All from last 24 hours INPUT MARKETS AND PRICESLack of clarity on AN supply frustrates fertiliser tradeFertiliser traders are growing increasingly frustrated about the lack of information on UK ammonium nitrate (AN) supply beyond the short term. CF Fertilisers, currently manufacturing AN only at its Billingham… NEWSMan dies after bridge collapses in Lancashire farm accidentA man has died and several others left seriously hurt after a Polaris Ranger and trailer carrying 11 people plunged into a river when a bridge collapsed on a Lancashire… TAKING STOCKMince demand brings optimism on cull cowsFarmers are following trade closely this month to gauge whether a rising cull cow market is set to break more records or merely tick along. Trade opened the year 29p/kg… ARABLEPhacelia and oil radish most effective cover crop in trialGrowing phacelia or oil radish cover crops in vegetable rotations proved to be the most effective cover option in a trial investigating 26 different species and varieties. Run by Agri-Tech… TRACTORSTop 10 best-selling tractor brands in the UK revealedPerennial tractor sales chart-topper John Deere continues to outsell its rivals in the UK, but its grip on the market is loosening, according to the most recent data released by… NEWSGovernment urged to scrap proposed plastic tax on silage wrapThe government is facing calls to scrap a proposed plastic tax on silage bale wrap that would cost farmers £200/t. In December last year, HMRC published guidance which, for the… DAIRY MARKETS AND PRICESInput cost rises forces change to Sainsbury’s milk pricingFarmers in Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group (SDDG) are to have their milk price reviewed monthly from February, rather than on the usual three-monthly basis. The cost-of-production model managed by Kite… GRANTSMetal fence posts to qualify for CS grants from 2022Farmers and landowners will soon be able to claim Countryside Stewardship (CS) money to erect metal fences, not just wooden ones, following a change in the rules for 2022 scheme… AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONHow to make your arable farm business more sustainableSimple management changes can help make arable farming more sustainable – and often more profitable too, say analysts. The environmental and financial performance of a typical 600ha arable unit (see… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Learning to live with Brexit and backlogsIf ever a year was a roller-coaster ride, I think for me it would have to be 2021. We’ve seen our herd performance reach new heights and our collaborative green… BREEDING AND FERTILITYHow to select a stock bull to breed herd replacementsThere is plenty to consider when searching for a new stock bull, including health status, fertility checks, historical management, feeding practices, and if the animal is fit for purpose. The… FARMLIFEHow a bestselling author juggles beef farming and writingFife farmer James Oswald is about to see his 20th book published. Here, we find out the story of this unusual diversification and how he juggles beef farming with being… AGRICULTURAL TRANSITIONArable business primed for Sustainable Farming IncentiveThe concept of “transition” is a familiar one to JM Stratton & Co. from Argentinian-style cattle ranching to dairying, to new arable enterprises, the Wiltshire family business has undergone significant…
