Two-thirds of farmers fall victim to rural crime – report
More than two-thirds of farmers fell victim to rural crime last year – prompting calls for renewed efforts to combat criminals in the countryside.
Seven steps to get the most from soil health
George Hepburn gives his seven practical steps for making a difference to your soil health.
Specialist contractor now spreading across the Midlands
A new joint venture from Mill Farm Ashorne is taking a hi-tech approach to fertiliser and nutrient spreading. Simon Wragg reports.
Input costs reduced by precision farming and no-till management
No-till crop establishment and the latest precision farming technologies are reducing cropping costs and improving soil health for Overbury Enterprises.
Best practice launched to support on-farm antibiotics
An ambitious training programme has been launched to encourage the responsible use of antibiotics in farmed livestock.
Top agricultural universities honour NFU leaders
NFU leaders past and present have been honoured for their contribution to the industry by two of the country’s top agricultural universities.
Carrot shortage expected to increase imports
Low carrot yields due to challenging weather conditions this season are set to mean the highest level of imports for decades, according to the British Carrot Growers Association.
Farmers urged to keep an eye on somatic cell counts
Dairy farmers are being urged to keep an eye on somatic cell counts to maintain herd health and maximise productivity.
Heatwave sees surge in calls to farm charity
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is bracing itself for a surge in calls for help from farmers due to the summer heatwave.
Dry summer continues to dictate crop management
Exceptionally dry weather in the run-up to harvest has implications for autumn establishment, says Richard Overthrow.
New system makes treating sheep much easier
A new version of the popular Alligator mobile handling system aims to make it easier to treat and sort of large groups of sheep.
Trials shine the spotlight on local varieties and agronomy
More than 100 farmers had an insight into varieties and agronomy practices suited to the Midlands when Hutchinsons recently hosted its regional technology centre open day.
Show could be biggest yet, say organisers
Final preparations are under way for next month’s UK Dairy Day event – and organisers hope the dedicated annual one-day dairy industry showcase will attract even more visitors than last year.
Leave dry soils alone to degrade blackgrass threat
Growers are being urged to wait following the dry harvest before cultivating fields affected by blackgrass to ensure there is sufficient moisture for weed seeds to germinate.
Toolkit for growers marks three years of GREATsoils project
Online how-to guides with practical advice from growers on testing and improving soil health are among a toolkit of resources available following the end of the Soil Association’s three-year involvement with the GREATsoils project.
Parlour hygiene improvements help reduce antibiotics
Dairy farmers are being encouraged to take practical steps in parlour hygiene management to reduce antibiotics and take advantage of future milk marketing opportunities.
Specialist events explore benefits of no-till agriculture
More than 1200 farmers and visitors attended this summer’s Groundswell event – exploring no-till farming methods and conservation agriculture.
When harvest was (almost) too hot to handle
Cherryade and pea crops drying on tripods and are just two of clodhopper’s memories from the long, hot summer of 1976.
Dairy diversification results in award winning ice cream
A decade of hard-work is paying off for the Brown family, who have transformed their dairy enterprise. Simon Wragg reports.
Milking technology debut for DeLaval at Dairy Day
Dairy specialists DeLaval will showcase their new VMS V300 milking robot and OptiDuo feed refresher for the first time at next month’s UK Dairy Day.
Four factors to ensure high quality silage
Many factors influence whether silage is good or merely average. Some of these – such as the weather – are outside our control. But good management can help ensure the healthiest silage possible, says Grace Thomas.
Gove prepares to unveil farm bill by end of July
Defra secretary Michael Gove will outline the government’s plans for farming post-Brexit in an Agriculture Bill expected to be published before the end of this month.
Strong demand for straw forces up harvest prices
High prices are prompting a closer look at whether it is better to bale and sell straw off the farm this harvest – or chop and incorporate for nutrient value.
Northamptonshire business eyes bigger contract farming future
Courteenhall Farms is expanding its contract farming operation in Northamptonshire. Simon Wragg reports.
Keep vigilant to prevent Land Rover thefts, says insurer
Land Rover Defenders are being stolen to order in a countryside crime wave which has seen vehicle thefts soar 14% since the iconic model went out of production in January 2016.
Pedal power aims to raise £100,000 for farm charity
A team of cyclists from Midlands law firm Lodders will take on the final leg of a six-week marathon relay bike ride around the UK, which is aiming to raise £100,000 for the Farming Community Network (FCN) charity.
Stamping out lameness in flocks
Sheep producers are being encouraged to stamp out lameness in the national flock when the industry highlights ways of better controlling the problem this month.
Resistant rape varieties help fight clubroot threat
Tighter rotations and wetter seasons are increasing the threat of clubroot in England, says an oilseed rape breeder. Clubroot can cause yield losses of 50% of potential – or even crop loss with severe infections.
Crops
Carrot shortage expected to increase imports
Low carrot yields due to challenging weather conditions this season are set to mean...
Leave dry soils alone to degrade blackgrass threat
Growers are being urged to wait following the dry harvest before cultivating fields...
Dry summer continues to dictate crop management
Exceptionally dry weather in the run-up to harvest has implications for autumn establishment,...
Read more posts from Crops
Livestock
Four factors to ensure high quality silage
Many factors influence whether silage is good or merely average. Some of these –...
New system makes treating sheep much easier
A new version of the popular Alligator mobile handling system aims to make it easier...
Parlour hygiene improvements help reduce antibiotics
Dairy farmers are being encouraged to take practical steps in parlour hygiene management...
Read more posts from Livestock
News & Business
Toolkit for growers marks three years of GREATsoils project
Online how-to guides with practical advice from growers on testing and improving soil health are among a toolkit of resources available following the end of the Soil Association’s three-year involvement with the GREATsoils project. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Seven steps to get the most from soil health
George Hepburn gives his seven practical steps for making a difference to your soil health. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Specialist events explore benefits of no-till agriculture
More than 1200 farmers and visitors attended this summer’s Groundswell event – exploring no-till farming methods and conservation agriculture. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Heatwave sees surge in calls to farm charity
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is bracing itself for a surge in calls for help from farmers due to the summer heatwave. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Top agricultural universities honour NFU leaders
NFU leaders past and present have been honoured for their contribution to the industry by two of the country’s top agricultural universities. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Read more posts from News & Business