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Good harvest yields reported for maize
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
Revealed: Secret of success for late drilled second wheat
Growers drilling second wheats into the end of 2024 should consider the variety carefully and manage it well to get the best from the crop. Good early crop management is vital alongside varietal selection to avoid potential disease problems and yield losses at harvest, explains Jim Knight of Frontier... Read more
Pay attention to grassweed control this autumn
• High weed burden from last year • Good control vital for good yields • Integrated approach gets results Farmers should pay close attention to grassweed control this autumn – to combat high levels of weed seeds remaining after last season. Extremely wet conditions severely challenged cereal weed control... Read more
‘Shocking’ harvest was second worst since records began
• 21% drop in wheat production • Yields tumble for other cereals • Call for climate change action This year’s cereal harvest was England’s second worst since records began – with some growers suffering devastating yields, government figures have confirmed. The English wheat harvest is estimated to be 10m... Read more
‘Join the rebellion’ this season, growers urged
• Late-sown wheat for early harvest • Strong tillering and spring vigour • High yield and good grain quality Growers looking for a strong-performing late-sown winter wheat that can be harvested early have a new available option. Hard Group 4 variety LG Rebellion builds on many of the agronomic... Read more
Mixing it up makes all  the difference for lamb
A thriving family farm business is carving a niche for itself in Warwickshire. Sara Gregson reports. Specialist herbal leys are helping to produce a consistent, tasty cuts of hogget and lamb to sell in the farm shopwhile also boosting soil and animal health on one Midlands farm. Martin Greenfield’s... Read more
Keep monitoring for slugs – experts
• Protect cereal seedlings from attack • Crops are more vulnerable for longer • Consider baiting locations carefully Wet autumn weather means growers should keep monitoring crops for slugs and reapply pellets where necessary, say experts. The durability of molluscicide pellets is increasingly important to protect cereal seedlings from... Read more
Time to take control of our farming future
When times are challenging, it’s important to accept that some things are largely beyond our control. In farming, there’s much we can’t influence directly. Unpredictable weather, volatile market prices and uncertain agricultural policies to name just a few. But by taking the emotion out of decision-making and controlling what... Read more
Family farms reap rewards from diversificatiion
More growers and livestock producers are diversifying as they strive to secure a more sustainable future for their farm business. Some 17% of farmers plan to start a diversification in the next five years – up from 15% in 2023. And 40% of producers already running a diversified enterprise... Read more
Keep farm vehicles moving during harvest time
Following the busy harvest season, maintaining the reliability and functionality of farm vehicles remains a top priority for farmers as they prepare for the months ahead. From jump starters and hand tools to welders, battery chargers, and essential PPE, Jefferson Tools has everything you need to maintain and repair... Read more
Hedging our bets

Hedging our bets

News 21/10/2024

Hedge-cutting rules are over the top and benefit no-one – not even birds, says Clodhopper One advantage of an early harvest is the ability to get the hedge cutter in place and trim the ditches and hedges. But new regulations applied from May 2024 mean it seems that 1... Read more