‘Time to take biosolutions seriously’
Arable 06/09/2024
Integrating biosolutions into conventional agronomy programmes can have a major effect on crop performance, suggest the latest trials. Enzymes, microorganisms, bacterial cultures and other biological tools can offer the same control as moderate fungicide approaches. But integrating them into reduced programmes can be as effective as full strength conventional... Read more
Border delays pose threat to crop trials
Arable 02/09/2024
Delays caused by changes to seed import rules threaten to undermine the latest oilseed rape variety trials. Brexit rules mean seed entering the UK since the end of April can now be regarded as high-risk – resulting in delays and inspections at a border control points before it can... Read more
Tributes have been paid to Leicestershire farmer and former NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe, who has died following a cancer diagnosis. Mr Sercombe farmed a commercial flock of 1,000 sheep and arable enterprises with his wife Helen and family at Sandlands Farm – a county council smallholding at... Read more
Environmental farmers seek more members
News 02/09/2024
A group of Lincolnshire farmers has secured the funding needed to improve the environment by trading natural capital. The Northern Lincolnshire Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) is a farmer-led cooperative working to increase biodiversity, improve water quality, achieve net carbon farming by 2040 and generate new trading opportunities. Financial returns... Read more
Farm leaders have ramped up calls on the government to increase its budget for farming – arguing that doing so is vital to maintain UK food security. NFU president Tom Bradshaw made the call on 13 August – the day of the year that the UK would run out... Read more
Reducing on-farm emissions by making simple changes is helping to increase profits on one of the UK’s biggest dairy units. That was the message delivered by Grosvenor Farms dairy manager David Craven to 1300 visitors at last month’s Down to Earth event in Cheshire. The 2,600-cow herd is housed... Read more
Dairy fortunes are showing signs of recovery – but milk prices still have some way to go to cover production costs on many farms. Values have steadily risen over the past year following a sharp drop to 36.49ppl in July 2023. But they frequently fail to provide a fair... Read more
Poultry and pig producers are being advised to review hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of pathogenic infections affecting performance. Better hygiene and disinfection procedures are seen as a key way to maximise biosecurity and reduce productivity losses – including those resulting from sub-clinical health issues. “Monogastric units remain... Read more
Keep watchful eye on Salmonella risk
Livestock 01/08/2024
Egg producers and pullet rearers are being asked to remain vigilant against the threat of salmonella in British layers. The layer industry has been working to prevent the disease, but Elanco layer business manager Jeremy Marsh said it still was important for the industry to keep a watchful eye... Read more
Piglets ‘can thrive’ without zinc oxide
Livestock 01/08/2024
Pigs can still thrive despite the removal of potentially harmful zinc oxide from their diets, says an industry specialist. Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. But concern over the potential risk to the environment saw the therapeutic use... Read more