Author Posts: Farmers Guide

There may be incredible uncertainty facing the UK sheep industry at the current time, but with only a year to go until NSA Sheep 2020, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is planning an event that will be more important than ever in terms of focusing on how sheep farmers can be the best they can be.

Farmers, vets and advisors across the UK sheep sector are being asked to help a new industry-led stewardship group demonstrate how they are using antibiotics responsibly throughout the sheep industry.

Organic farmers can now make use of two unique biostimulants to improve crop health and productivity, following their approval by Organic Farmers & Growers.

Farmers preparing to plant oilseed rape in August and September are being advised to follow a five-point plan to give themselves the best chance of establishing a good crop.

Mitigating establishment risks for winter oilseed rape will be at the forefront of growers’ minds as they plan next year’s rotations and varieties.

Use of the two newer wormer groups (4-AD orange and 5-SI purple) has doubled in the two years since they became available through SQPs at merchants, but sheep farmers could still harness their potential more.

Harvest Results from three AHDB Recommended Lists (RL) winter barley trials sites have been published. The average treated yield of control varieties (10.62 t/ha) is currently ahead of the five-year average (10.07 t/ha).

A ban on feeding maleic hydrazide-treated potato waste to livestock has now been lifted, leaving growers free to use the active ingredient without fear of losing their end markets.

Former barrister Theresa Villiers MP has been appointed secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, during a cabinet reshuffle on Boris Johnson’s first day as prime minister.

As in previous years, Zetor Tractors plans to release a 2020 calendar for its customers and devotees of agricultural equipment. However, unlike in the past, the photographs will focus on everyday tractor use, combining the daily routine of the machines with artistic arrangements.

ShowBiz Software has developed its agricultural show management software to a fully web-based version that helps shows of all sizes better manage costs, improve operations and, most importantly, improve their digital marketing.

Farmacy chairman Mike Young’s advice is to take the time now to consider how best to optimise variable rate inputs for this autumn, with new technology such as TerraMap offering a genuine opportunity to enhance the benefits of precision agronomy.