The UK distributor of one of the longest-established biostimulant brands is celebrating 20 years of helping farmers protect their crops and increase yields. MJP Supplies began representing seaweed-based biostimulant Algifol in 2005. More than 100,000 litres of the product – which includes a range of trace elements – have... Read more

• Monitor fields before planting crops • Keep nematicide stewardship rules • New controls under development Wireworm risk should be routinely assessed ahead of potato planting to combat the increased threat of pest damage to crops, say experts. Historically associated with grassland rotations in south-west England, changing farm practices... Read more

Threat more prevalent this season Changing rotations and reduced tillage could explain why a key disease is becoming more prevalent and damaging in potato crops. Potato growers need to be alert to the threat of Rhizoctonia solani this spring – especially farms moving less soil between crops. Reduced tillage... Read more

Sugar beet machinery specialists Vervaet has introduced a facelift version of its popular Vervaet Q-616 sugar beet harvester for the 2025/26 campaign. The updated Q-616 features a new cab, a range of technical improvements, including styling and numerous new options – continues the progression of the design in line... Read more

• Resistance reports in some weeds • Look across entire arable rotation • Consider costs and ease of use Proactive weed management is required to help manage the growing threat from ALS-herbicide resistant weeds within sugar beet, say experts. The advice is especially relevant for farmers planting Conviso Smart... Read more

Problem disease can halve sugar beet yields Latest breeding developments could offer growers a new level of protection against the increasing threat of Cercospora to sugar beet crops. Cercospora Leaf Spot to give it its full name, is caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola and has been shown to... Read more

Careful crop management required Prospects remain good for sugar beet – despite an 18% price reduction. But careful crop management is needed, say advisers. Three pricing options were available to beet growers for the 2025/26 crop – a fixed price of £33/t for up to 70% of contract; a... Read more

Norfolk grower Kit Papworth says tackling the challenge of virus yellows will be among his priorities as NFU Sugar chairman. Mr Papworth, who was elected to replace Cambridgeshire farmer Michael Sly, will also take the lead role in price negotiations on behalf of 2,300 UK sugar beet growers with... Read more

• High-yielding and early drilling • Traits include inbuilt tolerance • Recommended list will ‘evolve’ Six new varieties have been added to the 2026 sugar beet list – with more traits to choose from when growing the crop. The 2026 list includes more varieties with in-built tolerance to pests... Read more