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
Stalwart oilseeds trader to retire
Oilseed Rape 03/07/2024
Commodity trading manager Owen Cligg is to retire after 15 years at farmer-owned cooperative United Oilseeds During his time with the company, Mr Cligg has overseen the trading of some 7.5m tonnes of combinable crops – including peas, beans, linseed, oats and rye – as well as oilseed rape.... Read more
Off-patent herbicide now for linseed
Oilseed Rape 03/07/2024
A new herbicide has been approved for post-emergence broadleaf weed control in linseed. Laya which contains 200g/kg metsulfuron-methyl is a sulfonyl urea herbicide by off-patent manufacturers Life Scientific. It is a reverse engineered formulation of Ally SX. Life Scientific specialises in bringing off-patent crop protection products to market with... Read more
A new disease rating on the latest recommended list for oilseed rape aims to help growers choose varieties resistant to verticillium. This year is the first time verticillium resistance ratings have been included in the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board list. Top conventional oilseed rape variety Pinnacle is rated... Read more
An innovative digital support tool means growers can now remotely monitor the migration of key oilseed rape pests. Launched at Cereals 2024, MagicTrap from Bayer is a fully automated, nex- generation digital yellow water trap. It provides farmers and agronomists with continuously updated information on pest pressure. The trap... Read more
Subscribe
Harvest traffic sparks rural road warning
News Jun 2, 2026
Show season highlights best of food and farming
News May 5, 2026
Ministers reject transition call
News May 5, 2026
Iran conflict hits UK farm costs hard
News May 5, 2026
