Inspirational pig industry stalwart Howard Revell has won the 2024 David Black Award – recognising his long-standing dedication to the sector. The accolade – recognising Mr Revell’s efforts to improve animal welfare while mentoring others within the industry for almost 40 years – was presented on 18 November at... Read more

• Inexpensive to achieve good yields • Stiff straw and good bushel weight • Competes strongly with blackgrass A crop of spring barley that produces a gross margin to rival milling wheat is a desire of most growers. It rarely happens, but the rotational and workload benefits that come... Read more

• Good mix of yield and oil content • In-built traits include resistance • Early drilling and winter hardiness Newly recommended oilseed rape varieties from Limagrain once again prove the value of genetic traits, says the breeder. Limagrain’s Field Seeds breeding programme is delivering varieties with high yields and... Read more

• Pest reported in eastern region crops • Monitor rape carefully, growers told • Mild weather can prolong problems Oilseed rape growers are being urged to watch out for signs of rape winter stem weevil – after several reports of the pest appearing in eastern region crops. Despite having... Read more

Huge rewards are possible for growers who embrace the full potential of nutrient planning – rather than adopting a simple compliance mindset. A basic plan may meet legal requirements, but higher profits, greater productivity and long-term sustainability can be achieved by a more in-depth approach, says Allison  Arden of... Read more

Autumn applications ‘bring dividends’ Farmers are being encouraged to consider alternative products – including biostimulants – to boost crops and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Autumn-applied biostimulants could be a solution alongside other factors, such as vigorous varieties and changes to establishment systems, says Tom Wheelhouse, technical specialist at UPL.... Read more

• Adapt management plan into winter • Patience will be key – don’t rush in • Consider nutrition strategy carefully A flexible approach to managing later-drilled winter wheat crops is needed after delayed drilling caused by the wet start to autumn, says an agronomist. Winter wheat drilling has varied... Read more

• Mixed prospects for UK cereals area • Wheat area recovery remains way off • Growers shun flagship green scheme More wheat has been drilled this autumn – but the projected area for 2025 still lags behind the five-year average, suggest the latest figures. A 5.4% increase takes the... Read more