An independent organisation set up to represent growers following the demise of AHDB Potatoes has appointed its first chief executive. Former NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker took up the new role with GB Potatoes last month. With some 25 years of experience in the farming sector, he brings... Read more
Potato supplier Branston says it is making good progress in reducing the carbon footprint of the crop – from growing through to storage and transport. Climate change, increasingly unpredictable weather events and consumer expectations are focusing the attention of the potato supply chain on the transition to net zero,... Read more
Final touches are being put to this month’s British Potato event, which takes place on 22-23 November at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate. The two-day industry extravaganza brings together thousands of visitors with scores of businesses from across the potato sector – making it an important networking opportunity for... Read more
Drilling high-vigour winter wheat varieties in the New Year could be a viable option for producers battling to get blackgrass problems under control this autumn. With 2023 being a particularly bad year for the weed, drilling until as late as February could allow for cultural and chemical weed controls... Read more
A stacked and sequenced spray programme applied accurately in favourable conditions can help combat resistant ryegrass, says an agronomist. Rob Adamson of Procam says a careful balance of cultural controls, herbicide choice and adequate soil moisture will help growers get on top of the troublesome weed – despite increasing... Read more
Challenging conditions for oilseed rape are making it increasingly important to maintain the momentum of established crops this autumn. Crop nutrition expert say growers should pay special attention to foliar nutrition – and in particular boron – to ensure oilseed rape is sufficiently robust ahead of winter months and... Read more
A two-pass strategy is giving early drilled oilseed rape the best opportunity to grow away from pests on a Staffordshire farm. The approach is saving time, fuel and labour – and improving soil health, says Staffordshire farmer David Roberts, of DS Roberts and Son. It follows the purchase of... Read more
• Look at what you’re already doing • Be clear what you want to achieve • Don’t choose options for payment Arable growers are being encouraged to make sure they choose the right options available under the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). More than 150 growers attending a recent... Read more
Wheat seed enhanced with silicon means plants are stronger and more resisilient to slugs, suggests a study. Trials by i2L show that applying the biostimulant Sirius boosts the natural level of silicon in wheat seed and strengthens the plant. Seedlings from this silicon-enhanced seed are stronger and more resilient... Read more
High slug numbers mean extra vigilance is needed to protect newly sown cereal crops this autumn, says Dick Neale. Slug populations have increased significantly after a wet summer, says Dick Neale, of agronomy company Hutchinsons. Continued moist conditions this autumn have been in stark contrast to the past two... Read more