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DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Yellow rust forces rethink of wheat fungicide programmes

Wheat growers are urged to re-evaluate fungicide strategies for 2026 now the new race of yellow rust has overcome the YR15 resistance gene widely used in winter wheat varieties. Jonathan…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

How two changes can triple the lifespan of SDHI fungicides

Winter wheat growers are being advised to utilise the four main groups of fungicides to help fight any build-up of disease resistance and prolong the life of newer products. This…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Yellow rust early warning sensors to be trialled in-field

In-field crop sensors that can detect the presence of active yellow rust spores are being tested on commercial farms this year, after encouraging results in Niab trials. Developed at the…

SOILS

Soil tech solutions target compaction and green farm energy

Two emerging technologies offer a novel way to crack soil compaction and harness electricity generation from soil bacteria. We take a look at how they work. See also: Home-grown pulse incentive…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Crop performance strong despite rain

Once again, the season begins with a conversation about the weather. To date, we have recorded just under 300mm of rainfall – almost one-third of our annual average. Including November…

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Arable Insights farmers doubtful about Profitability Review

Farmers on this year’s Farmers Weekly Arable Insights panel are sceptical that Baroness Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review for Defra will significantly affect their future profits. A formal response from…

CROP MANAGEMENT

High crop yields key to gross margins and lower emissions

High yields are often associated with inflated input costs that erode profit and intensive systems which damage the environment, but emerging evidence tells a very different story. Insights from the…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Key sugar beet disease forecasts a moderate to high risk

The virus yellows forecast suggests moderate to high infection risk in 2026, particularly in eastern factory regions. Carried out by Rothamsted Research, the models based on January-February temperatures indicate earlier…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Arable-to-dairy conversions at 60 – and rising

It is fair to say that a farmer is never happy with the weather. It's either too hot, too cold, too windy, too wet, too dry, and then there is…

CROP WATCH

Crop Watch: Rusts in cereals and chocolate spot in beans

In the first Crop Watch of 2026, there is plenty of disease being found in crops with yellow rust in wheat, brown rust in hybrid barley as well as high…

PEST MANAGEMENT

How odour, sound and vibrations can control crop pests

Could weaponising odour, sound or microbes found naturally on crop leaves be the solution to some of the toughest pest challenges growers face?  From scent-based repellents that disguise crops from…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Formalised partnership helps avoid tax burden

Winter for many of us is a time for taking stock of the business and preparing for the spring. As one of the greatest procrastinators of the modern era, this…

SOILS

Why arable farmers should target 5% soil organic matter

Targeting a soil organic matter level of 5% and maintaining a neutral pH can help optimise crop nutrition and promote good soil husbandry. Organic matter is the soil’s main nutrient…

Arable news

SUGAR BEET

Sugar beet growers remain optimistic despite disease risks

The future of British sugar beet looks positive, with domestic demand for sugar expected to stay firm and technologies such as gene editing offering longer-term opportunities. However, in the short…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Don't reduce foliar fertiliser inputs, wheat growers advised

Arable growers should resist the temptation to reduce crop nutrients this spring, with trials suggesting that the application of foliar nutrition can enhance winter wheat yields by more than 0.9t/ha.…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Research on historic wheats disease resistance gets grant

Historic wheat collections could hold the secret to tackling the newly identified strain of yellow rust pathogen which overcame the Yr15 resistance gene in winter wheat last year. The breakdown…

ARABLE

Free national soil map to be opened to farmers in 2026

Farmers and land managers in England and Wales will gain free access to the UK’s most comprehensive soil data under a landmark agreement between Cranfield University and Defra. The partnership…

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DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Yellow rust forces rethink of wheat fungicide programmes

Wheat growers are urged to re-evaluate fungicide strategies for 2026 now the new race of yellow rust has overcome the YR15 resistance gene widely used in winter wheat varieties. Jonathan…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

How two changes can triple the lifespan of SDHI fungicides

Winter wheat growers are being advised to utilise the four main groups of fungicides to help fight any build-up of disease resistance and prolong the life of newer products. This…

SOILS

Soil tech solutions target compaction and green farm energy

Two emerging technologies offer a novel way to crack soil compaction and harness electricity generation from soil bacteria. We take a look at how they work. See also: Home-grown pulse incentive…

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Arable Insights farmers doubtful about Profitability Review

Farmers on this year’s Farmers Weekly Arable Insights panel are sceptical that Baroness Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review for Defra will significantly affect their future profits. A formal response from…

ARABLE

Advice on protecting farm kit and avoiding GPS thefts

The most recent figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual show an encouraging drop in insurance claims for stolen GPS units, which decreased 71% between 2023-24, from an estimated £4.2m to…

CROP MANAGEMENT

High crop yields key to gross margins and lower emissions

High yields are often associated with inflated input costs that erode profit and intensive systems which damage the environment, but emerging evidence tells a very different story. Insights from the…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Key sugar beet disease forecasts a moderate to high risk

The virus yellows forecast suggests moderate to high infection risk in 2026, particularly in eastern factory regions. Carried out by Rothamsted Research, the models based on January-February temperatures indicate earlier…

PEST MANAGEMENT

How odour, sound and vibrations can control crop pests

Could weaponising odour, sound or microbes found naturally on crop leaves be the solution to some of the toughest pest challenges growers face?  From scent-based repellents that disguise crops from…

SOILS

Why arable farmers should target 5% soil organic matter

Targeting a soil organic matter level of 5% and maintaining a neutral pH can help optimise crop nutrition and promote good soil husbandry. Organic matter is the soil’s main nutrient…

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Hazelnuts offer new high-value crop opportunity

Arable farmers looking for a new, high-value crop suited to the changing climate should consider producing hazelnuts, says Suffolk farmer and Nuffield scholar Tom McVeigh. Grown in an agroforestry-type orchard…

BARLEY

How low-input spring malting barley wins for Dorset farm

Dorset spring malting barley growers David and Ben Chick are continuing to grow the crop, despite collapsing malting premiums, as it performs consistently with low inputs and has won them…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Why spring beans benefit from earlier drilling

Lower growing costs, the opportunity to exploit the break crop effect, and better variety choice are all good reasons to grow spring beans this year. However, timely drilling is advised…

ARABLE

How arable farms are adapting as public funding disappears

Falling government support for arable farms is creating significant financial strain and uncertainty, with direct payments being phased out and environmental funding abruptly paused. People farming, earning from social media,…

DRILLING

Welsh grower changes drill for better seed placement

A change in drill and the launch of a new “mixed ration in a bale” service to local dairy, beef and sheep farmers are among the changes being implemented this…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Yield cap and disease control in spotlight at agronomy event

The recent Agronomy Exchange conference (11 February) offered insights into how UK arable farming can be fit for future challenges.  Farmers Weekly rounds up some event highlights. Agronomy focus shift…

CROP SELECTION

Maize for anaerobic digestion - how do the numbers stack up?

Growing maize to supply a local anaerobic digestion plant may look attractive for farmers in the right location, however haulage costs and yield variability can “make or break” profitability That’s…

Farmer Focus

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FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Crop performance strong despite rain

Once again, the season begins with a conversation about the weather. To date, we have recorded just under 300mm of rainfall – almost one-third of our annual average. Including November…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Arable-to-dairy conversions at 60 – and rising

It is fair to say that a farmer is never happy with the weather. It's either too hot, too cold, too windy, too wet, too dry, and then there is…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Formalised partnership helps avoid tax burden

Winter for many of us is a time for taking stock of the business and preparing for the spring. As one of the greatest procrastinators of the modern era, this…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Planning approval means new grain outlet

January brought a rather substantial 120mm of rainfall, and unfortunately, the rain has continued almost without pause since. Ground conditions are far from ideal, with winter ploughing still to be…

Markets

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INPUT MARKETS AND PRICES

Middle East turmoil pushes up farm inputs and grain prices

Global commodity markets have spiked in response to attacks across the Middle East, with oil refineries and shipping vessels targeted by drone strikes. Brent crude oil lifted above $82 (£61)…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

NFU session exposes deep flaws in crops supply chain

Farmers and growers demanded sweeping reforms to grain contracts, haulage rules and intake testing during an NFU Combinable Crops breakout session that exposed what delegates described as “deep mistrust” in…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Global grain markets briefly spike in response to US tariffs

Wheat markets rallied this week in response to heightened global tensions following the announcement of increased tariffs being imposed by the US. UK feed wheat futures for the May 2026…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Feed barley discount to wheat narrows to just £10/t

The premium for feed wheat over feed barley has eroded in recent months, with improved global demand helping feed barley hold above £150/t. Spot prices collected by Farmers Weekly on…

OILSEED RAPE

Oilseed rape looks set to bounce back as crop area rises

Optimism is growing in the oilseed rape industry with this season’s crop area rising, buoyed by last summer’s high yields, firm rapeseed prices and reduced risk from one key damaging…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Oilseeds prices rally to near £450/t

Oilseeds markets have rallied over the past month, both globally and in the domestic markets, underpinned by a stronger soybean complex and favourable currency movements. UK oilseed rape has lifted…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

NFU seeks sampling improvements in future grain contracts

The NFU has called for a major overhaul of combinable crop contracts, claiming the scales have been “tipped against growers for far too long”. It has submitted its official response…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

UK cereals demand hit by bioethanol losses and maltster cuts

Demand for UK cereals has plummeted as a result of the closure of the UK’s major bioethanol plants and decreased usage by brewers, maltsters and distillers. The UK cereals supply…

Spot and forward prices (£/t ex-farm)
Each set of prices comes from a single merchant, co-op or broker, and are the latest prices being paid to farmers. Ranges of prices, within one category relate to the distance of the farm from the buyer. Oilseed rape prices are latest spot and forward prices, not contract prices. Ex farm prices vary with the distance from Hull, Liverpool and Erith, crushing factories.

Arable machinery

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CULTIVATORS

Pottinger adds harrow option to Plano shallow cultivator

A heavy-duty harrow is one of several new optional extras available on Pottinger’s high-speed Plano shallow tine cultivator. The three-row toolbar is designed to bolt in place of the rear…

401+HP

Goodyear's monster 1.4m-wide farm tyre to go on sale in UK

Goodyear has gained European accreditation for its widest-ever agricultural tyre. The monster LSW 1400/30 R46 is designed for suitably sized combines and articulated prairie prowlers such as Case IH’s Steiger…

TRACTORS

Punchy new John Deere 8RX 540 maxes out at 634hp

John Deere reckons it has produced the world’s most powerful rigid-frame tractor. The wheeled 8R 540 and four-track 8RX equivalent are rated to a maximum output of 594hp, rising to…

WORKSHOP SKILLS

Inventions Comp 2026: Seed bag lifter speeds drill filling

Hamish Watson has been highly commended. There’s no need to tie up a telehandler during drilling season at Hamish Watson’s farm in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, as his tractor has all it…

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