Potato event helps drive innovation
Arable 06/10/2025
Crop management during a challenging season topped the agenda for growers attending the recent Potatoes in Practice showcase in Scotland. Bringing together the latest research and demonstrations, the annual event at Balruddery Farm near Dundee, was hosted by the James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s Rural College SRUC and crop management... Read more
A Lincolnshire grower is using “liquid carbon” to improve soil health and improve crop nutrient uptake. Joe Vickers manages 1500ha across four units within a 32-mile radius near Spilsby on the Wash in Lincolnshire. Farming a wide range of soils from Grade 1 silt to heavy fen land and... Read more
Just-in-time approach urged for sugar beet
Arable 06/10/2025
Sugar beet growers are being encouraged to adopt a just-in-time approach to lifting the crop as mild autumn weather continues. Preserving sugar content during harvesting, cleaning and loading is a priority – especially while temperatures remain warm, says the latest bulletin from the British Beet Research Organisation. Crops should... Read more
Application of a simple liquid complexing agent could prove beneficial to soils this autumn – and boost crop establishment. “Soil health and fertility have taken a hammering in recent months across much of the country,” says Agrii national fertiliser manager Tom Land. This makes stronger root formation particularly important,... Read more
Across the UK, growers are increasingly worried about tougher-to-control broad-leaved weeds, with groundsel a stand-out example. The arrival of Fundatis, a herbicide approved for use this autumn and effective against a wide range of dicot weeds, including strong activity on groundsel, will therefore be welcomed by many. Increasing issue... Read more
Reduced yellow rust resistance among winter wheat varieties means growers should look at additional ways of managing the disease this autumn. A substantial number of winter wheat varieties have seen a fall in their single-year yellow rust resistance ratings compared with previous ratings which were based on three years... Read more
Guilty: 25 years in jail for farm theft gang
News 03/10/2025
A crime gang has been jailed after stealing property worth millions of pounds from farms and rural communities. Seven men were sentenced to a combined total of 25 years and five months at Shrewsbury Crown Court last month after pleading guilty at a previous hearing. All seven were charged... Read more
Demand for action on food security
News 03/10/2025
Food and farming leaders have urged the government to work with the industry and deliver growth across the sector. It comes after the NFU convened a food resilience roundtable – attended farm minister Angela Eagle – with food retailers, processors and farm businesses. Participants highlighted the need for a... Read more
Plans to reform the UK water sector have big implications for farmers and must take account of agriculture, say farm leaders. The warning follows 88 recommendations by the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe – including a new integrated regulator for water and nine new regional water... Read more
Huge challenges around water quality and availability are limiting farmers’ ability to feed the nation, the government has been told. Defra secretary Steve Reed was among more than 60 attendees at a Water Summit which say the NFU bring together industry experts, water companies, environmental groups and supply chain... Read more