A robust, multi-active T2 fungicide programme could be essential to protect wheat yield potential this season. Growers should combine single-site and multi-site chemistries for immediate and lasting disease control, suggests Adama UK technical manager David Griffiths. Doing so will protect the flag leaf and leaf two – and encourage... Read more
Wheat breeders are deploying new genetic techniques to tackle rising pressure from yellow rust, as resistance in widely grown varieties begins to fail. An estimated 40% of the UK wheat area is now planted with varieties highly susceptible to the disease. The shift follows the breakdown of the Yr15... Read more
A free-to-use crop rotation planning tool has been launched to help growers weigh up the financial and environmental impacts of changing their cropping systems. Developed by ADAS as part of the Nitrogen Climate Smart project, the Crop Planner tool uses data from hundreds of crops within the Yield Enhancement... Read more
Ministers reject transition call
News 08/05/2026
The government has rejected calls for a 24-month transition as the UK plans a closer relationship with the EU. The UK is negotiating deals with the EU on food and drink standards, carbon emissions and electricity. It would mean following EU rules in those three areas – and continuing... Read more
Iran conflict hits UK farm costs hard
News 08/05/2026
MPs have raised concerns about the impact of the Iran conflict on farmers, warning that rising input costs and supply chain disruption could place further strain on farm businesses. The NFU briefed MPs ahead of a special parliamentary session on supply chain fairness, highlighting the increasing pressure on growers... Read more
Farmers face rising scrutiny as Environment Agency inspections increase to tackle water pollution, with breaches identified on around half of holdings. The trend reflects growing pressure on agriculture to reduce diffuse pollution and improve water quality, particularly in sensitive catchments, say farm business consultants. Alice Johnson, of Strutt &... Read more
Some £50 million is available to invest in new farm kit following the opening of Defra’s 2026 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The scheme has a tight deadlione, closing to applications at midday on 28 April. Demand is expected to be high – so early application is advised.... Read more
Funding to protect against heat stress
Livestock 16/04/2026
Ventilation and monitoring systems to combat heat stress in livestock are eligible for grants from the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund. High performing dairy cows in the UK can begin to experience heat stress at just 18°C, particularly in humid conditions, says animal welfare expert Chloe Rodriguez, from housing... Read more
After writing last month about what felt like endless rain, I’d hoped it might mark the start of some drier weather, writes Nerys Wright. We’ve still had plenty of wet days, but we have at least been treated to the odd spring like day. These increasingly erratic winters aren’t... Read more
A wet winter means management decisions on forage and herd health will be key to get more from grass this spring begins. Mild soil temperatures have kept grass growing but persistent rainfall continues to limit field access. It means many farms now carry heavy swards. But much grass lacks... Read more