Agronomy

As the new potato season gets underway, Farmers Guardian gets the latest crop management advice from two agronomists in contrasting regions of the UK.

Farmers face new inspections from pesticide enforcement officers over their use of plant protection products (PPPs) under legislation which will see a new database of all PPP users held by the Health and Safety Executive.

Winter oats may need treating with a fungicide earlier than normal this spring as crops face higher disease pressure following a relatively mild winter.

British Farming Awards reaches landmark milestone

Cutting back nitrogen rates on milling wheat could see grain protein drop off much more sharply than yield, so growers will need to weigh up their options this spring.

Crops grown in regenerative systems have a healthier nutritional profile than the same crops grown conventionally, a new study has found.

It is estimated around 75 per cent of sugar beet seed will be treated with the Cruiser SB (thiamexotham) seed treatment granted emergency authorisation this season.

For the first time since 2019, England’s sugar beet growers will have access to the neonicotinoid seed dressing, Cruiser SB (thiamexotham). 

Popular Countryside Stewardship option AB15 two-year sown legume fallow saw a 9 per cent increase in payment rate this year, guaranteeing growers £569/hectare/year for the five year agreement.

A lack of guidance surrounding sustainable farming means the UK may be ‘sleepwalking into its own food crisis’, an MP has cautioned.