Menu

Arable top stories

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…

ARABLE

East Yorkshire mixed farmer joins productivity trial

East Yorkshire arable farmer Adam Hayward is the new Hutchinsons Helix Technology Demonstration farm host, who hopes taking part in further trial work will help maximise farm productivity. Adam runs…

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…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: More SFI mess and a small addition to fleet

Well the rain has finally stopped and, when you consider the amount we’ve had over the past three months, I’m pleasantly surprised how well crops look and how well they…

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…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: The world just got a whole lot more unstable

The government doesn’t appear to care for primary industry in this country. Their preference seems to be outsourcing the problem overseas. The trouble is, when there’s peril on the seas,…

CROP WATCH

Crop Watch: T0s approach in barley and an OSR weed issue

The T0 timing is fast approaching in earlier drilled winter barleys in the South, which are showing some disease after a wet winter.  In Scotland, OSR weed control has not…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Trial shows value of T0 sprays across several different seasons

A well-planned T0 spray may prove to be a cost-effective insurance policy this spring, especially given that early drilling, high crop biomass and a mild winter have created what experts…

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

Farmer Focus

See all

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: We're always jumping the next farming hurdle

And they’re off…the tractors are racing around again locally, albeit with the odd pull-up. It’s not so much that we’re getting huge amounts or rain, but when it drizzles and…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: More SFI mess and a small addition to fleet

Well the rain has finally stopped and, when you consider the amount we’ve had over the past three months, I’m pleasantly surprised how well crops look and how well they…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: The world just got a whole lot more unstable

The government doesn’t appear to care for primary industry in this country. Their preference seems to be outsourcing the problem overseas. The trouble is, when there’s peril on the seas,…

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…

Markets

See all

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…

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…

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

TRACTORS

11 new Valtra S376 tractors – JSE’s buying decision revealed

For some businesses, buying a new tractor is a blue-moon event, others might stretch to one or two a year, but precious few will have landed 11 in a single…

TRACTORS

Why a Cumbrian contractor runs 5 ageing Claas Ares tractors

If you spot a tidy-looking Claas Ares trimming a Cumbrian roadside, chances are it will belong to the C Davidson clan. That’s because the Carlisle-based contractor runs a total of…

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…

Most popular this week