Final touches are being put in place for next month’s LAMMA event, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 14-15 January. More than 600 exhibitors will showcase the the latest innovations in tractors, combines, arable and grassland machinery, say organisers, giving visitors the opportunity to see a range... Read more
Reflections on my Australian adventure
Livestock 04/12/2025
October was a whirlwind month as I headed to Australia—a trip packed with learning, connections, and a few surprises along the way, writes Nerys Wright. I flew into Melbourne first, where I spent some precious time with family before diving into the sheep world. From there, I travelled to... Read more
The government must do more to prepare for a severe animal disease outbreak, MPs have warned. In a report on resilience to animal diseases such as bird flu, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said that government would find responding to such outbreaks would be extremely stretching. Defra had worked... Read more
A rise in swine dysentery cases has triggered calls for better biosecurity on UK pig farms. Confirmed cases of swine dysentery have increased from just eight in 2021 to 54 in 2024 – with numbers rising year-on-year, according to the GB Pig Surveillance Dashboard, run by the Animal and... Read more
Mixed forage quality and variable ewe condition scores this year are putting extra pressure on sheep flocks ahead of lambing. Grass growth nationally was 20% lower than average from March to August. But significant regional variation depending on rainfall and soil type means forage quality has also varied greatly.... Read more
Tesco has launched a new scheme to help beef and lamb farmers measure soil, water and nature data at scale for the first time. Delivered in partnership with Soil Association Exchange (SAX), the scheme will support 360 beef and lamb farmers from Tesco’s Sustainable Farming Groups to capture soil,... Read more
Farmers who haven’t yet done so are being urged to secure their fertiliser supplies sooner rather than later. Fertiliser manufacturer Yara says it is working hard during the winter months to ensure next spring’s deliveries reach farms on time – from planning vehicle fleets to managing driver rosters. This... Read more
Policy failures ‘undermine UK rape’
Arable 03/12/2025
United Oilseeds has been vocal in highlighting the need to restore UK oilseed rape to sustainable production levels – not only for the benefit of farmers, but for the wider economy, biodiversity, and national food and feed security. Over the past decade, the decline in cultivation of the crop... Read more
Rape seed sales boom as revival continues
Arable 03/12/2025
Sales of oilseed rape seed have increased by 25% following a bumper season for the crop. The rise marks renewed confidence in oilseed rape – on the back of low cabbage stem flea beetle numbers, decent yields for many growers and better prices – particularly in comparison with other... Read more
A new regulatory regime for gene-edited crops heralds a pivotal moment for agricultural innovation – which could benefit growers, say experts. After five years and a change of government, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act came into force on 13 November – a move research leaders say has far-reaching... Read more