‘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
Hard feed wheats are set to feature heavily again in autumn cropping plans – as growers look to bounce back from a rain-hit season. Winter wheat remains the highest gross margin crop on most arable farms, with yield still seen as king for maximising returns. And hard varieties already... Read more
High-yielding soft wheat Bamford is generating some serious attention as one of the newest varieties on the recommended list. The Group 3 variety from Elsoms has proved to one of the most fascinating additions to this year’s winter wheat line-up, with its very high treated and untreated yield figures.... Read more
Demand is surging for a low input milling wheat capable of high protein levels with a reduced nutrition programme. Elite or E-quality winter milling wheat Nelson is gaining popularity with growers due to its strong disease profile requiring fewer fungicides. The crop also requires less fertiliser due to its... Read more
Farm leaders are urging the UK’s major supermarkets to support potato growers by continuing to relax retail specifications amid another challenging season. The past three years have all seen growers facing drought, floods and months of heavy rain – hitting yields and profitability. Significant delays lifting the 2023 crop... Read more
Farmers drilling crops early to avoid a repeat of last autumn’s wet conditions could face an increased risk of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV). Warmer conditions could exacerbate the risk of the virus being spread by bird cherry-oat aphids, which migrate from early September to late October, says Bill... Read more
Farmers and seasonal workers are being reminded to take care this harvest when grain carting and moving machinery on the road. Collisions between farm vehicles and other motorists are 61% more likely between the start of May and the end of September, according to the latest figures from NFU... Read more
King’s award for slug pellet manufacturer
Arable 31/05/2024
The UK’s only manufacturer of slug pellets has received a King’s Award for International Trade –recognising the company’s growth in overseas sales. Supplying both the farming and the amateur home and garden sectors, Nottinghamshire-based Doff Portland has seen overseas sales growth of 300% over three years. Exports now represent... Read more
Growers switching to liquid fertiliser are being advised to start planning now for the autumn cropping season. A wet eight months mean more arable farmers are moving away from solid fertiliser, says Phil Burrell, head of crop nutrition for Yara. Now is a good time to start planning for... Read more
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