A bluetongue outbreak on a Norfolk farm has reignited concern about the virus – and the need to keep vigilant for the disease. Veterinary experts and industry leaders had warned it was only a matter of time before bluetongue was confirmed in the UK this year – likely to be... Read more
I can sound like a stuck record when talking about the importance of quarantining new animals on the farm, writes Nerys Wright. Quarantine is not exciting – frequently seen as yet another job involving what appear to be fit, healthy animals. But many disease outbreaks are traced back to... Read more
Border delays pose threat to crop trials
Arable 01/09/2024
Delays caused by changes to seed import rules threaten to undermine the latest oilseed rape variety trials. Brexit rules mean seed entering the UK since the end of April can now be regarded as high-risk – resulting in delays and inspections at a border control points before it can... Read more
High performance wheat varieties combining high productivity and versatility are becoming increasingly important, say analysts. With more land going into the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), savvy growers are making the most of the rest by choosing marketable wheat varieties capable of generating a good revenue efficiently. “Where farmers allocate... Read more
‘Time to take biosolutions seriously’
Arable 01/09/2024
Integrating biosolutions into conventional agronomy programmes can have a major effect on crop performance, suggest the latest trials. Enzymes, microorganisms, bacterial cultures and other biological tools can offer the same control as moderate fungicide approaches. But integrating them into reduced programmes can be as effective as full strength conventional... Read more
NFU piles on pressure for bigger farm budget
News 31/08/2024
Farm leaders have ramped up calls on the government to increase its budget for farming – arguing that doing so is vital to maintain UK food security. NFU president Tom Bradshaw made the call on 13 August – the day each year that the UK would run out of... Read more
A new service aims to make the benefits of precision farming readily accessible without growers having to master all its complexities. FieldSense uses satellite mapping of soil and crop variability across fields, says ProCam regional technical manager, Nigel Scott, who has been integral in developing and testing the new... Read more
Grass weed management should vary according to crop establishment system. A flexible approach to grass weed management depending on crop establishment method can pay dividends, says a Suffolk grower. Sam Slater operates a range of different establishment systems. These vary from no-till to plough – depending on the situation. Different... Read more
crop estGrowers will be keen to ensure crops are strong and can withstand winter weather given the difficulties of the previous growing season. Early crop development is essential and a key nutrient for this is phosphate, which growers can apply before or immediately after drilling as part of a... Read more
‘Stick to plan’ to beat blackgrass
Wheat 28/08/2024
Early-sown winter wheat is yielding well and profitable once again on heavy land at Agrovista’s flagship trials site in Northamptonshire – despite a huge background blackgrass population. “Historically, if wheats weren’t drilled by mid October you risked not getting them in at all,” says Agrovista consultant and Lamport AgX... Read more
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