Arable

Harvest has started in parts of the UK as warm weather continues

New research has suggested ploughing and tilling on hilly slopes is causing soils to thin and could threaten future crop yields.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has launched a ‘return to school’ grant to help farming families cover the cost of school uniforms, P.E. kit and other equipment.

The Government does not appear to have a plan to tackle the catastrophic worldwide hunger crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and other issues, MPs on the International Development Committee have warned.

Farmers hoping for relief from high input prices were likely to be disappointed, with costs expected to remain high for at least the rest of the year and much longer if there is continued disruption to global supply chains.

Good grain quality and ‘pleasing’ yields are being seen in Cambridgeshire as winter barley harvest commenced a week earlier than normal this year.

With fertiliser prices hitting new heights this spring, many growers have had to look at their application programmes and make cuts where necessary to save costs.

Wheat crops are coming under septoria pressure as fungicides run out of steam, growers are being advised.

With fertiliser markets still rocky and gas prices set to further rise, Ian Watson joint managing director of Elite Farmers Trading Company gave visitors to Groundswell his advice on buying for the season ahead.

Following an upward trend in wireworm damage in root vegetable and cereal crops throughout the UK, industry leaders have joined forces to co-fund a Fera-led research and development project to find a solution to the pest.