Grain cooperative Camgrain says it remains well-placed to remove ergot from cereal crops this summer – after winning praise for the way it helped growers deal with the problem last year. The farmer-owned storage and processing facility invested some £500,000 in colour-sorting machines after ergot made an aggressive comeback... Read more
EXPERT VIEW Is game changing wheat Bamford still changing the game? Four experts give their verdicts. Now in its second year on the Recommended List, Group 3 soft wheat Bamford came through a challenging first full commercial season in 2024. Bred by Elsoms Seeds, the first year was dominated... Read more
Poor trailer safety is being highlighted as a key contributor to farm fatalities during the busy harvest period. Farmers and harvest workers are being urged to undertake daily checks and ensure tractors and tailers are well-maintained. Trailers should also be serviced and in good condition well before what is... Read more
• Think about sulphur – not only nitrogen • Nutrient efficiency at heart of decisions • Consider decoupling for more flexibility Growers and agronomists are advised to think more broadly when devising their fertiliaer plans for next season. A wider view when it comes to organic and inorganic fertilise... Read more
Popularity is increasing among growers after an influx of new varieties from breeders A breeding revival in both Group 3 and soft Group 4 sectors is helping soft wheats make a comeback on farms. Back in the day, nearly 50% of the UK wheat area was down to soft... Read more
Earlier harvest set to follow dry spring
Arable 05/06/2025
• Lack of rain hits UK cereal crops • Wheat and barley under stress • Yield penalties on parched soil Growers face an earlier harvest with combines expected to roll into cereal crops later this month after the driest start to spring for more than 60 years. Reservoir levels... Read more
Growers seeking to achieve protein specification in milling wheat are being reminded to optimise nitrogen without overstepping or compromising economic thresholds. Modern wheat varieties have huge yield potential – but growers must be realistic about whether these can be achieved on their own farms, say two advisers from agronomy... Read more
Defra plan to ‘reduce pesticides risks’
Arable 01/05/2025
Environmental risks from pesticides must be reduced by 10% in the next five years, says the government. The UK National Action Plan on Pesticides says farmers must ensure pesticide use is sustainable – protecting the environment and human health while boostig food production for the long-term future. The plan... Read more
Latest advice for potato storage available
Arable 01/05/2025
Advice for potato store managers will be available at a special event in Lincolnshire this month. Strategic Potato Storage Day is an industry event dedicated to knowledge and innovation in potato storage. Organised by Potato Storage Insight, it will bring together potato growers, store managers, researchers and technology providers.... Read more
• Signs of disease at an early stage • Growers advised to keep eye out • Send samples away to be tested Growers should remain vigilant after signs of yellow rust in winter wheat varieties classed as resistant to the disease. Unusual early observations of yellow rust on several... Read more