Cereals News

AHDB’s early bird survey predicts an increase in the UK wheat area for harvest 2025 of 5.4%, however, it will still remain below the 2019 to 2023 average. The country can also see the lowest oilseed rape planted area for 42 years.

With few policy makers having spent time at the coal face of farming, what is the future of UK agriculture?

Following the Malting Barley Committees’ (MBC) autumn meeting earlier this month, the winter malting barley Buccaneer from Elsoms Seeds was granted full approval for brewing use. 

The 2024 AHDB Cereal Quality Survey (CQS) confirms harvest reports of low protein for wheat and low nitrogen levels in barley. However, there are also positive findings. 

With almost 70 varieties on the NIAB UK Descriptive list (DL) for forage maize and many new varieties in trials, selecting the right maize variety can be a potential minefield according to Hutchinsons agronomist Jim Clark.

Farmers have been advised to be flexible in their approach to managing later-drilled winter wheat crops after the planting delays caused by the wet start to autumn. 

Farmers with winter wheat still to drill this autumn need to be patient and do all they can to ensure crop establishment and soil health are not compromised following recent wet conditions, said Hutchinsons’ expert. 

Cecilia Pryce explores the future impacts of extreme weather, while Lucy Hassall offers an update on volatile fertiliser markets.

With reduced pest, weed and disease pressure, there is more going for late-drilled cereals than it first seems. Farmers Guide asks two Agrii experts for advice on how to get them off to the best start.

“It’s really important that growers have a good understanding of the base they’re working with,” said Yara’s arable expert while discussing what growers should be doing to improve yields and get the most from their inputs. 

Defra figures have confirmed the impact of record-breaking wet weather on the 2024 harvest, prompting renewed calls for increased funding in the Autumn Budget.

An interactive online platform has been launched, allowing public access to over 50 years of arable crop pest and disease data from across England and Wales.