EXPERT VIEW Is game changing wheat Bamford still changing the game? Four experts give their verdicts. Now in its second year on the Recommended List, Group 3 soft wheat Bamford came through a challenging first full commercial season in 2024. Bred by Elsoms Seeds, the first year was dominated... Read more
Poor trailer safety is being highlighted as a key contributor to farm fatalities during the busy harvest period. Farmers and harvest workers are being urged to undertake daily checks and ensure tractors and tailers are well-maintained. Trailers should also be serviced and in good condition well before what is... Read more
• Think about sulphur – not only nitrogen • Nutrient efficiency at heart of decisions • Consider decoupling for more flexibility Growers and agronomists are advised to think more broadly when devising their fertiliaer plans for next season. A wider view when it comes to organic and inorganic fertilise... Read more
Popularity is increasing among growers after an influx of new varieties from breeders A breeding revival in both Group 3 and soft Group 4 sectors is helping soft wheats make a comeback on farms. Back in the day, nearly 50% of the UK wheat area was down to soft... Read more
Earlier harvest set to follow dry spring
Arable 05/06/2025
• Lack of rain hits UK cereal crops • Wheat and barley under stress • Yield penalties on parched soil Growers face an earlier harvest with combines expected to roll into cereal crops later this month after the driest start to spring for more than 60 years. Reservoir levels... Read more
Farmers attending this year’s Arable Event will be able to see for themselves how crops perform under ‘real world’ conditions with a host of trial plots. Crops on show in the trial plots reflect the reality of modern farming dealing with changing climate and last autumn’s incredibly wet weather,... Read more
• Vulnerable farmers most at risk • Tax impact disputed and unclear • More time to seek proper advice MPs have called for a year-long delay to government plans to impose inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million from 2026. The cross-party Environment, Food and Rural... Read more
Time is right to finesse IHT plan
Opinion 04/06/2025
Good politicians know when to change their minds – and aren’t afraid to do so when the time is right. Especially when mounting evidence suggests that doggedly pursuing a policy will harm the very people it was designed to protect. This is the challenge facing the government after a... Read more
Growers seeking to achieve protein specification in milling wheat are being reminded to optimise nitrogen without overstepping or compromising economic thresholds. Modern wheat varieties have huge yield potential – but growers must be realistic about whether these can be achieved on their own farms, say two advisers from agronomy... Read more
Growers advised to think ahead on fusarium control at T3 following sunniest April on record
News 03/06/2025
Dual azole approach offers higher level of control than single azoles confirms Agrii agronomist Growers are being reminded about the importance of fusarium control at T3 to combat fusarium ear blight, a complex disease that can account for potential yield losses of up to 25% in winter... Read more