Urgent steps are needed to safeguard the future of the UK’s horticulture sector, says a hard-hitting House of Lords report. The £5 billion industry – focusing on fruit, vegetables and ornamental plants – is at a crossroads, says the study. It is under-prioritised and unappreciated by policymakers – threatening... Read more
Exceptionally wet weather this autumn means time is running out for growers still unable to drill winter-sown cereals. Winter wheat can be drilled until January. But leaving it too late can result in reduced germination and plant populations. This is due to lack of warmth and suboptimal moisture levels... Read more
Wolds Produce joins the AKP Group
News 30/11/2023
The AKP Group, one of the UK’s biggest vertically integrated potato supply chain specialists, has completed the acquisition of Wolds Produce. Established in 1999 by Richard Arundel and Bruce Kerr, the AKP Group is a North Lincolnshire potato grower and supply chain specialist, delivering potatoes to the retail, processing... Read more
Investment needed to realise rural potential
News 30/11/2023
Industry leaders are calling for targeted investment in agriculture following a disappointing Autumn Statement for the sector. Many farmers will miss out on an £11bn corporate tax incentive unveiled by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last month. Reductions in national insurance will be a benefit – but previously announced changes mean... Read more
Visitors will be treated to a range of freshly launched products at this month’s Midlands Machinery Show in Nottinghamshire. Aimed at an ever-evolving market, the two-day event takes place on 8-9 November at the Newark Showground. “It’s great that so many exhibitors find the show the best place to... Read more
Farmland values have plateaued following eight successive quarters of sustained growth, suggest the latest estimates. Arable land prices have averaged £10,900/acre so far during 2023, according to Strutt & Parker’s farmland database, which records sales of farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed land larger than 100 acres. This... Read more
Drones are set to transform UK crop production – helping farmers keep a lid on costs at a time when growers are keen to optimise profitability. Although drones have been used to monitor crops for a number of years, the benefits they could bring to increased productivity, cost reduction... Read more
Forward-thinking arable farmers can access exclusive updates and insights from industry leaders and innovators at this month’s CropTec event. Top speakers to tackle the sector’s most pressing topics have been lined up for the two-day show. It takes place on 29-30 November at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh,... Read more
Good harvest yields reported for maize
Livestock 03/11/2023
Early indications suggest a bumper harvest for maize production this year with high yields of good quality material that should clamp and feed well. Fears that the relatively cold, wet spring and challenging drilling conditions could result in later maturing crops for many growers have been largely abated, says... Read more
British sheep farmers are being urged to remain vigilant following confirmation of a new bluetongue strain spreading rapidly in the Netherlands. Concern about the proximity of the BTV-3 virus to the UK – and eastern region sheep flocks in particular – prompted an emergency meeting of representatives from more... Read more