A yield-sapping fungus is becoming more common – making it important to select oilseed rape varieties carefully. Verticillium stem stripe can cause yield reductions of 30% or even more. With no fungicide treatments available, other ways must be found to control the soil borne fungus, says Michael Shuldham of... Read more
A former farm manager who spent nearly three decades waging war against blackgrass says growers should pick their battles. Richard Ward, who managed 200ha Barton Farms in Moreton-in-Marsh, says his approach was less about total eradication and trying to win strategic victories – on a daily basis. Mr Ward... Read more
A high risk of glyphosate resistance has been found on three more farms – prompting warnings for growers to monitor weeds that survive spray applications. Italian ryegrass samples from the three latest farms were potted up and sprayed with glyphosate by ADAS. A high risk of resistance was identified.... Read more
Carrot growers root for farming future
Arable 01/09/2025
An elite group of six growers have dug into their own pockets to raise the profile of British carrots by launching a national celebration day. British Carrot Day 2025 will take place on Friday, 3 October. Six farm businesses have joined forces to fund the special day – including... Read more
Scheme to secure potato industry future
Arable 01/09/2025
A new initiative to secure the future of the UK potato sector is giving participants a better understanding of the industry. Launched by GB Potatoes in association with the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), the special programme will support the skills and knowledge development of future growers, leaders and... Read more
A sugar beet seed calculator aims to help growers optimise crop yields and profitability by comparing seed treatments. It’s the latest move in an increasingly competitive UK sugar beet market following a decision allowing growers to purchase seed direct from plant breeders rather than having to purchase through British... Read more
Challenging market conditions mean growers face lower sugar beet prices following last month’s contract agreement. NFU Sugar and British Sugar have agreed a headline one-year fixed price contract at £30/t, for up to 65% of the contract for 2026/27 sugar beet crop. It compares to a price of £33/t... Read more
Farms bringing land back into production after the Sustainable Farming Incentive could see an unintended increase in blackgrass. Cover crops could be a good option to manage any increase in blackgrass populations that occur within SFI options when land returns to cropping, says Alice Cannon, technical manager for the... Read more
Lincolnshire grower Tim Lamyman has defied the exceptionally dry season to bring in a record-breaking oilseed rape crop. Known for growing big crops, Mr Lamyman achieved an impressive 7.52t/ha in an 8ha field of September-sown LG Avenger at Worlaby Farm, near Louth – breaking the previous unofficial world record... Read more
Huge yield variation in UK wheat harvest
News 29/08/2025
Final estimates for this year’s wheat harvest remain unknown because of huge yield differences between farms, say analysts. “The wheat harvest has had arguably the greatest level of variation so far,” says the latest official harvest progress report – published on 22 August by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development... Read more