Arable News

Following a difficult winter, many growers will be relying on spring crops to deliver farm profits. For those drilling spring oilseed rape, getting the crops established and away quickly will be key to productivity. David McLellan, agronomist at Omya UK, says there are some quick wins growers can take advantage of.

With a lot of uncertainty this spring, a Suffolk sugar beet grower who hasn’t opted for Cruiser-treated seed is nervous about aphids but has confidence in his variety choice.

The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena has become a ‘shop window’ at the Cereals Event for the latest innovation and technologies. This year will be no different, with a display of new developments in pioneering precision application practices.

Manufacturer Techneat Engineering has recently showcased its latest product, Rotorscare.

An eagerly awaited fungicide product that has delivered substantial yield gains in wheat and barley trials has received authorisation for use in Great Britain, confirms its manufacturer, Syngenta. 

Agrochemical manufacturer Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe, known for its biorational agricultural products and solutions, aims to strengthen its market presence in both Europe and the UK with a significant pipeline of new products.

Defra has just announced changes that make it easier for farmers to grow hemp, maximising its economic and environmental potential. However, strict laws on cannabis remain in place.

The British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) has announced new and withdrawn varieties on the sugar beet list, bringing it to a total of 22 varieties for 2025.

A perfect storm of late-drilled fields, susceptible varieties and a mild winter mean that yellow rust is now lurking in many winter wheat crops, said a Syngenta cereal disease expert.

Delve deeper into the benefits of Omya Calciprill, a granulated soil conditioner made from high quality natural calcium carbonate.

Are schemes such as SFI and Countryside Stewardship making it possible – and profitable – to produce food and care for the natural environment? Sarah Juggins investigates.

Farming and food production is full of uncertainty at the moment – driven by the extreme wet weather, funding for environmental schemes taking priority over growing crops, and lack of data for decision-making.