Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
New genetics could offer growers solution to Cercospora threat
Problem disease can halve sugar beet yields Latest breeding developments could offer growers a new level of protection against the increasing threat of Cercospora to sugar beet crops. Cercospora Leaf Spot to give it its full name, is caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola and has been shown to... Read more
Profitable beet still possible – despite tighter margins
Careful crop management required Prospects remain good for sugar beet – despite an 18% price reduction. But careful crop management is needed, say advisers. Three pricing options were available to beet growers for the 2025/26 crop – a fixed price of £33/t for up to 70% of contract; a... Read more
‘Beet price and virus yellows are priorities’
Norfolk grower Kit Papworth says tackling the challenge of virus yellows will be among his priorities as NFU Sugar chairman. Mr Papworth, who was elected to replace Cambridgeshire farmer Michael Sly, will also take the lead role in price negotiations on behalf of 2,300 UK sugar beet growers with... Read more
New varieties extend choice for growers
• High-yielding and early drilling • Traits include inbuilt tolerance • Recommended list will ‘evolve’ Six new varieties have been added to the 2026 sugar beet list – with more traits to choose from when growing the crop. The 2026 list includes more varieties with in-built tolerance to pests... Read more
How to overcome risk of lodging in oilseed rape
• Study gives hope for oilseed rape • Yield potential despite flea beetle • New spray reduces crop lodging New research suggests oilseed rape can still be profitable – despite the challenge of lodging and cabbage stem flea beetle. Growers can reduce the lodging risk even when flea beetle... Read more
Wild wheat relative genome unlocks crop potential
Scientists have mapped the genome sequence of a wild wheat relative –shedding light on its genetic diversity and potential use in breeding programmes. Published in Scientific Data, the research contributes to a growing body of research aimed at safeguarding global wheat production in the face of climate change and... Read more
Best way to desiccate cover crop on wet soil
Expert view Dick Neale gives his advice on how to manage cover crop desiccation in a wet season. Excessively wet soils this year are more likely to be dried by the presence of cover crops than kept wetter. But sun and wind must be allowed to reach the soil... Read more
‘Sunshine crop’ offers growers alternative for a spring break
• Good option to boost farm revenue • Few inputs for gross margin success • Marketing pool offers decent returns Sunflowers could make an attractive spring crop for growers looking to make good use of their rotation to increase revenue this year. Grainseed is offering growers the opportunity to... Read more
Biosolution benefits backed by research
• Early use delivers biggest benefits • Integration with regular agronomy • Clear health and resilience benefits Including biosolutions in conventional crop management programmes is helping to boost plant health and resilience. “There’s clear evidence emerging from our trials that using biosolutions early in a fungicide programme is where... Read more
Yield is king again for latest wheats
Output and gross margin are priorities for breeder Cereal genetics that maximise productivity are becoming increasingly important for plant breeders keen to help growers boost profitability. Recent years have seen enhanced functionality added to crop options but high yields are also a priority – and the latest KWS varieties... Read more