The countdown has started to the launch of the updated National Farmers' Union website that uses the latest technology to deliver news and information to farmers.

NFUonline will go live in February and will offer an unrivalled source of information to NFU members.

There will be regional and sector-specific information, a market analysis service and an overview of UK and European agriculture policy. Also at farmers' fingertips will be an advanced search facility, a frequently updated news service and exclusive competitions.

NFU president Ben Gill said: 'NFUonline will offer farmers easy access to the information they need to take into account when running their businesses effectively during difficult market conditions.

'There will be nowhere better to go for comprehensive coverage of the political and technical issues affecting agriculture today.' The site - www.nfuonline.com - will be launched at the NFU's annual general meeting on February 18.