Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
5 steps to better surplus lamb growth
Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns. Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing... Read more
Beef sector gears up for major showcase
Beef producers from across the UK will gather at next month’s Beef Expo show – the flagship event to celebrate the best of British cattle breeding. Organised by the National Beef Association, the one-day exhibition is scheduled to coincide with Great British Beef Week – being held on 27... Read more
Welcome relaxation of bluetongue control zones
Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestock producers must remain vigilant for the disease. Temporary control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and... 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
More farmers measure soil organic content
Almost one in five farmers now test their soil for organic matter content – with more growers recognising the importance of carbon sequestration. Nearly 90% of farmers undertake some form of soil assessment, with 78% of those using three or more methods and 6% using six or more methods,... Read more