Good harvest yields reported for maize
Livestock 03/11/2023
Early indications suggest a bumper harvest for maize production this year with high yields of good quality material that should clamp and feed well. Fears that the relatively cold, wet spring and challenging drilling conditions could result in later maturing crops for many growers have been largely abated, says... Read more
British sheep farmers are being urged to remain vigilant following confirmation of a new bluetongue strain spreading rapidly in the Netherlands. Concern about the proximity of the BTV-3 virus to the UK – and eastern region sheep flocks in particular – prompted an emergency meeting of representatives from more... Read more
A monitoring device which measures potato size, shape and variability as the crop is lifted is set to gain more customers thanks to a new appointment. The company behind HarvestEye has appointed sales and marketing expert Harry Tinson as its new general manager – bringing global experience in B2B... Read more
How computer system cuts storage costs
Potatoes 03/11/2023
Potato growers are optimising the use of home-generated energy for crop storage – thanks to a new computerised system. Launched by Crop Systems, SmartSola enables users to make optimal use of their use of home-generated energy, while minimising their use of bought-in power – reducing their exposure to high... Read more
An independent organisation set up to represent growers following the demise of AHDB Potatoes has appointed its first chief executive. Former NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker took up the new role with GB Potatoes last month. With some 25 years of experience in the farming sector, he brings... Read more
Potato supplier Branston says it is making good progress in reducing the carbon footprint of the crop – from growing through to storage and transport. Climate change, increasingly unpredictable weather events and consumer expectations are focusing the attention of the potato supply chain on the transition to net zero,... Read more
Final touches are being put to this month’s British Potato event, which takes place on 22-23 November at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. The two-day industry extravaganza brings together thousands of visitors with scores of businesses from across the potato sector – making it an important networking opportunity for... Read more
Drilling high-vigour winter wheat varieties in the New Year could be a viable option for producers battling to get blackgrass problems under control this autumn. With 2023 being a particularly bad year for the weed, drilling until as late as February could allow for cultural and chemical weed controls... Read more
A stacked and sequenced spray programme applied accurately in favourable conditions can help combat resistant ryegrass, says an agronomist. Rob Adamson of Procam says a careful balance of cultural controls, herbicide choice and adequate soil moisture will help growers get on top of the troublesome weed – despite increasing... Read more
Challenging conditions for oilseed rape are making it increasingly important to maintain the momentum of established crops this autumn. Crop nutrition expert say growers should pay special attention to foliar nutrition – and in particular boron – to ensure oilseed rape is sufficiently robust ahead of winter months and... Read more