Farmers Guardian
February 27th 2009
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A variable application rate can save fertiliser
February 27th 2009
With fertiliser prices a major cost in crop production greater attention is being given to variable rate application systems. Andy Collings reports.
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Achieving consistency while minimising waste with end of row cut-off
February 27th 2009
Spreading to less than maximum width and using the multiple overlap that his Sulky X36 offers, Peter Milne is able to maintain accuracy, even with variable materials. Jane Carley reports.
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Agriculture in the national news
23 February 2009
A DAILY look at how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Monday, February 23).
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Agriculture in the national news
24 February 2009
A DAILY look at how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Tuesday, February 24)
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Agriculture in the national news
25 February 2009
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the country (Wednesday, February 25).
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Agriculture in the national news
26 February 2009
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the country (Thursday, February 26).
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Arable farmers warned wild oats could appear in crops
26 February 2009
WATCH out for sudden flushes of wild oats appearing in crops after this winter’s cold snaps, arable farmers are being warned.
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Arable Focus
27 February 2009
READ FG's Arable Focus special feature which takes a look at managing bolting problems, the best practice of Metaldehyde stewardship, spring drilled cereals and break crops, what farming can expect during the recession and much more.
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Are you the next ‘Chop Idol’?
23 February 2009
YOUNG butchers are being called to showcase their talents in a new television programme produced by BBC Three.
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Are you the next ‘Chop Idol’?
23 February 2009
YOUNG butchers are being called to showcase their talents in a new television programme produced by BBC Three.
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Auto shut-off for Amazone fertiliser spreader
22 February 2009
Amazone has developed an auto section shut-off for its fertiliser spreaders.
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Avian flu found on Bernard Matthews' farms again
26 February 2009
AVIAN flu has been found on two small Bernard Matthews' breeding farms in Norfolk and Suffolk.
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Backing for Stewardship Group's slug pellets plan
February 27th 2009
THE manufacturer of methiocarb slug pellets, which may provide an alternative to metaldehyde, has stated it fully supports the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s efforts to raise standards of handling and application of slug pellets in the supply chain and on farm.
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Belgian Blue cross heifer tops trade at Ruthin mart
23 February 2009
A PACKED ringside of bidders saw prices rise to £6,800 at the sale of show potential cattle at Ruthin mart on Saturday.
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Best option for spring cropping
February 27th 2009
WITH last autumn’s difficult drilling conditions combined with lower than average wheat prices, many growers delayed their decision on what, or even if, to plant at all, until the New Year.
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Big Chinese newcomer
22 February 2009
Boasting a workforce of 50,000, Chinese tractor maker YTO claims to make 400 new tractors a day.
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Buyers flock to Gisburn for its 'great spring' sale
February 27th 2009
FOR the first time Gisburn auction mart held it’s ‘great spring machinery sale’ on a Tuesday and it proved to a huge success, with buyers from all over the north of England seeking good quality secondhand machinery.
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Cereal drilling rates have leapt up thanks to move to disc/tine system
February 27th 2009
Having a versatile and adaptable tillage tool capable of producing a seed-bed in one pass has long been the aim for West Sussex grower James Childs. But until last year he had struggled to achieve that target, relying more on a set of heavy Massey Ferguson X-gang discs, followed by a pan-busting swipe from a McConnel Shakaerator for his non-inversion tillage.
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Chemical-free weed control
22 February 2009
French engineering company Eco-Mulch premiered a brand new cultivator aimed at farms looking to tackle post-harvest weeds without reaching for the chemical can.
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Choose spring options carefully as seed supplies are tight and margins low
February 27th 2009
SPRING-drilled cereal and break crop plantings are likely to be up significantly this year, mainly due to high rainfall in 2008.
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Councils urged not to sell off estate holdings
27 February 2009
THE Tenant Farmers Association has urged county councils to stop selling holdings from estates.
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Cultivators galore at SIMA
21 February 2009
If you are in the market for a new piece of cultivation equipment SIMA will not disappoint.
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Defra, IAH and Merial seek to get FMD legal case ‘struck out’
23 February 2009
THE three defendants in the NFU-backed foot-and-mouth legal challenge are attempting to have the case thrown out of court.
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Dramatic rise in pigmeat exports
20 February 2009
NEW figures from Bpex show fresh and frozen pork exports have risen by 20 per cent over the last year, up nearly 20,000 tonnes to 118,300.
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Early lifting a priority on heavy ground
27 February 2009
FEEDBACK from sugar beet growers on heavier land has confirmed that the ability to lift their sugar beet crop early in September, without compromising yield, remains a high priority and critical to achieving the best entry for a following wheat crop.
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Enter the Made in Britain Awards 2009
February 27th 2009
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Farmers can save thousands on fertiliser
23 February 2009
A SIMPLE soil analysis on key pastures could save farmers thousands of pounds in fertiliser costs, according to the National Beef Association.
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Farmers can save thousands on fertiliser
23 February 2009
A SIMPLE soil analysis on key pastures could save farmers thousands of pounds in fertiliser costs, according to the National Beef Association.
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Farmers in England can submit SPS applications online
25 February 2009
FOR the first time, farmers in England will be able to submit their Single Payment Scheme (SPS) applications online.
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Farmers in England can submit SPS applications online
25 February 2009
FOR the first time, farmers in England will be able to submit their Single Payment Scheme (SPS) applications online.
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Farmers should be encouraged to continue producing
24 February 2009
GREATER encouragement for farmers to carry on producing is called for in an NFU Cymru response to a Welsh Assembly Government consultation on its strategic action plan for the future of the red meat industry in Wales.
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Faucheux add hydraulic self levelling
February 27th 2009
French tractor loader maker Faucheux has added three new hydraulically-operated parallelogram geometry versions to its portfolio.
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February 2009 winner
27 February 2009
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Foot-and-mouth High Court legal case hangs in the balance
26 February 2009
A HIGH Court hearing brought by seven livestock farmers claiming damages for losses caused by the 2007 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is hanging in the balance.
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Four new models from Landini
22 February 2009
Landini is looking to further strengthen its 80 to 110hp portfolio with a new four-model range of PowerVision T3 tractors – 80, 90, 100 and 110.
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French SIMA show
3 March 2009
WITH seven halls and 1,300 exhibitors, the five-day SIMA show did not disappoint anyone interested in machinery. FG has a round-up of all the news and pictures from the event.
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Fuel saving Pottinger plough
22 February 2009
Having launched a traction control system on a mounted plough last year Pottinger unveiled a semi-mounted model at SIMA.
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FWAG Scotland goes into administration
25 February 2009
BELEAGUERED charity the Farm Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Scotland has been placed into administration after it failed to secure key funding.
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Get your sprayer through its test without a hitch
February 27th 2009
Derek Howe, of sprayer testing firm SCS, guides Geoff Ashcroft through key aspects of the National Sprayer Testing Scheme’s test.
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GM maize products creep nearer approval
26 February 2009
TWO genetically modified maize products which can be freely grown around the world and imported into Europe for use in human food and animal feed, still cannot be cultivated in the EU.
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GM maize products creep nearer approval
26 February 2009
TWO genetically modified maize products which can be freely grown around the world and imported into Europe for use in human food and animal feed, still cannot be cultivated in the EU.
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Hatzenbichler 6m cultivator drill coming to the UK
22 February 2009
Having produced drills spanning up to 18m wide for the Eastern European and Russian markets, Austrian manufacturer Hatzenbichler is now focusing on smaller models from 3m to 8m for Western Europe.
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High-visibility cab roof from Fendt
22 February 2009
Fendt is not making too much noise about it but one of the 700 Vario tractors on display at SIMA features a new high-visibility cab roof option.
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In the field – Gareth Pugh
February 27th 2009
GARETH Pugh is a business partner in a 344-hectare (850- acre) mixed farm at Cwm Whitton near Knighton and is entering his fourth season with the Quantron M electronic control system on his Kuhn MDS 932 spreader.
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Industry denies pesticide black-list
25 February 2009
FARMERS and retailers have been told there is no such thing as a ‘black-list’ of dangerous pesticides.
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Industry denies pesticide black-list
25 February 2009
FARMERS and retailers have been told there is no such thing as a ‘black-list’ of dangerous pesticides.
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Is it time to broach the subject?
February 27th 2009
Unfortunately, like ending a relationship or suggesting a chat about the ‘birds and the bees,’ there is perhaps never a good time to engage the older generation in a detailed discussion about succession planning.
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ISO-Bus now on Joskin tankers
22 February 2009
Joskin can now offer an ISO-Bus control system for its larger slurry tankers fitted with centrifugal and vacuum pumps.
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Keep a close eye on lodging risk
February 27th 2009
THERE may be fewer crops requiring growth regulation this season as, generally speaking, it could be a low-risk year for lodging, but any crop with a moderately-sized canopy will still need an early PGR application, growers are being advised.
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Kuhn baler range launches at SIMA
22 February 2009
Kuhn has unveiled square and round balers at the SIMA show.
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Kverneland updates TS drill at SIMA
22 February 2009
Kverneland has updated its TS mounted tine drill with the TS Evo.
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Leading scientists to develop research roadmap for UK agriculture
25 February 2009
INDUSTRY leaders from throughout the supply chain have called for a new scientific framework for agriculture, identifying key priorities for research to help protect the UK from an impending food crisis.
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Lifting sugar beet early key for growers on heavy land
26 February 2009
FEEDBACK from sugar beet growers on heavier land has confirmed that the ability to lift beet early in September, without compromising yield, remains a high priority and critical to achieving the best entry for a following wheat crop.
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Lochhead urges investment in Scottish agriculture
23 February 2009
SCOTTISH farming has a ‘window of opportunity’ during the recession to position itself at the heart of the country’s economy, said Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead.
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Look at all the options before deciding on T0 and T1 strategy
February 27th 2009
A COLD winter, coupled with later winter wheat drilling in some parts, have prompted some growers to question whether a T0 fungicide application is necessary this spring.
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Managing the bolting risk
February 27th 2009
GROWERS run a serious risk of increased bolting in their sugar beet crops this season if they have drilled prior to March 1. However, delay the drilling programme into late March and early April and yield loss is likely to occur.
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McLaren lays down challenge to Scottish Government
23 February 2009
NFU Scotland president Jim McLaren opened the union’s AGM in Aviemore last week by laying down a challenge to the Scottish Government to deliver on its warm words to the country’s farmers.
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Merlo unveils telehandler prototypes at SIMA
25 February 2009
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Metaldehyde at risk if leaching into watercourses not contained
February 27th 2009
THE farming industry is under pressure to reduce the amount of the slug pellet active ingredient metaldehyde finding its way into water by this autumn. Teresa Rush and Dominic Kilburn report.
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Moving to a 40m boom ‘cuts field spraying times in half’
February 27th 2009
Want to apply fertiliser across 40m bouts with a high degree of accuracy? Try a bespoke GPS-controlled sprayer, David Wakefield tells Jane Carley.
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New higher-powered XTX from McCormick
22 February 2009
McCormick has extended the XTX range with a new top model the 185.
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New lightweight plough from Kverneland
22 February 2009
The VR light-weight plough from Kverneland was first seen as a prototype at Agritechnica in 2007 but is now complete and will enter full production in 2010.
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New livery for Vogel and Noot sprayers
February 27th 2009
Vogel and Noot has given its livery to the range of Holder sprayers it bought last year.
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New telehandlers from JCB at SIMA
22 February 2009
JCB introduced two new telehandler models at SIMA.
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New top model for Fastrac 7000 range
February 27th 2009
JCB has added a new top model to its Fastrac 7000 series tractors.
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New wider cab from Manitou
25 February 2009
A NEW wider Evolution cab will soon be available for Manitou MLT telehandlers for the European market.
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News from Beet 09
27 February 2009
BBRO took the opportunity to update growers with news from its Research & Development programme at the Beet ’09 event at Peterborough. Teresa Rush and Dominic Kilburn report.
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Pirbright laboratories agree foot-and-mouth damages settlements with local farmers
24 February 2009
SEVEN Surrey farmers directly affected by the 2007 foot-and-mouth outbreak have won out-of-court settlements from the laboratories at the centre of the outbreak.
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Protection against effects of accidental GM contamination
24 February 2009
WELSH Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones intends to introduce “co-existence measures” to protect farmers of traditional and conventional crops from the possible economic disadvantages of accidental contamination from GM crops.
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Prototype sugar beet harvester
22 February 2009
Moreau is looking to gauge interest with the prototype of a new six-row self-propelled sugar beet harvester.
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Push for compulsory measures post set-aside
26 February 2009
Government conservation advisers will continue to push for compulsory measures to replace benefits set-aside bring to wildlife.
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Ruling sees lifetime gifts qualify for inheritance tax relief
23 February 2009
BUSINESS property relief from inheritance tax can now be claimed on lifetime gifts that were used in the business.
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Ruling sees lifetime gifts qualify for inheritance tax relief
23 February 2009
BUSINESS property relief from inheritance tax can now be claimed on lifetime gifts that were used in the business.
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Sainsbury's challenged to make long-term milk price commitment
25 February 2009
SAINSBURY’S has been challenged to 'to take control of its liquid milk pricing arrangements'.
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Sainsbury's challenged to make long-term milk price commitment
25 February 2009
SAINSBURY’S has been challenged to 'to take control of its liquid milk pricing arrangements'.
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Scotland should be DON test free
February 27th 2009
Farmers in Scotland should not have to put grain going for human consumption through mycotoxin testing.
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SDF offers cab suspension option
22 February 2009
Same Deutz-Fahr 200hp plus tractors are now available with an all-singing, all-dancing cab suspension system.
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Self-propelled straw bedder
February 27th 2009
French firm Calvet was showing this novel self-propelled straw bedder and bale unroller.
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Set up machinery correctly to achieve an even spread pattern
February 27th 2009
Slug pellet application machinery could play a major role in preventing key slug bait active ingredient metaldehyde being banned from use in the UK – but only if farmers are prepared to use and service it properly, say industry experts.
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Short discs an alternative to power harrow?
February 27th 2009
There is now a wide range of short disc harrows on the market and for farms wanting to reduce cultivation costs there could be an alternative to the versatile power harrow. Mervyn Bailey tests the Lemken Heliodor to see whether it is a viable alternative.
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Significant potato losses reported
February 27th 2009
TOTAL potato crop losses are now estimated to be between 1,500 and 2,000 hectares (3,706 and 4,942 acres) , due to the wet ground conditions seen at the end of last year, says Potato Council market information officer, Rob Burrow.
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SIMA 2009 picture gallery
22 February 2009
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SIMA launch for New Holland T7000 CVT
February 27th 2009
The NH2 hydrogen-powered fuel cell tractor is not the only attraction on New Holland’s SIMA show stand, because two brand new CVT T7000 versions are also on display.
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Soggy state of affairs for northern crops
February 27th 2009
Last autumn’s wet weather combined with a hard winter has left many northern arable farmers feeling frustrated and now well behind with work schedules. Joanna Baker takes a look at the issues facing northern growers.
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Spoonful of N and a gentle approach to nurse battered OSR
February 27th 2009
AGRONOMISTS are seeing some of the most variable crops of oilseed rape at this stage of a season for many years, with more backward crops in evidence the further north you travel.
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Strip tillage could be the answer for beet growers
27 February 2009
SUGAR beet growers could benefit from the latest tillage technique said to offer fuel savings, reduced soil erosion and help with the timeliness of field operations.
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Strong set of results for H&H Group
25 February 2009
THE diverse nature of the H&H Group is proving beneficial in the current climate.
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Stylish Turkish tractor launched at SIMA
February 27th 2009
Currently producing less than 2,000 new tractors a year Turkish tractor maker Armatrac does not rank as an important player.
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Tesco slams Defra over research cuts
26 February 2009
TESCO director Lucy Neville-Rolfe has criticised Defra for letting spending on research and development slide when food production needs to increase.
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Threat to Ultima closed handling system
26 February 2009
AN increase in the number of nematicide containers being returned damaged is putting the Ultima closed handling system under pressure, says Bayer CropScience.
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Time to update fallen stock rules
23 February 2009
A VOTE in the European Parliament in favour of easing restrictions on the disposal of fallen stock is being seen as a positive step towards a return of some form of on-farm containment.
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Time to update fallen stock rules
23 February 2009
A VOTE in the European Parliament in favour of easing restrictions on the disposal of fallen stock is being seen as a positive step towards a return of some form of on-farm containment.
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Timing is key to nitrogen strategy
February 27th 2009
More crops are likely to need an early nitrogen application this season. With a large number of autumn- and winter-sown crops looking thin and backward, growers are advised to plan carefully to ensure fertiliser is only applied when crop growth starts.
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Tine drill from Amazone at SIMA
22 February 2009
Amazone unveiled a number of new products at SIMA.
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Tougher retailers’ code to outlaw some supermarket rules
27 February 2009
THE Competition Commission has published details of its new strengthened code of practice for UK grocery retailers, following its three-year investigation.
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Tractors go for launch at SIMA
21 February 2009
Although major tractor news is thin on the ground at tomorrow’s French SIMA show, there is still plenty for visitors to see.
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Trio of Austrian tractors
23 February 2009
Austrian tractor maker Lindner created quite a stir at the last Agritechnica with the launch of its very first 100hp+ tractor – the Geotrac 124 (126hp).
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TV's Clarissa condemns supermarket labelling
23 February 2009
CLARISSA Dickson Wright, TV cook, has hit out at lawmakers after discovering a series of misleading food labels in Britain’s supermarkets.
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UK farmers can help lead global agriculture revolution
23 February 2009
FARMERS in developing countries can learn a lot from their British counterparts in building a new framework for global agriculture, claimed the president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP).
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Vaccination deadline is extended
26 February 2009
THE Scottish Government has extended the deadline for compulsory vaccination against bluetongue for remote hill flocks, following concerns over animal welfare.
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Vogel and Noot to sell direct in the UK
22 February 2009
Vogel and Noot is to sell direct to dealers in the UK after mutual split with Bomford Turner.
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Welsh farm incomes rise £36 million in 2008
24 February 2009
FARM incomes in Wales saw a very welcome improvement in 2008 according to figures published today (February 24) by the Welsh Assembly Government – but NFU Cymru is concerned they may not be easily maintained in 2009.
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Welsh farmers to receive full hill support payments from Monday
26 February 2009
FARMERS in Wales will start getting their full 2009 Tir Mynydd hill support payments from Monday – with details of future support arrangements, including LFA criteria, expected shortly.
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Welsh plans to boost use of low-carbon energy sources
24 February 2009
A new plan to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable, low-carbon energy sources in Wales emerged today (February 24) from Welsh Assembly Environment Minister, Jane Davidson.
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Welsh red meat gets a good grilling
27 February 2009
A NEW venture in Carmarthenshire aims to maximise livestock returns while producing long-term viability for a sizeable farming family. Barry Alston reports.
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What can farming expect from the economic crisis?
February 27th 2009
The world’s economy may be going through a difficult period, but agribusiness–focused bank Rabobank believes demand for agricultural products will continue rising. Christopher Lyddon reports.
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Worming – which is the best option for your horse?
February 27th 2009
WORMS can affect all horses and ponies, whether stabled or at grass, with the young and the old being particularly susceptible.
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Zetor puts on the Power
23 February 2009
Zetor’s Proxima tractors are now available with an in-house developed three-speed powershift and hydraulic power shuttle.