Crop management during a challenging season topped the agenda for growers attending the recent Potatoes in Practice showcase in Scotland. Bringing together the latest research and demonstrations, the annual event at Balruddery Farm near Dundee, was hosted by the James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s Rural College SRUC and crop management... Read more

Extreme weather during the past six months means over-working soils could lead to significant structural damage and wasted costs, say experts. Lack of rain and high temperatures weather mean growers should put soil conditions at the forefront of decision-making this autumn, says Dick Neale, technical manager at crop production... Read more

Reduced yellow rust resistance among winter wheat varieties means growers should look at additional ways of managing the disease this autumn. A substantial number of winter wheat varieties have seen a fall in their single-year yellow rust resistance ratings compared with previous ratings which were based on three years... Read more

Agronomy firm ProCam has bolstered its offering to farmers by appointing David Ramdhian as the company’s head of seed development. With more than 30 years in the seed trade, Mr Ramdhian joins ProCam to develop the company’s seed strategy, ensuring customer access to a wide range of crops and... Read more

Researchers are investigating ways winter wheat can suppress weeds in low-input and organic farming systems. Findings could provide cereal and oilseed growers with sustainable strategies to naturally suppress weeds, reducing reliance on herbicides and aiding the transition to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board... Read more

A former farm manager who spent nearly three decades waging war against blackgrass says growers should pick their battles. Richard Ward, who managed 200ha Barton Farms in Moreton-in-Marsh, says his approach was less about total eradication and trying to win strategic victories – on a daily basis. Mr Ward... Read more

Attention to detail when applying glyphosate before drilling will help ensure successful cereal establishment this autumn. “Appropriate timing, dose and application quality have a significant impact on weed problems in the crop,” says Bayer agronomist Roger Bradbury. A Bayer demonstration at NIAB’s blackgrass management site in Lincolnshire shows the... Read more

Savvy growers are taking advantage of stop-start harvest to undertake detailed soil tests ahead of autumn drilling. The dry spring and hot summer saw many farmers start harvest several weeks earlier than usual. Combines rolled into forward wheat crops in mid-July before rain stopped play towards the end of... Read more