Adopting variable rate nitrogen application could help growers offset the cost of the UK’s new carbon border tax without sacrificing yield. Variable rate applications can trim unnecessary spend by targeting fertiliser where crops are most likely to respond, rather than applying a flat rate across every field, say advocates.... Read more

Cereal management will be increasingly important this season amid rising costs, volatile markets and unpredictable weather. That was a key message at last month’s annual technical agronomy conference, held by the Association of Independent Crop Consultants at Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, in Northamptonshire. Arable farming faces a perfect storm of... Read more

Farmers are being urged to prepare now for the launch of the revamped Sustainable Farming Incentive later this year. It follows Defra confirmation that the SFI scheme will re-open for smaller farms and those without an existing agreement before the end of June. Other farms will be able to... Read more

A new winter wheat resistant to barley yellow dwarf virus is closing the yield gap with varieties without the trait, says Yielding 102.8% on the new Recommended List, RGT Guardsman is the first BYDV-resistant wheat to yield greater than 100% of the controls – a significant landmark in the... Read more

Seed breeder KWS has three new winter wheats on the 2026/27 Recommended List (RL) – including the new highest-yielding variety. KWS Aintree promises high, reliable yields while KWS Fowlmere stands out for its exceptionally early maturity. In addition, KWS Grebe offers the rare benefit of Orange Wheat Blossom Midge... Read more

A major potato pest has been eradicated from the UK, says the government, following a two-year investigation and ongoing surveillance work. It follows the discovery of Colorado beetle on a Kent farm in 2023. The beetle can completely strip the leaves from potato plants – devastating the crop if... Read more

When Warwickshire arable farmer Hugh Forsyth returned to the family business in 2005, he stepped into a legacy of farming and set about building a future-proof business. Before taking the reins, Mr Forsyth studied at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. He also completed two-and-a-half years with Velcourt on their... Read more

Farmers who haven’t yet done so are being urged to secure their fertiliser supplies sooner rather than later. Fertiliser manufacturer Yara says it is working hard during the winter months to ensure next spring’s deliveries reach farms on time – from planning vehicle fleets to managing driver rosters. This... Read more

United Oilseeds has been vocal in highlighting the need to restore UK oilseed rape to sustainable production levels – not only for the benefit of farmers, but for the wider economy, biodiversity, and national food and feed security. Over the past decade, the decline in cultivation of the crop... Read more

Sales of oilseed rape seed have increased by 25% following a bumper season for the crop. The rise marks renewed confidence in oilseed rape – on the back of low cabbage stem flea beetle numbers, decent yields for many growers and better prices – particularly in comparison with other... Read more