Arable Farming

Progress in wheat harvesting has been rapid in the last week or so, amid high temperatures, however, yields are very variable depending on soil type.

Scientists at the James Hutton Institute are working to understand the interactions between pathogen pectobacterium atrosepticum and an array of soil-microbe-crop interactions in the development of blackleg.

Potatoes in areas that have seen hot, dry weather recently are senescing more quickly than normal, particularly in unirrigated crops.

The NFU has launched its annual harvest survey. After a challenging year, NFU combinable crops board chairman Matt Culley explains why taking part in this survey is important.

The 2019/20 Beet Delivery Service Report, including results from a survey on the BDS has been published by British Sugar and NFU Sugar.

Oilseed rape area is set for further decline after catastrophic yields have left many growers pulling the plug on the crop.

We had a bit of excitement in the garden last week. I had a text from my wife to phone the local farmer after she heard a moo which sounded too close. It was, and 75 cows and their calves had got out and were walking down the street.

As I write this article on July 16, I am delighted to report that the MacLeod family managed to fit in a ‘staycation’ having just returned from a four-day trip to Wester Ross and a stay in my uncle’s chalet. 

Nearing the end of an extraordinary season, we can count ourselves lucky Covid-19 has affected our working lives much less than many. But then again, we have the weather to contend with.

With no oilseed rape or winter barley in the ground I was not expecting an early start to harvest and that is how it looks at the moment.