Author Posts: Farmers Guide

Yesterday’s Food Summit hosted by Rishi Sunak was hailed a success by industry groups, who now urge the government to follow up on commitments made with prompt actions to restore national food security and build resilience in the domestic supply chain.

Biologicals offer a cost-effective solution to plant health and fertiliser challenges by increasing nitrogen use efficiency in crops, helping farmers reduce input costs and combat environmental challenges, according to UK biotechnology company Unium Bioscience.

At the first ever UK Farm to Fork Summit hosted by Rishi Sunak at Downing Street today (16th May), the Prime Minister announced extensive measures to strengthen food security and supply chain resilience, with investment in new technologies, further support for horticulture, and protecting farmers’ interests in trade deals being among the highlights.

Cereal growers are being advised to use the latest fungicide chemistry to navigate disease challenges ahead of flag leaf spray applications this season.

On 13th-14th June, Cereals will host nearly 400 exhibitors and sponsors, as well as offering a packed seminar programme, live demos and the ever-popular crop plots from its new 60ha location at Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire.

Latest throughput figures released this week by the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) show that more farmers across England and Wales are favouring the live sales ring to secure the true value of their livestock, with margins under greater pressure from increased production costs.

Producers in the red meat and dairy sectors could benefit from long-term opportunities following the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade modelling analysis published by the AHDB today (15th May) has revealed.

Despite 37 years industry experience, Agrii agronomist David Vine readily admits that growing oilseed rape successfully year-in, year-out can still be a huge gamble for many growers. Farmers are frequently faced with significant challenges posed by slugs, pigeons, cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) and, given this year’s weather, the often-difficult task of finding adequate soil moisture.

Farmers who have become used to drilling sugar beet in March have had to readjust this spring. The wettest March for 40 years delayed sugar beet drilling well into April on all but the lightest land. Growers must adapt their herbicide programmes accordingly, urges crop protection manufacturer UPL.

Livestock entries to the Royal Bath & West Show have been fantastic across the board this year, demonstrating farmers’ appetite for exhibiting their top animals and socialising with their peers.

A new trial pioneering the net zero production of potato crops through sustainable fertilisers, reduced cultivations, varieties and improved soil health has entered its second phase this year, with UK potato supplier Branston leading the way towards achieving net zero production in the years ahead.

Simon Jackson, Syngenta’s technical manager, provides advice to support vegetable growers with decisions on programmes to deal with pest control and the difficult challenges to come through the growing season.