AHDB to continue Farmbench service while exploring long-term benchmarking solutions

Our Farmbench service will not be closed as planned at the end of September 2026. The Farmbench system will remain live on our website for another 12 months while work continues to review and identify a sustainable long-term future for farm benchmarking services. 

Feedback from Farmbench users, alongside a review by the newly appointed Sector Directors for Cereals & Oilseeds and Beef & Lamb, highlighted the value the service has provided levy payers.

As a result, we have agreed to continue operating Farmbench, although in a reduced capacity. 

The original decision to close Farmbench was made as part of wider budget prioritisation. Under the revised approach, the platform will remain operational, enabling users to continue accessing benchmarking data and regional comparisons.

However, the data validation service and dedicated support previously provided by Farmbench managers will no longer be available. 

As a result, some elements of the service, including regularly updated pricing information, may become less accurate over time. Despite this, we believe Farmbench can continue to deliver value through its core benchmarking and data comparison functions. 

Anthony Hopkins, AHDB Sector Director for Cereals & Oilseeds, said:

"Since joining AHDB, it has become clear that Farmbench remains a valued resource for many levy payers. We've listened carefully to the feedback from users and recognise the important role benchmarking plays in supporting business decision-making and driving discussion across the industry. 

"Keeping Farmbench available in a reduced format allows us to maintain an element of that support while we explore what a future, more cost-effective benchmarking solution could look like."

The cost of maintaining the service over the next 12 months is expected to be significantly lower than the historical cost of operating Farmbench in its previous format. 

During this period, we will continue to assess options for the future of farm benchmarking, including whether an enhanced Farmbench platform or an alternative solution could meet the needs of levy payers.