Gove prepares to unveil farm bill by end of July
Defra secretary Michael Gove will outline the government’s plans for farming post-Brexit in an Agriculture Bill expected to be published before the end of this month.
Fenland farmers unite for food and wildlife
Farmers from the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk fens have formed a nature-friendly farming zone to highlight management practices that benefit wildlife and the environment.
Growing crops, sharing ideas
Learning from other farmers is the way forward, says Essex farmer David Lord. Judith Tooth reports.
Fingers crossed for a straightforward harvest
An unpredictable year makes cereal yields hard to forecast – even now, says Richard Overthrow.
Attention to detail brings benefits on Suffolk farm
A long term strategy to beat blackgrass is also boosting yields for HH Craske and Son – and helping the environment.
Consider collaborations other than contract farming
Expert view: The industry must embrace collaboration other than contract farming agreements where structures such as share farming are true joint ventures, says Gary Markham.
Strong demand for straw forces up harvest prices
High prices are prompting a closer look at whether it is better to bale and sell straw off the farm this harvest – or chop and incorporate for nutrient value.
Get ready for Making Tax Digital
Expert view: Farm businesses and the self-employed must prepare for the upcoming digital revolution of tax, says Lucinda Davenport.
Remember end market when choosing varieties
Farmers are being advised to base oilseed rape variety choices this autumn on the end market – and the challenges facing growers.
‘Strong will’ for Easton & Otley to succeed
Easton & Otley principal Jane Townsend is building closer links with the region’s farming community. Richard Shepherd-Barron reports.
Open days showcase latest wheat and oilseed rape advice
Arable farmers and agronomists will be able to see how on-farm yields can be maximised using best practice stemming from BASF’s Real Results project.
Competitors gear up for grand final at Sheep 2018
Young sheep handlers from the region will put their shepherding skills to the test at the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Sheep 2018 event this month.
#YourHarvest campaign highlights growing importance of region’s arable sector
Farmers are being urged to invite MPs on to farm this summer as part of a campaign to celebrate the contribution the arable sector makes to the nation’s economy, food supply and environment.
Better yields and prices deliver higher contract farming returns
Higher commodity prices, better yields and lower variable costs saw returns from contract farming agreements rise for both farmers and contractors in 2017, says Strutt & Parker.
New quality wheat offers opportunity for growers
The launch of the first commercial wheat variety from a leading East Anglian-based independent cereal breeder could help farmers find new market outlets – and reduce UK reliance on imported high-protein wheat to supplement bread-making flour grists.
Stamping out lameness in flocks
Sheep producers are being encouraged to stamp out lameness in the national flock when the industry highlights ways of better controlling the problem this month.
Vigour is priority for oilseed rape
Selecting oilseed rape varieties that establish quickly and outgrow pest and disease threats should be a priority this year, farmers are being told.
Keep vigilant to prevent Land Rover thefts, says insurer
Land Rover Defenders are being stolen to order in a countryside crime wave which has seen vehicle thefts soar 14% since the iconic model went out of production in January 2016.
Disease ratings in rape varieties undervalued
Growers are being urged to take more notice of disease ratings in oilseed rape varieties with one breeder saying they should be used more – as in wheat or barley.
Management course trains new generation of farmers
Applications are open for a unique training course developed with farmers to develop the skills needed when managing a farm business.
Supermarket sweep
Farmers are likely to be the losers when big food retailers merge, says Fen Tiger.
Recovery in farm incomes sees surge in profitability
Farm incomes soared last year – largely due to better farmgate prices buoyed by a further weakening in the value of sterling, according to initial Defra estimates.
New ‘triple-layered’ oilseed rape option launched at Cereals
DSV will preview its new ‘triple-layered’ high performance oilseed rape with sowing to harvest disease protection and yield protection at this month’s Cereals event.
Redundant farm buildings find new lease of life as industrial units
A shortage of industrial and distribution space is creating opportunities for farmers to boost their income, says Edward Tabner.
Five new varieties added to 2019 sugar beet lists
Continued improvements in yield and other important characteristics are reflected in five new varieties added to the 2019 Recommended (RL) and to Descriptive (DL) List, says the British Beet Research Organisation.
Keep an eye on machinery costs this harvest
Growers heading into harvest are being advised to keep a close eye on costs – following a recent project suggesting farmers spend too much on machinery.
Under-fire payments agency ‘must improve performance’
The Rural Payments Agency has been told to improve the way it handles complaints from farmers – including changes to its much-criticised helpline system.
British Sugar pledges to reform harvest and haulage scheme
British Sugar has promised to improve the Industry Harvest and Haulage Scheme (IHHS) – set up in 2010 to provide harvesting and haulage services to sugar beet growers.
New beet harvester boosts capacity for Norfolk contractor
A new Vervaet Q-616 sugar beet harvester is producing impressive results for Norfolk-based contractor Jeremy Green, who took delivery of the new machine at the start of the last campaign from UK importers J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK).
Sharing no-till experience encourages resilient approach to farming
The latest advances in no-till agriculture will be showcased at this month’s Groundswell event in Hertfordshire.
Monitor Farm growers join forces for greater good
Neighbourly collaboration is the name of the game for the AHDB’s new Monitor Farm project in East Anglia: farmers Tom Mead and David Hurst are joining forces bringing their shared experience together for the benefit of other local farmers.
Get to grips with grain pest monitoring at Cereals
Grain store operators are reminded not to overlook the importance of good grain store preparation and hygiene as harvest approaches.
Crops
Disease ratings in rape varieties undervalued
Growers are being urged to take more notice of disease ratings in oilseed rape varieties...
Remember end market when choosing varieties
Farmers are being advised to base oilseed rape variety choices this autumn on the...
Vigour is priority for oilseed rape
Selecting oilseed rape varieties that establish quickly and outgrow pest and disease...
Read more posts from Crops
Machinery
New Scorpion telescopic handler range makes LAMMA debut
Visitors to LAMMA were able to see the latest introductions and developments from...
Samson Agro exhibits latest slurry tanker
Danish spreader experts Samson Agro exhibited its new Slurry tanker – the PG II...
Grimme unveils 4-row self propelled harvester at Agritechnica
A new 530hp four-row self-propelled potato harvester – complete with a 15t unloading...
Read more posts from Machinery
News & Business
‘Strong will’ for Easton & Otley to succeed
Easton & Otley principal Jane Townsend is building closer links with the region’s farming community. Richard Shepherd-Barron reports. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Management course trains new generation of farmers
Applications are open for a unique training course developed with farmers to develop the skills needed when managing a farm business. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Consider collaborations other than contract farming
Expert view: The industry must embrace collaboration other than contract farming agreements where structures such as share farming are true joint ventures, says Gary Markham. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Better yields and prices deliver higher contract farming returns
Higher commodity prices, better yields and lower variable costs saw returns from contract farming agreements rise for both farmers and contractors in 2017, says Strutt & Parker. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Get ready for Making Tax Digital
Expert view: Farm businesses and the self-employed must prepare for the upcoming digital revolution of tax, says Lucinda Davenport. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Read more posts from News & Business
