Benchmarking performance and keeping an eye on input costs will be key for profitable oilseed rape production during the coming season. Big swings in rape prices, increasing input costs and variable yields mean net margins for oilseed rape have fluctuated considerably over the last five years, says the Agriculture... Read more
Genes from a historic collection of wheat seed could help farmers use less fertiliser – saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, say scientists. It follows a decade-long study of the A.E. Watkins Landrace Collection of local wheat varieties dating back to the 1920s and stored within the Germplasm... Read more
Better wheat yields could achieved by using biostimulants to reduce reliance on fertiliser and agrochemicals, suggests a trial. Carried out by plant breeder KWS and biostimulants specialist Orion Future Technologies, researchers who treated wheat with silicon found that the crop was better at taking up essential nutrients. These included... Read more
Sugar beet growers will have more flexibility in the seed varieties they choose following a ground-breaking deal with British Sugar. Reforms announced by NFU Sugar and British Sugar mean growers no longer have to purchase seed via the official UK Seed Account. It means growers will have access to... Read more
In-store sprout control for potatoes has become much more complicated and costly since the loss of chlorpropham (CIPC). But a cost-effective option is now available, so long as it is managed correctly: maleic hydrazide – marketed as Fazor by UPL. Field trials and an extensive literature review by potato... Read more
Tickets are now available for a new potato industry event – due to be held on 4-5 September at Nocton, near Lincoln. Called Potato Days UK, the two day event in the one of the country’s major potato growing regions will be hosted by Dyson Farming and organised by... Read more
Target slugs early in challenging season
Arable 03/07/2024
High slug populations and continued showers during June saw potato growers urged to apply molluscicides before crops reach the canopy stage. Slug pressure has remained high since last autumn after favourable breeding conditions in September and October. The subsequent mild, wet winter and spring did little to dent slug... Read more
High disease pressure could restrict yield potential in late sown pulse crops racing through growth stages to recover from the wet spring. Many which were slow to establish are now playing catch-up. But increasingly high disease risks threaten to restrict green leaf area development and harvest yield, says Syngenta... Read more
‘Plenty to go at’ from expanded SFI offer
Arable 02/07/2024
The latest Sustainable Farming Incentive offer from Defra deserves a closer look, says a farm consultant. Tamsin Roark (right) took on the role of eastern region rural consultant for Agrovista erlier this year. Her remit includes meeting the increased demand from farmers requiring guidance on the SFI and other... Read more
High-yielding spring barley SY Tennyson has gained full approval for malt distilling in a boost for growers, says breeder Syngenta. The new variety continues to progress through the approval process for brewing on the Malting Barley Committee list for harvest 2025, says Syngenta seeds portfolio marketing manager Kathryn Hamlen.... Read more
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