Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Pioneering pulse project enters second year
A ground-breaking project to show how pulses can reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to enter its second year – including a number of Midland farmers. The Nitrogen Climate Smart (NCS) initiative aims increase pulse and legume cropping in arable rotations to 20% (currently 5%) – and displace up... Read more
Cope introduces three new high-yielding varieties
Lincolnshire-based seed supplier Cope has launched three high-yielding varieties – offering growers a wider choice and more flexibility. The launch of spring wheat variety Everlong, winter barley Aretha and spring pea Marler coincided with a new company website and rebranding of the business, which was formerly known as Cope... Read more
Renewed focus on hybrid rye in arable rotations
A renewed focus on hybrid rye as an energy crop for anaerobic digestion could lift the UK planted area well beyond 50,000ha, say industry experts. “Hybrid rye is super flexible in the rotation and an excellent choice for growers,” says Agrovista arable seed product manager and agronomist Ted Williams.... Read more
Latest arable pest management tool unveiled
The latest version of a free Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tool includes a new benchmarking feature so users can compare control strategies. In a season of early pest, disease and weed pressures, more than 880 farmers, agronomists and advisors have used the free IPM Tool to create over 1200... Read more
‘Arable extravaganza’ to bring farmers together in celebration
Organisers of one of the  biggest agricultural events in the Midlands are calling for farmers to come together and celebrate arable farming. More than 1,500 farmers are expected to attend the Arable Event – hosted by Bradford Estates, near Newport, Shropshire. Organised by Wynnstay and GrainLink, the day of... Read more
Call for next government to recognise farming
Would-be MPs are being urged to recognise the role of food and farming as candidates pitch for the rural vote ahead of next month’s general election. Confidence among farmers is the lowest since the NFU began its annual state of the industry survey in 2010. Farm businesses are being... Read more
New improved SFI offer is broader and more flexible
More than 100 options to generate additional revenue are now available to producers who sign up to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). The government’s latest offer – which increases the number of SFI options from 23 to 102 from July – was published on 21 May as the government... Read more
Five-point plan to navigate farming’s financial storm
Record rainfall has significantly increased financial pressures on farm businesses – but action can be taken to tackle many challenges. Large areas of farmland remain waterlogged following the wettest 18 months on record. The wet winter and spring have left some farms facing the first season without a harvest... Read more
New grassland fertiliser ‘delivers huge benefits’
  A new fertiliser promises to boost grassland yields, quality and palatability for dairy, beef and sheep producers. Launched by Origin Fertilisers, the sustained release multi-nutrient fertiliser is called Origin Sweet Poly Power. Based around ICL Polysulphate, it combines seven key nutrients in a balanced formulation with proven benefits... Read more
Cattle at higher risk of liver fluke problems
High levels of liver fluke this spring mean farmers should consider clostridial vaccination and control to avoid potentially serious livestock losses. “Farmers have recently been warned over a later than normal liver fluke threat in 2024 following unusual weather patterns during 2023,” says Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health.... Read more