A green pea variety first listed four years ago continues to attract interest thanks to high yields, strong agronomic characteristics and disease resistance. NPZ UK Carrington combines strong yields with a range of agronomic traits valued by growers – remaining a top-performing variety on the Processors and Growers Research... Read more
A new online tool aims to help farmers maximise nutrient efficiency, reduce input costs and improve crop performance. Launched by biologicals specialist Unium Bioscience, the suite of online nutrient decision-support tools, including Nitrogen Power and Potassium Power. It builds on the company’s existing Phosphate Power tool. Together, the tools... Read more
Fertiliser rules and regulations are set to be overhauled for the first time in two decades – making it easier for farmers to access a wider range of products. The reforms aim to modernise what government ministers say is an outdated regulatory system. They want to grant more access... Read more
Farm leaders and Defra ministers have held their first partnership meeting as they strive to secure a profitable future for the industry. The Farming and Food Partnership Board was established on the recommendation of Baroness Minette Batters, whose independent Farming Profitability Review was published late last year following a... Read more
Suckler producers can now use a free Profitable Suckler Cow calculator to help drive breeding decisions alongside using their own judgement and stockmanship. The easy-to-use online calculator helps assess which heifers and cows are of most value in a farm’s system. It was developed in Scotland – although suckler... Read more
Calves are failing to achieve adequate passive transfer of immunity – even when colostrum quality appears good, suggests a study. More than three-quarters of calves tested in a seasonal-calving dairy herd had inadequate passive immunity – despite colostrum testing at the recommended 22% Brix or above. All calves later... Read more
Banning livestock from upland areas could threaten the long-term storage of stable soil carbon, say scientists. Grasslands hold around one third of the world’s terrestrial carbon. Responsible grazing has an important role to play in sustainable land management, according to the study by researchers at Manchester University. Environmental groups... Read more
Seed suppliers report increased interest in fodder beet this spring following a difficult forage season last year. Fodder beet is appealing to farmers looking to ensure adequate supplies in the event of a repeat summer drought. Once fodder beet gets its roots down, it can be quite drought tolerant,... Read more
Tighter controls on sewage sludge spreading will improve water quality and reduce river pollution, says the government. Some 41% of England’s rivers, lakes and streams are currently affected by agricultural pollution, says the government. If approved, the new rules will increase oversight on sewage sludge spreading on farmland. Options... Read more
Growing miscanthus could help lock more carbon into the soil, improving yields while helping to tackle climate change, say scientists. Well-suited to poorer land, miscanthus is typically grown as an energy crop. The woody stems are also used for green manufacturing and chemicals production, as a construction material and... Read more