farmlytics-blog

[farmlytics-blog]

Trade Wars, Tariffs and Farming

During the first week of April, the US introduced reciprocal tariffs on imports from around 90 countries. The new tariff schedule included a 10% tariff on all UK imports and a 20% tariff on imports from the EU, amongst other key trading partners. In addition, the total tariff rate on Chinese imports was raised from 34% to 125%. President Trump said the new tariffs aimed to reduce the US trade…

[farmlytics-blog]

Smart Crop Management: South American Farmers Leveraging IoT

Agriculture is a key industry for many South American countries, and smart crop management is essential for their future. From large-scale export-driven soybean production in Brazil to precision irrigation in Chile, farmers are adopting IoT solutions for smarter crop management to remain competitive. So, what is IOT? How is it benefiting South American agriculture, and what companies are driving…

[farmlytics-blog]

UK Farming and Inheritance Tax

The UK Labour government’s decision in October to reduce APR (Agricultural Property Relief) on (IHT) inheritance tax has put farm succession issues in the spotlight. Despite assurances during the 2024 general election campaign that no changes were being planned, APR will be cut to 50% and will be limited to agricultural estates worth less than £1 million. The changes are due to take place on 1st…

[farmlytics-blog]

Donald 2.0: Trump's Farming Policies

Donald Trump became US president for the second time on January 20th. The 47th President will likely change the direction of many US farm policies.

Donald Trump became US president for the second time on January 20th. The 47th President will likely change the direction of many US farm policies. This will provide opportunities for and threats to farmers in the US and elsewhere. What will Trump’s farming policies be given a radical shift away from the Biden years? What do US farmers think, and what will the consequences be for the global…

[farmlytics-blog]

The effects of global climate change on crops: What is happening?

Climate change is happening, and this is impacting food production and farming in many places across the globe. However, farmers have always adapted to new environmental and climatic conditions. Extreme weather is disrupting agricultural systems with increasing frequency with higher-than-normal temperatures, heavy rainfall or out-of-season frosts limiting crop production in many places. For…

[farmlytics-blog]

Vertical farming and energy costs: how can producers manage?

Vertical farming allows the indoor cultivation of crops, reducing the need for large areas of land and other resources. However, vertical farming systems can be energy intensive. so how can producers deal with high energy costs?

Vertical farming allows the indoor cultivation of crops, reducing the need for large areas of cultivated land, excessive water use, and other problems associated with crop farming. However, vertical farming systems can be energy intensive, so how can vertical farmers deal with rising energy costs? What is Vertical Farming? The aim of vertical farming has always been to produce more and more…

[farmlytics-blog]

Farming Apps: Best 10 to try out today

AI has made it possible to develop a range of farming apps to help farmers. This blog looks at the role of technology in farming and some of the best farming Apps available.

Guest Blog By Iesus Paulo Rodrigues AI has made it possible to develop a range of farming apps to help farmers. Through AI large areas of farmland can be automated and monitored in real-time from anywhere, through only a few touches of a screen. This blog looks at the role of technology in farming and some of the best farming Apps available. How Farming Apps Can Help Commercial Farmers By Tom…

[farmlytics-blog]

IAgM Farm Walk Event

‘Building Resilience from the Ground Up: Exploring Regenerative Land Management in Scotland’ Date: Tuesday, 4th June 2024 Location: Balbirnie Home Farms, Pitillock Farm, Freuchie, Cupar, Fife, KY15 7JQ Hosted by: Johnnie Balfour, Managing Partner, Balbirnie Home Farms Agenda: The format will be a ‘Farm Walk’ event with a ‘So What?’ discussion encouraging open and interactive dialogue. 12pm –…

[farmlytics-blog]

Extreme weather and its impact on farming viability in Wales

WWF Cymru commissioned Farmlytics to examine the impact of extreme weather and climate change on Welsh agriculture and food security. The project built on previous work on the impact of extreme weather on Scottish agriculture. In 2021, the UK’s first Food Security Report concluded that: ‘The biggest medium to long term risk to the UK’s domestic production comes from climate change and other…

[farmlytics-blog]

Financing Innovation - R&D Tax Credits

Innovation is crucial for a modern farming business, yet given farming incomes are under pressure. This means that trying out new farming methods or financing farm level R&D is often problematic. However, many farmers don’t realise that simply trying out something new on your farm can make you eligible to claim R&D tax credits potentially worth tens of thousands of pounds. The government-funded…

[farmlytics-blog]

Christmas Greetings

Wishing all our clients and subscribers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024. Jonathan

[farmlytics-blog]

Taking Advantage of USDA’s Local Food Data & Resources

Over the past several years, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has conducted research on local and regional food systems to better understand the relationships, processes, and lessons learned in developing increasingly resilient food supply chains. The Local & Regional Foods Division within AMS has published more findings and tools that combine data analytics with real world case…

[farmlytics-blog]

Modernizing SNAP Transactions with Local Farmers

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to about 42 million Americans in need each month. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) ensures that benefits are as convenient and easy to use as possible, however, historically there have been challenges when it comes to connecting participants with local farmers. Fortunately, modern technologies and innovative…

[farmlytics-blog]

Increasing Food Access through Farmers Market Implementation and Education

In celebration of National Farmers Market Week (August 6-12), and to further the awareness of farmers markets’ contributions to healthy food access, AMS is highlighting a cooperative agreement partnership with the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) that set out to develop and pilot on-campus farmers markets at three 1890 land grant universities and Vegetable Education (VegU) programs at three farmers…

[farmlytics-blog]

USDA Study Sets Nutrition Baseline for Breastfeeding

August is National Breastfeeding Month. Did you know that USDA conducts research to define dietary needs to ensure optimal maternal and child health? A researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is heading international studies to establish nutritional guidelines for vitamins and minerals in human milk.

[farmlytics-blog]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Interns Gain Real World Experience with USDA

This summer 64 students who were selected for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Internship Program gained real world experience at USDA agencies and offices across the United States. The TMCF Internship Program is one of many that enable USDA to recruit a diverse workforce while helping students gain the valuable knowledge and skills needed for employment with one of USDA’s agencies and…

[farmlytics-blog]

Crop Nutrition Training Manual

The project was to develop a short course and workbook on crop nutrition for annual crops. The course covered the following learning outcomes: A basic understanding of the fertiliser requirements in an agricultural production system; A basic understanding of what are the limitations for uptake of nutrients within the production system, pH, moisture and any minor elements; Describe the basic…