Arable

Catchy weather has interfered with harvest progress with the danger that when the weather improves, there will be many crops ready to harvest at the same time.

Growers are being urged to resist the temptation to take a ‘phosphate holiday’ in response to a sharp rise in fertiliser prices, and instead switch to more efficient ways of applying this essential nutrient.

After an easier year for oilseed rape, the crop is expected to claw back some of its reputation this harvest, and area is predicted to rise again for the 2021/22 season.

Farmers in England will be able to spread slurry or manure in autumn providing there is no pollution risk, following the Environment Agency’s decision to relax enforcement rules until the end of February 2022. 

With oilseed rape continuing to prove a valuable break crop, we hear how variety choice can transform how growers approach their OSR management. Mollie Leach reports.

Getting oilseed rape crops in early can ensure it is better placed to resist cabbage stem flea beetle attack. Farmers Guardian summarises the latest advice from a new guide.

With slug pellet applications imminent, the agricultural industry is being reminded that metaldehyde stewardship guidelines apply this autumn.

With harvest now underway around the country, Cedric Porter takes a look at the market for barley this season

In the last of our series on cultivations, Mike Abram looks at how they can be used to improve control of grass-weed species.

After recruiting and training your staff, you want to keep hold of them, but how? Jez Fredenburgh speaks to farm employers and employees about how to boost retention.