Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
‘Prepare now for winter slurry storage’
Livestock producers are being reminded to prepare now for winter slurry storage – and contact the Environment Agency with any concerns. Wet weather throughout the year has already put pressures on slurry stores. And with further rain expected, the agency says it is important to have enough storage and... Read more
Drainage pays dividends during difficult season
Variable wheat yields this harvest are due to a number of factors – with drainage playing a key role in crop performance. Some wheat crops have performed extremely well given the extremely challenging season, while others have barely reached half their potential – sometimes even within the same field.... Read more
Flooding tops agenda as winter approaches
Compensation and the impact of flooding on farm businesses will be among the topics discussed at a top conference this autumn. The Flood & Water Conference will bring together farm leaders, government representatives, local authorities and other delegates. Organised by the Association of Drainage Authorities, it will take place... Read more
Concerns remain over reservoir proposals
Water company bosses are scrutinising consultation responses for two new major reservoirs – one in the Cambridgeshire Fens and the other in south Lincolnshire. Located near Chatteris, Doddington and March, the fenland reservoir is planned by Anglian Water and Cambridge Water. The Lincolnshire reservoir will be about four miles... Read more
How cover crops help to protect water quality
Cover crops can help to reduce nitrate leaching into watercourses by up to 90%, suggests a study, with destruction by chemicals proving most effective for optimising nitrogen availability to the following crop – and for reducing weed burdens. ADAS scientists evaluated the impact of cover crops and different destruction... Read more
Drainage partnership celebrates anniversary
Two of the most recognisable names in UK agricultural drainage are celebrating 23 years of working together. The relationship began when DMJ Drainage managing director Darren Howell bought his first Mastenbroek agricultural drainage trencher in 2001. The company has since grown into a multi-million-pound business employing 150 people. Today,... Read more
Drones help to redefine soil moisture monitoring
Radio waves could be used to measure soil moisture – helping farmers manage flood risk and make important decisions about irrigation. A two-year project using drones carrying synthetic aperture radar equipment to make a high-resolution map of the earth’s surface is being undertaken by experts at Cranfield University. Led... Read more
Bauer introduces new E-series reel irrigators
New E-series reel irrigators from Bauer have several improved features to make them easier to operate and maintain. The company has invested heavily over recent years to equip its Rainstar E-series with new digital technologies – including the Smart Rain remote monitoring and control app, says Adrian Tindall, Bauer... Read more
Agency acknowledges cost of flooded farmland
The Environment Agency says it supports farmers who want payment for flood water on their land – but not if the area is a natural floodplain. Speaking at last month’s NFU annual conference in Birmingham, Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said using land for water storage was a big... Read more
Tax breaks needed to encourage water management investment
Encouraging farmers to invest in water management will help combat climate change, the government has been told. Better on-farm infrastructure and investment in technology is vital to mitigate the impact of increasingly unpredictable weather, said the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in a submission to the Treasury ahead of... Read more