Author name: Tom Allen-Stevens

Landmark project develops next-generation oilseed rape and smart disease control

Research, Tech Farmer, Technology / By

Precision-bred oilseed rape will be put to the test in trials on commercial farms for the first time in Europe, offering fresh hope for a crop under pressure. A new £2.5m, three-year project marks a major step towards rebuilding the UK’s most important break crop. The project, Light Leaf Spot Enhancing Resistance And reducing Susceptibility …

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SOILSHOT approach key to profitable, resilient farming

Research, Soils Farmer / By

The much-awaited report from Minette Batters on farm profitability was released by Defra shortly before Christmas. Tom Allen-Stevens summarises what it means for soil pioneers. Building soil health at pace is central to improving the resilience and long-term profitability of English farming, according to the Farming Profitability Review led by Baroness Minette Batters. It calls …

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Precision breeding regulations come into force

Genetic Editing, Tech Farmer, Technology / By

The first three gene-edited cereals are being submitted for approval to be drilled in commercial farm trials in England during 2026. Tom Allen-Stevens explains the new regulatory regime. New regulations governing the development, release and marketing of precision-bred crops in England came into force in November, marking a major step in the implementation of the …

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On-farm trialists ‘lead the field’

Tech Farmer, Technology / By

The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) encourages farmers to ‘lead the field’ in agricultural innovation by taking part in Defra-funded projects that are changing the shape of the industry. Here we catch up with the latest updates across its collaborative projects. SLIMERS project advances in the battle against slugs Farmers involved in a major slug …

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Farmer and scientist collaboration helps to unearth soil secrets

Farm Trial Results, Research, Tech Farmer / By

Farmers and scientists working on the TRUTH Project have revealed some intriguing findings from their first year of working together. TRUTH (Thriving Roots Underpinning Total soil Health) is a three-year £1m project with twin aims of boosting productivity while improving soil health. The project is led by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) with four …

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A ‘big revolution’ in nitrogen management

Biodiversity, Carbon, Farm Trial Results, Tech Farmer / By

Could hyperspectral imaging revolutionise nitrogen management in agriculture? Clemmie Gleeson spoke to George Marangos-Gilks, CEO of agritech startup Messium to find out.

Hyperspectral imagery can overcome the limitations of existing nitrogen assessment methods, equipping farmers with high level insights that could optimise fertiliser applications according to George Marangos-Gilks.

It’s 2030 – Has food security improved?

Tech Farmer, Technology / By

Tom Allen-Stevens travels forward to 2030 and looks back at what progress has been made since 2024 to improve agricultural productivity. What goes around comes around, it seems. The debate about food security and nanotechnology that we’re currently having in the first few months of 2030 has echoes of a very similar discussion that preoccupied …

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