Pig World reports that scientists at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh have successfully gene-edited pigs with resistance to classical swine fever (CSF), a deadly viral disease that devastates livestock. The researchers made a targeted change to a gene responsible for producing a protein called DNAJC14, which allowed them to block the virus from reproducing in pig cells. Gene-edited pigs exposed to CSF remained healthy, unlike unedited ones. According to the scientists involved, the breakthrough demonstrates the growing potential of gene editing to enhance global animal health and agricultural sustainability by strengthening resilience against future livestock disease outbreaks.

Farming UK reports that researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have developed ‘farm-twin’, the world’s first digital twin for dairy farming. Built at SRUC’s Dairy Research Centre, the open-source platform integrates real-time data from sensors, telemetry, and digital tools into a unified system that models entire farm operations. Using AI and predictive analytics, it identifies early signs of health or productivity issues, automates responses like isolating sick cows, and enables farmers to test strategies virtually.

Farming UK reports that extreme weather linked to climate change is driving up the price of everyday foods like beef, milk, butter, coffee, and chocolate. According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). Prices for these staples rose by an average of 15.6%—over four times faster than other foods—adding around £360 to the average UK household food bill. Droughts, heatwaves, and livestock disease outbreaks have disrupted supply chains, while the UK’s dependence on food imports heightens vulnerability. Experts warn that monetary policy cannot offset these climate-driven pressures, urging government action to strengthen food security and accelerate emissions reductions.

Farming UK reports that a new survey of 211 UK wheat farmers commissioned by biostimulant start-up SugarOx reveals strong awareness but low confidence in biostimulants, with only 44% having tried them. While 95% cite weather variability as their biggest challenge, scepticism over cost-effectiveness and inconsistent results hampers adoption. Farmers associate biostimulants with better nutrient uptake, root growth, and stress tolerance but want clearer proof and guidance. Experts argue that clear regulation, combined with independent trials data, are needed to establish biostimulants as a mainstream tool in British crop production.

Science Daily reports that researchers at the University of Maryland discovered that the gene WUS-D1 is responsible for a rare wheat mutation that forms three ovaries per flower instead of one, potentially boosting grain yield. Published in PNAS, the study showed that activating WUS-D1 early in flower development enlarges floral tissue and creates extra female structures. This breakthrough could enable breeders to develop higher-yield wheat varieties using gene-editing tools. Lead researcher Vijay Tiwari highlighted its promise for cost-effective hybrid wheat, addressing global food demand without expanding farmland or increasing resource use.

Farming UK reports that Britain must urgently overhaul how it produces and consumes food to prevent worsening crises in health, climate, and food security, according to a new report. The Roadmap for Resilience: A UK Food Plan for 2050, developed by the Agri-Food for Net Zero (AFN) Network+ with input from 150 experts, calls for reforms on a scale unseen since World War II. It identifies three priorities - stronger farming systems, smarter land use, and healthier diets - to protect public health, reduce emissions, and strengthen resilience. The report proposes ten government actions, including elevating food security, reforming subsidies, setting dietary targets, and restoring nature to secure a sustainable food future.

Farmers Weekly reports that Defra minister Dame Angela Eagle has confirmed the badger cull will end after the 2025 season, signalling a shift in England’s bovine TB strategy. No new licences will be issued, with only one remaining cull in Cumbria under review. At its peak, 73 licences operated. Labour plans to unveil a new TB eradication strategy for 2026, aiming for England to be TB-free by 2038. The new policy will prioritise cattle testing, biosecurity, movement controls, and expanded badger vaccination, with over 4,000 already vaccinated. Opposition MPs warned against ending culling prematurely before other proven tools are ready, while campaigners welcomed the government’s science-led, humane approach.

Farming UK reports that Britain must urgently develop drought-tolerant wheat to protect food security as climate change brings hotter, drier conditions, scientists from the University of Hertfordshire warn. Current UK wheat strains are not easily replaced by European varieties and require up to a decade to breed locally. Research in Egypt found that frequent irrigation improved yields by 22%, while some cultivars used water 15–20% more efficiently. However, yields fell once temperatures exceeded 3°C above normal. With British wheat output down 20% last year and erratic weather worsening, experts stress the need for drought-resistant crops and precision irrigation to secure future harvests.

Farming UK reports that England has suffered its second-worst harvest on record, according to new Defra figures, following an exceptionally warm spring and dry early summer. The 2025 provisional data show wheat production up 4.9% to 10.6m tonnes due to a higher area sown, but barley output plunged 14% and oats fell 2.3% amid lower yields. Oilseed rape was the only crop to improve, with yields 29% higher than last year. Analysts warn this reflects escalating climate impacts, with three of the five worst harvests occurring in the past decade, threatening farmers’ incomes and UK food security.

Farming UK reports that a new AI-driven tool, gono.ai, enables Miscanthus farmers to forecast yields months before harvest by analysing drone imagery. Launched under the OMENZ programme and funded by DESNZ, the platform automatically detects and counts plants from high-resolution images, producing establishment maps and density reports. Combining biomass data with drone inputs it can predict yields early, helping growers plan and make informed marketing decisions.

Focus Taiwan reports that Taiwanese scientists have engineered thale cress plants to capture around 50% more CO₂ and produce more than twice as many seeds as unmodified plants, a breakthrough they hope could one day help mitigate global warming and grow more staples such as rice.

Farming UK reports that a new UK-developed device, Pneumonitor, helps dairy farmers prevent calf pneumonia by monitoring shed conditions in real time. Positioned at calf height, it tracks temperature, humidity, pressure, draughts, and VOCs. Unlike traditional checks that detect illness late, it proactively identifies environmental risks before symptoms appear, enabling early intervention.