A new inoculant can help farmers improve slurry management – reducing the need for bought-in fertilisers. Researchers shortlisted almost 30 different strains of bugs and fungi to see whether they could reduce crust formation on slurry stores. To identify the best one, they then tested five of the most... Read more
Farmers looking to upgrade slurry management systems are invited to apply for a further £74m in grant funding, The second round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant is the latest tranche of £200m being invested by Defra to tackle agricultural pollution from livestock waste as the government seeks to secure... Read more
Planning for the new lambing season should begin early – even if you normally lamb your flock in late spring. But whenever you start lambing, a practical seven-point plan will set your enterprise up nicely for the peak lambing period early in the New Year. Focus on pregnant ewe... Read more
Livestock producers are urged to remain vigilant following the discovery of bluetongue in cattle on a Norfolk farm last month. A 10km temporary control zone was declared around the premises near Cantley, Broadland. Two infected animals were culled and livestock movement restrictions imposed to minimise the risk of onward... Read more
Fewer new cereal and oilseed varieties appear on the latest Recommended List – but a number of improvements make it easer to decide which are most suitable for differentsituations and markets. The 2024/25 list is shorter for most major crops. But it features several eye-catching additions, including the first... Read more
Wet autumn weather means more growers are likely to include spring barley in their cropping plans this season. A good range of varieties means there are lots to choose from – offering attractive yields, lower growing costs than those typically associated with winter-sown crops, and premium potential where malting... Read more
Farmers looking for a profitable crop on flood-prone soils could do worse than considering miscanthus, say researchers. The energy crop thrives where other crops would be unprofitable or high risk – and it stabilises soil too, suggests a study undertaken by the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences... Read more
Growers are being urged to check farm-saved spring barley seed for diseases such as loose smut and seed-borne net blotch. With winter cereal drilling only around 70-75% complete before autumn storms put a stop to further drilling for many growers across the UK, a larger-than-expected spring crop is now... Read more
Switching fertiliser types to ensure soil micronutrient requirements are met this spring could offer growers multiple benefits, say suppliers. Maximising inputs is understandably a high priority for growers. But prescription nutrition – optimising productivity by ensuring fertiliser usage is as efficient as possible – has become increasingly important. “Making... Read more
More fertiliser manufacturers are launching urea products to meet forthcoming restrictions on ammonia emissions. The so-called Option 4 rules mean growers spreading urea fertilisers beyond 1 April 2024 must apply products coated with urease inhibitors to reduce ammonia emissions. Developed by BASF, new product Starbur has a patented coating... Read more