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CROP SELECTION

How high-protein spring barley can unlock bigger premium

Premiums for spring barley remain weak on the back of low demand from maltsters as consumers, especially younger generations, reduce alcohol consumption. But there could be an emerging market, if…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: A la carte weather is rarely on the menu

Harvest is halfway through at this stage, and it's wonderful to be able to get up and work every day with no weather interruptions. That's the positive side of our…

HARVEST AND CROP STORAGE

A day in the life: Managing 100,000t of grain at PX Farms

Not many farms have a 100,000t grain storage facility on site, but for managing director James Peck of PX Farms, grain storage and processing is a key part of the…

DRILLING

Poor harvest prompts rethink on winter drilling plans

Disappointing yields, high input costs, low prices and increasingly unpredictable weather are prompting some arable farmers to question whether it is worth drilling winter crops this autumn. Machinery experts are…

HARVEST

Harvest 2026: Harvest starts in North and finishes in South

Hampshire In the South East a lot of farmers are finishing this week. “It’s been a real mixed bag,” explains Jonathan Arnold, trading director at Robin Appel. “The heat has…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Harvest gets off to an encouraging start

It is 22 July as I write this, and harvest is in full swing across Herefordshire. As you travel the county, it is clear that August is going to be…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Regen premium helps West Midlands family battle blackgrass

Regen premiums have given father and son James and Sam Daw the confidence to dedicate one-third of their cropping area to spring crops and tackle a growing grassweed problem. “It…

PEST MANAGEMENT

Next-gen OSR pest monitoring tool aids drilling decisions

A major agchem company has launched the next generation of its digital pest monitoring tool for oilseed rape pests, which aims to help growers with their rapeseed drilling decisions. Building…

VARIETY SELECTION

Growers advised not to disregard non-RL OSR varieties

Oilseed rape growers are being advised to use previous on-farm performance as the starting point for 2026 drilling decisions and not to dismiss proven varieties simply because they are no…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Opting for new dairy as arable no longer pays

We are actively working towards milking cows by July 2028, alongside desperately trying to find a way to remain arable farmers. Likely with a simplified arable rotation and a greatly…

HARVEST

Harvest 2026: Harvest nears completion for some

The end of harvest is in sight for some farmers, especially in the South and East, thanks to the early start. Despite lower-than-average yields, quality has been a pleasant surprise…

PULSES

Winter beans beat wheat gross margin for northern grower

Winter beans are producing a greater gross margin than most 10t/ha wheat crops at Will Dakin’s arable farm in Northumberland.  Deeper, earlier sowing with a modified one-pass drill saw beans…

PEST MANAGEMENT

Agronomists stress need for correct pest ID in maize crops

Following numerous reports of caterpillar activity in maize crops across the country over recent weeks, agronomists are advising growers to remain vigilant and make sure they identify species correctly. In…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: My next idea is more Zen than YEN

As I write, the combine (or parts of it) should be heading over to Little Goldsmiths Farm for harvest 2026. This will be the first time I’ve started harvest before…

Arable news

HARVEST

Harvest 2026: Mixed wheat quality and spring barley under way

Cornwall In the far south, Mike Champion at Kernow Grain near Bodmin is expecting the first loads of wheat this week, with spring barley harvest also under way. “That is…

ARABLE

Early wheat harvest delivers mixed returns

The first combines rolling into winter wheat have delivered a mixed picture, with some growers reporting yields more than a third below normal after the prolonged dry spell. Although only…

SOILS

Lancs veg grower scoops Soil Farmer of the Year Award

Two to three years of herbal leys gives enough fertility to Chris Molyneux’s south Lancashire soils to grow a string of vegetable crops without nitrogen, helping him to win the…

ARABLE

Beet armyworm outbreaks put maize growers on alert

Agronomists are urging maize growers to inspect crops after an unusual series of beet armyworm caused significant damage to young maize crops along England’s south coast. The pest has now…

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CROP SELECTION

How high-protein spring barley can unlock bigger premium

Premiums for spring barley remain weak on the back of low demand from maltsters as consumers, especially younger generations, reduce alcohol consumption. But there could be an emerging market, if…

HARVEST AND CROP STORAGE

A day in the life: Managing 100,000t of grain at PX Farms

Not many farms have a 100,000t grain storage facility on site, but for managing director James Peck of PX Farms, grain storage and processing is a key part of the…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Regen premium helps West Midlands family battle blackgrass

Regen premiums have given father and son James and Sam Daw the confidence to dedicate one-third of their cropping area to spring crops and tackle a growing grassweed problem. “It…

PULSES

Winter beans beat wheat gross margin for northern grower

Winter beans are producing a greater gross margin than most 10t/ha wheat crops at Will Dakin’s arable farm in Northumberland.  Deeper, earlier sowing with a modified one-pass drill saw beans…

VARIETY SELECTION

Could highest yielding soft wheat be the next market leader?

After the recent success of Bamford, which became the UK’s market-leading winter wheat for 2026, could another soft wheat from the same breeder repeat this feat? Will Compson, managing director…

POTATOES

Growers warned of herbicide drift damage in seed potatoes

Specialists warn that avoidable herbicide damage caused by pre-harvest glyphosate applications continue to ruin seed potato crops every year. Just a small amount of herbicide can have severe consequences, with…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

Norfolk estate trials liquid green fertiliser

The Holkham Farming Company is conducting the UK’s first field-scale trial of liquid green fertiliser. Undertaken in partnership with Omex Agriculture, it forms a key part of the estate’s wider…

DRILLING

Machinery expert's tips on drilling cereals into cover crops

Cover crops have a valuable role in improving soil health, however, dense residues, reduced soil movement and increased pressure from pests like slugs can make autumn cereal establishment more challenging.…

NUTRITION AND FERTILISER

5 top tips on getting the most from slurry on stubble

The post-harvest period is a crucial time for arable farmers putting nutrients back into soil before incorporating and drilling the next crop. However, applying slurry in hot conditions can reduce…

ARABLE

Changes Arable Insights farmers are making for next season

Defra’s recently published Farming Roadmap hasn’t created any immediate impetus for change on our Arable Insights farmer panel’s farms, indeed most of the panel in the week following publication hadn’t…

VARIETY SELECTION

Grower reveals top wheat and OSR contenders for autumn 2026

Bedfordshire-based farms director Andrew Robinson of Heathcote Farms is a dedicated milling wheat grower so finds himself in a good position on variety choice, given the recent Group1 additions. He…

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Relay cropping: What it is and how it might work in the UK

Relay cropping, where a grower plants a second crop into a field before the first crop is harvested, has gained niche popularity in the US as an alternative to double-cropping…

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Oxfordshire farm expands to be self-sufficient for wheat

A fully integrated mixed farm business is the aim for Blanchard Farms in Oxfordshire, where planned growth in the arable enterprise will ensure self-sufficiency, keep costs down and support its…

VARIETY SELECTION

Why new bread wheat is becoming millers’ favourite  

Bedfordshire wheat grower Peter Sinnott is impressed with the yield and quality of new milling variety Vibe, and is looking to increase his area if results from the combine match…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Narrow row spacing and livestock key to farm's high yields

Narrow row spacing and evenly planted crops are key to achieving consistently high yields on David Passmore’s Oxfordshire farm, with winter wheat frequently achieving 12-14t/ha. All cereal crops are drilled…

SOILS

Growers share insights on using Johnson-Su compost extracts

Two farmers shared their experience of feeding soils with Johnson-Su compost extracts at the recent Groundswell event, as interest in the technique for giving soil biology a helping hand continues…

Farmer Focus

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FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: A la carte weather is rarely on the menu

Harvest is halfway through at this stage, and it's wonderful to be able to get up and work every day with no weather interruptions. That's the positive side of our…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Harvest gets off to an encouraging start

It is 22 July as I write this, and harvest is in full swing across Herefordshire. As you travel the county, it is clear that August is going to be…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Opting for new dairy as arable no longer pays

We are actively working towards milking cows by July 2028, alongside desperately trying to find a way to remain arable farmers. Likely with a simplified arable rotation and a greatly…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: My next idea is more Zen than YEN

As I write, the combine (or parts of it) should be heading over to Little Goldsmiths Farm for harvest 2026. This will be the first time I’ve started harvest before…

Markets

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CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Potatoes show signs of stress as drought strikes

With the Environment Agency confirming this week that more than half of England is now officially in drought, potato crops are showing increasing signs of stress. “There’s no doubt that…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Oilseed and pulse prices remain firm

Uncertainty in Europe and the Middle East continue to buoy oilseed rape prices, while pulse values remain steady. But with dry weather impacting yields and planning, prospects remain uncertain.  With…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Wheat futures gain £10/t on the week as prices firm

Grain markets are having a bullish week amid ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine, alongside continued hot weather affecting crops across much of the northern hemisphere. London’s November…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Wheat prices show welcome signs of improvement

Feed wheat prices have shown an encouraging upturn in recent days, prompted by tightening supply predictions and interruptions to shipping in the Black Sea region. Latest reports from the US…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Pressure eases on oilseed rape market – for now

With the oilseed rape harvest gathering pace, markets have enjoyed some relief this week as traders respond to global factors. As Farmers Weekly went to press on Wednesday (8 July),…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Early-cut barley meets with lacklustre demand

First cuts of the 2026 barley harvest are coming up against weak demand and depressed prices, though prospects for the rest of the season will very much depend on quality…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Standing straw demand remains firm at early auctions

Standing straw auctions are in full swing across England ahead of harvest, with auctioneers reporting solid demand. However, auctioneers say bidding has generally been more cautious than during last year’s…

CROPS MARKETS AND PRICES

Feed wheat falls to £178/t amid ample global stocks

Margins for UK cereal growers remain under pressure, with subdued wheat prices struggling to offset high on-farm input costs. Ex-farm feed wheat softened slightly this week to £178/t on 24…

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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CEREAL DRILLS

Erth Panbuster Drill gets low-disturbance legs with coulters

Erth Engineering has unveiled a new combination drill that is inspired by the work of Northern Irish farmer Alistair Craig. A couple of years ago, he cobbled together a versatile…

CEREAL DRILLS

Pottinger Aerosem M air drill gets divided hopper option

A divided tank that enables simultaneous sowing of seed and fertiliser is one of several new options for Pottinger’s Aerosem M pneumatic piggyback drill. Available in 3m, 3.5m and 4m…

CEREAL DRILLS

Lemken ups Saphir XMR box drill capacity to 1,500 litres

More seed carrying capacity is the stand-out improvement to Lemken’s latest 3m Saphir box drill. The new XMRs pick up where the old 10s left off, but with the standard…

TRACTORS

Claas pulls the wraps off revamped 264-313hp Axion 8 tractors

As part of an update programme across its entire tractor range, Claas has launched revamped versions of its 800-series machines. Three new variants – the Axion 8.240, 8.270 and 8.290…

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