Author Posts: Sarah Kidby
Book review
Clarkson’s new book combines humour with an unflinching insight into life as a British farmer
6th October 2022
British farming’s unexpected advocate Jeremy Clarkson is back with a new book this autumn, picking up from where he left off in A Year on the Farm, which described his first year as a farmer. It was a year that included ‘biblical weather, a forest of red tape, a lockdown, a herd of escapey sheep [and] 10 million vindictive bees […]’.
Atypical end to season brought an early harvest – but how was yield affected?
2nd October 2022
Record temperatures and a severe lack of rainfall across the summer months led to cereals being harvested up to three weeks’ earlier than usual for some areas of the UK, with field fires in Eastern regions adding extra pressure to bring the grain in.
Digital decision-making tool helps to deliver on-farm efficiency
1st October 2022
Combining satellite technology with precision machinery has enabled cereal grower Pat Thornton to reap the rewards of better crop uniformity and yield, by optimising inputs usage and tracking disease, on his farm in Doncaster.
Extended OSR disease exposure possible, growers warned
29th September 2022
Forward rapeseed prices remain strong and there is every chance early August drilled crops will grow away from CSFB as well as phoma and light leaf spot (LLS) threats. But don’t be complacent is the message from agronomists.
Avian flu prevention zone introduced in SW and East of England
29th September 2022
The UK’s chief vet is urging bird keepers in all areas to maintain strict biosecurity measures as cases of H5N1 have continued through September.
Free mapping tool boosts farm profits and aids future planning
28th September 2022
When fourth generation farmer Tim Hopkin was facing the loss of his family farm as it was no longer profitable, he decided to come up with a solution. The result was Land App – a free mapping platform that helps farmers plan for the future and get the revenue they deserve from their land.
Sprayer app trials show improved autumn grass weed control
28th September 2022
Syngenta trials have shown that selecting farm sprayer settings with its Spray Assist app could deliver up to 40% better results for autumn grass weed control, compared to some on-farm techniques.
A winning insight into soil dynamics and the nutrient cycling
28th September 2022
TerraMap Gold is an unrivalled soil nutritional and management service from Hutchinsons that combines the most comprehensive soil analysis with the most accurate soil mapping.
Defra responds to rumours that ELMS could be scrapped
27th September 2022
Media reports that the government is set to change or scrap the ELM subsidy schemes, backpedalling on its environmental commitments, “are simply not right”, Defra insists.
Managing wormer resistance is key to flock health planning
26th September 2022
Wormer resistance presents a growing threat to the sheep sector and has prompted Powys-based shepherd Ernie Richards to implement a more sustainable worming programme that supports flock performance while preserving wormer efficacy.
Battling the effects of war, drought and extreme weather events: A Romanian farmer’s perspective
26th September 2022
Farmers Guide staff writer, Henrietta Szathmary, returned to Romania recently to visit her family farm, run by her father Laszlo. She discusses the effects of the Russian conflict, adding to existing challenges amid increasingly extreme weather.
Project aims to tackle ear tag issues on cattle and sheep farms
26th September 2022
Researchers are looking to speak to a range of farmers and crofters to help improve retention rates and avoid penalties due to missing ear tags.