Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Drones help to redefine soil moisture monitoring
Radio waves could be used to measure soil moisture – helping farmers manage flood risk and make important decisions about irrigation. A two-year project using drones carrying synthetic aperture radar equipment to make a high-resolution map of the earth’s surface is being undertaken by experts at Cranfield University. Led... Read more
Drainage partnership celebrates anniversary
Two of the most recognisable names in UK agricultural drainage are celebrating 23 years of working together. The relationship began when DMJ Drainage managing director Darren Howell bought his first Mastenbroek agricultural drainage trencher in 2001. The company has since grown into a multi-million-pound business employing 150 people. Today,... Read more
Agency acknowledges cost of flooded farmland
The Environment Agency says it supports farmers who want payment for flood water on their land – but not if the area is a natural floodplain. Speaking at last month’s NFU annual conference in Birmingham, Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said using land for water storage was a big... Read more
Bauer introduces new E-series reel irrigators
New E-series reel irrigators from Bauer have several improved features to make them easier to operate and maintain. The company has invested heavily over recent years to equip its Rainstar E-series with new digital technologies – including the Smart Rain remote monitoring and control app, says Adrian Tindall, Bauer... Read more
Tax breaks needed to encourage water management investment
Encouraging farmers to invest in water management will help combat climate change, the government has been told. Better on-farm infrastructure and investment in technology is vital to mitigate the impact of increasingly unpredictable weather, said the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in a submission to the Treasury ahead of... Read more
Electric mower is ‘ultimate robot’ for grassy slopes
An innovative all-electric remote-control slope mower has been launched by McConnel. Read more
Water companies start taking cover crop benefits seriously
A growing number of water companies are paying farmers to protect river catchments from run-off and nutrient leaching by planting cover crops. Read more
£450k project to grow innovative wetland crops
A major project will investigate ways of growing new and unusual crops in the Fens while reducing greenhouse case emissions by maintaining water levels just below the soil surface. Read more
Severn Trent calls on landowners to plant trees

Water company Severn Trent is offering free trees to landowners who want to help plant a 2,022-acre forest following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

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Inspections are ‘opportunity to protect environment’

Farmers should use Environment Agency inspections as an opportunity to receive advice on making improvements to protect watercourses, says the NFU.

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