November’s news was dominated by the ongoing tension between UK farmers and government policy on inheritance tax. There were several protests on a Day of Unity, immediately ahead of The Chancellor’s autumn budget and at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. Following the budget, the National Farmers Union acknowledged some of Rachel Reeves’ minor concessions but warned that the changes were still insufficient and could threaten food security.
There was a double blow for dairy farmers as Meadow Foods blamed high volumes in the UK and Europe for its 6ppl reduction in milk prices and the government announced yoghurt drinks and chocolate milk could fall foul of new rules on sugar tax to cut obesity rates.
In other news, restrictions were put in place in Wales and Northern Ireland to protect against the rise in Bluetongue in England, whilst there was a ‘3 Nations Sale’ to remember for one breeder when a new Suffolk ewe lamb record was set.
Lastly, November saw the launch of two superb support services for UK farming – ‘The Rural Minds Project’ which aims to increase awareness of mental health challenges in farming and the ‘Women in Agriculture Network’ to support, celebrate and connect women across the farming sector.
Reeves reverses (a little) in budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Autumn Budget after farmers spent 12 months lobbying and protesting against inheritance tax reforms. Key announcements impacting farmers included:
- The £1 million Agricultural Property Relief allowance can now be transferred between spouses or civil partners.
- The £1m allowance was frozen for a further year, along with other inheritance tax thresholds.
- National Living Wage increases scheduled for April 2026, adding to labour costs.
Robert Sullivan, head of farm business at GSC Grays, a firm of chartered surveyors and land agents said the Chancellor’s announcement of changes to the IHT regime has given land and business owners ‘a lot to think about’. Looking at Inheritance Tax first he said the fact Agricultural Property Relief (APR) AND Business Property Relief (BPR) remain in place at all was ‘a plus’, compared to ‘some of the worst-case scenario predictions.’
Meanwhile NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It’s good to see the government accepts its original proposals were flawed. But this change goes nowhere near far enough to remove the devastating impact of the policy on farming communities. It doesn’t go anywhere near far enough in protecting the working people of the countryside. It does nothing to alleviate the burden it puts on the elderly and vulnerable.”
Double blow for Dairy Farmers
In November The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) released a report showing that UK dairy provides affordable, sustainable food, with well-managed livestock systems offering environmental benefits including carbon storage and improved soil health. However, the month began with Meadow Foods decreasing its milk price by 6ppl and there was further gloomy news as farmgate milk prices continue to tumble, with many producers set to receive less than 40p/litre before the end of the year. Concerningly, industry sources suggest prices are likely to remain low post-Christmas and into the spring if supplies remain high, with little uplift expected until the second half of 2026.
Also this month the UK Department of Health and Social Care announced that it was expanding its ‘sugar tax’ levy to include milk-based drinks, including milkshakes, flavoured milks, sweetened yogurt drinks, chocolate milk and certain coffees. Companies have until January 2028 to comply with the new requirements.
Steps taken to control rise in Bluetongue
Great Britain recorded 228 bluetongue cases during the 2025 season (from July onwards), with England bearing the brunt of infections at 213 cases. The vast majority were BTV-3 strain (205 cases), with minimal BTV-8 presence (1 case) and 7 cases showing both strains.
Sheep, cattle, goats, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas are affected by the disease and the 2025 outbreak represents a significant disease challenge for British livestock farming, with the virus spreading beyond its traditional English stronghold. The coordination of restriction zones between England and Wales, where the Welsh Government implemented an all-Wales BTV-3 Restricted Zone, demonstrates a more unified approach to disease management while maintaining livestock trade flows. But the disease also reached Northern Ireland with suspected cases reported at a holding in Bangor, County Down. Authorities responded by establishing a 20km Temporary Control Zone from 21:00 on November 29, 2025.
While colder temperatures naturally reduce midge activity and slow virus replication, farmers were advised not to become complacent. Recommended measures focus on disrupting the midge life cycle through improved ventilation in livestock housing.
Records broken at 3 Nations Pedigree Show
The 12th annual 3 Nations proved to be one of the most successful to date with an overall sale average of £3996.66 and a 99% clearance reflecting the quality of the stock and genetics on offer.
A new Suffolk ewe lamb record was set when Lilia Hutchinson and her father Richard, of the Howgillfoot flock, Kirkby Stephen, sold their pen leader for 30,000gns to Devonshire breeder Messrs Allman, Okehampton. Her pen mate attracted the second highest price of 22,000gns and headed south to the same buyer.
Welcome support for farmers and communities
Two welcome projects launched in November. The Rural Minds Project uses virtual reality headsets to teach GPs and medical students about mental health challenges facing farmers, including the prevalence of suicide in the agricultural sector. Whilst a new UK-wide Women in Agriculture Network also launched in November to support, celebrate and connect women across the farming sector through events, mentoring and community-building.
Sources
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/The3nationspedigreesuffolks
Farmers Weekly https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/markets-and-trends/dairy-markets/dairy-producers-hit-by-further-milk-price-cuts-in-december
Farmers Guardian https://www.farmersguardian.com/news/4375291/autumn-budget-2024-farmers-about
NFU online https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/autumn-budget-2025/
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board https://ahdb.org.uk/news/new-scientific-report-reveals-dairy-s-vital-role-in-uk-diets-and-sustainability
Ruminant Health and Welfare https://ruminanthw.org.uk/latest-bluetongue-announcement/
Farmers Guardian https://www.farmersguardian.com/news/4520669/suffolk-doctors-virtual-reality-tackle-mental-health-crisis-farming-communities
Farmers Weekly https://www.fwi.co.uk/farm-life/women-in-agriculture-network-to-launch-in-november
