Arable

FARMERS could see increases to the costs of abstraction licences and charges for the volume of water taken as part of the Environment Agency’s (EA) first overhaul of the system in 10 years.

Cover crops have had a rocky start in their introduction to some arable systems, particularly where the benchmark for success is a measure of financial return.

Unless a new agreement can be negotiated between the EU and the UK, the trade in seed potatoes either way across the English Channel can be considered to have ceased.

The fungus responsible for light leaf spot, the UK’s most important oilseed rape disease, is becoming increasingly resistant to azole fungicides but not QoI (strobilurin) or SDHI fungicides, according to Rothamsted.

This year’s Potatoes in Practice was the first major industry event since levy payers voted against supporting AHDB Potatoes.

British Sugar has responded to requests for greater flexibility.

The unsettled weather at the end of July and beginning of August across Great Britain has resulted in a very stop-start harvest so far.

With the Basic Payment Scheme on the way out, most farm businesses will benefit from some form of collaboration.

If tempted to drill winter cereals early on the back of two difficult autumns it pays to be aware of yield, weed and disease implications.

UK farmers can tap into the carbon potential of non-peat soils but must consider the wider picture if adopting carbon friendly practices on grass and arable land.