The Farm Consultancy Group

06/09/2026

💍 A very exciting team update!

We’re delighted to share that one of our consultants, Steph Emmerson, got engaged last month! 🥂✨

A huge congratulations to Steph and her fiancé, we’re so pleased for you both and wish you lots of happiness for this exciting next chapter! ❤️

From all of us at Farm Consultancy Group, congratulations! 🎉💍

04/09/2026

🚜 The next SFI26 Window is coming — are you ready?

The 2nd SFI window is expected to open from 22nd September, giving all eligible farmers and land managers another opportunity to apply.

The RPA has advised farmers to make sure their land details and land-use information are up to date before applying, as incorrect mapping could prevent an application from being submitted. Now is the time to get prepared:

📍 Check your digital maps are accurate
📋 Review the actions that could work for your farm
🌱 Consider what you want to achieve through your agreement
📅 Get your information ready ahead of applications opening

If you're unsure where to start, speak to the Farm Consultancy Group team for advice and support with your SFI application: https://www.fcgagric.com/contact-us/

03/09/2026

Should we be growing more homegrown protein?

The UK still imports huge quantities of protein feeds, while farmers are paid to grow crops that aren't used for food production.

Could changes to future schemes encourage more homegrown protein and strengthen UK food security?

Read our latest thoughts: https://www.fcgagric.com/2026/08/14/homegrown-proteins-sfi-and-animal-feed/

02/09/2026

🚜 Capital Grants 2026 are now closed

The 2026 Capital Grants application window has now closed, with strong demand seeing funding allocated quickly.

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.

31/08/2026

🏔️ Three peaks. One very wet weekend. £4,830 raised.

Last month the FCG team took on the Three Peaks Challenge, tackling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in some seriously challenging conditions.

From snow and rock on Ben Nevis, to slippery descents on Scafell Pike and torrential rain on Snowdon, it certainly wasn’t an easy ride, but all three peaks were conquered. 💪

And, most importantly, the challenge raised an incredible £4,830 for two fantastic causes: The Farming Community Network and Air Ambulance Foundation UK

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, supported the team and helped them along the way and a special mention to Flora, who took on the very important job of driving the team between mountains!

30/08/2026

Getting ready for autumn calving? 🐄

Autumn calving can be one of the busiest periods on farm, so taking time to prepare can help reduce the risk of injury to both people and animals.

Before the calving block begins, make sure you have:

✔️ Clean, dry and hazard-free calving pens
✔️ Good lighting for night-time checks
✔️ Safe, working gates and restraint equipment
✔️ A clear escape route when handling cows
✔️ Clean and correctly maintained calving equipment
✔️ Appropriate measures in place to reduce the spread of zoonotic disease
✔️ Safe ways to move heavy animals and equipment
✔️ Emergency contacts, first aid supplies and communication methods readily available

Good preparation can make calving safer, smoother and more manageable for everyone on farm.

📖 Read FCG's latest Health & Safety Quarterly Update for more practical guidance.

25/08/2026

🌾 Hot and dry weather: temporary adjustments for farmers

Following the prolonged hot and dry weather, Defra has introduced temporary adjustments to some SFI, CS and HLS options.

These temporary measures allow agreement holders to:

🔸 Create firebreaks on agreement land
🔸 Graze or cut some options that would usually be restricted, including some grass margins
🔸 Establish certain options later than the usual deadline

If you want to use one of the temporary adjustments, you must complete a Temporary Adjustment Form and keep it for your records.

In some circumstances, you’ll also need to contact the RPA directly — for example, if you have tried but been unable to establish a new option.

👉 You can find the full list of temporary adjustments and further guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hot-and-dry-weather-temporary-support-for-farmers-in-2026

If you’re unsure how the changes affect your agreement, speak to your local FCG office for advice and support.

19/08/2026

📩 The latest Farm Consultancy Group newsletter is out!

This edition brings together some key insights and discussions from Groundswell 2026, covering everything from regenerative grazing and herbal leys to nutrient management, homegrown proteins and sustainable deer management.

Inside, you’ll find contributions from across the FCG team, including:

🐑 Sheep in regenerative grazing systems – exploring how well-managed sheep can support soil health, pasture diversity and parasite management.

🐏 Rebuilding British wool from the soil up – looking at the history of the UK wool industry and whether its fortunes can be reversed.

🌱 Rethinking nutrient applications – insights into improving fertiliser efficiency and making better use of slurry and clovers.

🌾 Homegrown proteins, SFI and animal feed – exploring the future of food production, land use and food security.

🦌 Sustainable deer management – considering the growing challenges deer populations present for farmers and foresters.

🌿 Herbal leys – a closer look at how different grasses, legumes and herbs can benefit soils, livestock and farm resilience.

🥩 Food, farming and ultra-processed foods – considering the wider relationship between farming, food production and what we ultimately eat.

Read the latest newsletter here 👇
https://www.fcgagric.com/news/

18/08/2026

📢 Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier has reopened with a new Expression of Interest process.

Funding is now available for selected Higher Tier agreements, including:
✔ Species-rich grassland
✔ Woodland
✔ Agroforestry
✔ Scheduled monument management

If you're considering applying, now is the time to start planning.

Speak to your local Farm Consultancy Group consultant to discuss your options.

16/08/2026

Health & Safety Quarterly Update 🚜

Our latest quarterly update from the FCG Rural Compliance team looks at the latest HSE news, seasonal safety considerations and practical guidance for farming businesses.

This quarter's update highlights some important figures:

⚠️ 22 workers in agriculture, forestry and fishing died in work-related incidents in 2025/26.

⚠️ Agriculture, forestry and fishing continues to have the highest rate of fatal injury, at 8.09 fatalities per 100,000 workers, compared with an average of 0.37 across all industries.

⚠️ Falls from height remained the most common cause of fatal injury, accounting for 31 worker deaths.

⚠️ Workers aged 60 and over accounted for around a third of all fatalities, despite representing just 12% of the workforce.

The update also looks at a recent case where an egg farm was fined £53,000 after a worker became trapped in running conveyor machinery, highlighting the importance of effective guarding and machinery safety.

With autumn calving also approaching, the update includes practical safety considerations for the season ahead.

From health and safety policies and risk assessments to emergency planning, COSHH assessments and essential farm records, our Rural Compliance Team can help make sure your farming business has the right documentation in place and stays up to date as requirements change.

📋 Need help getting your farm compliance in order?

Get in touch with our Rural Compliance Team to find out how we can support your business: https://www.fcgagric.com/services/rural-compliance/