Author Posts: Farmers Guide

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

Are you looking to raise finance to fund a diversification plan? Business Finance Brokers Ltd can help you secure asset finance from 12 up to 84 months on projects.

Diversification can be a very positive transition, when approached with the right amount of research and planning, providing a multifaceted business to weather the storms.

As farmers battle a set of unique and complex challenges, the trend for branching out into new revenue streams, outside of traditional farming, is becoming increasingly important.

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.

Last winter may have seen a relatively low incidence of fluke across the UK, but there are still individual farms reporting problems with chronic fluke in sheep warn SCOPS/COWS experts.

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 NFU has convened a huge coalition of farming, environmental and animal welfare organisations to write to all 650 MPs and urge them to ensure the new Agriculture Bill includes vital safeguards which ensures the food we import in any potential trade deals meet the same high standards of animal welfare and environmental protection as is expected of UK food producers.

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.

“Opening garden centres provides a lifeline for British plant and flower growers that have been devastated by the near complete loss of their market this year,” says NFU President Minette Batters.

A European sheep network is calling on farmers and others in the industry to share their challenges and needs in a bid to improve flock health, nutrition and management practices.