A bluetongue outbreak on a Norfolk farm has reignited concern about the virus – and the need to keep vigilant for the disease. Veterinary experts and industry leaders had warned it was only a matter of time before bluetongue was confirmed in the UK this year – likely to be... Read more

Onions could be grown commercially without soil following a ground-breaking partnership between Essex University and major supplier Stourgarden. Tracy Lawson, of Essex’s School of Life Sciences, is using innovative techniques to grow onions aeroponically and help Stourgarden explore ways to make the production process more environmentally friendly. Based in... Read more

The government faces calls to put its money where its mouth is after Defra minister Daniel Zeichner pledged a “new deal” for Britain’s farmers. Mr Zeichner made the pledge during an NFU reception in parliament last month. More than 130 MPs and Peers attended the reception – held one... Read more

A recent engine and control panel upgrade by CHP support specialist Gen-C to Avocet Renewables’ 500 kW biogas plant at Coston Hall Farm in Norfolk has delivered a 20% increase in power generation and enabled 24/7 remote monitoring and management of the system.  The Avocet Renewables’ anaerobic digestion (AD)... Read more

More than 225 farms opened their gates to the public last month to celebrate the best of British agriculture. The industry’s 18th annual Open Farm Sunday on 9 June saw events take place across East Anglia. Organised by the Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) charity since, the day put... Read more

Two of the region’s leading agri-scientists were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their outstanding achievements. Professor Diane Saunders, of the John Innes Centre; and Agri-TechE director Belinda Clarke both received OBEs – joining hundreds of eminent people from all walks of life who also received awards.... Read more

Industry leaders have urged the new government to set out how it will ensure a certain future for UK food and farming. The reminder to make sure food security is top of the political agenda is contained in a joint open letter from the NFU, British Retail Consortium, UK... Read more

Kuhn’s popular Striger 600R strip-till cultivator will be a main feature on its stand at Groundswell, highlighting how growers can reduce soil movement to improve structure, along with lowering operating costs. The Striger works soil in precise narrow bands to match seed placement. This leaves the rest of the... Read more

A regenerative slurry inoculant will be exhibited for the first time at Groundswell by manufacturers Sylgen Animal Health. Called SlurryForSoil, the inoculant has been specially formulated for soil and plant health, says Sylgen director Geoff Hooper. It reflects the company’s commitment to foster sustainable and profitable agricultural practices, he... Read more