Genetic improvements to OSR varieties offer greater resistance to major diseases

Emerging OSR varieties with improved genetics that keep plant stems healthy are offering growers increased resistance to yield-robbing diseases such as phoma, light leaf spot and verticillium, according to LSPB managing director Chris Guest.

Kent berry growing business acquires premium salads

Laurence J Betts Ltd (LJ Betts), grower of premium salads since 1930, has been acquired by the Regan family who are the owners of Hugh Lowe Farms Ltd, a neighbouring berry growing business in Kent, and of Blaise Plants Ltd, a plant propagator.

Stress relief in flowering maize to boost cob size and yield

Maize crops stand to make big gains in cob quality and dry matter yield with Quantis for stress relief through the crucial pollen development stage at flowering, along with any subsequent heat events.

New hybrid barley varieties offer enhanced vigour and disease resistance

Two new hybrid winter feed barley varieties from Syngenta have become available for planting this autumn, offering enhanced defence against two of the major yield-robbing diseases alongside increased vigour and yields.

Survey predicts reduced wheat area with barley and OSR on the rise

Results from the latest Planting and Variety Survey indicate that more barley and oilseed rape (OSR) are being sown in the UK at the expense of wheat, the area of which is estimated to decrease by 3% for harvest 2023.

Farmers will need to show photo ID when ordering fertilisers

Farmers, growers and buying co-operatives must brace for changes in the law which will require them to provide photo ID when purchasing ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilisers from October, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has warned.

New research project aims to kickstart domestic chickpea production

A two-year feasibility study led by crop research organisation NIAB is set to explore the potential for domestic chickpea production, which could further reduce fertiliser reliance in the UK arable sector.

Keep revised WRAG guidance in mind when managing stubbles ahead of autumn drilling

Farmers need to maximise efficacy and minimise resistance risks when using glyphosate to eliminate weeds ahead of drilling according to Matt Siggs of Bayer. Roundup (glyphosate) is a vital control tool on many farms, so a proactive approach is best to ensure long-term efficacy.

Groundswell inspires progressive change in regenerative agriculture

The UK’s only two-day on-farm regenerative agriculture conference, Groundswell, sold out for another year, attracting over 6,500 attendees, with 75% either directly farming or involved in a farming enterprise.   

Growers advised to mitigate rising Alternaria risk in potatoes

Arable farmers are being advised to revise their blight strategies now to target Alternaria, as a cold and wet spring followed by weeks of hot and dry weather have made potato crops significantly more susceptible to infection.

Deadline extended for farmers to fill out planting and variety survey

AHDB has extended the deadline for levy payers to complete this year’s Planting and Variety Survey to Friday 21st July, in order to gain the best possible estimate of planted area for the upcoming harvest.

Diversify grassland swards to reduce nitrogen use and boost yields

Adding clover and herbs to the mix when reseeding not only reduces the need for bought-in fertiliser, but also provides grassland swards with a boost in dry matter yield, trials by ProCam’s Field Options division have shown.

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