• Drilling date has bigger role to play • Milder winters affecting rape yields • Growth regulator can reduce losses Applying a plant growth regulator (PGR) to early drilled oilseed rape could hold the key to better yields, say experts. Genetic improvements are giving higher yields in trials. But... Read more
How best to tackle BYDV in cereals
Arable 13/10/2024
Growers face a tough decision when it comes to tackling barley yellow dwarf virus in autumn cereal crops. • Virus threat expected to be high • No-insecticide crops pay £45/ha • Think before abandoning sprays With high aphid pressure forecast, the virus risk is expected to be high. Yet... Read more
Silicon volley counters flea beetle
Arable 12/10/2024
Growers could combat cabbage stem flea beetle on winter oilseed rape by applying silicon to the crop, say independent agronomists. Plants use silicon – the primary constituent of glass – as a physical barrier against attacks by pests and pathogens, laying down a hard crystal layer of ‘opals’ within... Read more
A challenging season which has played havoc with silage reserves means a fodder budget will be vital on most farms this winter. With both fodder quality and quantity affected by this year’s weather – including a wet spring and dull summer – it is essential to assess forage reserves... Read more
New winter wheat variety SY Cheer has been awarded full Group 1 milling status by UK Flour Millers in time for autumn drilling. SY Cheer is the newest of only five Group 1 varieties on the winter wheat Recommended List for 2024/25. Plant breeder Syngenta it could hold strong... Read more
The production of low carbon, plant-based insulating blocks could generate additional farm income and tackle labour shortages, say experts. Encouraging farmers to diversify into making sustainable building materials for use on their own farms – or for construction in the local area – could benefit their own businesses, communities... Read more
• Three times more carbon dioxide • Crop deserves our closer scrutiny • Call to consider soil carbon loss Maize crops grown on drained peat soils emit three times more carbon dioxide than burning natural gas, suggests a study. Researchers say the finding highlights the need to consider soil... Read more
• Spoilage risk in warm wet season • Helps combat yeasts and moulds • Treated silage is more palatable A silage additive to aid maize forage fermentation is likely to pay dividends this autumn – helping to prevent significant mycotoxin accumulation. A good additive will restrict the development of... Read more
Farmers and industry stakeholders will come together to discuss the future of crop protection at a key conference this autumn. The need to balance food production while protecting the environment will top the agenda at the 2024 British Crop Production Council (BCPC) Congress – held on 26-27 November at... Read more
5 tips for early drilled wheat this autumn
Arable 09/10/2024
Winter wheat growers are being urged to take steps to avoid the potential downsides of drilling early this autumn. While the temptation to establish crops early is understandable following washout conditions last autumn and winter, being prepared for the added risks is crucial, says ProCam regional technical manager Paul... Read more