Cooper Rural

02/09/2026

SFI 2026 – APPLICATION WINDOW 2 EXPECTED TO OPEN 22 SEPTEMBER

DEFRA has now confirmed that Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is expected to open on 22 September, providing another opportunity for eligible farmers and land managers to apply for a new agreement.

Following strong demand during Window 1, DEFRA has confirmed that the remaining Window 1 funding will be added to the £180 million originally allocated to Window 2, together with a further £50 million announced as part of the Government’s drought support measures. This brings the total SFI26 budget for this financial year to £290 million.

Farmers with existing Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier and SFI agreements, due to expire on or before 28 February 2027 can re-apply through the September SFI application window to help in providing a more straightforward transition into a new agreement.

With strong demand expected, now is the time to review your existing agreement and consider which SFI26 actions are suitable for your farm.

Cooper Rural can assist with:

• Reviewing your existing agreement and identifying suitable SFI26 options.

• Preparing maps and supporting information.

• Calculating potential agreement values.

• Preparing and submitting the application on your behalf.

If your existing agreement is approaching expiry, or you missed Window 1 and are considering applying in Window 2, please contact Cooper Rural now to begin preparations ahead of the application window opening.

Tom Cooper - 07917 732218
Morten Gledhill - 07570 858582

27/08/2026

AUCTION OF FARM MACHINERY, LIVESTOCK & WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT

Cooper Rural are pleased to be working alongside Brown & Co to hold a machinery sale on behalf of WE Foers & Son and PC & EJ Longdin.

Auction Date: 29th September 2026

Location: Grange Farm, Carr Lane, Wadworth, Doncaster DN11 9DY

Viewing dates: September 28th 2026 (10am - 4pm) & 29th September 2026 (8am - 10.30am)

To register to bid and to view the auction catalogue please follow the link below:

https://cooperrural.co.uk/land-and-property-for-sale

07/08/2026

SFI 2026 – PREPARE FOR APPLICATIONS

DEFRA has confirmed that Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 will open in September, providing all eligible farmers and land managers with the opportunity to apply for a new SFI agreement.

Demand for the new scheme is expected to be exceptionally high following strong uptake during Window 1, with DEFRA allocating a £180 million budget for Window 2, together with any funding remaining from the first application window.

Importantly, farmers with existing Mid-Tier, SFI or other eligible ELM revenue agreements due to expire by the end of February 2027 will be able to begin their SFI26 application early, allowing their existing agreement to transition directly into a new SFI agreement.

With demand expected to be strong and funding allocated quickly, early preparation will be key.

Cooper Rural can assist with:

• Reviewing the most suitable SFI actions for your holding.

• Preparing mapping and supporting documentation.

• Advising on agreement values and payment opportunities.

• Managing your application from start to finish, including Annual Rotational Declarations.

If your existing Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier or SFI agreement is approaching expiry, or you are considering entering SFI for the first time, now is the ideal time to begin preparing for the September application window.

Please contact Cooper Rural to discuss how the SFI 2026 scheme could benefit your farm business.

Tom Cooper - 07917 732218
Morten Gledhill - 07570 858582

01/08/2026

CAPITAL GRANTS - 75% OF BUDGET ALLOCATED

As expected the £225m budget is being allocated very quickly! Should you want to apply and require any assistance, please contact Cooper Rural immediately to avoid disappointment.

We can confirm that 75% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has been allocated.

30/07/2026

CAPITAL GRANTS - 25% OF BUDGET ALLOCATED

Within 6 hours of the application window opening, DEFRA have confirmed 25% of the £225 million budget available to support practical environmental improvements on farms and across the countryside has been allocated.

https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/30/capital-grants-2026-25-of-budget-allocated

We can confirm that 25% of the 2026 Capital Grants budget has now been allocated.

30/07/2026

CAPITAL GRANTS 2026 - NOW LIVE

The application window is now live for submitting your Capital Grant Application for 2026.

We have been working with clients over the last few weeks to ensure prompt applications are submitted over the coming days.

We envisage high demand and therefore if you require any assitance with submitting an application please contact Cooper Rural and we would be pleased to help.

Tom Cooper - 07917 732218
Morten Gledhill - 07570 858582

CAPITAL GRANTS 2026 – APPLICATIONS OPEN 30 JULY

DEFRA has today confirmed that the Capital Grants 2026 scheme will officially open for applications on 30 July 2026.

With £225 million of funding available, the scheme offers grants towards a wide range of capital items designed to improve the farmed environment and strengthen business resilience, including:
• Hedgerow planting and restoration
• Fencing and boundary improvements
• Water quality and natural flood management measures
• Tree planting and habitat creation
• Farm infrastructure and environmental enhancements

Unlike previous years, applications will remain open until the available funding has been allocated, meaning early preparation and prompt submission will be key.

DEFRA has also introduced additional evidence requirements, so ensuring applications are complete from the outset will be increasingly important.

Cooper Rural can provide a complete application service, including:

• Identifying the most suitable capital items for your holding.
• Preparing plans, maps and supporting documentation.
• Securing any necessary approvals before submission.
• Managing your application through to agreement and claim.

With demand expected to be high, we recommend contacting us now to begin preparations and maximise your opportunity to secure funding.

Please get in touch with Cooper Rural to discuss how the Capital Grants 2026 scheme could benefit your farm or landholding.

Tom Cooper - 07917 732218
Morten Gledhill - 07570 858582

20/07/2026

Cooper Rural are pleased to be sponsoring our local Agricultural Show on Sunday 2nd August.

Members of our team will be there throughout the day and look forward to catching up with Clients and fellow members of the local farming community.

We hope everyone has a fantastic day and look forward to supporting another great community event.

We would like to give a massive thank you to the sponsors of the sheep classes, their support is vital to making the show a success:
Mike Kendall - Wallingfen Lodge
The Tidball family - Sykehouse
The Nichol family - Sykehouse
Henry Hart & Son Decorators Ltd
R&S Security Specialists
Cooper Rural Ltd Rural
Sol-X Solutions
Mrs Judith Askew

16/07/2026

CAPITAL GRANTS 2026 – APPLICATIONS OPEN 30 JULY

DEFRA has today confirmed that the Capital Grants 2026 scheme will officially open for applications on 30 July 2026.

With £225 million of funding available, the scheme offers grants towards a wide range of capital items designed to improve the farmed environment and strengthen business resilience, including:
• Hedgerow planting and restoration
• Fencing and boundary improvements
• Water quality and natural flood management measures
• Tree planting and habitat creation
• Farm infrastructure and environmental enhancements

Unlike previous years, applications will remain open until the available funding has been allocated, meaning early preparation and prompt submission will be key.

DEFRA has also introduced additional evidence requirements, so ensuring applications are complete from the outset will be increasingly important.

Cooper Rural can provide a complete application service, including:

• Identifying the most suitable capital items for your holding.
• Preparing plans, maps and supporting documentation.
• Securing any necessary approvals before submission.
• Managing your application through to agreement and claim.

With demand expected to be high, we recommend contacting us now to begin preparations and maximise your opportunity to secure funding.

Please get in touch with Cooper Rural to discuss how the Capital Grants 2026 scheme could benefit your farm or landholding.

Tom Cooper - 07917 732218
Morten Gledhill - 07570 858582

06/07/2026

LAND AT BARNBURGH - AUCTION 20TH JULY TO 21ST JULY

We are delighted to be working alongside Auction House to bring a plot of land at Barnburgh, Doncaster to the market.

To view the details, please follow the attached link.

https://online.auctionhouse.co.uk/lot/details/188705

If you are interested in selling a plot or parcel of land then please get in touch with the team at Cooper Rural on 01302 574714.

Property for sale online in Doncaster closing on 21/07/2026 with a Guide Price of £40,000. - Online Auctions

02/07/2026

ROTHERHAM CALL FOR SITES – HAS YOUR LAND GOT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL?

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has now opened its Call for Sites, inviting landowners, developers and interested parties to submit land for consideration as part of the Borough's new Local Plan. The consultation will run until 28 August 2026.

This is an important opportunity for landowners to promote sites for a wide range of future uses, including:

• Residential development
• Employment and commercial uses
• Renewable energy projects

Submitting land through the Call for Sites is a vital first step in ensuring land is considered during the Local Plan process, increasing the potential for future development over the coming years.

The Council has also confirmed that previously promoted sites must be re-submitted to ensure they are considered as part of the new Local Plan review.

Cooper Rural has extensive experience in Local Plan Call for Sites consultations. We can:
• Assess your land's development potential.
• Prepare professional site submissions and supporting plans.
• Liaise with the Local Planning Authority on your behalf.
• Work alongside planning consultants where required to maximise the prospects of future allocation.

Whether your land lies on the edge of an existing settlement or has long-term development potential, now is the time to review the opportunities available.

If you own land within the Rotherham Borough and would like to discuss the Call for Sites Process, please contact Cooper Rural for an initial discussion.

Tom Cooper - 07917 732218
Morten Gledhill - 07570 858582