Satellite imagery is helping scientists develop a new method to help growers predict vining pea yields. The PeaSat project involves ADAS researchers and pea grower cooperative HMC Peas to improve yield forecast accuracy – and better coordinate harvest efficiency while reducing crop losses. Remote sensing specialists at ADAS believe... Read more
Variable-rate nitrogen applications could be a valuable tool for managing uneven growth of winter cereals and oilseeds this spring. Some crops sown before the weather broke last October established well and show good potential. But others have struggled where seedbeds were compromised or land suffered prolonged waterlogging or flooding.... Read more
Plant breeder KWS is to launch its first ever hybrid barley into the UK market later this year – with a strong pipeline of varieties behind it. The company said the move underlined its commitment to the sector in the coming years. Although a newcomer to hybridisation in barley,... Read more
A significant drop in interest rates is unlikely before harvest, says a leading agricultural banker. HSBC deputy head of agriculture Grace O’Dwyer made the forecast as she addressed the Suffolk Farming Conference. More than 400 farmers and industry experts attended the event on 29 February at Trinity Park, Ipswich.... Read more
New rules requiring developers to replace wildlife habitats destroyed during construction projects could provide an opportunity for farmers. After years of proposals, the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy came into effect on 12 February. It means developments of 10 or more dwellings must deliver at least 10% improvement in... Read more
Farmers and landowners could find it easier to convert old buildings into new homes following changes to permitted development rights. The UK is facing a national shortage of good quality and affordable homes, so a raft of new measures have been suggested to stop unnecessary planning red tape slowing... Read more
More than 10,000 farmers have now applied to join the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – and receive payments actions that support food production and the environment. One-in-eight eligible farmers having submitted applications for the Defra scheme in the four months since it re-opened last September. This is on... Read more
Non-farmers purchased more than half of all farms sold on the open market last year, suggest the latest figures from land agents Strutt & Parker. Farmers accounted for the lowest level of transactions on record during 2023 – equivalent to only 44% of open market transactions during the year... Read more
A step-by-step approach will help growers get the most from the government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive – delivering bigger benefits for farm businesses and for the environment, say advisers. “While 2024 has started with the promise of numerous new SFI options to be introduced during the summer, coupled to a... Read more
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