Farmers Guardian delivers standout 2025 ABC growth across print and digital

Farmers Guardian has reported an impressive set of results in the 2025 ABC audit, achieving significant growth across both print circulation and digital subscriptions. The figures underline the brand’s enduring connection with UK farmers and highlight the success of its strategy to engage audiences through a powerful blend of print heritage and digital innovation.

At the heart of this growth is a clear commitment to meeting farmers wherever they are, whether that’s in the field with a trusted weekly publication or online with timely, data-rich insights.

Extending reach to key farming audiences
A major driver behind this year’s growth was a targeted Force Free Trial initiative. Through this campaign, nearly 10,000 farmers managing holdings larger than 200 hectares received a complimentary copy of the magazine.

While this reduced the paid proportion of circulation from 99.7% to 61.2%, it successfully introduced the brand to a highly valuable audience segment. Excluding this initiative, paid print circulation saw a 9% year-on-year decline, consistent with wider publishing market trends, demonstrating resilience in a challenging landscape.

Digital momentum accelerates
Digital growth continues to be a cornerstone of Farmers Guardian’s future, aligning closely with evolving audience behaviours and advertiser priorities. Over the past 12 months, paid digital membership has surged by an outstanding 119%, reflecting strong demand for high-quality, accessible farming journalism.

A powerful integrated subscription model
In line with the latest ABC guidelines, Farmers Guardian now offers a combined print and digital subscription package. This integrated approach has driven substantial gains, with total quoted circulation rising from 19,833 in 2024 to 31,790 in 2025.

The results clearly demonstrate the value of a unified subscription model, one that strengthens engagement, enhances user experience, and delivers greater value for both readers and advertisers.

Data-driven strategy fuels future growth
Further boosting its digital footprint, Farmers Guardian leveraged its presence at the LAMMA exhibition by offering all registrants a free six-month digital trial from November. This initiative saw 16,452 contacts receive digital copies, increasing the overall average per-issue circulation to 33,261 in 2025, up from 20,580 the previous year.

Crucially, this data-led approach has not only expanded reach but also driven meaningful conversion, with many trial users becoming regular digital readers.

A brand built for the future
These results mark a pivotal moment for Farmers Guardian, showcasing a brand that is evolving with its audience while staying true to its core purpose: delivering trusted, independent journalism to the UK farming community.

With strong momentum across both print and digital channels, Farmers Guardian is well-positioned to continue growing its audience, deepening engagement, and delivering value for partners in an increasingly connected agricultural landscape.