Arable

Despite the Met Office’s ninja showers, we have now completed our harvest.

As the maize harvest approaches, Hannah Park takes a look at a major insect pest which could have an impact on UK crops in the future.

Defra is planning to introduce a new ‘stepping stone’ scheme to bridge the gap between BPS and ELMs, but it should not weaken the resolve to introduce a long-term policy, or delay the timetable, says Vicki Hird, head of sustainable farming at Sustain.

Backing British farming is a verb – not a day for passive praise or casual thanks. MPs must prove they back British farmers all year round, says Labour’s Shadow Defra Secretary Luke Pollard.

Defra is planning a new ‘stepping stone’ scheme to bridge the gap between the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme.

The pound continues to drive domestic markets as it reacts to the latest Brexit updates

With growers dropping oilseed rape from their rotations, a shortage of bean seed and uncertain returns from oats and niche crops in the absence of a contract, finding a suitable break crop is proving a challenge.

Availability of seed for popular winter wheat and barley varieties and winter beans, in particular, is likely to be tight this autumn due to reduced plantings and lower yields.