Arable News

With few policy makers having spent time at the coal face of farming, what is the future of UK agriculture?

Beet yields and sugar levels are lower than hoped for on Andrew Ward’s farm, but not as bad as expected given the late drilling in a very wet year.

Following the Malting Barley Committees’ (MBC) autumn meeting earlier this month, the winter malting barley Buccaneer from Elsoms Seeds was granted full approval for brewing use. 

Agriculture director at British Sugar, Dan Green, has shared the latest update on this year’s sugar beet campaign. 

The 2024 AHDB Cereal Quality Survey (CQS) confirms harvest reports of low protein for wheat and low nitrogen levels in barley. However, there are also positive findings. 

Growers pondering crop choices for spring 2025 have much to consider – not least how best to ensure a balanced rotation, which crops have attractive market buy-backs and whether a short-term cover crop might be worth considering.

With almost 70 varieties on the NIAB UK Descriptive list (DL) for forage maize and many new varieties in trials, selecting the right maize variety can be a potential minefield according to Hutchinsons agronomist Jim Clark.

Sugar beet breeder SESVanderHave has spoken about the importance of storability, as it is vital that the quality of the beets is maintained as they wait to be taken to the sugar plant. 

Farmers have been advised to be flexible in their approach to managing later-drilled winter wheat crops after the planting delays caused by the wet start to autumn. 

Corteva Agriscience is warning farmers that weeds are continuing to emerge and grow in oilseed rape crops later than usual due to unseasonably mild temperatures.  

A planning application has been submitted to build a new beet drier at a Norfolk-based sugar factory.

Farmers with winter wheat still to drill this autumn need to be patient and do all they can to ensure crop establishment and soil health are not compromised following recent wet conditions, said Hutchinsons’ expert.