Arable

Defra is hoping to change its ‘strained’ relationship with industry going forward, according to Jonathan Marsden, head of Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) standards.

The heatwave in the UK and much of the rest of Europe has breathed some life into the grain market, which last week fell to its lowest levels since March.

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.