EXPERT VIEW Simple steps can maximise the weed control benefits of spring barley, says Will Smith. Spring barley is increasingly popular because it provides an opportunity to control grass weeds in the rotation. But simply growing the crop does not guarantee a lower grassweed burden – especially in fields... Read more
• Crops including legumes more popular • Proper nutrition will maximise potential • Polysulphate ideal source of nutrients Good nutrition is helping growers maximise the benefits of legumes in arable rotations and forage-based systems. Many people focus on ways crops like clover can generate their own nitrogen – both... Read more
• Helps to make better farm decisions • Easier to generate additional income • More secure farm data management Giving growers more control over their farm data will make it easier for farmers to generate additional revenue, says an expert. The advice follows the development of a new data... Read more
• Pest more widespread than thought • Better field hygiene must be priority • Action needed to avoid yield losses Sugar beet growers are advised to ramp up soil testing to combat the increasing threat from beet cyst nematode. The pest is present in all four factory areas serving... Read more
• First case of resistant ryegrass in England • Experts call to protect future for herbicide • Growers and agronomists remain vigilant The discovery of glyphosate resistant Italian ryegrass has strengthened calls for better weed control practices to protect the herbicide’s long-term efficacy. ADAS weed science principal consultant John... Read more
• Potential to cut carbon footprint • Good source of domestic protein • Need to consider wider benefits More peas and beans in arable rotations could help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slash the carbon footprint of UK agriculture. About 90 growers and other industry experts gathered at... Read more
• Single farm owners at most risk • Retailers in government warning • Plan now for secure farm future More than 42,000 farms larger than 50ha (125 acres) will be affected by changes to inheritance tax rules, suggest the latest estimates. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has calculated... Read more
Day of Unity shows farming at its best
Opinion 13/02/2025
Full praise to the hundreds of farmers who descended on supermarket car parks last month – telling shoppers about the impact inheritance tax will have on their families. Farming’s Day of Unity showed our sector at its best – caring, compassionate and coming together to make a heartfelt plea... Read more
Treading a fine line
Opinion 07/02/2025
Public support for farmers remains high following the autumn Budget. Let’s keep it that way, says Clodhopper When times are tough, farmers stand together. And that is exactly what we did after the autumn Budget delivered a devastating blow to our livelihoods. The government decision to impose a 20%... Read more
• Defra due to make announcement soon • Existing agreements continue as usual • Change affects existing applications A long-awaited update on the future of Defra’s capital grant scheme is expected early this year, says the government. It follows widespread anger and frustration after capital grants were quickly closed... Read more











