Industry & Farmer Insights

Business planning is becoming increasingly important as farms adapt to changing consumer expectations, market opportunities and wider industry pressures. From navigating challenges in sectors like dairy, to exploring new opportunities through diversification and direct selling, we explore how farmers can build resilient businesses, connect more effectively with consumers and make the most of their brand.

From tourism and glamping to niche markets and rethinking traditional systems, these stories bring together real-life examples and practical advice from farmers across the South West. Discover the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned when diversifying, and how finding the right balance can help strengthen and future-proof your farm.

From exploring agroforestry and the role trees can play on farm, to rewilding and regenerative approaches, we bring together practical insights and real-life experiences from farmers across the South West. Discover how thoughtful land management can support productivity, enhance biodiversity and help secure the long-term future of your business.

Bringing together a wide range of practical advice and real-life experiences, these articles focus on helping farmers manage risk and protect what matters most. From day-to-day safety on farm to animal wellbeing, legal responsibilities and emerging challenges, these articles offer clear, actionable insights.

As agricultural funding evolves, explore how farmers can navigate schemes like SFI, with practical guidance on accessing environmental payments and adapting to new support. Discover how informed decisions can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build more resilient farm businesses.

Health and wellbeing are an increasingly important focus within the farming community, particularly as the industry continues to navigate change. We explore the realities farmers face, the support available, and how looking after both personal wellbeing and business resilience can help build a stronger, more sustainable future.

From everyday cover to unexpected situations, having the right information makes all the difference. These articles share helpful insights across a range of insurance topics to support and guide you along the way.

Reducing inputs while improving outputs is becoming a key focus for farms looking to build long-term resilience. From improving soil health and making better use of organic materials, to exploring low-carbon technologies and more efficient systems, farmers are finding practical ways to do more with less.

Succession planning has long been part of farming life, but recent changes to agricultural property relief have brought it firmly into focus. As farms adapt to change, planning ahead is about more than just the practicalities – it’s about navigating uncertainty, opening up the right conversations and preparing for what comes next.

How can technology help the region’s farmers rise to current challenges? We take a look at some of the latest technological innovations and the benefits they could bring farming businesses.

Women play a vital role in shaping the future of farming, bringing fresh perspectives, resilience and innovation to the industry. In this section, we explore the diverse journeys, achievements and challenges of women across agriculture - from those just starting out to those supporting the next generation.

We're committed to supporting the future of agriculture in the South West.

Encouraging and supporting young farmers.