Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
Granular nutrition offer growers multiple benefits
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
Protected urea fertiliser is ‘game-changer’ for farmers
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
Unpredictable weather changes emphasis for maize this spring
Drilling maize by soil temperature rather than calendar date is increasingly important in light of increasingly variable weather conditions during spring. With potential yield loss from uneven emergence as high as 40% and poor seedbed conditions at drilling being a further challenge, growers need to take extra care with... Read more
Barley growers to reduce emissions
Malting barley growers are being encouraged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions – helping to future-proof their businesses and lower their environmental impact. It follows a collaboration between Simpsons Malt and BASF. The companies are working with grower groups this winter and spring to record how they can reduce... Read more
Entries open for Soil Farmer of the Year
The annual competition to find the UK’s Soil Farmer of the Year is open for entries. Run by the Farm Carbon Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture, the accolade champions farmers who lead the way in improving soil health and increasing the resilience of their farm business. The competition has... Read more
Why oats are increasingly popular spring option
  More farmers are expected to grow spring oats as they seek to loosen up rotations and limit the build-up of disease. Oats for human consumption will continue to be grown predominantly in Scotland, say seed breeders. But growers much further south are realising the potential of the crop... Read more
Wet autumn paves way for surge in spring crops
A big increase in spring cropping is on the cards with wet weather and sodden fields leaving many growers unable to get drilled up last autumn. Growers who haven’t already done so are being advised to make spring cropping decisions and secure seed sooner rather than later – or... Read more
Fatstock Cup double for Oswestry farmer
Oswestry sheep farmer Martin Jones completed a notable silverware double at Christmas fatstock show and sales at livestock markets in Shropshire. Mr Jones, from Lower Forest, The Racecourse, followed a  cup win at Oswestry Market by winning the silverware on offer in the Christmas Fatstock Show and Sale at... Read more
Lincolnshire farmer grows first crop of UK baked beans
British-grown baked beans are one step nearer thanks to a Lincolnshire farmer and scientists at Warwick University. The first crop of commercially grown Capulet beans have been harvested by Andrew Ward, who farms at Leadenham, between Sleaford and Newark. Previously, baked beans have had to be imported from as... Read more
Farm outlook: Good cashflow will be key to successful 2024
A tight rein on cashflow will be key for farmers wanting to optimise their business performance this year, say analysts. Balancing input costs and farm output will remain a challenge over the coming months, says Andersons Outlook 2024– the annual forecast for the year ahead published by the farm... Read more