Arable News

Many growers across the country are risking a serious escalation of their black-grass problems by failing to pay sufficient attention to key elements of cultural control, according to the latest national grassweed study run independently for Bayer this season.

The industry is in a better position to protect the quality and yield of linseed seed crops this harvest, thanks to a new emergency authorisation of a desiccant secured by AHDB.

The NFU has published 26 examples of how farmers are working towards net zero on their farms, showing how other farmers can make changes to their businesses to help achieve the NFU’s 2040 net zero ambition.

A field containing more than 275,000 sunflowers near Truro will open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the public to enjoy and to help raise funds for Sowenna, Cornwall’s mental health unit for young people.

Decisions taken during harvest can have repercussions 12 months later. With farmers determined to recover from a difficult 2019/20, what steps can they take to increase the chances of a successful crop next year? 

Scottish berry brand, AVA Berries, is toasting its strongest seasonal sales to date following the launch of a new influencer and experiential marketing campaign shortly after lockdown was introduced.

When Cornish farmer Ashley Jones, of Smeaton Farm, harvested his 4.5ha field of oilseed rape hybrid LG Ambassador on the 22nd July, it yielded a very pleasing 4.07t/ha. A second crop of the conventional Aspire also performed well at 3.58t/ha.

Resistant ‘super rats’ are breeding in the UK and more information is needed to reduce their numbers. A new survey will compile data to establish the extent to which resistance is understood and what methods farmers are using to control rodent infestations.

As the first signs of rust (Uromyces betae) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe betae) are reported in crops, growers should prepare to make the first of two fungicide applications advised by the BBRO to protect yield potential.

Cereal growers are being offered an opportunity to learn about their fields’ aphid populations by getting involved in an ADAS-led research project.

Secondary tillering and the uneven ripening of cereal crops this summer is presenting challenges to growers as harvest approaches. However, these issues can be overcome by switching from dry harvest to crimping, according to feed preservation specialists, Kelvin Cave Ltd.

Following the successful launch of Burgundy Broccoli to the UK market in 2019, Lincolnshire-based seed developers Elsoms Seeds and growers Staples Vegetables Ltd, are entering the UK’s second season of