23 Oct 2026

Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir hits a high note for British farming

At Red Tractor, we’re proud to celebrate the people who work across British agriculture and help tell the story of farming to a wider audience. That’s why we’ve been delighted to follow the success of the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, which includes Red Tractor team member, Abbie.

Celebrating people, produce and communities

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir is continuing to put British farming in the spotlight, celebrating the people, produce and communities at the heart of the industry.

At the Hawkstone Harvest Festival at The Farmer’s Dog pub, the choir marked the end of harvest and helped launch Wildthing, a collaboration between Hawkstone and Wildfarmed. Brewed using regenratively grown British barley, the new lager aims to encourage more conversations about provenance and the link between farmers and the food and drink people enjoy. The choir performed songs from its Britain’s Got Talent journey, as well as new material from its forthcoming debut album.

The festival also recognised the importance of supporting farming and rural wellbeing. The choir donated £50,000 from its Britain’s Got Talent prize money to Shout, the Farming Community Network (FCN), Mind, RABI and the DPJ Foundation. Hawkstone matched the donation, taking the total contribution to £100,000.

A wild twelve months

The choir has since taken its celebration of farming to an even wider audience, opening the National Televsion Awards with its Golden Buzzer performance of One Day Like This. It was also a successful evening for agricultural television, with Clarkson’s Farm winning the Reality Docuseries category.

The choir has also been recognised at the 2026 British Farming Awards, winning the Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture award. The accolade celebrates its work championing British farming, bringing rural communities together and encouraging important conversations about mentalth across the industry.

Abbie, a member of the choir and a Red Tractor colleague commented: “A year ago, the choir stepped into Cricklade Village Hall to rehearse One Day Like This for our Britain’s Got Talent audition and last week we opened the National Television Awards as BGT winners! Wowsers! What a wild twelve months it has been.

Abbie at the British Farming Awards with the choir’s trophy.

“It’s not all plain sailing, as we have day jobs and farms to keep running at the same time, but when you have such a wonderful group of people around you, at home and in the choir, and some amazing opportunities, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. I’m so excited to showcase our beautiful debut album during the tour and to see what the next twelve months have in store.”

Looking ahead, the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir has announced an 18-date UK tour for early next year, with tickets now available. Its debut album, This Is Home, is available to pre-save, pre-order or download, while One Day Like This can be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music.

Congratulations to Abbie and to everyone involved in using this platform to champion farming and support rural communities.

Discover more about Abbie and the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir

06 Oct 2026

‘There’s no such thing as just a farmer’: Red Tractor launches film championing British farms

Red Tractor has launched a new farmer-led short film celebrating the skill, hard work and pride behind British food.

Released on 6 October, Proud to Farm recognises the contribution of more than 40,000 farmers and growers assured by Red Tractor. It follows months of unusually hot, dry weather that has put pressure on food production and impacting all farming sectors.

Proud to stand behind farmers and growers

Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Red Tractor, says: “British farmers and growers are producing food against an incredibly challenging backdrop, and we believe their contribution deserves to be recognised and championed.

“We want to make the skill and care that goes into producing British food more visible to consumers and show farmers and growers that we are proud to stand behind them.”

Featuring real farmers and growers working to Red Tractor standards, Proud to Farm reflects both the difficult and rewarding days of producing food, and the moments that make the hard work worthwhile.

The short film also highlights the many roles farmers fulfil, with farmers featured describing themselves as food producers, business owners, mechanics, crop specialists, livestock experts and custodians of the countryside.

Recognising the responsibility in maintaining high standards

Its central message is that there is no such thing as ‘just a farmer’, recognising the responsibility involved in maintaining high standards and producing food for the nation.

Red Tractor assurance covers around three-quarters of UK agricultural production, with the logo appearing on more than £18bn worth of food and drink.

Earlier this year, Red Tractor’s 2026 Farmer Sentiment Survey found the majority of farmers believe assurance schemes play an important role in building consumer confidence, with many calling for Red Tractor to do more to champion assured British food and strengthen understanding of the standards behind it.

In August, Red Tractor worked with young farmers in British high streets to explore consumers’ understanding of farming, food production and product labelling.

Strengthening understanding and trust in British food

Mr McLaughlin says: “We know there is still a gap in understanding around how food is produced, but there is also a real sense of pride in British food and the farmers behind it.

“If this film helps more people understand the skill and commitment behind British farming, and builds confidence in the food our farmers produce, then it has done what we set out to achieve.”

NFU Deputy President, Paul Tompkins says: “British farmers and growers work incredibly hard to produce high-quality food while running businesses, caring for livestock and managing the countryside.

“We are extremely proud of the skill, commitment and dedication shown by everyone working across our sector, which is being recognised and celebrated in this film, with our farmers and growers at the heart of telling the story of British farming.

The full Proud to Farm film can be watched at: https://redtractor.org.uk/proud-to-farm/

Learn more about our Standards

23 Sep 2026

Important storage and grain passport checks

As post harvest collections continue and grain moves out of store, we’d like to remind members of a few important points to help avoid rejections, delays and quality issues within the supply chain.

Short Term Storage deadline: 31st October 2026

Review your status on the Red Tractor Checker and ensure all stores are recorded with the correct status.
Double check renewal paperwork has your correct name (and this matches the name that you trade with) address and stores listed.
Any crop that is stored within a short-term store, must ensure movement by 31st October.
Issues outside of member control that affect late October movement and may push collection into November – contact your certification body about a derogation. Please note that these are only for circumstances that sit outside of the member’s control.

Recent issues have highlighted grain passports being submitted with sections left incomplete or information carried over using ditto marks. Buyers have confirmed that all required fields, including mycotoxin declarations and dates where applicable, must be completed on every passport for every load. Tippex should not be used on grain passports, simply strike through a mistake, initial and date it.

Don’t be afraid to turn a lorry away

If a vehicle arriving to collect grain is not clean, dry or suitable for carrying grain, do not load it and request an alternative vehicle.

This is supported by the TASCC Standard: clause H7.2, which requires the load-carrying areas and equipment to be cleaned to remove previous-load residues and the trailer to be dry internally before loading. Clause H7.3 states that a vehicle must not be presented for carriage where its external condition presents a food or feed safety risk.

The TASCC collection requirements also make clear that the final decision to load rests with the person loading the vehicle. A short delay is preferable to the consequences of a contaminated or rejected load.

How to create a print-at-home PDF grain passport

Red Tractor Crops & Sugar Beet Scheme

22 Sep 2026

Red Tractor opens Beef & Lamb and Dairy Standards Consultations

A six-week consultation has opened for farmers and wider industry stakeholders to have their say on proposed changes to Red Tractor’s Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards.

Delivering practical improvements to assurance

The consultation period is an important opportunity for farmers to consider what the proposed changes would mean in practice on their farm, and for vets, advisers and others across the industry to assess whether the proposals are clear and workable.

John Dracup, chair of the Beef & Lamb Sector Board, says this process follows Red Tractor’s commitment to deliver practical improvements to assurance.

“We want to hear all points of view, but particularly those of farmers,” he says.

“No two farms are the same, so it’s important we hear from a range of businesses. If something is unclear, or there’s a more practical way of demonstrating compliance, we want to know.”

A farm-specific approach

The sector specific Technical Advisory Committees, made up of farmers, vets, processors, retailers and other industry representatives, have reviewed every audit point line by line against set criteria.

Their subsequent proposed changes have also been scrutinised by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Sector Boards and considered by Red Tractor’s Standards Committee. Representatives of all these committees have reached consensus on the proposals now being put out for consultation.

Key changes across both schemes include fewer prescriptive audit points and a more farm-specific approach to livestock health planning, including an annual review focused on each farm’s health priorities and an agreed action plan.

By consolidating and reordering requirements and removing prescriptive detail where it does not add value, the proposals reduce the requirements for Beef & Lamb by one third, and for Dairy by one quarter.

For Beef & Lamb, the proposals include a small number of additional requirements on practical welfare and resilience, covering extreme weather, feed safety, disease planning, nutrient management and housing.

For Dairy, alongside the changes shared with Beef & Lamb, proposals include a new code of conduct on animal care and handling, plus recommendations on cow comfort, environmental enrichment and foot-trimming competence.

Making standards clearer and more practical

By aligning the Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards, farmers in England assured for both dairy and beef will benefit from a significant reduction in duplication between the two sets of standards.

Tim Lock, chair of the Dairy Sector Board, says: “The aim is to make the standards clearer and more practical.

“In most cases, what’s expected of the farmers remains the same, but should make preparation for assessments and demonstrating compliance easier.

“Importantly, the proposed changes also ensure that standards continue to deliver confidence in the market.”

A genuine opportunity for farmers to shape what comes next

Feedback will be reviewed by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Technical Advisory Committees and Sector Boards, which will consider the feedback before confirming which of the proposals move forward.

Mr Lock says: “This is a genuine opportunity for farmers to help shape what comes next.”

Alongside the standards review, Red Tractor is also reviewing how assessments are carried out, including assessment cycles, what is checked, and how technology can support the process. These changes have the potential to deliver further efficiencies while maintaining rigour, and will be shared as the work develops.

The consultation period runs from 22 September to 3 November 2026 and is open to all stakeholders. Beef & Lamb and Dairy scheme members can view the proposed changes and respond to the consultation at www.redtractor.org.uk/bld-consultation.

Similar consultations for proposed changes to standards for Combinable Crops & Sugar Beet, Fresh Produce, Pigs and Poultry will follow later in the year.

David Barton made an important contribution to the Beef & Lamb standards review through his role at the NFU, and Red Tractor would like to recognise his commitment to the sector.

Share your thoughts

17 Sep 2026

Red Tractor meets dairy farmers at UK Dairy Day

Red Tractor was at UK Dairy Day recently, meeting farmers and industry colleagues and hearing directly about the issues that matter to the dairy sector.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for the Red Tractor team to speak face-to-face with members, answer questions and listen to their experiences of assurance and the wider challenges facing dairy farming.

Help shape how the scheme develops

Engaging directly with farmers is important to us. We want members to have more opportunities to talk to us, challenge us and help shape how the scheme develops. The team also spoke to farmers about the upcoming Dairy Standards Review and encouraged members to take part and share their views when the consultation launches.

Jo Miller, Red Tractor Director of Communications and Engagement said: “Face to face conversations give farmers and stakeholders the opportunity to meet and hear directly from the people working hard to ensure Red Tractor delivers for everyone in the supply chain, allowing for questions, debate, and improving understanding. Events like UK Dairy Day give us exactly that opportunity.

Hearing what’s on the minds of dairy farmers

“It was great for the team to speak to so many dairy farmers, hear what’s on their minds and have some really open conversations about Red Tractor. We won’t always agree on everything, but it’s important that members feel they can talk to us directly and know that we are listening.”

UK Dairy Day is part of a wider programme of engagement for Red Tractor this autumn, with the team holding face-to-face member meetings across the UK throughout October and November.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to talk to us – we look forward to continuing the conversation over the coming month

Find out more about Red Tractor Dairy Standards

10 Sep 2026

Red Tractor responds to EU action on Brazilian food imports

Following the EU’s decision to remove Brazil from its approved list for certain products of animal origin from 3 September 2026, Red Tractor says farmers and consumers need confidence that food entering the UK is subject to robust standards and checks.

Comments by Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Red Tractor Assurance

Paul McLaughlin says: “The EU has moved to restrict imports of Brazilian beef and poultry because it has not received the guarantees needed to demonstrate compliance with its antimicrobial requirements.

British farmers have worked hard to build consumer trust

“That raises an important question for the UK: if the EU does not currently have the assurance it needs on antimicrobial requirements for certain Brazilian products, what assurance does the UK have that equivalent products entering our market meet the expectations placed on British farmers?

“British farmers have worked hard to build consumer trust. Our latest research shows 94% of consumers trust British food, but more than a third are not confident that imported food meets UK standards.

“Consumers should also be able to make an informed choice about the food they buy and eat, whether they are buying food in a shop or eating out.

Look for the Red Tractor mark

“The Red Tractor mark gives independent assurance that standards on responsible medicine use, animal welfare, food safety and traceability have been met.

“When buying beef or poultry in shops, consumers looking for reassurance that it is British and produced to rigorous standards should look for the Red Tractor mark.”

Find out more about Red Tractor Standards

02 Sep 2026

Love Lamb Week: Supporting British sheep farmers when they need it most

Love Lamb Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of Britain’s most versatile and delicious meats while recognising the dedication of the farmers who produce it.

This year, however, the occasion comes at a particularly challenging time for many sheep farmers across the UK. From ongoing dry weather and drought conditions to the continued threat of Bluetongue, many are facing significant pressures while continuing to care for their animals and produce high-quality food.

Despite these challenges, sheep farmers remain committed to maintaining the high standards consumers expect. Their dedication ensures that British lamb continues to be produced with care, skill and expertise, providing families with food they can trust.

Backing British farmers through your food choices

Every time you choose British lamb, you’re supporting farming families and rural communities across the country.

Looking for the Red Tractor logo is a simple way to identify lamb that has come from farms independently certified to standards covering food safety, animal welfare and traceability. It gives consumers confidence in the provenance of their food while supporting British farmers who work hard to meet these standards.

Why lamb?

British lamb is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Sunday roasts and comforting stews to curries, burgers and barbecue favourites. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends or simply looking to try something new, lamb is a great way to enjoy high-quality British produce.

Show your support this Love Lamb Week

This Love Lamb Week, why not add British lamb to your shopping list and support the farmers behind it?

By choosing Red Tractor-assured lamb, you’re helping to back British sheep farmers during a challenging period while enjoying food produced to independently certified standards.

Look for the Red Tractor logo and show your support for British farming.

Find out more about Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Standards

25 Aug 2026

Red Tractor showcases the strength of British pork

For buyers operating in increasingly complex global markets, trust, traceability and supply chain assurance have never been more important.

Providing confidence to international buyers

In August, Philippa Wiltshire, Director of Standards & Operations and Deputy CEO at Red Tractor joined AHDB to showcase the strengths of British pig farming to Chinese delegates.

Philippa outlined how Red Tractor assurance gives international buyers confidence in British pork through independent verification, full traceability and clearly defined production standards.

Operating across the entire supply chain

A key focus was how Red Tractor operates across the entire supply chain, from feed and farms through transport and processing to retail or export, with practical controls covering food safety, animal health and welfare, biosecurity and medicine use.

The UK has a strong reputation for producing high-quality pork, with standards playing a key role in building confidence in British produce.

Find out more about Red Tractor pork Standards

19 Aug 2026

Red Tractor celebrates Cumbria’s farming future at the Cumbria Farmer Awards

Red Tractor was proud to sponsor the Judges’ Special Award at the Cumbria Farmer Awards on Friday 14 August, helping to celebrate the people and businesses making a real difference to farming in Cumbria.

The award was presented to D.M.J Hetherington of Maryport, a fourth-generation family farming business where three generations work together to run a diverse coastal enterprise spanning dairy, beef, tourism and direct-to-consumer sales.

Connecting people with the countryside

The family’s 190-cow dairy herd sits alongside a beef enterprise, with both businesses underpinned by a strong focus on soil health and regenerative farming. They are also investing in renewable energy, tree planting and hedge management as part of their approach to sustainable farming.

Away from the farm, their caravan park and wider community initiatives, including coastal clean-ups, are helping to connect more people with the countryside and the role farming plays within it.

Three generations working together

Jemma Holden, Red Tractor Technical Manager, presented the award on the night. She said: “The Hetherington family really stand out because of the way they are bringing together everything that is important about a successful modern farming business. Three generations are working alongside each other, with a clear respect for the traditions and values the business has been built on, while also looking ahead and embracing new ideas.

“They have built a genuinely diverse business while putting real thought into how they farm for the future. Their focus on soil health and regenerative practices shows that sustainability is not simply an add-on, it is part of how they are developing the business.”

Joseph Hetherington said the award was especially meaningful as a recognition of the family and whole team’s contribution and of the future the next generation is helping to build.

Gratitude and pride

“We are absolutely delighted to receive the Judges’ Special Award. Farming is very much a team effort for us, and with three generations of the family working together, this award means a great deal to all of us.

“To be chosen by a panel of people who work within the industry and see so many outstanding business is truly humbling, we are filled with gratitude and pride.”

“This recognition gives us all a real boost. We are proud of what previous generations have built, but we are equally excited about the future and the opportunities ahead. To receive this award together as a family makes it particularly special.”

Shining a light on dedication and professionalism

Cumbria farmer and Red Tractor Chair Alistair Mackintosh added: “Red Tractor supports British farmers and food producers in building trust and confidence in the food they produce. Celebrating success and innovation in our farming communities is an important part of that.

“We are delighted to be able to shine a light on the dedication and professionalism behind British food and recognise the people who are helping to build a strong and sustainable future for our industry.

“Congratulations to the Hetherington family on a thoroughly deserved award.”

Find out more about Red Tractor Standards

14 Aug 2026

Love British Food and Red Tractor join forces to champion British food and farming

Love British Food has welcomed Red Tractor as its Lead Assurance Partner for 2026, bringing the two organisations together to champion British food and strengthen demand for assured British produce within the foodservice, retail and public sector.

A strong case for sourcing British food

The announcement comes as Love British Food marks its 25th anniversary and responds to a clear message from farmers of the important role Red Tractor plays in helping to champion the value of British food and farming.

By connecting the influence of both organisations, the partnership aims to make a stronger case for sourcing British food across the supply chain.

For consumers, this collaboration seeks to improve understanding of the rigorous standards and provenance behind assured British food. For buyers, caterers and retailers, it aims to support informed sourcing decisions.

Amplify support for British food and farming

Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, said: “British farm businesses need wider industry ambition to translate into meaningful commercial action.

“This partnership brings together the reach of both organisations across food production, foodservice, retail and consumers to amplify support for British food and farming. Linking Love British Food and Red Tractor has to make sense for British food and farming.

“We are stronger working together. Aligning our activities will make the case for British sourcing more effectively and encourage that commitment to be reflected in menu and purchasing decisions and tender specifications. Working with Red Tractor gives us the opportunity to connect the promotion of British food with the independently assured standards that underpin it, helping buyers source with confidence.”

Growing consumer understanding

Paul McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Red Tractor, said “British farmers, growers and processors work hard every day to produce food to high standards, and they deserve to see that recognised throughout the supply chain.

“With every major retailer and many food service companies in the UK already specifying Red Tractor assurance in their sourcing policies, and the logo recognised by three quarters of UK consumers, we want to do more to grow consumer understanding of the logo while creating new opportunities for assured businesses throughout the supply chain.

“This partnership is a great opportunity to amplify support for British food and farming.”

This partnership will also strengthen activity in the build-up to British Food Fortnight, which runs from 26 September – 11 October 2026, with both organisations using their combined networks to encourage more farmers, growers, producers and caterers to take part and showcase the breadth and value of British food.

Whole Supply Chain Assurance

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