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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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