Inspirational pig industry stalwart Howard Revell has won the 2024 David Black Award – recognising his long-standing dedication to the sector. The accolade – recognising Mr Revell’s efforts to help improve animal welfare while mentoring others within the industry for almost 40 years – was presented on 18 November... Read more
Lowest level of livestock antibiotics Multi-drug resistance in pigs and poultry has fallen to an all-time low after a decade of reducing antibiotic use. The amount of antibiotics sold for livestock remains at the lowest level to date, says Defra. But an increase in antibiotic usage for some livestock... Read more
• Adapt management plan into winter • Patience will be key – don’t rush in • Consider nutrition strategy carefully A flexible approach to managing later-drilled winter wheat crops is needed after delayed drilling caused by the wet start to autumn, says an agronomist. Winter wheat drilling has varied... Read more
• Pest reported in eastern region crops • Monitor rape carefully, growers told • Mild weather can prolong problem Oilseed rape growers are being urged to watch out for signs of rape winter stem weevil – after several reports of the pest appearing in eastern England crops. Despite having... Read more
Autumn applications bring dividends Farmers are being encouraged to consider alternative products – including biostimulants – to boost crops and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Autumn-applied biostimulants could be one solution alongside other factors, such as vigorous varieties and changes to establishment systems, says Tom Wheelhouse, technical specialist at UPL,... Read more
Wheat area rises but still below average
Arable 28/01/2025
• Mixed prospects for UK cereals area • Wheat area recovery remains way off • Growers shun flagship green scheme More wheat has been drilled this autumn – but the projected area for 2025 still lags behind the five-year average, suggest the latest figures. A 5.4% increase takes the... Read more
The farming community has paid tribute to Staffordshire dairy farmer David Brookes, who has died suddenly aged 65. An NFU branch, county and regional officeholder for many years, Mr Brookes was a dairy champion – and helped lead the SOS Dairy campaign for fairer milk prices in 2012. The... Read more
• NFU condemns lack of consultation • Destructive and bungled in delivery • ‘Farmers cannot afford this change’ Industry leaders have condemned the government for unveiling plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers without consultation. Farming families were left stunned by the shock decision – announced by Chancellor Rachel... Read more
Justifiable anger at bombshell Budget
Opinion 28/01/2025
It would be a huge understatement to say the government’s Budget took farmers by surprise. After all, Labour had repeatedly ruled out any changes to inheritance tax – and insisted they had agriculture’s interests at heart. No wonder that disbelief soon turned to anger at the Chancellor’s decision to... Read more
Ploughing on regardless
Opinion 25/11/2024
Another wet autumn means more growers are returning to the plough, says Clodhopper The countryside has undergone a sudden change this autumn. No, nothing to do with government grants or lost payments. But relating to cultivation techniques. It isn’t widespread but it is noticeable. Certain pockets of arable land... Read more