buying in livestock
🔬 What to do if you suspect bluetongue
Couldn't attend? We've brought together Hannah's key advice and the farmers' questions in a detailed article on our website.
A huge thank you to Hannah and the Carisbrooke Vets team for their work throughout the summer and to The Royal Countryside Fund for supporting the evening.

12/10/2026

Only a few days to go
With Bluetongue now confirmed on the Island, this practical farmer-focused update from Carisbrooke Farm Vets will cover what livestock keepers need to know this winter and next spring.
Thursday 15 October
6:30pm
Free to attend
Topics will include:
✅ Current Bluetongue situation on the Island & across Great Britain
✅ Signs & symptoms in cattle & sheep
✅ Fertility & breeding impacts
✅ Vaccination options, costs & practical considerations
✅ Reporting & sampling procedures
✅ Livestock movement implications
✅ What to expect over winter & into next spring
✅ Questions & answers with local veterinary specialists
Whether you keep a small flock or run a larger livestock enterprise, this is an opportunity to hear the latest advice and ask the questions that matter to your business.

08/10/2026

Invite: Bluetongue on the Island: What Livestock Farmers Need to Know
If you keep cattle, sheep or other susceptible livestock, join us next Thursday for a practical update from Carisbrooke Farm Vets on what Bluetongue could mean for your farm this winter and next spring.
Thursday 15 October
6:30pm
Porchfield Cricket Club
We'll be covering:
✅ Current Island & UK Bluetongue situation
✅ Signs and symptoms in cattle & sheep
✅ Fertility & breeding impacts
✅ Vaccination options, costs & common misconceptions
✅ Reporting & sampling procedures
✅ Livestock movement considerations
✅ What to expect over winter & into spring
There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns with local veterinary specialist Hannah Kenway from The Carisbrooke Vets Farm.
This free event has been made possible through emergency funding from The Royal Countryside Fund, helping provide practical support to Island livestock farmers in response to the growing Bluetongue challenge.
Places are limited and booking is essential
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bluetongue-on-the-island-what-livestock-farmers-need-to-know-tickets-2002807193229?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please share with fellow livestock farmers, graziers and smallholders across the Island.

07/10/2026

Funding Opportunity for Island Farmers & Rural Businesses
Applications are now open for the Isle of Wight SME Fund.
If you're planning to invest in your farm business, diversify operations, purchase equipment, improve facilities, or undertake a capital project, this funding could help support your next stage of growth.
✅ Capital investment projects
✅ Business growth & productivity improvements
✅ Diversification opportunities
✅ Rural and land-based businesses may be eligible
Before applying, make sure you read the full guidance and eligibility information.
https://innovationwight.co.uk/isle-of-wight-sme-fund/
Please share with any local farming, forestry, horticultural or rural businesses who may be interested.

05/10/2026

It’s National Young Farmers’ Week!
This week we’re celebrating the Isle of Wight Young Farmers Club and the brilliant community of young people keeping rural life on the Island lively, connected and full of opportunity.
From weekly Wednesday evening meetings, including competitions and social events to joining in with Island carnivals and their unmistakable rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” at the barn carols, there’s always something going on.
But Young Farmers is about much more than the events. It’s about friendships, confidence, learning new skills, having a go, supporting one another and celebrating everything members achieve, both individually and together.
And you don’t need to come from a farming background to be part of it. Isle of Wight Young Farmers welcomes anyone aged 10–28 with an interest in the countryside, animals, farming or rural life. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, why not find out what it’s all about?
We’re incredibly proud to have such an active, enthusiastic group of young people here on the Island and we're very happy to celebrate everything they bring to our farming and rural community.
Here’s to all our Island Young Farmers and to the next generation coming through.

25/09/2026

We're delighted to share that Wight Rural Hub has been awarded an emergency grant from The Royal Countryside Fund as part of an emergency funding package supporting farm support groups helping farmers respond to drought and Bluetongue.
This funding will help us provide practical support for local livestock farmers, including a vet-led Bluetongue meeting with The Carisbrooke Vets Farm being organised for 15 October. The session will cover disease identification, vaccination, reporting procedures, livestock movements and planning ahead for winter and spring.
We're currently finalising the venue and agenda and will share full details soon. In the meantime, please save the date and keep an eye on our page for updates.
Thank you to The Royal Countryside Fund for helping us provide timely support to the Island's farming community.
The Royal Countryside Fund

22/09/2026

SFI26 Window 2 is now open
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has opened the second application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26).
£233 million is available in Window 2, including additional funding announced in response to drought and rising costs.
Who can apply?
Farmers and land managers who:
• are registered with the RPA and have a Single Business Identifier (SBI)
• have at least 3 hectares of eligible agricultural land linked to their SBI
Important: Window 2 will close once the available funding has been allocated, so don't leave applications until the last minute. Applications that have been started but not submitted when the window closes cannot be accepted.
Before applying:
✔️ Read Defra's 'Get ready to apply' guidance
✔️ Check your digital maps and land parcel details are correct
✔️ If you have an existing SFI23, CSMT, CSHT or HLS agreement ending on or before 28 February 2027, check the new 'apply early' functionality available in Window 2
✔️ Consider using AHDB's SFI cost benefit tool to understand the potential income and costs of the actions you're considering
Defra will provide updates as funding is allocated, including when 25%, 50% and 75% of the Window 2 budget has been committed.
Read the full SFI26 guidance and check your eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26
Wight Rural Hub will continue to share updates and useful information for farmers as it becomes available.

SFI 2026 Window 2 is open 🌾

Eligible farmers and land managers can apply for a share of £233 million to support food production, improve the environment and strengthen their businesses.

Find out more about SFI, check if you're eligible and apply here: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/22/sfi26-window-2-now-open/

22/09/2026

RABI has launched a £2 million Emergency Drought Grant to support farming households facing financial hardship as drought conditions continue across parts of England and Wales. Eligible applicants can receive a one-off payment of £2,000 towards household and living costs: https://rabi.org.uk/drought-support/

Applications for RABI’s £2,000 emergency drought grant opens next week, starting with the South West on 7 September.

The grants are available to eligible farm owners and tenant farmers whose principal farming business is in an area officially designated as being in drought.

📍 Applications open at 12 noon on:

7 September: South West
14 September: Wales
21 September: South East
28 September: East
5 October: Midlands

The grant is designed to provide rapid financial support towards personal and household expenditure where drought-related pressures have contributed to financial pressure.

Each regional phase has an allocated amount of funding and may close earlier if that funding is fully committed.

Check your eligibility and find out more: https://rabi.org.uk/drought-support/

09/09/2026

British Farming Day, Celebrating our Island farmers
Today is a chance to celebrate the people behind British food and the vital role farming plays in our countryside, communities and economy.
Here on the Isle of Wight, farming is part of what makes our Island unique. Our farmers produce food, care for the land, support local businesses and contribute to the landscape that residents and visitors value so highly.
At Wight Rural Hub, we’re proud to work alongside the Island’s farming community, helping farmers stay informed, connected and prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
As the agricultural transition continues, staying connected has never been more important.
Today, and every day, we’re proud to .
Thank you to the farmers who feed us, care for our countryside and keep Island farming moving forward.