Valuable traits benefit growers Two new Limagrain pulses added to the 2024/25 PGRO Descriptive List demonstrate a continuing commitment to the UK sector, says the breeder. Yielding 110% of control, LG Eagle is the joint highest performing spring bean variety on the list. It is joined by early maturing... Read more
• Choice across major crop types • Strong pipeline of new varieties • Balance of key traits and yields An expansive new variety line-up demonstrates the strength and depth in Elsoms Seeds breeding programme, says the company. Seven new Elsoms varieties on the Recommended List for 2025/26 include three... Read more
Productivity boost from new varieties
Arable 06/02/2025
KWS varieties top AHDB wheat and barley lists Eight new wheat varieties and four new barleys from KWS have won a place on the Recommended List for 2025/26. Covering all groups and sectors, many of the varieties set new standards for yield, quality and consistency of production, says KWS... Read more
Bumper crop of varieties make debut
Arable 05/02/2025
• Latest winter wheats and barleys • Influx of good genetics to the fore • Strong agronomics from breeders A bumper crop of new cereal varieties has been added to the AHDB’s Recommended List for 2025/26. In total, 10 new winter wheats and 14 new winter barleys make their... Read more
Big Farmland Bird Count
News 05/02/2025
Youngsters are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) – the annual national census of farmland birds. Organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the bird count provides vital data to help scientists and conservationists understand which species are in trouble... Read more
Farm prospects ‘steady’ for 2025
News 05/02/2025
• Similar profits over next 12 months • Little increase in cost of key inputs • More changes due to farm support Farm profits will remain steady during the coming year – as overall output increases and key inputs look set to stay relatively stable, say experts. “Overall, profitability... Read more
Unfinished business to resolve in 2025
Opinion 05/02/2025
The start of a new year is usually a time to look forward – a time of hope for a better and brighter future. In that respect, 2025 begins just like many other years – if not more so in farming terms. But growers and livestock producers will also... Read more
Incorporating probiotic live yeast into pig diets can reduce finishing time and improve feed conversion ratio, suggests a trial. The year-long trial was carried out across a total of 27,000 pigs in 66 batches. Some 32 batches were supplemented with the probiotic live yeast Levucell SB, says Hannah Elliott,... Read more
Don’t bite hand that feeds you
Opinion 29/01/2025
The autumn Budget shows Labour doesn’t care for farming families – or their farms, says Clodhopper. So now we know. Despite all its pre-election promises, this Labour government doesn’t care for farming. And neither does it care for farmers. The autumn Budget is a disaster for farming. Not just... Read more
A new-style of finance has helped secure a Midland farming family’s future. A Northamptonshire farmer says he has future-proofed his business by using green finance to fund a key diversification project. Third-generation farmer Harry Brown manages 600ha (1500 acres) of predominantly arable land at Potcote Farm, near Towcester. The... Read more