Farm leader demands written guarantee on food standards
NFU president Minette Batters has called on the government to convene a special commission to help maintain food standards after the UK leaves the European Union.
Give serious thought to spring spray programme
An increasingly limited armoury means crop protection needs proper planning, says Richard Overthrow.
RB209 updated with new comprehensive advice on sulphur
Updated sulphur management advice for cereals and oilseeds is included in a revised AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209).
Ensure energy needs are met for successful lambing season
With the lambing season well under way, sheep producers are being reminded to supply adequate energy to meet the nutritional demands of their flocks.
£2m project aims to transform soil carbon understanding
UK scientists have been awarded £1.8m to improve understanding of soil carbon storage and how it can help mitigate climate change.
Surveyors call for a tidal change on water management
A join approach to flood and water management is vital to help future-proof supplies amid increasing demand from people, farmers and other businesses, say surveyors.
Government to make part-payments from early April
Farmers still waiting for their 2018 basic payments at the end of this month will receive 75% of the amount owed, says the government.
Forage contractors keep focus on fundamental service
Jack and Bay Watson are gearing up for another season offering top-class silaging services to customers. Simon Wragg reports.
Manufacturers seek extension to metaldehyde withdrawal period
Slug pellet manufacturers have asked the government to delay a forthcoming ban on metaldehyde – announced late last year over concerns for wildlife.
Dairy units boost profits by reducing forage waste
Dairy farmers are being encouraged to increase forage values by reducing waste – with almost half its potential lost from field to cow on some farms.
Brexit farm health warning as UK prepares for life after EU
Farmers are being advised to look after their mental health and well-being – amid warnings that Brexit poses an unprecedented challenge for the industry.
How oilseed rape growers can lower seed cost if crop fails
Oilseed rape growers who are forced to rip up failed crops could significantly reduce their losses thanks to a new scheme launched by RAGT Seeds.
Trials scrutinises cost-effective spring weed control
Cost-effective options for spring weed control are being examined by field-scale trials on a Nottinghamshire farm.
£1m soil health project issues latest progress report
Farmers who haven’t yet done so this year are being urged to conduct a soil health check.
5-point plan boosts milk from forage
A group of dairy farmers is increasing milk from forage – and boosting business profitability – by setting realistic targets and improving the way they make grass silage.
Estate builds healthier soils within an intensive rotation
A Shropshire estate is determined to show soil health can be improved within an intensive root-cropping rotation as it strives to bolster its environmental and financial sustainability.
Winter nitrate leaching losses below average, says AHDB
Lower than average winter rainfall levels this year has implications for nutrient management throughout the important spring growth period and beyond, say researchers.
Agency takes ‘important first step’ to mitigate lack of rain
An Environment Agency decision to extend the winter abstraction season for refilling winter storage reservoirs has been described as an important first step in helping farmers who are again suffering from lack of rain.
Bells, barns and basket-weavers
A family wedding sees Clodhopper turn his thoughts to farm diversification.
Lack of rain prompts concern of another dry year
Farm leaders have urged the government and water companies to help mitigate the impact of an exceptionally dry start to the year.
Internet lamb sales help increase sheep flock
A deal with an online meat retailer has helped persuade a Lincolnshire farmer to increase his sheep numbers and change his breeding policy. Allan Stennett reports.
Global grain markets: An information addiction
The US government shutdown is affecting world trade in grain, says David Eudall.
Pig herds improve performance – but still more to do
UK pig producers are improving their performance – but further productivity increases are needed for the sector to remain competitive, suggests a study by AHDB Pork.
Farmers urged to sign up for Big Farmland Bird Count
Growers and livestock producers are being urged to take part in this month’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – and show how they care for the countryside.
Prospects good for growers to profit from peas
Prolonged dry weather and high temperatures meant peas had a difficult time last season – but plenty of growers still produced some very good crops.
Crops
Winter nitrate leaching losses below average, says AHDB
Lower than average winter rainfall levels this year has implications for nutrient...
Manufacturers seek extension to metaldehyde withdrawal period
Slug pellet manufacturers have asked the government to delay a forthcoming ban on...
Agency takes ‘important first step’ to mitigate lack of rain
An Environment Agency decision to extend the winter abstraction season for refilling...
Read more posts from Crops
Livestock
5-point plan boosts milk from forage
A group of dairy farmers is increasing milk from forage – and boosting business...
Ensure energy needs are met for successful lambing season
With the lambing season well under way, sheep producers are being reminded to supply...
Dairy units boost profits by reducing forage waste
Dairy farmers are being encouraged to increase forage values by reducing waste –...
Read more posts from Livestock
News & Business
Plan now for life after the Basic Payment SchemeFarmers should prepare for a radical overhaul in government support for agriculture, says William Tongue. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Brexit farm health warning as UK prepares for life after EU
Farmers are being advised to look after their mental health and well-being – amid warnings that Brexit poses an unprecedented challenge for the industry. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Surveyors call for a tidal change on water management
A join approach to flood and water management is vital to help future-proof supplies amid increasing demand from people, farmers and other businesses, say surveyors. [Read more of this review] Read More →
RB209 updated with new comprehensive advice on sulphur
Updated sulphur management advice for cereals and oilseeds is included in a revised AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209). [Read more of this review] Read More →
£2m project aims to transform soil carbon understanding
UK scientists have been awarded £1.8m to improve understanding of soil carbon storage and how it can help mitigate climate change. [Read more of this review] Read More →
Read more posts from News & Business