Livestock farmers facing tight winter forage supplies after the summer drought could extract more value from cover crops by managing them for grazing rather than simply environmental compliance. Poor grass growth has increased pressure on forage stocks, putting greater emphasis on crops capable of producing usable autumn biomass. But... Read more
Patience needed on forage rape
Livestock 06/10/2026
Farmers planting forage rape to support grazing following the summer drought should introduce the crop gradually to livestock diets. Livestock should initially receive access for one to two hours daily, building up over seven to 10 days, sys the Agricultura and Horticulture Development Board. Farmers should also provide additional... Read more
JCB is targeting farmers and agricultural contractors with a £55,000 backhoe-loader designed to tackle groundworks without hiring specialist machinery. The new 3CX Sitemaster combines an excavator and front loader for jobs including ditch clearance, drainage, water pipe installation and building work. JCB is offering a single specification, with finance... Read more
Investing for the future
Post Harvest 06/10/2026
Many on-farm grain stores need investment – but what are the options after a tough year? Scott McArthur explains 1. After a difficult harvest, why should a cash-strapped cereal grower consider investing in grain storage now rather than postponing it? I think for many growers it makes sense to... Read more
Growers could avoid unnecessary cultivation costs by checking soil structure and nutrient reserves this autumn – rather than following a standard post-harvest crop-establishment programme. An unusually early harvest has provided more time for field assessments, while prolonged drought means soil conditions may differ significantly from a normal season, says... Read more
Cereal growers with crops in store face a volatile six months, with physical supply risks supporting prices but ample global wheat stocks weighing on the market. Black Sea disruption, disappointing European crops and tighter nearby availability are underpinning markets. Yet ADM Agriculture warns that investment funds have built historically... Read more
Plant breeders have changed the way the recommend forage maize varieties because climate change is making local growing conditions harder to forecast. The British Society of Plant Breeders said it was replacing its site-based forage maize variety classifications with four maturity and performance lists for 2027 – aiming to... Read more
‘Marginal gains can treble arable profits’
Arable 05/10/2026
Small improvements could almost treble profits on a typical arable farm, say experts – highlighting the need to scrutinise all parts of the business. A 400ha arable enterprise making £16,800 could lift net profit by 166% to £44,600 by raising output by 5% while cutting fixed and variable costs... Read more
Potato growers are being warned against cutting fungicide programmes too soon after resistant late blight was detected at two sites and wetter weather increased the risk of late-season infection. The EU_46 strain was identified in Shropshire and Lancashire before conditions turned dry. Although disease pressure has remained unusually low... Read more
Time to rethink potato irrigation strategy
Arable 05/10/2026
Potato growers may need to rethink irrigation as climate change exposes a growing gap between having enough water and being able to apply it quickly enough, says an independent expert. A potato crop can use 6-7mm of water a day during prolonged dry weather, according to potato consultant Mark... Read more