Arable News

The Cambridgeshire-based firm Techneat Engineering has confirmed it will be launching its new Multicast Applicator at LAMMA 2023, enabling farmers to spread all types and sizes of seeds with the same unit.

With increasing awareness of problem soils and their impact on arable farm productivity, results from a recent trial provide insights into how soil activators aimed at improving fertility could help turn things around.

Firefoxx, a high-yielding spring malting barley with early maturity, bred by Elsoms-Ackermann Barley, has received full approval for malt distilling use by the Malting Barley Committee (MBC) confirms Paul Taylor, Head of Agriculture at Elsoms Seeds.

Exhibitors gathered at the new Cereals Event site last week to examine their crop plots and discuss plans for the event. Despite torrential rain, the new location, at Thoresby Hall, Newark, looked a picture, with the 60ha site protected by trees on the edge of Sherwood Forest.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to take a look at crops and field conditions and create a plan of action for next year.

Spring cropping remains an important option for many northern farms, and growers should think about variety choices carefully and take steps to secure seed early, said CAS arable agronomist Archie Boase, part of Hutchinsons.

More farmers are planning to harvest winter crops in 2023 according to AHDB’s Early Bird Survey, likely due to the favourable weather conditions and wider drilling window this autumn.

With lower yield variability and decreased input costs, not to mention being an important weed control tool for farms with a significant black-grass burden, spring cropping options offer some impressive benefits – despite the reduction in overall yield versus their winter counterparts.

The four councils, Beef & Lamb, Cereals & Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork, have published sector plans as part of a commitment to outline how the levy will be invested over the next five years.

Edward Earnshaw, who farms two units in Gloucestershire and Leicestershire, and advises other farms on RPA grants, says Land App is easy for any farmer to use and has brought a range of benefits, not only to his own farm, but also those of his clients.

Farmers wishing to sneak a peek at a Standen harvester in action can still request demonstrations by contacting the Standen team, who have been busy demoing machinery across their harvester and planter range.

Growers from various parts of the UK have seen good results drilling primed Tennyson this year, reporting early growth vigour, uniform crop size and improved resistance to pests and disease.