An innovative project aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity in the livestock industry through enhanced water technology is gaining momentum. British agri-tech firm Oxcel has reported successful outcomes from Innovate UK-funded trials, confirming that its nano-oxygen-enhanced water technology delivers significant benefits for both farmers and the environment. The trials... Read more
Significant losses on many farms Four in five UK dairy herds have experienced cryptosporidiosis – with significant financial and welfare implications, say researchers. Some 84% of farmers surveyed by Harper Adams University said they had dealt with outbreaks of the disease, which causes severe watery diarrhoea. Nearly 60% rating... Read more
Net zero beef ‘now a reality’
Livestock 10/06/2025
Four-year trial sees good results Beef cattle reared on a grass-rich regenerative farming system can store more carbon than they emit – helping to mitigate climate change, suggests a study. Results from the McDonald’s-sponsored project at FAI Farms could see farmers and food companies to back up their net zero balance with... Read more
Soil health pioneer to speak at Groundswell
News 10/06/2025
Influential soil health trailblazer One of the most world’s most influential regenerative farmers will address this year’s Groundswell event, which takes place next month in Hertfordshire. Gabe Brown, a pioneer of the soil health movement, will deliver a series of headline talks at the two-day festival. The best-selling author of... Read more
Farming festival set for ninth year
News 10/06/2025
Soil at heart of two-day event A jam-packed programme of exhibitions, demonstrations and talks will greet visitors to this year’s Groundswell event. Entering its ninth year, Groundswell provides a forum for farmers and everyone else interested in food production or the environment to learn about the theory and practical... Read more
Significant cost implications for crops Sugar beet growers looking to rationalise herbicide use should consider the pros and cons of alternatives – which may not suit all situations and seasons. British Sugar’s weed specialist and technical support manager Pam Chambers has been testing different weed control strategies at a... Read more
• Nutrient uptake in dry conditions • Alternative to artificial fertilisers • Helps crops reach yield potential More growers are treating beet crops with nitrogen fixing bacteria biofertilisers to ensure plants have essential nutrients available during key growth stages in dry weather. Early season applications of Vixeran lock nitrogen... Read more
• Dry spring slows crop growth • Many crops at different stages • Strategic approach to weeds Lack of rain continues to create challenging conditions for sugar beet – with hot weather adding to the challenge of what and when to spray for weed control. While the dry weather... Read more
• Auto-drying with remote alert • Quieter, cleaner and efficient • Easier to use and to maintain A Bedfordshire grower is reaping the rewards after replacing an ageing PTO-driven grain dryer with a state-of-the-art mobile machine. Sandy Wade-Gery, who farms with son Will at Bushmead Farm at Colmworth, near... Read more
Grain cooperative Camgrain says it remains well-placed to remove ergot from cereal crops this summer – after winning praise for the way it helped growers deal with the problem last year. The farmer-owned storage and processing facility invested some £500,000 in colour-sorting machines after ergot made an aggressive comeback... Read more