News

For Will, Abbie and Daniel Richardson, farming was never just about running a business. From the very beginning, their vision was to create a place that combined a love of the countryside, animals and community, while supporting those who visit and work alongside them.

Robert Jordan is proud his family continues to farm together and support three generations on Dartmoor, despite its harsh climate and the growing pressures on livestock farming.

For the Tucker family at Mount Folly Farm, farming has always been about evolving, adapting and creating opportunities for the next generation. Near Bigbury in South Devon, the multi-generational family business has grown into a diverse organic enterprise, combining vegetables, livestock, camping and, most recently, a new dairy venture led by the youngest generation.

A year ago, the Branton family was crowned Best Family Farm at the Devon Farm Business Awards, a proud moment recognising their hard work, collaboration and forward-thinking approach. Organised by the Addington Fund, the awards are a highlight in Devon’s farming calendar, celebrating excellence and shining a spotlight on inspiring farm businesses across the county. With entries now open for this year’s awards, farms from across Devon are being encouraged to put themselves forward.

Farming is often described as one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, building something that can last for generations brings real pride and purpose. But for many farmers, it can also be lonely, pressurised and mentally exhausting. DPJ Foundation founder Emma O’Sullivan and Bude farmer James Warwick share their experiences on Farming Focus™ with advice on how to find support.

With a passion for showing young people behind the farm gate, Farmer Time creator Tom Martin is pioneering a new form of farm education, while FWAG South West Education Officer Louise Wallace is inspiring and educating to help children understand and protect. They encourage other farmers to do the same.

When a tornado struck Trevornick Holiday Park, it left a trail of destruction few could imagine. For Park Manager Adrian Tribe, who has dedicated more than 30 years to the family-run site, the impact was deeply personal. 

Cornwall Farm Business Awards 2025 finalist Jack Marchant hopes to show other potential first-generation farmers you can succeed. But he says it needs the right mindset, hard work and sticking to your guns.

Dung beetles could be a farmer’s best employee, Wiltshire farmer and entomologist Sally-Ann Spence told Farming Focus™. She explains how the hardworking insect introduces organic matter into the soil making it available for earthworms and other organisms, as well as reducing compaction and aerating the soil through their tunnelling activities.

Whether you're running a farm, diversifying into a new business venture, or employing staff, having the right liability insurance in place is essential. But with different types of cover available, it can be difficult to know what protection you need and when. Graham Nicholls, Technical Leader, explains the difference between public liability and employers’ liability insurance.

Recorded live at Groundswell, this special episode of Farming Focus™ brings together Cornwall farmer Geoff Williams and Terrafarmer’s Will Marris and Jack Pierce to explore what genuinely delivers when it comes to regenerative farming. From improving soil health and profitability to reducing risk and building resilience, they discussed how farmers can move beyond theory and make practical decisions that work for their businesses.

When your vehicle is off the road due to repairs or following an accident, having access to a replacement vehicle can be invaluable. But not all replacement vehicles are the same, and it’s important to understand the difference between courtesy vehicles and hire vehicles, especially if you’re a Cornish Mutual Member.

Understanding your cover is essential for protecting what matters most. It reduces the risk of underinsurance, ensures you have the right cover in place and helps you avoid being left financially exposed. Claire Longman, Head of Underwriting, explains some common insurance terms to give you confidence in your protection.

Whether it is support during harvest, relief milking, fencing, machinery repairs, building work or seasonal labour, most farms take on extra help at certain times of year. 

Biosecurity can often feel like a complicated subject, but at its heart it comes down to understanding risk and building good habits. In this episode of Farming Focus™, host Peter Green is joined by Synergy Farm Health vet Esme Moffett and Devon sheep farmer Peter Delbridge to discuss the everyday steps farmers can take to reduce disease risk and protect livestock health.

Succession planning has long been part of farming life, but recent changes to agricultural property relief have brought it firmly into focus. Podcast host Peter Green is joined on Farming Focus™ by Porter Dodson solicitor Tom Mottram and Devon farmer Jilly Greed to explore how families can prepare and why acting sooner rather than later can make all the difference. 

Farming insurance experts Cornish Mutual has announced Richard Lane has been appointed Board Chair, taking over from Cornish farmer Jeremy Oatey. He has been a Non-Executive Director since 2018, becoming Chair of the Risk Audit Committee in 2021.

Cornish Mutual and Devon County Show have announced an upgraded Farmers’ Hub for 2026 event, building on the foundations laid last year and bringing more of what matters. The Farmers’ Hub is a dedicated space designed to bring farmers together to connect, share experiences and explore practical ideas in a supportive environment.

Holly Sampson has been named Cornish Mutual South West Agricultural Student of the Year, recognising her passion and commitment to building a future in farming.

Cornish Mutual has announced the latest recipients of its Young Farmer Bursaries, recognising six agriculture students from across the South West for their enthusiasm for farming and commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Now in its fifth year, the bursary programme provides financial support to students studying agriculture-based courses, helping them gain new experiences, develop essential skills and take the next steps towards their future careers in farming. The bursaries were judged by a panel including Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont, who said: “The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries celebrate the talented young people who are the future of our industry. Supporting students who are committed to developing their skills and helping agriculture evolve is essential.”

Storm Goretti was a timely reminder we are seeing more extreme weather these days – even in the South West where we’ve often been protected from the worst conditions. Here at Cornish Mutual, we received the equivalent of two weeks’ worth of claims calls in just two days, with most coming from the worst-affected areas of West Cornwall. And we know it won’t be the last so we urge everyone to be prepared. Here’s our advice for reducing your risk of damage, what to do if you are making a claim and answers to some of your most common questions.

The final episode of each Farming Focus™ series is an opportunity to look back at the rich mixture of opinions and insights offered by guests, and series five is no exception. Podcast host Peter Green is joined by strategic dairy consultant Becki Reay to discuss five of the most recent episodes.

When a tornado struck Trevornick Holiday Park, it left a trail of destruction few could imagine. For Park Manager Adrian Tribe, who has dedicated more than 30 years to the family-run site, the impact was deeply personal. 

Bicton College student Tia Whitrow has been named Cornish Mutual South West Agricultural Student of the Year. As a prize for this prestigious award, Tia will receive funding to attend a leading agricultural event of her choosing.