JCB is targeting farmers and agricultural contractors with a £55,000 backhoe-loader designed to tackle groundworks without hiring specialist machinery. The new 3CX Sitemaster combines an excavator and front loader for jobs including ditch clearance, drainage, water pipe installation and building work. JCB is offering a single specification, with finance... Read more

Many on-farm grain stores need investment – but what are the options after a tough year? Scott McArthur explains 1. After a difficult harvest, why should a cash-strapped cereal grower consider investing in grain storage now rather than postponing it? I think for many growers it makes sense to... Read more

Growers could avoid unnecessary cultivation costs by checking soil structure and nutrient reserves this autumn – rather than following a standard post-harvest crop-establishment programme. An unusually early harvest has provided more time for field assessments, while prolonged drought means soil conditions may differ significantly from a normal season, says... Read more

Cereal growers with crops in store face a volatile six months, with physical supply risks supporting prices but ample global wheat stocks weighing on the market. Black Sea disruption, disappointing European crops and tighter nearby availability are underpinning markets. Yet ADM Agriculture warns that investment funds have built historically... Read more

More farmers are investing in long-term grain handling infrastructure that delivers consistent performance, even after more than a decade in service. Rather than replacing machinery sooner, an increasing number of growers say they are prioritising durability, simplicity and responsive support – qualities they say are essential to keep fixed... Read more

The farmer-owned cooperative Camgrain says it is working harder than ever to deliver value for money to growers following a difficult season. In a message to Camgrain members, cooperative chairman Carl Driver said he was acutely aware of the challenges facing grain producers – including low prices, reduced yields,... Read more

Farmers are being reminded that it is now illegal to use second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides in outdoor locations unless connected to a building. The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) updated its guidance before the law change came into effect on 1 January. It aims to support professional rodenticide applications... Read more

Researchers hope to discover whether growing a mix of varieties could help deliver better milling wheat crops. Funded by the AHDB, the four-year project will assess the potential of milling-wheat variety blends to deliver on yield, meet milling specifications and contribute to more sustainable production practices. The need for... Read more

More wheat is being sold forward as growers try to mitigate market uncertainty and lower commodity prices. Farmers are continuing to turn to forward-selling as grain market pressures persist, says the latest report from the Hectare Trading platform. It follows an increasing intent by farmers to sell crops forward... Read more

Warm weather during the latter half of September has prompted reminders that freshly lifted sugar beet should be delivered to factories as soon as possible. “Temperatures are still relatively warm and therefore it is best to stick to a just-in-time delivery programme where possible – or short storage to... Read more