AHDB-funded trials will provide independent information on the potential of biofungicides in winter wheat. Jason Pole, AHDB Technical Content Manager, explains. Options are good for disease management because they provide flexibility, add strength to integrated pest management (IPM) and help reduce fungicide resistance risks. Biofungicides are an emerging area of interest, but they must get […]
Biofungicide performance pilot for wheat Read More »
Feb 2026 The apparent lack of understanding of the agricultural sector by government / Defra is making it almost impossible for farmers to operate viable businesses and do their job of feeding the nation, says Suffolk arable farmer Jeff Claydon. 23 February 2026 Since the start of 2026 it has rained virtually every day here
Government and Defra must regain farmers’ trust Read More »
Written by Chris Fellows The term “regenerative agriculture” is on everyone’s lips, from the halls of government to the supermarket aisles. With it comes the tantalising promise of premium prices for our crops and livestock. But as the market floods with a dizzying array of certifications, standards and claims, many of us on the ground
Can Certification Truly Pay for UK Farmers? Read More »
The unseen foundation: decoding the mechanics of your soil Most modern farmers possess an enviable mastery of complex technology. They command massive combines, sophisticated cultivation tools, precision seeders and satellite guided guidance systems with ease. Yet, an alarming number, especially younger generations, possess little true understanding of their most vital asset:the mechanics of the soil
The Mchanics of Soil Read More »
What we know about the seasons is that there is no “normal” year. Last year saw droughts in many areas, causing forage shortages that have challenged production and affected the bottom line. Traditional cropping systems of ryegrass, maize and whole crop are not meeting the dry matter yields needed to sustain essential forage supplies, which
Building Resilient Forage Systems Read More »
Holding Our Nerve There’s a certain satisfaction in early spring when the farm looks well, before the dreaded blackgrass rears its ugly head and takes the edge off my favourite month of May. Things aren’t perfect, but they’re alright. Crops are clean, gaps are few and far between, and though growth stages are hugely variable,
Farmer Focus – Tom Martin Read More »
Cover crop establishment has been a serious challenge for many this season, with the extreme dry soils after the long hot summer. However, years of soil improvement and a minimal soil movement strategy have achieved good results at low cost for Northamptonshire grower, David Beesley, even on his light, free-draining ironstone soils. “It’s been very
Soil improvements under cover Read More »
Written by Charley Snowdon, Office of Blake Stephenson MP Young Farmers from across the country stepped into the spotlight this month as Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson hosted a two-part debating programme designed to inspire young people in agriculture and place their voices at the heart of national discussion. The initiative began as an event
Young Farmers Take Parliament by Storm, and Back Regenerative Farming Read More »
Mar 2026 Ryan McCormack Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year 2025, Dennington Hall Farms in East Suffolk, a 1,600ha arable farm with 12-year rotation and a suckler herd of Red Poll cattle. Woodland, Countryside stewardship Mid-tier, 4x SFI agreement, residential and commercial property and Bruisyard Country Estate (wedding and events business). Straight after the
Farmer Focus – Ryan McCormack Read More »
With many crops facing higher disease pressure this spring, Direct Driller takes a look at what this will mean for the crucial flag leaf (T2) fungicide timing Of all the main wheat fungicide timings, the flag leaf (GS 37-39) application delivers by far the greatest return, with the top two leaves typically contributing two-thirds of
Protect the flag leaf to fulfil yield potential Read More »
