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Discover industry updates from the last week, handpicked, and they are all free to read. Let’s find out what’s been going on.

This week, it’s been all about potato farming. Farmers Weekly shares more about how to keep your potato crops weed free through the spring, while Farmers Guide explores the impact of the wet weather. Meanwhile, farmers are being urged to take action against online attacks.

How to keep potato crops free from weeds this spring

How can you keep your potato crops free from weeds? Several farmers from the Association of Independent Potato Consultants (AIPC) share their advice on how to keep the weeds at bay in this article for Farmers Weekly.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/weed-management/how-to-keep-potato-crops-free-from-weeds-this-spring

 

Advice on septoria spread as wheat T1 fungicide timing nears

If you’re growing wheat, take note. This season, it’s been recommended to pay even more attention to using their T1 fungicide sprays to avoid septoria.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/wheat/advice-on-septoria-spread-as-wheat-t1-fungicide-timing-nears

 

Potato herbicide plans likely to be impacted by wet March and April showers

The recent wet weather through March and April has had some major effects on potato growers. Plans for potato herbicides have been impacted by the weather. Farmers Guide shares more.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/potato-herbicide-plans-likely-to-be-impacted-by-wet-march-and-april-showers/

 

Farmers urged to take action against online attacks

Online attacks can have detrimental effects on farmers. As such, farmers are being encouraged to appeal to their MPs to get the Government to provide better protection for rural businesses that have been targeted online. The Online Safety Bill aims to protect farmers from detrimental false communications, including fake reviews.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/farmers-urged-to-take-action-against-online-attacks_62434.html

 

New Defra plans offer support for farmers to boost water supply

Defra is making plans that will further provide support for farmers to boost their water supply. Farming UK shares more in this article.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/new-defra-plans-offer-support-for-farmers-to-boost-water-supply_62427.html

 

Will you be joining the farmers in taking action against online attacks? If you are a potato farmer, has your farm been heavily affected by the wet weather?

Stay in the know with the top arable news with our post next week. For now, how about exploring our other content.

Discover industry articles from the last week, handpicked, as they are all free to read. Let’s find out what’s been going on:

This week, explore insights into the lack of good soil nutrient health in the UK, improving yield and crop diseases more prevalent due to the recent wet weather, including chocolate spot and so much more.

UK tractor registrations at the highest monthly level since 2009

Tractor registrations were at an all-time high in March 2023, with around 2,223 machines registered only in the past month. For comparisons, this is roughly 13% higher than the number registered in Spring 2022. Why? Find out more.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/machinery/uk-tractor-registrations-at-highest-monthly-level-since-2009

Two thirds of UK soils deficient in key nutrients, survey shows

Results from a soil analysis report from NRM have found that around two thirds of soils in the UK lack the key nutrients they need to sustain crops. Farming UK covers the data in this post.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/two-thirds-of-uk-soils-deficient-in-key-nutrients-survey-shows_62392.html

Crop Watch: disease and lodging are priorities in soggy spring

Farmers Weekly shares the key information you need to be aware of in the coming weeks with Crop Watch, including the impact of recent weather on your crops.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-watch/crop-watch-disease-and-lodging-are-priority-in-soggy-spring

How a trickle approach can cut potato irrigation energy costs

How can you cut potato irrigation energy costs? Farmers Weekly suggests a trickle approach may be the answer in this insightful article.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/potatoes/how-a-trickle-approach-can-cut-potato-irrigation-energy-costs

Online course to help farmers tackle ammonia emissions

If you’re looking to reduce your ammonia emissions, take note. A course from Basis will help you have the knowledge that you need to reduce emissions. Farmers Weekly shares more.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/nutrition-and-fertiliser/online-course-to-help-farmers-tackle-ammonia-emissions

Cover crop trial sees boost in yields while protecting water quality

A trial has recently taken place on a farm in Cheshire that has found that growing cover crops and undertaking analysis of soil can help to reduce the use of artificial fertiliser. In addition to this, the trial resulted in boosted yields. Farming UK shares more.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/cover-crop-trial-sees-boost-in-yields-while-protecting-water-quality_62397.html

Cold and wet weather increases chocolate spot risk in bean crops

For farmers growing bean crops, take note. The recent wet weather may increase the risk of chocolate spot for the season ahead. Farmers Guide shares what you need to know.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/cold-and-wet-weather-increases-chocolate-spot-risk-in-bean-crops/

How will you handle the effects of the recent bad weather on your crops?

Stay in the know with the top arable news with our post next week. For now, how about exploring our other content.

We’re starting to pull together regular blog posts to showcase a handpicked collection of industry articles – all free to read. Let’s find out what’s been going on over the past week.

This week, Farmers Guide shares how yellow rust may be on the rise following a mild winter. Farmers unions are urging the government to extend its Energy and Trade Intensive Industry scheme to more sectors of the farming industry. The Fendt 728 makes its way onto UK soil.

Extend energy aid to farming to secure food supply – unions

Leaders in the primary farming unions have appealed to the government to reconsider the sectors of farming that have been included in the Energy and Trade Intensive Industry (ETII) scheme. Farmers Weekly shares more in this blog post.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/markets-and-trends/input-prices/extend-energy-aid-to-farming-to-secure-food-supply-unions

Multisites can extend life of single-site popular cereal fungicides

Multisite protectant fungicides may be the next big thing for farmers. Research from Michael Grimmer has found that using a multisite protectant fungicide can substantially increase the life of single-site curative fungicides. Farmers Weekly explores the research in this article.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/disease-management/multisites-can-extend-life-of-single-site-popular-cereal-fungicides

Does wheat market recovery present opportunity to sell?

Is the wheat market improving? Despite wheat prices making small improvements over the last week, the outlook is still somewhat bleak according to Farmers Weekly.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/markets-and-trends/crop-prices/does-wheat-market-recovery-present-opportunity-to-sell

First impressions: new £250,000 Fendt 728 lands on UK soil

Is the Fendt 728 really worth its £250,000 price tag? The new vehicle has arrived in the UK – Farmers Weekly shares first impressions.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/machinery/tractors/201-300hp/first-impressions-new-250000-fendt-728-lands-on-uk-soil

Crop Watch: wet weather woes as field jobs pile up

The March weather made for an unpredictable month in farming. Farmers Weekly shares its latest Crop Watch for the month ahead in light of the recent fickle weather.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-watch/crop-watch-wet-weather-woes-as-field-jobs-pile-up

Arable and vegetable producers can benefit from new irradiation sensor

A new, more precise way to manage irrigation, disease protection and fieldwork is on the horizon for arable farmers with the launch of a new irradiation sensor. The sensor will help to improve productivity and reduce costs, and it is incredibly accurate. Farmers Guide shares more.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/arable-and-vegetable-producers-can-benefit-from-new-irradiance-sensor/

Plan your OSR management carefully this season

Hutchinsons is warning farmers to be more careful when managing crops in the upcoming season thanks to the recent OSR growth variation throughout the spring. Farmers Guide shares more.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/plan-your-osr-management-carefully-this-season/

Increase vigilance for yellow rust this spring

Farmers beware – cases of yellow rust may be on the rise following the winter. Farmers Guide explores yellow rust and how to stay vigilant.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/increase-vigilance-for-yellow-rust-this-spring/

How will you stay ahead of the curve in the upcoming season? Will you be investing in the Fendt 728?

Stay in the know with the top arable news with our post next week. For now, how about exploring our other content.

 

We’re starting to pull together regular blog posts to showcase a handpicked collection of industry articles – all free to read. Let’s find out what’s been going on the past couple of weeks.

Farmer’s Weekly shares guidance on how to keep wheat disease under control now that the prices of fungicides are rapidly soaring. With uncertainties about the Black Sea corridor renewal for exports from Ukraine, UK wheat prices are taking the fall. In addition, the Lincolnshire Farming Conference is returning in 2023. Meanwhile, new technologies could pave the future of the British farming industry.

Advice on controlling wheat disease as fungicide prices rise

With the cost of fungicides rising, how can farmers control wheat disease? Farmer’s Weekly shares guidance on controlling wheat disease, including making strategic decisions on spending on fungicides.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/crop-management/disease-management/tips-to-help-control-wheat-disease-as-fungicide-prices-rise

Simple vehicle safety steps to protect your farm and future

A staggering number of deaths happen each year in the agriculture industry. Keep yourselves safe with this article from Farmer’s Weekly.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/simple-vehicle-safety-steps-to-protect-your-farm-and-future

Fickle UK wheat prices bear the brunt of volatile global markets

There has been increasing pressure on wheat prices in the UK. With the global grain market in a volatile state due to the uncertainties about the Black Sea corridor renewal for exports from Ukraine, unfortunately, the UK’s wheat prices have paid the price. Farmer’s Weekly shares more.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/markets-and-trends/crop-prices/fickle-uk-wheat-prices-bear-the-brunt-of-volatile-global-markets

BPS 2023 now open for applications in England

Applications are now open for farmers in England for the Basic Payment Scheme this year. The application window is from Tuesday, 14 March, until Monday, 15 May.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/payments-schemes/bps/bps-2023-now-open-for-applications-in-england

“Some welcome news, some missed opportunities” in the spring budget for farming

The spring budget was announced by Chancellor Hunt on 15 March 2023. Many are happy to see extensions on the energy price guarantee, though some are concerned about how little action has been taken on frozen tax thresholds and green incentives. Farmers Guide shares more.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/some-welcome-measures-some-missed-opportunities-in-spring-budget-for-farming/

NIAB research helps growers prioritise grass weed control

Research has drawn attention to the importance for farmers to target grass weeds in their crops now rather than waiting until later in the season. The same research highlights the Axial Pro’s role in controlling grass weeds at the start of the growing process.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/niab-research-helps-growers-prioritise-grass-weed-control/

Lincolnshire Farming Conference returns with ‘Healthy soils, Healthy minds’ theme

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lincolnshire Farming Conference is coming back. This year’s theme centres around a key theme, ‘healthy soils, healthy minds.’ The theme is designed to illustrate how healthy soil and healthy minds are compatible, drawing attention to the fact that soil health issues are likely having a massive effect on farmers. Farmers Guide shares more.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/lincolnshire-farming-conference-returns-with-healthy-soils-healthy-minds-theme/

Scientists discover novel gene in hope for bolstered food security

How can crops use energy more effectively? Scientists have found that there may be a crucial gene in crops that help them to be more efficient in their energy usage. This information could be a massive contributor to global food security in the future. Farming UK shares more.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/scientists-discover-novel-gene-in-hope-for-bolstered-food-security_62270.html

20 – 27 March 2023

Benefits of undersowing maise for soil, water and grazing

What are the best conditions for growing maise? Tom Kimber of Higher Stavordale Farm shares the advantages of undersowing maise.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/maize/benefits-of-undersowing-maize-for-soil-water-and-grazing

Gene-edited crops move closer after bill gains royal assent

We may see more gene-edited food crops grown and developed on farms in the UK. Parliament has recently released a bill to encourage more gene-edited crops to be developed. However, similar bills are yet to be approved in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/gene-edited-crops-moves-closer-after-bill-gains-royal-assent

Vertical farming business wins funding for large London site

Could vertical farming be a common occurrence in the future? Harvest London, a company specialising in vertical farming, has recently received funding to set up a 140,000 square feet site in South London. Farmer’s Weekly shares more.

https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/vertical-farming-business-wins-funding-for-large-london-site

Trials to investigate sulphur-based fungicide programmes

Sulphur-based fungicide programmes are demonstrating that these kinds of fungicides may be ideal for farmers. Trials have shown that these fungicides work well against mildew and come with a range of other benefits. Farmer’s Guardian shares more.

https://www.fginsight.com/news/trials-to-investigate-sulphur-based-fungicide-programmes-134422

Innovative farming technologies awarded £9.13 million in funding

AI and robotics could make a major difference to the farming industry, with three innovative new projects surrounding automation and robotics receiving funding.

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/innovative-farming-technologies-awarded-9-13-million-in-funding/

Entries are now open for the 2023 British Farming Awards

Could you be the winner of an award in this year’s British Farming Awards? Applications are now open for farmers throughout the UK.

https://www.farminguk.com/news/entries-now-open-for-2023-british-farming-awards_62279.html

How are you handling the recent changes to the farming industry in the UK?

Stay in the know with the top arable news with our post next week. For now, how about exploring our other content.