Residue levels of a key chemical used to maintain the quality of stored potatoes continue to fall – but more data is needed, says a cross-industry body. The Chlorpropham Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) submitted its second-year draft report to the Health and Safety Executive’s Chemical Regulation Division towards the... Read more
Growers continue to hold cereal crops in store in the hope of better prices amid a subdued grain market. UK wheat markets remained thin during January with farmers weighing up their options. At the same time, commodity trader ADM reported limited urgency from consumers. “In the near-term, grain markets... Read more
A new range of fertilisers aims to maintain yields while rebuilding soil health, combining instant-release mineral nutrients with phased organic nutrition. Early trial results suggest improved nutrient retention in wet conditions, alongside greater yield stability, says organic fertiliser producer SoilWorx, which is expanding beyond its Irish heartland to the... Read more
Growers are being advised to focus on proven varieties with strong market flexibility when selecting spring barley seed. Uncertainty over area, premiums and end-market demand continue to shape decision-making this season, says malting barley trader Laura Jones, of Saxon Agriculture. Premium possibilities British farmers consistently produce some of the... Read more
Adopting variable rate nitrogen application could help growers offset the cost of the UK’s new carbon border tax without sacrificing yield. Variable rate applications can trim unnecessary spend by targeting fertiliser where crops are most likely to respond, rather than applying a flat rate across every field, say advocates.... Read more
Cereal management will be increasingly important this season amid rising costs, volatile markets and unpredictable weather. That was a key message at last month’s annual technical agronomy conference, held by the Association of Independent Crop Consultants at Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, in Northamptonshire. Arable farming faces a perfect storm of... Read more
Prepare early for SFI scheme reopening
Arable 04/02/2026
Farmers are being urged to prepare now for the launch of the revamped Sustainable Farming Incentive later this year. It follows Defra confirmation that the SFI scheme will re-open for smaller farms and those without an existing agreement before the end of June. Other farms will be able to... Read more
High Court hearing over IHT decision
News 04/02/2026
The High Court has fast-tracked a judicial review of the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farming families. It follows claims that the government acted unlawfully by introducing major reforms to long-standing tax reliefs after only a limited technical consultation – despite the wide impact on family farms... Read more
A new winter wheat resistant to barley yellow dwarf virus is closing the yield gap with varieties without the trait, says Yielding 102.8% on the new Recommended List, RGT Guardsman is the first BYDV-resistant wheat to yield greater than 100% of the controls – a significant landmark in the... Read more
Seed breeder KWS has three new winter wheats on the 2026/27 Recommended List (RL) – including the new highest-yielding variety. KWS Aintree promises high, reliable yields while KWS Fowlmere stands out for its exceptionally early maturity. In addition, KWS Grebe offers the rare benefit of Orange Wheat Blossom Midge... Read more