Your Lancashire county NFU update

 - By Lancashire Police ….

With the second window of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) opening in September 2026, many farmers will be reviewing records, updating business information and engaging with government systems as part of the application process. SFI continues to provide opportunities for farmers to secure funding for sustainable land management and productivity improvements.

However, while attention is often focused on land, livestock and environmental actions, there is another area that deserves equal consideration: cyber security. Today's farms are increasingly digital businesses. From Rural Payments Agency accounts and online banking to livestock records, accounting software and GPS-guided machinery, much of modern farming relies on technology. Unfortunately, cyber criminals know this too.

Phishing emails remain one of the biggest threats facing businesses. Fraudsters frequently impersonate trusted organisations, attempting to trick users into clicking malicious links or revealing login credentials. Farmers should be particularly cautious during periods when they are actively accessing online services and submitting applications.

A few simple steps can make a significant difference:

• Use strong, unique passwords (three random words).
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) where available.
• Be cautious of unexpected emails and attachments.
• Do not click on links in emails. 
• Visit the site that the email claims to be from and access any deals or accounts from your account, not the link!.  
• Keep software and devices  and any apps updated.
• Regularly back up important farm data. Do it in an ‘immutable’ form is best and offline, if at all possible.

The reality is that cyber security is no longer just an issue for large organisations. A cyber attack can disrupt day-to-day operations, impact finances and cause significant stress for any farming business. As farmers prepare for the September SFI window, it is worth taking a few minutes to review digital security alongside business planning. Looking after your data is becoming just as important as looking after your land. After all, resilience in modern farming is not only about protecting fields and livestock. It is also about protecting the digital systems that keep the business running.

Wyre Council is currently running its Sowing the Seeds Rural Survey, inviting people who live or work in rural Wyre to share their views on the area’s future needs and priorities.

If you live or farm in rural Wyre, we encourage you to complete the survey as this will be the last rural survey before the local government reorganisation (Devolution for Lancashire).

The consultation will remain open until Monday 5 October

Take part in the survey and give your views

The South Lakes Honey Company, a family-run beekeeping business based in Cumbria, are currently looking for a suitable site between Blackpool and Morecambe to support the expansion of their queen-rearing operation. Their priority is to establish a secure and well-managed apiary where we can raise and assess queen bees, raise mated queens with research and continue developing locally adapted honey bee stock suited to conditions across Northern England.

They are particularly interested in farms, estates, golf courses, equestrian sites, holiday parks, woodland edges and other rural locations with vehicle access, some shelter and space away from busy public areas.

This apiary would only be used within the beekeeping season spring till end of summer. 

Although queen rearing is the immediate priority the site may also support the development of additional apiaries in the future. This could include:

• Raising nucleus colonies for future apiary expansion and sale.
• Keeping established colonies for honey production.
• Supporting locally adapted breeding lines.
• Trialling improved hive-management methods and beekeeping technology.
• Developing wider biodiversity and conservation projects around the land.

South Lakes Honey Company already operates apiaries on a range of rural sites and works closely with landowners to improve both pollination and the surrounding environment. Alongside the management of bees, they are interested in supporting practical conservation measures where appropriate including:

• Wildflower planting and improved pollinator forage.
• Bird and bat boxes.
• Bug hotels and insect habitats.
• Improved management of field margins, hedgerows and unused areas.
• Recording useful information about flowering plants, wildlife and seasonal forage.

All hives would be professionally managed by experienced beekeepers. They would agree the location and access arrangements with you before any colonies were placed and the apiary would be managed to minimise disruption to your land, staff, visitors and livestock.

They are fully insured and would take responsibility for the regular inspection, maintenance and management of all colonies. In return for hosting an apiary, they can also provide the landowner with honey when available and recognition for supporting local beekeeping, conservation and biodiversity.

They are not looking for a large area. A secure and accessible corner of a field, woodland edge, paddock, estate, farm or other suitable piece of land may be enough.

If this is something you may be interested in, they  would be happy to arrange an informal visit to discuss the site and answer any questions. There would be no obligation following the initial visit. The South Lakes Honey Company are fully insured with public liability up to £10 million. 

If you would like to know more or consider this request, contact Joe Lydon: [email protected]

All members of the farming community are welcome at Broughton's ‘Chatty Cafe’ morning held every Monday between 9.30am to 11.30am. The relaxed and friendly space is for people from all walks of life to join together for a chat and to connect with others. 

Taking place at: 

Toll Bar Cottage Community Café
476 Garstang Road
Broughton
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 5JB