Archive Article: 2002/07/12
Dont write off Xi19 before harvest
Speculation that potential breadmaking winter wheat Xi19 is destined for the scrapheap is premature.
Certainly the mystery leaf blotching seen in crops across the country will hit yield. But until combines roll, how widespread and how severe that yield loss may be is guesswork.
Whats more, the cause of the problem remains unclear. Co-operation between growers, agronomists and the breeder is vital to establish the facts. Only then will it become clear whether the variety is seriously flawed, compensation is due and Xi19s once promising future is indeed consigned to the scrapheap. Lets hope those prove to be unfounded fears.
Royal awards scheme sadly bites the dust
What a pity. Just when farmers need independent information to help them make important investment decisions, the Royal Agricultural Society of England is to end its machinery awards scheme.
Lack of funds is to blame. No longer will manufacturers vie for the prestigious gold and silver accolades, which marked their machinery, in the view of the judges, as being among the best in the world.
The award scheme not only provided an incentive for manufacturers to develop better machinery, it also presented them with a national shop window to promote their success.
From steam-powered threshing machines to modern combine harvesters, from land driven mowers to self-propelled forage harvesters. The scheme played an important part in promoting them all. It will be sadly missed.
Feed-lot system with stock has appeal
Beef feed-lots are a low-welfare system that wouldnt suit the UK. Or are they?
Whats wrong with keeping stock in groups, in airy pens, with access to an outdoor yard and knee deep in straw? Why would the public worry about stock kept in such conditions? Add to the picture fresh feed twice a day, dedicated staff and a stress-free handling system and even the most sceptical would find it hard to find fault.
It may not be a traditional production method, as with the byres of old, but it could help some producrers finish beef competitively to market needs.
Welcome news on breeders royalties
Plant breeders royalty payments have long proved controversial. So its good to hear of a leading companys attempt to break the mould with a pilot scheme intended to be transparent and fairer to all sides.
Its a simple idea focusing on the fact that everyone involved has a vested interest in making the most of breeders varieties. But it requires growers to accept a hefty 5.5% discount from their crop returns. How will they fare if the anticipated boost to the bottom line is thwarted by unexpected circumstances? That question will need a convincing answer before pressing ahead.
Tread organic lamb road with care
What price organic lamb? Forecasts of massive production this autumn will provide little encouragement for newly converted and converting producers.
The increase means it will be even more important for producers to do everything possible to ensure the consistent, year-round supply that supermarkets want desperately.
Its important to remember that theres good demand for organic lamb. But it is a niche market where increasingly only top quality, well marketed product can expect to find a home.
Good for the game, good for wildlife…
Whats good for game birds is also good for wildlife. Nowhere is that more evident than on a well keepered shoot.
The three finalists in our Gamekeeper of the Year Award run very different shoots on a North Yorks moor, a Midland commercial farm and a Devon stock farm. But wherever they work, habitats have been improved and wildlife diversity increased, as our Farmlife Section explains.
Each finalist shows that, with their employers backing, top class keepers can ensure conservation and shooting go hand-in-hand. All three are a credit to their profession.