Dartmoor Hill Farm Project

17/06/2026

New plans announced last week include an ambition to deploy a cattle vaccine by 2030 that could lead to England being officially bovine TB-free by 2038. The news has been variously received but despite apparent declining numbers of confirmed cases, this remains a major issue and significant impact to many.

https://tinyurl.com/nxu6yd57

England has set out a new plan to become officially bTB-free by 2038, but farm leaders have warned that delays in delivery could put years of progress at risk.

15/06/2026

An evening with Defra - Join HFP on Thursday 9th July, 6:45pm at Two Bridges Hotel, PL20 6SW for an in-person update from Defra on the upcoming SFI26 scheme, including a Q&A session.

Book a place by clicking the link, or email [email protected] / call 07805 329704

Join the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project for an update from Defra, RPA and others for an update on the upcoming SFI scheme.

10/06/2026

Possible Shepherding Solution for New Schemes?

With much debate around Landscape Recovery schemes and active shepherding perhaps we should look to Italy? Here graziers avoid invisible fencing and trust in Donkeys to move lambs in style between pastures. Perhaps the perfect opportunity for a Sustainable Donkey Incentive (SDI) and a new item for the Farm and Equipment Technology Fund !!!

09/06/2026

Natural England and the Dartmoor Pony

Following recent concerns about the impact of agri-environment stocking rates on the future of moorland ponies Natural England has clarified its position in a statement issued today (09.06.26). Details can be found at https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/09/dartmoor-ponies-clarification-of-natural-englands-role-and-position/

02/06/2026

SFI 2026 – Getting Closer for Small Farms

Defra have announced (2nd June) ‘Near-final’ scheme information for this year's Sustainable Farming Incentive offer (SFI26) which is now available on GOV.UK. They expect to open the first application window (“Window 1”) from 30 June 2026 for small farms (3-50HA) and farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement. Further details can be found in their blog https://tinyurl.com/bsdf426w

28/05/2026

🏆🏆Double bubble 🍾

Local farmer Joe Mawle was recognised in two categories at last weeks Addington Fund Devon Farm Business Awards - including the overall 'Devon's Farmer of the Year'.

Well done to all who were nominated.
Read about the results & meet the winners here;

It was a night to remember for Joe Mawle of Odstone Farms Ltd , who took home not one but two top honours at the prestigious Addington Fund Devon Farm Business Awards.

26/05/2026

Women in Farming - Reflections on Life!

During the 1980s and 90s, Jacqueline Sarsby interviewed, recorded and photographed around 60 women from farming backgrounds, all born between 1894 and 1959. This included Hazel Pearse from Barramoor Farm, Moreton. The Devon Farm Through Women’s Eyes is published by The Rotherfold Press, £25. Available from jacquelinesarsby.com and selected Devon bookshops.

22/05/2026

Tick Borne Encephalitis - New Case Linked to Dartmoor

UKHSA has linked a probable case of Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) to Dartmoor. The first ever record of locally acquired TBE in England was recorded in 2019 in the New Forest. TBE is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick and in a few cases the virus can get into the central nervous system rarely leading to death. We are still waiting on the analysis of the 526 blood samples collected earlier this year which will be screened for TBE, Louping Ill and Lyme disease.

The new cases brings the total of UK-acquired cases to six

20/05/2026

FarmersAid is a new, free smartphone app from RABI providing real-time, step-by-step guidance for serious on-farm accidents, helping farmers act confidently in those critical moments before emergency services arrive.

Developed by RABI working with emergency medical specialists to help counter the rise of serious on-farm accidents, often in remote or lone working situations. The app will launch in June but you can learn more and register your interest via their website.

There is also potential for training - we will find out more in due course for local opportunities or online.

https://tinyurl.com/32x7n7vt

18/05/2026

Lots of reports and commentary in the news today from this announcement.

It does suggest that Dartmoor is one of the areas for greater emphasis as part of its new strategy, increasing support for local communities and a greater recognition of social values in its approach.

The Duchy of Cornwall is to sell part of its 128,000 acre estate and re-invest in more housing.