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.
Home straight beckons for combinable crops
Unsettled weather means a touch-and-go season is set to continue right up until harvest, writes Richard Overthrow.
Less trouble than a shovel
An automatic grain store is still going strong in Cambridgeshire after almost 50 years. Judith Tooth pays a visit.
Shut out of the family farm
More youngsters should be given a say in running the family business, says Fen Tiger.
Power lines campaign to stay safe on the farm this summer
Electricity companies have joined forces ahead of harvest to highlight the dangers of working near power lines.
AHDB issues new industry guidelines on late blight
New guidance on how the potato industry should respond to reduced fluazinam sensitivity in late Blight populations has been issued.
£3m to be returned to sugar beet growers after EU court ruling
Thousands of sugar beet growers owed some £3m in overpaid levies can expect to receive the money this autumn following a ruling by the European Union Court of Justice.
Miscanthus farm walk announced due to popular demand
Following the success of a miscanthus harvest demonstration in Kings Lynn earlier this year, an extra Norfolk event has been announced to feed interest in the crop.
Art in the farmyard
Judith Tooth visits a Suffolk farm celebrating art, food, farming and landscape.
Complete BPS applications to meet looming deadline
Farmers are being advised to complete Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2018 applications as soon as possible to avoid delays in the lead up to the 15 May deadline.
Working together for wildlife
Judith Tooth meets a Suffolk coastal farmer helping to pioneer a new approach to wildlife and landscape conservation.
Green Headland mix improves soil structure and fertility
A Green Headland seed mix – incorporating vetches, clover, phacelia and radish – is now available in a special offer for potato and vegetable growers.
Plan spray regime carefully to mitigate resistance risks
Mounting concern about SDHI resistance and an unpredictable disease outlook are putting wheat fungicide strategies under closer scrutiny this spring, says agronomy firm Hutchinsons.
Latest arable innovations on show
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Cereals event with visitors able to make savings by booking in advance of this year’s two-day show on 13-14 June.
Harvest demonstration feeds grower interest in miscanthus
Norfolk’s new biomass power station is fuelling an increased demand for miscanthus – and farmers wanting to find out more about the crop recently attended a harvest demonstration in the county.
Record number take part in farm bird count
A record number of farmers participated in the fifth successive Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC), according to the final results from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.
Top American boar widens AI choice for UK pig producers
British pig producers are set to benefit after market-leading American terminal sire EBX joined the world class range of elite boars offered by Klasse AI.
All set for bumper Essex Young Farmers’ Show
Essex young farmers are preparing for a bumper annual show this month – following a record-breaking attendance last year.
Improved offer as AHDB sets out its stall
Growers attending Cereals 2018 will find help on hand to overcome the technical and economic challenges facing their businesses.
Onion varieties show potential to improve productivity
Growers could achieve up to 30t/ha more in yields of set and drilled onion crops by selecting the best performing varieties, suggest the latest trial results.
Look beyond the can to maximise wild oat control
Growers are being advised to adopt an integrated approach to wild oat control this spring – by embracing chemical and cultural control methods in tandem.
New layout promises bigger buzz and technical focus
Cereals 2018 will see radical changes to its layout as a result of ‘CerealsPlus’ – a project created by its new owners Comexposium.
Bright future for Limagrain wheat breeding programme
Seed breeder Limagrain UK has seven out of the total 11 varieties up for recommendation to join the 2019-20 AHDB Recommended List – spread across almost every quality sector.
Bigod it’s good
Growing demand for Baron Bigod Brie brings Fen Farm Dairy to a new chapter in cheese-making. Judith Tooth reports.
Focus on ways to improve soil health and structure
Soil health will take centre stage at Cereals, with visitors able to see a host of options for improving soil structure as part of a productive, profitable and viable business.
Crops
Increase gross margins while meeting new Defra rulesUsing a controlled release fertiliser (CRF) in place of a standard nitrogen programme,...
Get to grips with grain pest monitoring at Cereals
Grain store operators are reminded not to overlook the importance of good grain...
New beet harvester boosts capacity for Norfolk contractor
A new Vervaet Q-616 sugar beet harvester is producing impressive results for Norfolk-based...
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
Miscanthus farm walk announced due to popular demand
Following the success of a miscanthus harvest demonstration in Kings Lynn earlier this year, an extra Norfolk event has been announced to feed interest in the crop. [Read more of this review] Read More →
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. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Tallow amine withdrawal ‘reduces performance of some glyphosates’
Growers should expect reduced levels of performance from many glyphosates this summer following the withdrawal of EU approval for ethoxylated tallow amine (ETA) formulations. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Power lines campaign to stay safe on the farm this summer
Electricity companies have joined forces ahead of harvest to highlight the dangers of working near power lines. [Read more of this review] Read More →
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. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Read more posts from News & Business
