Arable News

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.

In order to avoid unnecessary yield penalties when late drilling winter wheat, it is key to select the right winter wheat variety.

At Groundswell 2022, Dr Jill Clapperton, principal scientist and owner of Rhizoterra Inc, spoke about how to create, measure and maintain healthy, productive soils that produce nutrient-dense food.

A new course offering sustainability training for farmers and land managers has recently launched in the UK and covers how to integrate biodiversity into farming practices while protecting yield.

Do different crops and varieties behave differently in regenerative and conventional regimes? And how can these differences best be employed to make the most of reductions in tillage, improvements in soil health, increased use of bio-solutions, and fertiliser and other input economies?