After writing last month about what felt like endless rain, I’d hoped it might mark the start of some drier weather, writes Nerys Wright. We’ve still had plenty of wet days, but we have at least been treated to the odd spring like day. These increasingly erratic winters aren’t... Read more

A two-stage approach to weed control is essential to maximising maize yields, says a specialist crop adviser. ProCam agronomist Justin Smith says a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin followed by a two or three-way combination of post-emergence active ingredients can encourage exemplary crop performance. “As recently as less than a... Read more

A wet winter means management decisions on forage and herd health will be key to get more from grass this spring begins. Mild soil temperatures have kept grass growing but persistent rainfall continues to limit field access. It means many farms now carry heavy swards. But much grass lacks... Read more

Banning livestock from upland areas could threaten the long-term storage of stable soil carbon, say scientists. Grasslands hold around one third of the world’s terrestrial carbon. Responsible grazing has an important role to play in sustainable land management, according to the study by researchers at Manchester University. Environmental groups... Read more

An innovative project to reduce emissions from livestock farming is yielding promising results, say researchers. Scientists from Aberystwyth University are working with Pilgrim’s Europe to eliminate the UK’s dependence on applied nitrogen fertilisers in grassland by using three specially developed legume species. On-farm trials Funded by Defra and Innovate... Read more

Seed suppliers report increased interest in fodder beet this spring following a difficult forage season last year. Fodder beet is appealing to farmers looking to ensure adequate supplies in the event of a repeat summer drought.  Once fodder beet gets its roots down, it can be quite drought tolerant,... Read more

Specialist avian vet Tom Dutton has joined Elanco Animal Health as an additional technical consultant for poultry. Dr Dutton has spent more than 13 years’ experience working in the sector, predominantly treating pet and zoo-owned birds. But he also spending some time working with commercial poultry. “I went down... Read more

Plans to ban farrowing crates and the use of high-concentration carbon dioxide to stun pigs before slaughter have been confirmed by the government. The decisions are set out in the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy – which Defra says represents the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation. It says... Read more

                Sheep farmers may be incurring avoidable costs and adding to antibiotic resistance by inappropriately treating viral disease. Antibiotics are still being used as a routine response to orf – a common viral disease that affects productivity and labour – despite having... Read more

Sheep industry leaders have welcomed new rules that all sides hope will mean fairer prices for lamb producers. Government rules mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases came into force last month – bringing the lamb sector in line with beef and pork. They aim to ensure farmers... Read more