Arable News

Potato crops suffer as another heatwave rolls in

There are fears that some potatoes could soon be at a point of no return

Harvest officially earliest in 20 years, says AHDB

First Harvest Report reveals oilseed rape yields have improved on average but cereal yields have generally been below the 10-year average

Strong harvest signals continued OSR revival

The UK's 2026 oilseed rape harvest is off to one of its earliest starts on record, with the prolonged summer heat bringing crops to maturity weeks ahead of normal

Harvest Diaries: Quality holds as drought trims cereal yields

The heatwave has brought some early barley combining but how are crops fairing in this heat?

London wheat futures break £200/tonne mark

Keeping an eye on the latest trends in the grain markets

British Sugar proposes shutting Cantley factory

Under the proposal, beet processing would cease at Cantley from the end of February 2027

Agronomists are advising growers to remain vigilant for maize pests

Following numerous reports of caterpillar activity in maize crops across the country in recent weeks, agronomists are advising growers to remain vigilant and ensure they correctly identify species

Breeders back resilient genetics as OSR confidence returns

As confidence returns to oilseed rape, DSV highlights its resilient new varieties and pipeline genetics designed to tackle CSFB, disease pressure and changing growing conditions

Study highlights why tri-allate has stood the test of time against black-grass

A new study has provided fresh insight into why triallate has remained an effective weapon against black-grass for more than six decades, despite widespread resistance developing to many other herbicides

Top tips to manage the blight risk this season

Disease control without mancozeb and the impact of the weather on late blight development were key topics of conversation as the Bayer Crop Doctors visited potato crops in Norfolk

Understanding the mechanisms of varietal yellow rust resistance

The breakdown of the Yr15 resistance gene has highlighted the complexity of yellow rust resistance, with breeders and farmers stressing the importance of understanding different resistance mechanisms beyond headline ratings

New feed wheat varieties aim to combine yield and disease resilience

New Group 4 varieties look to combine cleaner disease profiles and flexible drilling opportunities as growers look to reduce risk and input costs

Growing fresh opportunities with novel crops

From watercress to bulrushes, farmers are finding innovative ways to diversify rotations, unlock new markets and make better use of challenging landscapes

Top tips to make arable regen figures add up this season

Making any agricultural system pay is the top priority for farmers, and it is especially challenging now. Were there any answers at Groundswell?

Producer launches 2026 blueberry season with biggest crop yet

As blueberry consumption surges across the UK, Hall Hunter Partnership is expanding production and investing in new technology to meet demand, with a record 3,000-tonne harvest expected in 2026

Good progress with black-grass control yet challenges still remain

Black-grass pressure is reducing at Hutchinson's Cambourne Demonstration Site to the extent that a return to full winter cropping is being considered, but there is no room for complacency

Can biological products cut costs without compromising crop yields?

Biological products are attracting growing attention, and farmers are exploring how biology can boost yields, while experts warn that success depends on getting the fundamentals right

Heritage grains are a challenge which is starting to pay off on Cornish farm

Growing heritage grains has been a long journey for the Radmore family, but it is one they are passionate about, ensuring varieties are best suited to their climate

Updated Amazone Pantera gains redesigned cab and controls

Pottinger launches new combi drill range

Can electric weeding replace herbicides? Garford and Rootwave show field potential

Now offered as a dedicated inter-row weeding machine for conventional and organic systems, Garford's joint development with UK start-up RootWave shows significant potential

Knight Farm Machinery appoints Chandlers for farmers in the Midlands and Welsh Borders

British manufacturer Knight Farm Machinery has expanded its dealer network with the appointment of Chandlers Farm Equipment, one of the UK’s largest machinery dealers.

OPINION: Translating the value of tech into income is a tougher sell

New machinery technology promises gains in efficiency and performance, but turning those benefits into measurable financial returns remains a key challenge for farmers and contractors, says Toby Whatley

Trial results show beet establishment benefits with strip-tillage

Could strip till be the next step forward for sugar beet? Jane Carley looks at a recent trial

Bureaucracy holds back fruit industry's potential

The top fruit industry which could grow by 50% over the next ten years is being held back by a lack of government joined up thinking

Producer launches 2026 blueberry season with biggest crop yet

As blueberry consumption surges across the UK, Hall Hunter Partnership is expanding production and investing in new technology to meet demand, with a record 3,000-tonne harvest expected in 2026

Scottish cider business expands production near Dundee

Lost Orchard Cider’s co-founder Angus Morrison believes Scotland has been overlooked as a cider-producing nation for too long

How a family farm is helping put British strawberries back on UK shelves

As Co-op becomes the first UK retailer to stock only UK strawberries, we find out about the Nottinghamshire farm producing 2,500 tonnes a season

Glasshouse grown: The high-tech future of British tomatoes

From patented hydroponics to energy recycling and biological pest control, British tomato growers are combining innovation and sustainability to secure the future of home-grown produce in a challenging market

Horticulture: Autonomous harvesters set for UK farm trials after £3m backing

Developer of selective, adaptive and modular harvesting robots, Fieldwork Robotics, has received £3 million in funding, including a £2.2 million investment round led by Elbow Beach

Is yield still king? Rethinking variety choice ahead of autumn drilling - The Farmers Guardian Arable Podcast

Our latest arable podcast delves into variety selection, new traits and lessons learned from the 2026 harvest

The Farmers Guardian Podcast: The Royal Welsh Show – farmers bring back the feel-good factor

This week the FG team looks back on the Royal Welsh, including some of the key show results and how a new government has brought a boost for farmer confidence

The Farmers Guardian Podcast: Burnham becomes Prime Minister: What does it mean for farming?

The FG news and business team discuss the potential impact of a Burnham premiership

Regenerative farming: Who pays for nature and how can farmers capture more value?

Are farmers receiving a fair share of the value created by regenerative farming?

The Farmers Guardian Podcast: Groundswell reflections, research and the future of regen

Join three of our Farmers Guardian journalists to reflect on their time at this year's Groundswell Festival

Are contract farming agreements the future for young farmers? Will Riddington and Katie Andrews | For Flock's Sake podcast Ep4

Will Riddington and Katie Andrews join Farmers Guardian’s Ellie Layton and Tom Ryder for the latest episode of For Flock’s Sake, discussing how a Contract Farming Agreement has been the answer to help them farm on scale.