Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
High hopes for candidate soft wheat on recommended list
New feed wheat Bamford continues to generate high levels of interest just weeks before the launch of the latest cereals Recommended List (RL). Bred by Elsoms Seeds, Bamford is the highest yielding RL Group Three soft wheat candidate variety this year, says Rodger Shirreff, national seeds business manager for... Read more
New tool makes it easier to plan pest management
A new online tool makes it easier to create Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans – and receive payments under the Sustainable Farming Incentive. The free IPM Planning Tool covers all the main arable and outdoor horticultural crops. It offers easy access to information about proven methods available for controlling... Read more
Farming doctor shortlisted for environment award
A former doctor now working in agriculture says he is committed to building a bridge between farming, health and education. Johnny Wake is managing partner of the 690ha Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire. He says he is on a mission to secure a sustainable future for the business for generations... Read more
Red Tractor scheme faces ‘value for money’ probe
The NFU has commissioned an independent review of farm assurance schemes – including the Red Tractor – and whether they offer value for money. It follows accusations that the union waved through a “greener farm commitment” by the Red Tractor scheme which will see farmers asked to prove their... Read more
Graduate surveyors join expanding team at Hal
Shropshire-based land agent Halls has strengthened two of its divisions by recruiting graduate surveyors. Kate Oakes, 22, from Penkridge, joins the rural professional team led by Halls’ associate director Louise Preece at the firm’s Shrewsbury headquarters. At the same time, Ellie Studley, 21, from Malpas, joins the commercial team... Read more
RASE award honour for farm conservationist
The Royal Agricultural Society of England has named farm conservationist Alastair Leake as the recipient of its 2023 National Agricultural Award. The award recognises Dr Leake’s outstanding contribution to British agriculture through his work leading the Allerton Project – the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust demonstration farm which showcases... Read more
Conference to debate way forward for modern farms
The future of farm management will be debated at a major agricultural conference in London next month. Organised by the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM), the National Farm Management Conference will see a host of top speakers take to the stage on Tuesday, 7 November at the QEII Centre,... Read more
Plan ahead to formulate consistent winter rations
Dairy farmers are being urged to start planning now for winter feeding to ensure cows receive consistent rations and achieve optimum milk yields. With varying silage quality experienced this year, nutrition experts say it is important for dairy farmers to undertake analysis of their forages to gain an accurate... Read more
How to raise hygiene levels to reduce winter calf losses
Livestock producers are being advised to increase hygiene levels in cattle enclosures and calving equipment to prevent unnecessary calf losses this winter. Winter calving can present farmers with a host of environmental challenges, with colder temperatures threatening the survival of weaker animals, the increased risk of disease, and reduced... Read more
Funding available to  improve calf housing
A government fund for new or refurbished calf housing has opened for applications from beef and dairy producers. The Calf Housing for Health and Welfare fund offers grants ranging from £15,000 to £500,000. It covers up to 40% of the cost of calf housing and buildings which improve health... Read more