Plant breeders have changed the way the recommend forage maize varieties because climate change is making local growing conditions harder to forecast. The British Society of Plant Breeders said it was replacing its site-based forage maize variety classifications with four maturity and performance lists for 2027 – aiming to... Read more

Small improvements could almost treble profits on a typical arable farm, say experts – highlighting the need to scrutinise all parts of the business. A 400ha arable enterprise making £16,800 could lift net profit by 166% to £44,600 by raising output by 5% while cutting fixed and variable costs... Read more

Potato growers are being warned against cutting fungicide programmes too soon after resistant late blight was detected at two sites and wetter weather increased the risk of late-season infection. The EU_46 strain was identified in Shropshire and Lancashire before conditions turned dry. Although disease pressure has remained unusually low... Read more

Potato growers may need to rethink irrigation as climate change exposes a growing gap between having enough water and being able to apply it quickly enough, says an independent expert. A potato crop can use 6-7mm of water a day during prolonged dry weather, according to potato consultant Mark... Read more

Sparkler winter wheat has won repeat orders from growers after topping yields on two farms despite prolonged drought and an unusually early harvest. The Group 4 soft wheat yielded up to 8.65t/ha during its first commercial season since joining the Recommended List in December 2025. Growers also reported good... Read more

Growers are being urged to examine how effectively crops use phosphorus before spending money on further applications, as new tools seek to improve returns from fertiliser inputs. A new Phosphate Stewardship Hub shifts the focus from how much nutrient is applied to how much crops can access. It uses... Read more

Recent rain has restarted autumn drilling and revived the prospect of serious slug damage in emerging crops after the dry summer, ADAMA UK has warned. Growers are being reminded to monitor fields, study forecasts and prepare calibrated spreaders. Slug pellets should be used only after surface activity is confirmed... Read more

Oat growers are being asked to provide more detailed environmental data as processors and brands seek to strengthen supply chains following a run of weather-hit harvests. Grain trader Robin Appel Ltd has partnered with Soil Association Exchange to measure 15 supplying farms against 40 metrics. The initiative reflects growing... Read more

Farmers could use the gap created by an early harvest to identify loss-making land before committing seed and inputs to another cropping season. Yield maps can reveal areas that repeatedly fail to cover costs. Analysing several seasons together can indicate whether margins could be improved by tweaking crop management,... Read more

Genetic tolerance to barley yellow dwarf virus could become a standard feature of UK winter barley to protect yields while reducing reliance on insecticides. Strong results for new two-row winter barley LG Catapult suggest BYDV tolerance can be delivered without sacrificing yield. The trait could become increasingly important as... Read more