UK farmers are dropping arable crops for dairy herds, as milk prices rise. High fertiliser costs are squeezing cereal grower profits in England and Scotland, while profit margins tighten. Fertiliser prices slipped but remain unaffordable for many, and many cultivators strive. In Scotland, wildfires near Aviemore forced evacuations and kept firefighters on alert in dry weather, the heat has also dried the land. The blazes hit local farms and raised safety issues, local communities observe. Paul Burke now directs England’s Horticulture Council after taking over as chair, he succeeded his predecessor. Some West Midlands growers are planting trees instead of wheat, as part of a trend. Low subsidies and high bills make growing crops tough for many families confronting rising costs. Near Westmeath, a beef farmer will expand forestry as arable farming fades, aiming to counterbalance income loss.