More farmers are expected to grow spring oats as they seek to loosen up rotations and limit the build-up of disease. Oats for human consumption will continue to be grown predominantly in Scotland, say seed breeders. But growers much further south are realising the potential of the crop too... Read more
5 options when choosing spring barley
Arable 21/12/2023
Wet autumn weather means more growers are likely to include spring barley in their cropping plans this season. A good range of varieties means there are lots to choose from – offering attractive yields, lower growing costs than those typically associated with winter-sown crops, and premium potential where malting... Read more
A big increase in spring cropping is on the cards with wet weather and sodden fields leaving many growers unable to get drilled up last autumn. Growers who haven’t already done so are being advised to make spring cropping decisions and secure seed sooner rather than later – or... Read more
Challenges around land use, diet and data will be debated at next month’s Norfolk Farming Conference – by an impressive line-up of expert speakers. Farm minister Mark Spencer will make the opening address at the all-day conference, which takes place on Tuesday, 6 February, at the Royal Norfolk Showground... Read more
A tight rein on cashflow will be key for farmers wanting to optimise their business performance this year, say analysts. Balancing input costs and farm output will remain a challenge over the coming months, says Andersons Outlook 2024– the annual forecast for the year ahead published by the farm business... Read more
Harry West spreads the word – to Japan
Machinery 15/12/2023
Harry West (Prees) Limited, the long-established farm machinery producers, has sold its latest batch of dual muck spreaders and trailers to Japan. A market-leading product in the UK, where Harry West (formed in 1966) designed the Dual Spreader for better efficiency and much improved health and safety in hilly... Read more
A top accolade for services to agriculture has been awarded to Sarah Cowlrick, chief executive of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC). Ms Cowlrick received the 2023 British Crop Protection Council (BCPC) award for outstanding services to the UK crop production industry. She accepted the honour at last... Read more
The next few years will be crucial for British agriculture – and there will be winners and losers. To put it bluntly, those who win will be the ones that adapt quickly and read the changing market. With the Basic Payment Scheme now worth 50% of what it was... Read more
Farm support payments should be refocused so smaller producers can turn a profit while enhancing the environment, says a think tank. The Green Alliance argues that the current structure of the government’s Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) is unfair and inefficient because it rewards large arable farms that are... Read more
Recent increases in farmland values are start to ease as the industry feels the impact of higher interest rates and production costs, say land agents. Prime arable land in the eastern region is now trading at an average of £10,404/acre – up 3% compared to the end of September... Read more
Subscribe
Industry leaders aim to secure profitable future
News Apr 1, 2026
New law on dog attacks comes into effect
News Mar 4, 2026
Revealed: Latest details for revamped SFI scheme
News Mar 4, 2026