Reduced yellow rust resistance among winter wheat varieties means growers should look at additional ways of managing the disease this autumn. A substantial number of winter wheat varieties have seen a fall in their single-year yellow rust resistance ratings compared with previous ratings which were based on three years... Read more
Guilty: 25 years in jail for farm theft gang
News 03/10/2025
A crime gang has been jailed after stealing property worth millions of pounds from farms and rural communities. Seven men were sentenced to a combined total of 25 years and five months at Shrewsbury Crown Court last month after pleading guilty at a previous hearing. All seven were charged... Read more
Demand for action on food security
News 03/10/2025
Food and farming leaders have urged the government to work with the industry and deliver growth across the sector. It comes after the NFU convened a food resilience roundtable – attended farm minister Angela Eagle – with food retailers, processors and farm businesses. Participants highlighted the need for a... Read more
Plans to reform the UK water sector have big implications for farmers and must take account of agriculture, say farm leaders. The warning follows 88 recommendations by the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe – including a new integrated regulator for water and nine new regional water... Read more
Huge challenges around water quality and availability are limiting farmers’ ability to feed the nation, the government has been told. Defra secretary Steve Reed was among more than 60 attendees at a Water Summit which say the NFU bring together industry experts, water companies, environmental groups and supply chain... Read more
A yield-sapping fungus is becoming more common – making it important to select oilseed rape varieties carefully. Verticillium stem stripe can cause yield reductions of 30% or even more. With no fungicide treatments available, other ways must be found to control the soil borne fungus, says Michael Shuldham of... Read more
A former farm manager who spent nearly three decades waging war against blackgrass says growers should pick their battles. Richard Ward, who managed 200ha Barton Farms in Moreton-in-Marsh, says his approach was less about total eradication and trying to win strategic victories – on a daily basis. Mr Ward... Read more
A high risk of glyphosate resistance has been found on three more farms – prompting warnings for growers to monitor weeds that survive spray applications. Italian ryegrass samples from the three latest farms were potted up and sprayed with glyphosate by ADAS. A high risk of resistance was identified.... Read more
Carrot growers root for farming future
Arable 01/09/2025
An elite group of six growers have dug into their own pockets to raise the profile of British carrots by launching a national celebration day. British Carrot Day 2025 will take place on Friday, 3 October. Six farm businesses have joined forces to fund the special day – including... Read more
Scheme to secure potato industry future
Arable 01/09/2025
A new initiative to secure the future of the UK potato sector is giving participants a better understanding of the industry. Launched by GB Potatoes in association with the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA), the special programme will support the skills and knowledge development of future growers, leaders and... Read more