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SOILS

Why increasing soil microbes is key to regen cropping

Microbes are an integral part of soil life and they are essential to allow soil to perform all of its functions, including nutrient cycling, says an expert. Healthy soils should…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Why are seed-borne diseases such as bunt making a comeback?

Some rarely seen seed-borne diseases, such as bunt, are making a comeback, with significant yield consequences in affected fields, says an expert.  “You usually never hear of bunt being an…

ARABLE

Why sap-feeding planthoppers are a threat to UK arable farms

Crop diseases spread by sap-feeding insects known as planthoppers are a growing threat to UK arable systems. These pests can spread bacterial plant diseases and are already affecting crops across…

CROP WATCH

Crop Watch: Beet yields down and leafhoppers in the West

The dry autumn comes to an end with a number of storms. Fortunately, the majority of wheat drilling has been completed although emergence has been very patchy. This patchy emergence…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: The Champions League of drilling conditions

This autumn has been very kind so far, and near perfect for no-till drilling; the Champions League of conditions in many ways here in South Devon. In mid-September we had…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Why climate change adds to septoria threat in wheat

The latest UK climate report from the Met Office points to warmer, wetter weather, which experts say are the ideal conditions for the number-one disease of wheat. Patrick Stephenson, Niab…

SOILS

Earthquake technology helps farmers map soil compaction

A 3D soil-mapping technology, traditionally used to study earthquakes, could help farmers track soil compaction and enhance crop performance. The Earth Rover Program uses seismology, sensors and tiny vibrations to…

SOILS

Earthquake technology helps farmers map soil compaction

A 3D soil-mapping technology, traditionally used to study earthquakes, could help farmers track soil compaction and enhance crop performance. The Earth Rover Program uses seismology, sensors and tiny vibrations to…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

AHDB data suggests more aphids are carrying BYDV

Results from aphid testing for barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) this autumn suggest a rise in the proportion carrying the virus, a worrying trend that could result in more crops…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Could AI help us make more informed decisions?

This autumn continues to be chilled. Not in a nippy way, but in a non-stressed way. We’ve been able to approach autumn sowing in an almost lackadaisical manner, with sunshine…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

How foliar N pioneers are cutting inputs without yield loss

Using foliar nitrogen rather than granular or liquid soil-applied nitrogen fertiliser for later-season applications is becoming more popular on some farms, thanks to a combination of aiming to improve nitrogen…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Early end to wheat drilling and OSR failures

At the time of writing, we have just 11ha of wheat left to drill for a neighbour, following potatoes. Our own drilling campaign came to an end on 28 September,…

POTATOES

How grower plans to store 5,000t of potato in tough season

Soaring spot potato prices are providing some comfort for growers after two years of difficult trading, but the legacy of this summer’s weather challenges means storing crops will require careful…

CROP WATCH

Crop Watch: Bean drilling and unexpected slug damage

As enter the second half of October, the promised deluge still has not arrived. Cereal drilling is well advanced and wheat emergence in some areas has been protracted and patchy.…

Arable news

SUGAR BEET

Sugar beet price sent to arbitration after talks stall

NFU Sugar and British Sugar have failed to agree a price for the 2027-28 sugar beet crop, with the dispute now heading to independent arbitration. The arbitration hearing will take…

ARABLE

Join us at Arable Insights Live: Potatoes

Following the success of the inaugural Arable Insights Live event earlier this year, Farmers Weekly is bringing the event back with a new focus on potatoes. With potato growers facing…

SUGAR BEET

Drought threatens sugar beet harvest prospects

The financial resilience of sugar beet production is being further tested by drought, with the national harvest forecast to be as much as 25% below an average year. With the…

HARVEST

Rapeseed co-op forecasts UK yields to exceed 4t/ha

United Oilseeds is forecasting average UK oilseed rape yields to exceed 4t/ha for the first time this harvest, potentially setting a new record for the crop and reinforcing the growing…

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SOILS

Why increasing soil microbes is key to regen cropping

Microbes are an integral part of soil life and they are essential to allow soil to perform all of its functions, including nutrient cycling, says an expert. Healthy soils should…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Why are seed-borne diseases such as bunt making a comeback?

Some rarely seen seed-borne diseases, such as bunt, are making a comeback, with significant yield consequences in affected fields, says an expert.  “You usually never hear of bunt being an…

ARABLE

Why sap-feeding planthoppers are a threat to UK arable farms

Crop diseases spread by sap-feeding insects known as planthoppers are a growing threat to UK arable systems. These pests can spread bacterial plant diseases and are already affecting crops across…

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Why climate change adds to septoria threat in wheat

The latest UK climate report from the Met Office points to warmer, wetter weather, which experts say are the ideal conditions for the number-one disease of wheat. Patrick Stephenson, Niab…

SOILS

Earthquake technology helps farmers map soil compaction

A 3D soil-mapping technology, traditionally used to study earthquakes, could help farmers track soil compaction and enhance crop performance. The Earth Rover Program uses seismology, sensors and tiny vibrations to…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

How foliar N pioneers are cutting inputs without yield loss

Using foliar nitrogen rather than granular or liquid soil-applied nitrogen fertiliser for later-season applications is becoming more popular on some farms, thanks to a combination of aiming to improve nitrogen…

POTATOES

How grower plans to store 5,000t of potato in tough season

Soaring spot potato prices are providing some comfort for growers after two years of difficult trading, but the legacy of this summer’s weather challenges means storing crops will require careful…

PULSES

How bicropping helps with weed control in pulses

Growing two crops in the same field at the same time has proved to be a valuable tool for managing weeds in pulses for one organic arable farmer. Matt England,…

PEST MANAGEMENT

Spray or stay in SFI? Aphids force tough choice

Widespread reports of aphids, gout fly and leafhoppers are being spotted in emerging cereal crops, putting immediate pressure on growers to consider insecticide use. Even those who opted for the…

BARLEY

Trial shows beans can cut carbon footprint of spring barley

Research shows that adding beans into cereal rotations can reduce fertiliser use, lower environmental impacts and, in most years, increase the yield of the barley crop that follows. Scientists analysed…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Six new farmers join the Arable Insights farmer panel

A new cropping season brings a new Arable Insights farmer panel. Mike Abram does the introductions. See also: Nutsedge findings point to gap in invasive weed defences Scotland: Anna Wylie,…

SUGAR BEET

Trial looks at how to make sugar beet more sustainable

Growing sugar beet with a living clover mulch is being put to the test in a long-term trial at Elveden Farms in Suffolk to see if the crop’s sustainability metrics…

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

How agroforestry can help build climate resilience

Building resilience into the farming system has been Tom Edmondson’s target since he took over the 120ha family farm near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, but the increasing likelihood of hotter,…

POTATOES

How precision nutrition system can enhance potato yield

[fw_shortcode source="youtube" code="Rgec6TbAiQs"] Potato production requires a highly accurate nutrition programme at every growth stage – be it tuber set, initiation or bulking to achieve optimum yield and quality. Starting…

POTATOES

Potato trials probe biostimulants, nutrition and IPM

[fw_shortcode source="youtube" code="naSv34sqq_o"] A number of independent trials encompassing nutrition strategies, biostimulants, and the effects of floral tramlines are taking place at the Dyson Farming Research Centre, Lincolnshire. This is…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Can probability weather forecasting improve farm decisions?

How many times have you consulted multiple weather apps to find a slightly different forecast for your farm? And then chosen the one you like best as the final arbiter…

Farmer Focus

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FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Driving tractors while on phone must stop

Travelling across the UK in an advisory role, from the North to the South, the West to the East, I see tractor drivers concentrating more on their mobile phones, than…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: The Champions League of drilling conditions

This autumn has been very kind so far, and near perfect for no-till drilling; the Champions League of conditions in many ways here in South Devon. In mid-September we had…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Could AI help us make more informed decisions?

This autumn continues to be chilled. Not in a nippy way, but in a non-stressed way. We’ve been able to approach autumn sowing in an almost lackadaisical manner, with sunshine…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Early end to wheat drilling and OSR failures

At the time of writing, we have just 11ha of wheat left to drill for a neighbour, following potatoes. Our own drilling campaign came to an end on 28 September,…

Markets

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CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

OSR prices pressured by global supply and fund selling

Oilseed rape futures have been broadly steady, with geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over European crop establishment providing support, while ample global supplies and fund selling have limited gains. The May…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Wheat prices fall as global supply weighs on markets

UK wheat prices have come under pressure from improving global supply prospects and hopes of progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, although renewed Black Sea disruption has limited the downside. London…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Potato growers urged to stand firm as European yields fall

Potato growers are being urged to resist pressure to accept lower prices as reduced European yields support the market, despite subdued demand across several UK sectors. The Ulster Farmers’ Union…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Barley harvest falls to 14-year low as wheat edges higher

England’s barley harvest fell to its lowest level in more than a decade in 2026, tightening domestic supplies, while wheat production edged higher thanks to slightly better yields. Provisional figures…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

NFU and British Sugar settle on lower price for 2027-28 crop

Sugar beet growers face the prospect of lower returns on next year’s crop following the completion of negotiations between NFU Sugar and British Sugar. The two sides had been at…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

El Nino points to potential upside in global grain market

Global grain markets remain at considerable risk to the effects of the El Nino weather event, according to analysts at the International Grains Council (IGC), who have identified a 90%…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Wheat rally loses momentum as global supply outlook improves

A more comfortable global wheat supply outlook, combined with prospects of better access to Black Sea grain, has led to an easing of UK wheat values from recent highs. The…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Political turmoil sends rapeseed prices up again

Oilseed rape prices have soared to a six-week high, having jumped by 7% since 24 August. Paris November rapeseed futures rose from €521/t (£446/t) to €558/t (£478/t) on Tuesday 1…

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

Imants expands 'spading' cultivator range with 6m model

Dutch cultivator maker Imants has expanded its range of “spading” rotary tillers with a 6m tractor-mounted version that folds for travel between yard and fields, and another designed to be…

CEREAL DRILLS

Kuhn gets into direct drilling with trailed 6m and 8m Apex

Direct drilling enthusiasts have another seeder option to consider with the introduction of Kuhn’s Apex single-disc design. The newcomer will initially be available in 6m and 8m trailed configurations featuring…

CULTIVATORS

Organic farm ditches its plough to improve weed control

Almost a decade after starting the conversion to organic production, Trucketts Hall Farm in Suffolk has begun overhauling its crop establishment system. Marianne and Luke Ashmore, who run the 350ha…

TELEHANDLERS

Relaunched tracked JCB Teleskid outlifts wheeled equivalent

After a brief period off the UK market, the tracked version of JCB’s Teleskid loader is back on sale via JCB Agriculture dealers with the latest in-cab instruments and an…

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