This Week in Farming: Iran, yellow rust and farm manager pay
© Xinhua/Alamy Stock Photo Welcome back to another edition of This Week in Farming, your one-stop shop for the best Farmers Weekly content from the past seven days.
First, here are your markets figures (opens as PDF). Red diesel is the standout figure once again, owing to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Which brings us to…
Iran latest
The escalating turmoil in the Middle East has reignited urgent UK food security fears.
In our lead story from the magazine this week, we air the concerns of experts fearful of how exposed the UK is to supply shortages.
This geopolitical heat is being felt directly in the grain markets. Prices are increasingly volatile as traders react to the uncertainty, although it’s only rapeseed that has made significant gains so far.
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On the home front
Closer to home, the May elections in Wales and Scotland are looming.
Following Reform UK’s manifesto for farming in Wales, Nigel Farage sat down for an exclusive interview with Farmers Weekly that saw him attempt to downplay farmer trade fears about imports of US chlorinated chicken.
In my editorial, I compare and contrast him with US president Donald Trump, and note that given the party’s performance in the opinion polls, it’s time for fans and detractors to take seriously the prospect of them gaining power.
Heavy metal: Valtra, Claas, and a visit to Gretna
In machinery, we take a deep dive into why a big contractor decided to invest in a fleet of 11 new Valtra S376 tractors.
On the flip side, we find out why how one Cumbrian contractor is prolonging the life of five ageing Claas Ares tractors, proving that with the right maintenance, older iron can still earn its keep on the front line.
And for the latest edition of What’s In Your Shed?, we visit a Gretna contractor for a look at their impressively diverse fleet.
Arable alert: Rust and resistance
Arable growers are facing a challenging spring as yellow rust forces a major rethink of wheat fungicide programmes.
The disease has seen an “almost exponential rise” over the past two to three years, and traditional timings may no longer be enough to keep it at bay.
For septoria control, we’ve looked at how two simple changes to application can triple the lifespan of SDHI fungicides, a crucial win for resistance management.
And if you’re wondering what agronomists in your area have been prioritising, don’t miss our latest Crop Watch for the lowdown on T0 approaches and a burgeoning OSR weed issue.
Who’s up and who’s down?
On the up are farm manager salaries, with fresh survey data showing a 13% increase in total cash earnings in the past two years.
And feeling a bit glum are Defra’s lawyers, after Devon farmer John Clapp won the right to remove a nitrate vulnerable zone designation on his land at a first-tier tribunal.
Listen to the FW Podcast
Don’t forget to tune in to the Farmers Weekly Podcast, with Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.
This week, the team react to the latest Defra farm income forecasts, Natural England’s statement on the shortcomings of green finance, and Farage’s support for chlorinated chicken.
You’ll find it anywhere you get your podcasts, or listen free on the FW website.