It has long been possible to separate the surface interest in land from the mineral interest, something which was often done when estates were broken up or off-lying parts sold off and the mineral rights were retained by the estate.

However, as the registration of the mineral ownership has not been compulsory, unlike that of surface interests, a comprehensive record has been lacking. This is further complicated by the way the Land Registry has recorded mineral exceptions and ownership.  

It has long been possible to separate the surface interest in land from the mineral interest, something which was often done when estates were broken up or off-lying parts sold off and the mineral rights were retained by the estate.

However, as the registration of the mineral ownership has not been compulsory, unlike that of surface interests, a comprehensive record has been lacking. This is further complicated by the way the Land Registry has recorded mineral exceptions and ownership.  

Whilst a good period of spring weather will have allowed many arable enterprises to catch up with drilling, harvest 2020 is still likely to produce only average returns at best and, in many cases, cropping activities will barely show a surplus over subsidy receipts.

For businesses operating typical contract farming systems, the difference between crop margins after contract charges is stark and this is particularly true for oilseed rape which is becoming more and more difficult to grow successfully. The push towards a greater proportion of spring cropping in the rotation to help to control blackgrass is also, often producing poorer crop margins and some soil types just aren’t suitable for this cropping regime.

Whilst a good period of spring weather will have allowed many arable enterprises to catch up with drilling, harvest 2020 is still likely to produce only average returns at best and, in many cases, cropping activities will barely show a surplus over subsidy receipts.

For businesses operating typical contract farming systems, the difference between crop margins after contract charges is stark and this is particularly true for oilseed rape which is becoming more and more difficult to grow successfully. The push towards a greater proportion of spring cropping in the rotation to help to control blackgrass is also, often producing poorer crop margins and some soil types just aren’t suitable for this cropping regime.