Author Posts: Farmers Guide

Information on oilseed rape (OSR) growth stage, sclerotinia pressure and weather-based infection risk can help reduce sprays and improve spray timing, according to AHDB research.

Farm machinery and equipment is advancing at an incredible rate – and visitors to the Cereals Event will be able to see the latest technology in action, with many UK debuts.

Dairy farmers could be given early notifications on cow health and wellbeing problems before they affect performance, thanks to a new European project.

With planning underway for the 2020 potato season, results from the Hutchinsons Fenland demonstration in Suffolk have provided a timely reminder of how important careful variety selection is for managing key agronomic challenges.

Following on from its inaugural showing at Agritechnica 2019, the unique all-black Pantera 450350 is being let out on tour for the next 6 months.

With few frosts to speak of this winter, and evidence of aphid populations building over the past few years, in all likelihood there will be high levels of infestation this spring and with that an increased risk of virus yellows spreading into sugar beet crops. Dominic Kilburn writes.

Challenging conditions last autumn are now presenting growers with difficult decisions for spring. Many might be considering what to do with, and how much to spend, on winter crops although nursing them through to harvest will be the aim of most.

With the area of UK-grown spring oilseed rape potentially as high as 60,000ha this year compared with around 10,000ha usually, what are the key management areas new growers should focus on?

A survey on the impact of cabbage stem flea beetle on oilseed rape crops in 2019-20, insecticide resistance and beneficial insects were some of the key items discussed at the AICC annual technical conference recently.

Flea beetle pressures have grown markedly at Dunkirk Farm, Birtley, overlooking Gateshead’s Angel of the North, in recent seasons. Yet David Hankey continues to grow crops of OSR that rival winter wheat in their margin-earning. And he does so without using any insecticides.

After what can only be described as unprecedented weather conditions over the past few months, our agronomists take stock of the situation and look to spring for salvation! Dominic Kilburn writes.

Strutt and Parker (Farms) Ltd was incorporated in 1918 and has a strong reputation as being one of the leading farm businesses in the UK, farming c.20,000 acres.