Focus on crop nutrition to build root mass
Arable 04/03/2024
A focus on key nutrients could help to pull lethargic crops out of the cold, wet winter. Without a strong root system to scavenge for nutrients and reach water as summer droughts take hold, no amount of fertilisers or other inputs will deliver vital growth and yield potential, says... Read more
Maize could be a good choice for many growers this spring – stacking up well against more conventional crops with additional benefits from the Sustainable Farming Incentive. “Significant reductions in nitrogen use, low-input agronomy and soil improvement opportunities are just some of the appeal and managed properly maize can... Read more
Companion crops in direct drilled oilseed rape could help reduce damage by cabbage stem flea beetle, say scientists. Results from a Rothamsted Research study suggest relatively simple changes in crop management could help control a ubiquitous pest which has seen many farmers abandoning oilseed rape altogether. Field trials, conducted... Read more
The next generation of sugar beet tolerant to Virus Yellows disease could be commercially available in 2026 – helping to end reliance on neonicotinoid seed treatments. Breeding companies across Europe and the UK are making good progress in the development of beet varieties tolerant to all three yellowing viruses,... Read more
Wide variations in drilling dates, the wet winter and the early appearance of disease mean winter wheat crops will need managing on a field-by-field basis this season. The best growers will be paying close attention to every crop – not just those that are struggling. Just as much effort,... Read more
Large amounts of land are being taken out of food production and put into the government’s flagship agri-environment scheme, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, say agronomists. Contractors and farmers could struggle to survive where large areas of arable land are being put into the scheme, which is being seen by... Read more
Beware of horses on rural roads
News 04/03/2024
Tractor drivers and motorists are being urged to take care after statistics showing that five incidents involving horses are recorded on roads every week in the east of England. Across the region, a total of 282 horse-related incidents were recorded with the British Horse Society in 2023. Suffolk experienced... Read more
Regenerative farming in spotlight at Writtle
News 04/03/2024
Farmers joined leading academics to discuss regenerative agriculture and food production at the Writtle Farmers’ Club’s annual conference last month. Held at Writtle University College, near Chelmsford, speakers included National Trust tenant Andy Cato, co-founder of the Wildfarmed conservation agriculture brand, which rewards farmers who use more sustainable methods... Read more
Government makes pledge on UK food security
News 04/03/2024
Grants worth £427m will be opened to farmers this year – following an announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at last month’s NFU conference. The package will include £220m for technology and productivity schemes, said Mr Sunak – ensuring the government delivered on its commitment to maintain the farming... Read more
Defra says it is assessing applications for its Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant. The grant – which funds calf housing buildings to improve health and welfare – closed at the end of November. In an update, Defra officials said applications from farmers were now being assessed. Grants... Read more
Subscribe
Poignant hi-vis reminder on farm safety
News Jul 31, 2026
Royal recognition for farmer’s open days
News Jul 2, 2026
Supplementary feeding boosts bird numbers
News Jul 2, 2026
Check records before applying for SFI 2026
News Jul 2, 2026