http://www.fwi.co.ukFarmers Weekly interactive provides an all farming and agricultural news feeden-gbWed, 22 May 2013 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139160/scotland-announces-details-of-6m-weather-fund.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139160/scotland-announces-details-of-6m-weather-fund.htmlFarmers in Scotland who were hit by the extreme weather earlier this year will be able to apply for a share of £6m of financial help at the start of June. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:42:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139158/fusarium-may-blight-another-cereal-season.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139158/fusarium-may-blight-another-cereal-season.htmlFusarium ear blight could be a big disease headache again for cereal growers this summer as further wet weather may spark an epidemic like last year. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139157/ngm-explorer-rugged-smartphone-looks-tough.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139157/ngm-explorer-rugged-smartphone-looks-tough.html There's another runner in the rugged smartphone stakes - the NGM Explorer. Wed, 22 May 2013 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139155/arla-milk-link-price-to-rise-to-31.91plitre.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139155/arla-milk-link-price-to-rise-to-31.91plitre.htmlArla Milk Link producers will get a 1.7p/litre price increase from 27 May, taking their standard litre price to 31.91p/litre.Wed, 22 May 2013 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139159/report-shows-dramatic-decline-in-wildlife-species.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139159/report-shows-dramatic-decline-in-wildlife-species.html Almost two-thirds of British wildlife species included in a study have declined over the past 50 years, according to a new report. Wed, 22 May 2013 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139153/reconsider-winter-barley-as-second-cereal.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139153/reconsider-winter-barley-as-second-cereal.htmlModern high-yielding winter barley varieties are making the crop an attractive alternative to second wheat, as Richard Allison reports Wed, 22 May 2013 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139152/spring-grass-poses-acidosis-risk-for-dairy-cows.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139152/spring-grass-poses-acidosis-risk-for-dairy-cows.htmlDairy farmers turning cows out to spring grass are being urged to guard against an increased risk of acidosis and drop in butterfat.Wed, 22 May 2013 09:40:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139151/rural-broadband-funding-deadline-extended.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139151/rural-broadband-funding-deadline-extended.html Farmers and agricultural businesses have been given an additional three weeks to apply for their share of £20m of rural broadband funding. Wed, 22 May 2013 08:38:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139154/online-sps-forms-overtake-paper-forms-rpa.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139154/online-sps-forms-overtake-paper-forms-rpa.htmlElectronic submission of single farm payment application forms has become more popular than using paper forms for farmers in EnglandWed, 22 May 2013 07:34:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139156/photos-farmhouse-wins-grand-designs-award.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/22/139156/photos-farmhouse-wins-grand-designs-award.htmlA modern take on a traditional Suffolk farmhouse has been named the Grand Designs Home of the Year for 2013. Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139150/eu-piles-pressure-on-uk-to-tackle-bovine-tb.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139150/eu-piles-pressure-on-uk-to-tackle-bovine-tb.htmlThe UK is facing mounting pressure from the European Union to get bovine TB under control, say government scientists. Tue, 21 May 2013 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139149/latest-survey-shows-haulage-cost-increases.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139149/latest-survey-shows-haulage-cost-increases.htmlAverage haulage costs have increased by 8% since March 2012, according to the latest HGCA UK grain haulage survey.Tue, 21 May 2013 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139146/new-british-poultry-council-chief-executive.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139146/new-british-poultry-council-chief-executive.htmlThe British Poultry Council (BPC) has appointed a new chief executive, Andrew Large, replacing Peter Bradnock after 22 years in the role. Tue, 21 May 2013 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139120/employee-pension-rules-mean-changes-for-all.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139120/employee-pension-rules-mean-changes-for-all.htmlThe government's latest attempt to encourage UK workers to save for their retirement is still a mystery to many, including many farmers, estate owners and agricultural contractorsTue, 21 May 2013 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139141/timing-and-structure-crucial-to-renewables-plans.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139141/timing-and-structure-crucial-to-renewables-plans.htmlDiversification into renewable energy requires careful planning. Shirley Mathieson from Saffery Champness provides advice on protecting family income and minimising tax Tue, 21 May 2013 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139140/uk-farm-greenhouse-gas-emissions-down-20.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139140/uk-farm-greenhouse-gas-emissions-down-20.htmlGreenhouse gas emissions from UK agriculture dropped 20% in the past 20 years, helping to reduce the UK's total produced emissions by 21% in the same period. Tue, 21 May 2013 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139138/farmers-urged-to-report-fly-strike-via-online-tool.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139138/farmers-urged-to-report-fly-strike-via-online-tool.htmlFarmers are being urged to use a new online tool to keep abreast of the regions affected by fly strike and report any problems on their own farms. Tue, 21 May 2013 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139147/take-advice-before-using-schmallenberg-vaccine.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139147/take-advice-before-using-schmallenberg-vaccine.htmlLivestock farmers are being advised to seek veterinary advice if they want to use the first Schmallenberg vaccine - due to become available next month. Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139148/essex-broiler-farm-loses-birds-in-shed-fire.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139148/essex-broiler-farm-loses-birds-in-shed-fire.htmlAn estimated 300 birds were killed when fire broke out at a broiler farm in Essex earlier this week. Tue, 21 May 2013 07:35:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139134/schmallenberg-vaccine-set-to-go-on-sale.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139134/schmallenberg-vaccine-set-to-go-on-sale.htmlThe first vaccine against the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) will go on sale to farmers after being shipped to the UK in the next few weeks. Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139144/farmer-wins-10-year-inheritance-tax-battle.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139144/farmer-wins-10-year-inheritance-tax-battle.htmlA farmer has won a 10-year inheritance tax battle with HMRC. Nick Hanson secured agricultural property relief (APR) from inheritance tax (IHT) on the farmhouse, which had been in his family for more than 100 years. Tue, 21 May 2013 06:00:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139145/legislate-if-dairy-code-fails-say-mps.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139145/legislate-if-dairy-code-fails-say-mps.htmlMPs are calling to legislation to bind contracts between milk processors and dairy farmers if the new voluntary code of practice fails to work.Tue, 21 May 2013 05:55:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139142/video-cereals-2013-crop-plot-preview.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139142/video-cereals-2013-crop-plot-preview.htmlThere are hundreds of cereals, oilseed and root crop varieties at this year’s Cereals event and to help you plan your visit, Farmers Weekly has put together a virtual video tour giving the key highlights of the trial plots.Tue, 21 May 2013 05:51:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139137/mental-health-key-to-animal-welfare.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139137/mental-health-key-to-animal-welfare.htmlAnimal welfare not only relates to the health and physical well-being of an animal, but includes its mental state, according to head of farm animals at the RSPCA, Julia Wrathall....Tue, 21 May 2013 05:50:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139139/dog-walkers-offered-countryside-etiquette-training.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139139/dog-walkers-offered-countryside-etiquette-training.htmlA Wiltshire dog trainer has introduced a rural-focused training course for clients who want to improve their dog's behaviour in the countryside. Tue, 21 May 2013 05:13:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139136/council-pledge-on-future-of-louth-cattle-market.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/21/139136/council-pledge-on-future-of-louth-cattle-market.html Farmers in Lincolnshire have been offered assurances about the future of a cattle market in Louth. Tue, 21 May 2013 05:03:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139135/mid-range-tractors-put-to-the-test.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139135/mid-range-tractors-put-to-the-test.htmlToday's high-horsepower tractors are expected to be more versatile and comfortable than ever before. We spent a week testing five of the most popular in the field and on the road to find out which is best. Mon, 20 May 2013 17:50:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139133/mid-range-tractor-test-valtra-t203-direct.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139133/mid-range-tractor-test-valtra-t203-direct.htmlThe Valtra was the least powerful of the test group. It performed averagely in the DLG tests, although the usability of its gearbox was its biggest downfall. Mon, 20 May 2013 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139132/mid-range-tractor-test-new-holland-t7.270.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139132/mid-range-tractor-test-new-holland-t7.270.htmlThe T7 finished second overall and its engine and transmission performed well at the DLG tests. The only minor disappointments were the cab and monitor. Mon, 20 May 2013 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139130/mid-range-tractor-test-mf-7624-dyna-vt.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139130/mid-range-tractor-test-mf-7624-dyna-vt.htmlThe French-built Massey has plenty of features and a new joystick. It performed averagely at the test station and its unreliable terminal can be hard to work with. Mon, 20 May 2013 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139129/mid-range-tractor-test-fendt-724-vario.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139129/mid-range-tractor-test-fendt-724-vario.htmlAs usual, the Fendt delivered on working and driving comfort as well as performing well at the DLG testing station. This is reflected in its high price though. Mon, 20 May 2013 14:39:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139128/mid-range-tractor-test-john-deere-6210r.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139128/mid-range-tractor-test-john-deere-6210r.htmlThe John Deere was the only tractor on test not to use AdBlue, but it still performed well in the DLG tests. We tested a pre-production Direct Drive model, which is simple to operate but lacks a few functions.Mon, 20 May 2013 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139127/vaccinate-calves-prior-to-sale-this-autumn.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139127/vaccinate-calves-prior-to-sale-this-autumn.htmlSuckled calf producers are being encouraged to vaccinate their spring born calves for pneumonia prior to sale this autumn following a poor start to the year. Mon, 20 May 2013 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139124/beat-soaring-feed-costs-with-inventive-rations.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139124/beat-soaring-feed-costs-with-inventive-rations.htmlUnpredictable forage supplies and quality and rising feed costs are forcing farmers to look for cheaper alternatives. Sarah Trickett visited three farmers making the most from feeding co-products Mon, 20 May 2013 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139119/farmer-opens-doors-to-show-bovine-tb-damage.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139119/farmer-opens-doors-to-show-bovine-tb-damage.htmlA Gloucestershire beef farmer opened his doors to councillors to show them the devastating impact bovine TB is having on his farm and argue the case for a badger cull in the county.Mon, 20 May 2013 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139131/fast-growth-does-not-mean-low-welfare.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139131/fast-growth-does-not-mean-low-welfare.htmlThe RSPCA is changing the way it assesses broiler breeds under the Freedom Food scheme, but still believes fast growth rates are closely associated with welfare problems.Mon, 20 May 2013 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139125/cranswick-sales-increase-by-5.htmlhttp://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2013/05/20/139125/cranswick-sales-increase-by-5.htmlFood manufacturer Cranswick saw total revenue increase by 7% to £875m last year, after a "positive year". Mon, 20 May 2013 10:19:00 GMT