directdriller – Direct Driller

Variable Rate Application: The Economic and Agronomic Edge for Modern Spraying

Tech Farmer, Technology / By Direct Driller

As the pressures on agriculture mount—from climate instability to rising input costs—farmers are increasingly turning to smarter, more sustainable technologies to protect both yields and margins. Among the most promising of these is Variable Rate Application (VRA), a precision farming approach revolutionising how crop inputs are managed. With its ability to fine-tune inputs like fertilisers, …

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Drones for Spraying Pesticides—Opportunities and Challenges

Artificial Intelligence, Farm Trial Results, Products in Focus, Tech Farmer / By Direct Driller

Erdal Ozkan; Professor and Extension State Specialist—Pesticide Application Technology; Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; The Ohio State University Direct Driller Note – this is the most comprehensive guide to different types of drone spraying and although is written in the US, they are also significantly ahead of the UK in terms of adoption …

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Introduction – Issue 32

Other, Soils Farmer / By Mike Donovan

How full was your grain store this harvest and how have your planting plans changed between 2021/2 and 2024/5? My guess is your 2024 harvest is 10 per cent below a 2022 baseline average and you’ll be planting as much as 10 per cent fewer acres for the next. The area planted will largely depend …

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Critical Role of Water in Regenerative Agriculture

Other, Soils Farmer / By Chris Fellows

Written by Chris Fellows I was reading a paper on water usage (QR code at the end if you want to read the whole thing) and realised we don’t talk enough about water in this magazine. Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, but in regenerative agriculture, its role is especially critical and multifaceted. While much …

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Apply Now: New ADOPT Fund Backs Farmer-Led Regenerative Innovation

Research, Soils Farmer / By Chris Fellows

Written by Chris Fellows Farmers are at the frontline of meeting environmental challenges while keeping their businesses resilient and productive. Innovation—especially farmer-led innovation—is key to moving regenerative practices forward. The ADOPT Fund is now open and aims to do exactly that. With up to £20.6 million available in 2025/26, the Accelerating Development of Practices and …

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When can you have too much tilth?

Soil Health, Soils Farmer / By James Warne

Written by James Warne With zero-till the answer is probably never. The reason behind the question is that once again seed drills have been out in the field before the soil conditions are suitable. Putting seed into the ground and getting it to emerge consistently and evenly is all about seed to soil contact, and …

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Farming for Nutrition: How Soil Health Shapes the Food We Eat

Research, Soils Farmer / By Direct Driller

Written by Dr. Hannah Fraser As a farmer and a medical doctor, I get to witness the intersection of agriculture, human health, and nutrition. My husband and I are organic farmers in Yorkshire, where we grow heritage and diverse population wheats, and have a keen focus on improving soil health and biodiversity. Our journey into …

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Farmer Focus – Anna Jackson

Farmer Focus, Livestock on Farm, Soils Farmer / By Anna Jackson

A positive outlook So far this year we have lambed on a viable grass crop, had a second crack at boats (beans and oats) and campaigned for the future of farming. When I say it’s been a busy year already, it’s been a busy year already. We have a tendency as a farm to over …

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Farmer Focus – Tom Martin

Farmer Focus, Soils Farmer / By Tom Martin

April 2025 I always say farming is the fourth industry I’ve worked in—but it’s the one that feels most like home. Before I found myself knee-deep in cover crops and grazing rotations, I was in offices negotiating film rights at Universal Pictures. From cinema releases to Blu-ray deals in Portugal, I had a foot in …

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Make time to plan the best way forward for your farming business

Manufacturer in Focus, Soils Farmer / By Jeff Clayon

The time has come to assess how you will be able to farm in the future and calculate the best options for your business going forward, says Jeff Claydon, Suffolk arable farmer and inventor of the Claydon Opti-Till® direct seeding system. Feb 2025 Here in Suffolk, grey skies and cold weather have characterised the first …

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