Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
Stay vigilant for liver fluke this winter
• Cases rise after wet autumn • Keep on top of testing regime • Take action where necessary More cases of liver fluke are being reported following the wet autumn – with farmers reminded to keep a close eye on livestock. The number of positive liver fluke cases is... Read more
Never good running on empty
It is important to investigate ewes empty at scanning time, says Nerys Wright. I remember seeing a report, written in 1983, which said pregnancy scanning at 50p/ewe was unlikely to be economically viable for most commercial sheep flocks. Fast forward to 2024 and 50p/ewe would be tremendously good value.... Read more
How bale grazing can halve beef suckler housing costs
Bale grazing suckler beef cattle in winter can produce a financial benefit of £1.58 per head per day – and generate other benefits too, says a report. The Economics of Bale Grazing study is part of a wider Pasture for Life and Innovative Farmers project, to quantify the impacts... Read more
Bauer elevator takes slurry management to new heights
A mobile elevator which opens up different discharge options for slurry will be on display at LAMMA. Developed by Bauer, the Plug & Play Elevator can lift a slurry separator 4.3m into the air. The new device will be exhibited for the first time at the NEC Birmingham on... Read more
Focus on soil compaction when spreading manure
Timely applications and lower soil compaction will be a key focus for manure spreading specialist Bunning at this month’s LAMMA event. The company will be displaying its Lowlander 175 HD HBD spreader – fitted with wider BKT 710/70 R42 VF tyres featuring a high 193D load carrying rating which... Read more
How discs optimise slurry applications
Slurry spreading specialist Samson has introduced two new disc incorporators to get the best from organic fertilisers. The CDf and CDx incorporators are designed to be used on different soil types – including light sand and heavy clay, or indeed stubble. Both ensure nutrients are placed where they are... Read more
Investigation could restrict autumn slurry spreading
• Rules for water under scrutiny • Manure ‘mustn’t be excessive’ • Deadline for government reply Autumn manure spreading could be under threat following an investigation into pollution guidance by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). The government’s Farming Rules for Water (FRfW) aim to reduce and prevent water... Read more
Why attention to detail gets most from cereals
• Input-output ratio is key • Invest on merit, not habit • Know your crops and soils Growers looking to optimise margins from cereals this season should invest in crops where the money will have most impact, say experts. Lessons learned from a challenging harvest 2024 suggest that farms... Read more
Digital technology increasingly important to UK farmers
Growers keen to embrace smart tech More arable farmers are turning to digital technology to help run their businesses – and generate better returns. Almost two-thirds of larger growers believe data-driven decision-making is important to their farms, according to study findings unveiled at the Hutchinsons Connected Farming Technology Conference... Read more
Miscanthus provides growing market for horse bedding
• Super-absorbent ideal for farming • Excellent diversification opportunity • Good returns if willing to sell direct A new opportunity has opened for farmers to supply miscanthus as a sought-after animal bedding – particularly for the equine market. Expansion is driven by the growing demand from Biosorb, a family-run... Read more