Scottish Direct Payments: Scotland’s Rural Payments and Inspections Division has pushed out early Basic Payment Scheme and Greening money, with 81% of eligible businesses paid by Sept 11 and the payment window set to close next July; agriculture minister Jim Fairlie says faster cash helps farmers plan, while Future Farming Investment Scheme verification deadlines have been extended to Sept 30. Forage Maize Timing: Maizetech’s Robert Duncan says the “real test” for forage maize harvest is inside the crop, not outer cobs, advising growers to walk crops, peel back sheaths, and judge the top cob once grain is fully dried. Fish Habitat Repair: Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust has removed a concrete ford on Skeeby Beck, replacing it with a bridge to restore fish movement after a 2023 pollution incident left populations struggling to recover. Farm Machinery & Heritage: The British National Ploughing Championships and Country Festival returns for its 75th anniversary at Austrey, Warwickshire, with ploughing, steam engines, vintage tractors and heavy horse displays on Oct 10-11. Rural Awards Spotlight: The Yorkshire Post Rural Awards 2026 finalists are revealed ahead of an October ceremony at Harrogate, with categories spanning dairy, arable, mixed farms, rare breeds and more. Carbon Credits Scrutiny (Scotland): Campaigners question why one of Scotland’s biggest landowners is using Verra carbon credits for new woodland despite a UK-backed Woodland Carbon Code option. Windfarm Grid Route Clash (Fylde): Councils say government didn’t properly consider an alternative shorter onshore cabling route for the Morgan and Morecambe windfarm projects, after approval of an 18-mile trench route across agricultural land and greenbelt. Community Farming: Bristol’s Grimsbury Community Farm is continuing under Brandon Trust, keeping its animal-focused visitor setup, cafe and play area.