Farm leader demands written guarantee on food standards
NFU president Minette Batters has called on the government to convene a special commission to help maintain food standards after the UK leaves the European Union.
Health warning for farmers as UK prepares for life after EU
Farmers are being advised to look after their mental health and well-being – amid warnings that Brexit poses an unprecedented challenge for the industry.
How oilseed rape growers can lower seed cost if crop fails
Oilseed rape growers who are forced to rip up failed crops could significantly reduce their losses thanks to a new scheme launched by RAGT Seeds.
Estate builds healthier soils within an intensive rotation
A Shropshire estate is determined to show soil health can be improved within an intensive root-cropping rotation as it strives to bolster its environmental and financial sustainability.
Herbicide reboot may be needed if spraying with hard water
Farmers destroying weed-infested stubbles or old grassland prior to planting spring crops, including maize, may need to boost glyphosate performance if farming in hard water areas.
£1m soil health project issues latest progress report
Farmers who haven’t yet done so this year are being urged to conduct a soil health check.
£4m boost for Alde and Ore estuary project
Farmers and landowners in the Alde and Ore estuary have raised a £3m fund towards upgrading work on the Alde and Ore Estuary plan.
Dairy units boost profits by reducing forage waste
Dairy farmers are being encouraged to increase forage values by reducing waste – with almost half its potential lost from field to cow on some farms.
Government to make part-payments from early April
Farmers still waiting for their 2018 basic payments at the end of this month will receive 75% of the amount owed, says the government.
Give serious thought to spring spray programme
An increasingly limited armoury means crop protection needs proper planning, says Richard Overthrow.
Robust targets needed to tackle nitrate ‘time bomb’, say MPs
Stringent targets are needed to underpin water quality and support farmers as they reduce nitrate pollution from agriculture, says a report by MPs.
Forest Lodge Farm: Catering for turkeys
Turkey production is a year-round business for one Essex family. Judith Tooth reports.
Ensure energy needs are met for successful lambing season
With the lambing season well under way, sheep producers are being reminded to supply adequate energy to meet the nutritional demands of their flocks.
Technology ‘creating huge opportunities for farmers’
New technologies are transforming modern agriculture – creating huge new opportunities for the region’s farmers, conference delegates were told.
Challenging season highlights need for good barley establishment
Growers establishing spring barley this season are urged to recall last year’s challenging spring – and the need to drill into good seedbeds.
Agency takes ‘important first step’ to mitigate lack of rain
An Environment Agency decision to extend the winter abstraction season for refilling winter storage reservoirs has been described as an important first step in helping farmers who are again suffering from lack of rain.
RB209 updated with new comprehensive advice on sulphur
Updated sulphur management advice for cereals and oilseeds is included in a revised AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209).
Surveyors call for a tidal change on water management
A joint approach to flood and water management is vital to help future-proof supplies amid increasing demand from people, farmers and other businesses, say surveyors.
Determination pays dividends for county council tenants
Jim and Sue Fletcher have built a successful sheep enterprise in Norfolk. Judith Tooth reports.
Government ‘pledges Brexit support for UK sheep sector’
Sheep sector leaders say the government has pledged to cushion the industry from the impact of a no-deal Brexit.
Defra faces enormous Brexit challenge, say MPs
MPs have warned that Defra faces enormous challenges in the run-up to Brexit – with little certainty as the deadline of 29 March approaches.
Bells, barns and basket-weavers
A family wedding sees Fen Tiger turn his thoughts to farm diversification.
Lack of rain prompts concern of another dry year
Farm leaders have urged the government and water companies to help mitigate the impact of an exceptionally dry start to the year.
Integrated pest management at heart of crop production
Integrated pest management techniques will play an increasing role in UK crop production post-Brexit – agronomists are leading their implementation on farm.
New Recommended Lists boast exceptional disease resistance
New varieties on the latest Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds boast remarkable untreated yields – with 24 varieties added and 23 removed.
Drive and determination pay dividends
Setting his sights high has paid off for new farming tenant Matt Redman. Judith Tooth went to meet him.
Farmers urged to sign up for Big Farmland Bird Count
Growers and livestock producers are being urged to take part in this month’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – and show how they care for the countryside.
Down on the students’ farm
Changes at Easton and Otley College farm mean students are spending more time learning practical skills. Judith Tooth reports.
40 years of indoor know-how pays dividends for outdoor unit
Investment in an insulated housing system that provides full environmental control is improving production efficiency on a Norfolk pig farm.
Plan ahead for spring drilling and cultivations
Decent weather will see beans and cereals sown in the coming weeks – but don’t go too early, says Richard Overthrow.
Breeders throw light on maximising maize efficiency
A new focus on breeding maize varieties with greater light utilisation efficiency could make the crop even more productive.
Crops
Herbicide reboot may be needed if spraying with hard water
Farmers destroying weed-infested stubbles or old grassland prior to planting spring...
Agency takes ‘important first step’ to mitigate lack of rain
An Environment Agency decision to extend the winter abstraction season for refilling...
Better soil among top priorities for farmers
Improving soil health is among the top priorities for farmers, suggests the latest...
Read more posts from Crops
Machinery
Move quickly to exploit tax window for farm machinery purchases
Farmers and contractors are being urged to take advantage of tax relief which could...
New-look LAMMA show is great success, say organisers
As many as 40,000 visitors flocked to last month’s LAMMA event, say organisers...
Scotts doubles size of Lincolnshire factory
Scotts Precision Manufacturing is to more than double the size of its Lincolnshire...
Read more posts from Machinery
News & Business
Defra faces enormous Brexit challenge, say MPs
MPs have warned that Defra faces enormous challenges in the run-up to Brexit – with little certainty as the deadline of 29 March approaches. [Read more of this review] Read More →
No endgame in sight for farm Brexit
Uncertainty over the impact of Brexit on agriculture will continue for some time to come, says James Whilding. [Read more of this review] Read More →
8 tips to remain profitable after Brexit
Farmers seeking to remain profitable after Brexit should adopt eight key characteristics, say analysts. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Health warning for farmers as UK prepares for life after EU
Farmers are being advised to look after their mental health and well-being – amid warnings that Brexit poses an unprecedented challenge for the industry. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Surveyors call for a tidal change on water management
A joint approach to flood and water management is vital to help future-proof supplies amid increasing demand from people, farmers and other businesses, say surveyors. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Read more posts from News & Business
