Arable News

With severe staffing shortages the national grower’s organisation, British Apples & Pears, is leading the way to ensure Brits have access to healthy British fruit.

Using the right micronutrients at the right time is the most sure-fire way to maximise yields – especially considering the circumstances this year.

Control of perennial weeds such as docks, thistles and buttercups is easier and much more cost-effective in new-sown leys than spraying mature, fully established weeds a year later, according to Dr Nicola Perry, weed biology specialist for Corteva Agriscience.

High protein wheats typically demand a premium, but often at the cost of increased inputs. A home-grown high specification wheat with a high protein content, is continuing to buck the trend, with a strong disease resistance profile and growing UK demand.

Seed breeders DSV and Openfield are launching a joint initiative to provide oilseed rape growers with 20% more seed in 2020 without having to pay extra for it.

The wide range in winter wheat drilling dates and differing development speeds of some varieties are contributing to making this one of the most complex seasons ever for timing flag leaf sprays, experts are suggesting.

Cover crop strategies – designed to protect margins, capitalise on farm payments and maximise environmental benefits – are essential, according to AHDB-funded research.

Straw merchant PJ Reed offers guidance on preventing straw becoming water damaged and explores how its range could save time, money, fuel, labour and machinery wear.

Growing demand, exciting new uses and development of high consistency genetics, mean combinable peas have much to offer UK growers – but just how easy is it to include them in arable rotations?

The project, ‘Diverfarming’, aims to develop and test different cropping systems to increase land productivity and crop quality, whilst reducing machinery, fertilisers, pesticides, energy and water use.

Impressive trials performances by a new co-formulated blight fungicide could give growers confidence that they can stay on top of the disease this year.

Having a fully prepared grain store by paying particular attention to hygiene, could be key to avoiding costly insect and rodent infestations over the long storage period later in the year.