A host of leading brands will return to next month’s LAMMA event – rejoining regular exhibitors at the UK’s largest farm machinery event at the NEC Birmingham. Due to take place on 17-18 January, the two-day show will see the return of JCB, Case IH, and Massey Ferguson. They... Read more
Pig levy hike ‘vital’ for producers
Pig & Poultry 30/11/2023
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has defended proposals for a 20% hike in the pork levy – arguing that it is vital to deliver value for money to producers. Announced in October, the planned increase would be the first for more than 20 years. It follows a challenging... Read more
Farm leaders have called for a poultry meat supply chain inquiry after Defra announced a review aimed at ensuring a fairer market for the egg sector. The NFU said a Defra investigation should also be launched into the broiler sector because poultry producers face similar challenges to egg producers... Read more
Pig and poultry producers are at the forefront of efforts to reduce antibiotics in UK livestock production, confirm the latest figures. UK livestock sectors continue to make positive progress towards antibiotic use targets for the years 2021-2024 – with some sectors reaching goals early, according to the RUMA Targets... Read more
Farmers forced to open maize silage clamps earlier than expected this year are being warned to keep a close eye on livestock. A challenging season for grass growth has seen more farmers than usual feeding maize silage straight after harvest due to tight forage stocks. But doing so can... Read more
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is no stranger to most growers. But it should not be seen as just a tick-box exercise, warns Caroline Corsie, agronomist and senior land adviser for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Through the Defra-led Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund, Ms Corsie has been supporting a network of growers... Read more
The government says it will intervene unless British Sugar and beet growers resolve their increasingly bitter price dispute – but only as a last resort. It follows deadlocked price talks for the 2024 beet crop which saw the processing giant bypass formal negotiations with NFU Sugar representatives and issue... Read more
Urgent steps are needed to safeguard the future of the UK’s horticulture sector, says a hard-hitting House of Lords report. The £5 billion industry – focusing on fruit, vegetables and ornamental plants – is at a crossroads, says the study. It is under-prioritised and unappreciated by policymakers – threatening... Read more
Exceptionally wet weather this autumn means time is running out for growers still unable to drill winter-sown cereals. Winter wheat can be drilled until January. But leaving it too late can result in reduced germination and plant populations. This is due to lack of warmth and suboptimal moisture levels... Read more
Wolds Produce joins the AKP Group
News 30/11/2023
The AKP Group, one of the UK’s biggest vertically integrated potato supply chain specialists, has completed the acquisition of Wolds Produce. Established in 1999 by Richard Arundel and Bruce Kerr, the AKP Group is a North Lincolnshire potato grower and supply chain specialist, delivering potatoes to the retail, processing... Read more