- Arable Network
- Posts
- 🌾 The Arable Network Newsletter
🌾 The Arable Network Newsletter
A bitesized news digest for the UK's arable sector
🧭 02.06.25 - This Week’s Highlights
This week’s update covers a £30 million boost to HLS payments, reopening of SFI applications, and dry weather threatening crop yields.
We spotlight new environmental initiatives, leadership changes at AHDB, and point to two major events: Open Farm Sunday and the Cereals Event 2025.
Key market prices
Feed Ingredient | Spot Price (£/tonne) | Notes |
|---|
Feed Wheat | £180.50 | Delivered East Anglia, Nov 2025 |
Bread Wheat | £219.50 | Delivered Northamptonshire, Nov 2025 |
Rapeseed Meal (Erith) | £412.50 | Delivered Erith, Nov 2025 |
Rapeseed Meal (Liverpool) | £412.50 | Delivered Liverpool, Nov 2025 |
Hi-Pro Soymeal | £186.57 | Spot price for May 2025 |
Maize Gluten Feed | £165.00 | Indicative price |
Wheatfeed | £150.00 | Indicative price |
Sugar Beet Pulp | £145.00 | Indicative price |
Notes:
For more detailed information and updates, you can refer to the following sources:
AHDB Feed Ingredient Prices: ahdb.org.uk
AHDB Arable Market Report – 2 June 2025: ahdb.org.uk
Farming Online Straights Feed Prices: farming.co.uk
🌱 Policy & Subsidy Updates
HLS Payment Rates Increased
Defra has announced a £30 million boost to Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) payments, effective from 1 January 2025. While this uplift brings rates closer to those of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), some options remain unchanged.
Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/increase-in-payment-rates-for-higher-level-stewardship-from-2025
SFI Application Window Reopened
Approximately 3,000 English farmers who were previously unable to complete their SFI applications due to a sudden closure can now reapply. The government has acknowledged the error and provided a six-week window for affected applicants.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/12/closure-post-brexit-subsidy-scheme-wrongly-blocked-farmers-funding
🌾 Markets & Crop Outlook
Global Grain Market Pressures
The AHDB reports that global grain markets remain under pressure, with factors such as EU import policies and uncertain harvest prospects in Ukraine influencing the outlook.
Read more: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/arable-market-report-02-june-2025
Dry Spring Impacts Crop Yields
The UK is experiencing its driest spring in nearly 70 years, severely affecting crop yields, particularly wheat. Regions like the Cotswolds, Midlands, and East Anglia are among the hardest hit.
Read more: https://www.farminguk.com/news/dry-spring-takes-toll-on-uk-crops-as-yield-prospects-shrink_66660.html
🧑🌾 People & Advocacy
Emily Norton Appointed AHDB Chair
Emily Norton has been appointed as the new chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), bringing over 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector.
Read more: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/new-chair-of-ahdb-appointed-by-defra-ministers
Criticism Over Nature-Friendly Farming Policies
James Rebanks, a Lake District farmer and author, has criticized the UK government's handling of nature-friendly farming policies, labeling ministers as "charlatans" for failing to provide necessary support for sustainable agriculture.
Read more: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/james-rebanks-ministers-charlatans-nature-tg5gkdzd0
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Open Farm Sunday – 8 June Open Farm Sunday returns for its 19th year on 8 June 2025. Managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), this national initiative invites the public to explore the world of farming and understand the vital role it plays in our daily lives. Hundreds of farms across Britain will open their gates, offering activities like tractor rides, animal encounters, and guided tours. | Cereals Event – 11–12 June Cereals Event – 11–12 June |