Menu

Arable top stories

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Why micronutrition is essential for nitrogen use efficiency

Understanding how nitrogen is processed inside the plant highlights the crucial role of micronutrition in optimising nitrogen use. Nitrogen assimilation is fundamental to plant development, and depending on the form…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Sunshine, fert spreading and photosynthesis

This is my favourite season of the year, with autumn being a close second. To see new life evolving, with the birds pairing up and the light nights returning –…

WEED MANAGEMENT

Tips to improve spring weed control if conditions turn dry

Early weed control is essential for spring crops, particularly if the season turns out to be a dry one, which has been the case in recent years. With as little…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Yellow virus risk greater in late-drilled sugar beet

Aphid migration is predicted to commence on 22 April this year, which could leave nearly two-thirds of sugar beet crops exposed to virus yellow infection. Rothamsted Research forecasts estimate 62%…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Yield will be essential for 2026 gross margins

Spring is here and it’s a joy to see. Longer days, brighter weather; the whole countryside is starting to march forward into another season. Crops have responded very well to…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

7 tips to make fertiliser go further this spring

While many farmers have already purchased fertiliser for this season, there will be some who haven’t been able to do that, whether it’s because of storage restrictions, cashflow or other…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

7 tips to make fertiliser go further this spring

While many farmers have already purchased fertiliser for this season, there will be some who haven’t been able to do that, whether it’s because of storage restrictions, cashflow or other…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: We must take resilience more seriously

Donald Trump’s war with Iran has rocked fuel prices. The initial rises are a worry, but securing supply during peak periods is a far bigger concern. Input security costs money,…

ARABLE

3 ways private funding for arable environmental schemes work

As public funding disappears and the future of environmental schemes remains uncertain, growers looking to plug the hole in farm finances are being tempted by private funding initiatives. Farmers want…

CROP WATCH

Crop Watch: Spring drilling progress as wheat T0 timing looms

Farmers Weekly‘s Crop Watch agronomists keep us up to date with spring fieldwork, after a spell of sunshine which has seen fertiliser applications and spring drilling progress well. See also: Advice…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Evapotranspiration metrics are bringing me joy

The past month has been extremely busy at Shimpling Park Farm, and so has the weather. We’ve had snow, wind, rain, as well as some glorious sunshine. My favourite screen…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Fertiliser buying advice as Iran conflict squeezes supplies

Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US‑Iran conflict has stalled one-third of global urea trade, triggering pressure on UK fertiliser supplies. The situation is fluid and volatile, and…

PULSES

Beans can deliver high yields in Scotland, trial shows

A trial has shown that growing beans in Scotland can successfully deliver high yields, but careful site selection, variety selection and drilling date are key to success. Scottish break crops…

Arable news

CROP MANAGEMENT

Winter crops in positive condition, AHDB report confirms

The UK wheat crop looks to be much improved this year, with 82% of winter wheat currently classed as in either good or excellent condition, despite wet conditions over winter…

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…

More articles
Agronomy Edge: Still trying to stay on the pulse?

How to make SFI a success on your arable farm

Explore arable Know How

  • Business advice
  • Essential guides
  • Practical tips
  • Case studies
Wheat
Barley
Oilseed rape
Potatoes
Sugar beet
Maize
Pulses
Other crops
Explore all topics

Latest from arable Know How

See all

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Why micronutrition is essential for nitrogen use efficiency

Understanding how nitrogen is processed inside the plant highlights the crucial role of micronutrition in optimising nitrogen use. Nitrogen assimilation is fundamental to plant development, and depending on the form…

ARABLE

Arable farm management software: The options and prices

For years, farm management software has been limited mostly to three options, with Gatekeeper and Greenlight Grower Management (GLGM) – also known colloquially as Muddy Boots – by far the…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

7 tips to make fertiliser go further this spring

While many farmers have already purchased fertiliser for this season, there will be some who haven’t been able to do that, whether it’s because of storage restrictions, cashflow or other…

ARABLE

3 ways private funding for arable environmental schemes work

As public funding disappears and the future of environmental schemes remains uncertain, growers looking to plug the hole in farm finances are being tempted by private funding initiatives. Farmers want…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Fertiliser buying advice as Iran conflict squeezes supplies

Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US‑Iran conflict has stalled one-third of global urea trade, triggering pressure on UK fertiliser supplies. The situation is fluid and volatile, and…

PULSES

Beans can deliver high yields in Scotland, trial shows

A trial has shown that growing beans in Scotland can successfully deliver high yields, but careful site selection, variety selection and drilling date are key to success. Scottish break crops…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Advice on effective late blight control in potatoes

Alternating fungicides to protect chemistry is key to maintaining effective late blight control in potatoes. Resistance management is a central component of any potato blight programme as aggressive and resistant…

MAIZE

How grain maize earns more profit than wheat for two growers

With yields approaching 10t/ha and gross margins currently exceeding those of wheat, grain maize can be a profitable break crop. However, the crop does have its challenges and requires good…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Advice on key focus areas to ease pressure on arable margins

The outlook for arable businesses in the year ahead is one of tightening margins, rising costs and increasing uncertainty. Farm output is under significant strain, driven primarily by poor commodity…

ARABLE

SFI26: What options are open to arable farmers?

For growers who were locked out when the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) closed abruptly last March, the government’s February announcement on the scheme will have come as a relief. While…

ARABLE

How an 8ha field generates over 50% of farm income

A 8ha field is generating more than 50% of farm business income at Ashley Jones’s 360ha farm in Cornwall, thanks to an array of farm diversifications. What started out as…

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…

Farmer Focus

See all

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Sunshine, fert spreading and photosynthesis

This is my favourite season of the year, with autumn being a close second. To see new life evolving, with the birds pairing up and the light nights returning –…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Yield will be essential for 2026 gross margins

Spring is here and it’s a joy to see. Longer days, brighter weather; the whole countryside is starting to march forward into another season. Crops have responded very well to…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: We must take resilience more seriously

Donald Trump’s war with Iran has rocked fuel prices. The initial rises are a worry, but securing supply during peak periods is a far bigger concern. Input security costs money,…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Evapotranspiration metrics are bringing me joy

The past month has been extremely busy at Shimpling Park Farm, and so has the weather. We’ve had snow, wind, rain, as well as some glorious sunshine. My favourite screen…

Markets

See all

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Ensus bioethanol plant to reopen with £100m funding deal

Farmers are set to regain a significant market for maize and feed wheat, as well as a key source of animal feed in the North East, with the Ensus UK…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Sugar markets recover from lows as campaign ends

Global sugar markets have rallied in the past month, with prices hitting a five-month high on 24 March. This marks a strong recovery and a significant shift in the market,…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Wheat flutters around £172/t amid US-Iran talks uncertainty

UK wheat futures have been fluctuating between £170/t and £175/t for the May 2026 contract, as markets react to a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. Volatility has presented…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Frontier rolls out digital grain monitoring across sites

Major agronomy and grain trading group Frontier Agriculture is investing in digital grain monitoring to check and regulate crop conditions in stores. The technology was installed at three sites in…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Middle East conflict keeps wheat markets elevated

Global grain markets remain volatile with heightened tensions in the Middle East adding support to prices, despite large supplies globally. Unlike the disruption at the start of the Ukraine war,…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Grain markets volatile as Iran conflict pushes up costs

Global grain markets have fluctuated widely in the past week as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. May 2026 UK feed wheat futures rallied to £175.40/t…

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…

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

See all

COMBINES

Bushel Plus offers quick-change concaves for JD X9 combines

Canadian firm Bushel Plus reckons its new retrofit combine concave system could be just the ticket for John Deere X9 owners considering grain maize as an alternative break crop. With…

CULTIVATION AND DRILLING

Law Farming to host Tillage-Live demo day in September

The Tillage-Live demonstration day will return on 17 September, this time at Law Farming’s Chrishall Grange in Cambridgeshire. Working plots remain the central attraction, with manufacturers free to run their…

TRACTORS

First impressions: John Deere's 8RX 540 breaks new ground

American heavy artillery of a friendlier type will be shipped across the Atlantic later this year when the first battalion of Europe-bound 8Rs and RXs departs John Deere’s Iowan factory.…

CULTIVATORS

Amazone Catros harrow gets factory-fitted slurry distributor

A new Pro version of Amazone’s Catros compact disc harrow comes with a factory-fitted slurry distribution system that allows buyers to complete shallow cultivations and apply nutrients in the same…

Most popular this week