Genetically diverse varieties can help spread risk when growing milling wheat in a challenging season, say experts. For many cereal growers, 2024 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons: persistent wet weather, a poor spring, lack of sunshine, huge disease pressure and a huge battle against brown and... Read more
Higher blackgrass pressure in early drilled crops this autumn will require a strong stack and sequence of herbicides. “The best practice and most robust advice when it comes to tackling difficult weeds such as blackgrass, ryegrass and brome is still to delay drilling until well into October,” says Bill... Read more
Changing emergence patterns are prompting advise for farmers to review and revise blackgrass control strategies. Stale seedbeds and delayed drilling have helped reduced blackgrass emergence during September and early October. But the weed is adapting to the control strategy, says Dick Neale, technical manager for agronomy firm Hutchinsons. “We... Read more
Crop science organisation NIAB has appointed Mark Fletcher as its head of agronomy services – a new role within the company. Dr Fletcher will lead NIAB’s team of 20 agronomists and consultants who deliver technical and consultancy services across the country. He previously led Agovista’s northern agronomy team for... Read more
Tips for best quality farm-saved seed
Arable 01/08/2024
Growers are being advised to optimise the use of farm-saved seed this autumn – with tight supplies of some certified varieties. Farmers looking to secure certified seed for autumn drilling should let their supplier know as soon as possible – if they haven’t already done so, says Stephanie Spiers,... Read more
Growers wanted for paid trials
Arable 01/08/2024
The search is on for foward-thinking farmers to take part in trials exploring soil health, the potential of pulses and sustainable slug control. The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) is inviting farmers to host and run trials on their individual farms. Participants will receive full back-up and support from... Read more
Project to grow onions without soil
News 01/08/2024
Onions could be grown commercially without soil following a ground-breaking partnership between Essex University and major supplier Stourgarden. Tracy Lawson, of Essex’s School of Life Sciences, is using innovative techniques to grow onions aeroponically and help Stourgarden explore ways to make the production process more environmentally friendly. Based in... Read more
The government faces calls to put its money where its mouth is after Defra minister Daniel Zeichner pledged a “new deal” for Britain’s farmers. Mr Zeichner made the pledge during an NFU reception in parliament last month. More than 130 MPs and Peers attended the reception – held one... Read more
Gen-C’s biogas engine upgrade delivers 20% improvement for Avocet Renewables
Energy & Technology 23/07/2024
A recent engine and control panel upgrade by CHP support specialist Gen-C to Avocet Renewables’ 500 kW biogas plant at Coston Hall Farm in Norfolk has delivered a 20% increase in power generation and enabled 24/7 remote monitoring and management of the system. The Avocet Renewables’ anaerobic digestion (AD)... Read more
British farmers could benefit from corporate investment to support sustainable agriculture – so long as it is done correctly. The untapped opportunities afforded to farmers from environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment were discussed at a special event held at the Judge Business School in Cambridge. Organised by the... Read more
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