Anglia Farmer April 2024

Anglia Farmer

Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years

Pig & Poultry Fair: Flagship event gears up to welcome farmers and exhibitors

News Fields left fallow after wet winter

Arable Breeder launches UK hybrid barley

Sugar beet

High-pressure virus year for growers

Livestock

Animal health and welfare grants

Grass and Forage

Prepare now for first cut silage

Fen Tiger

No need for speed on rural roads

Golden crop: Sunflowers offer growers bright option

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See us at Agri Expo -March 7th

See us at Agri Expo -March 7th

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Anglia Farmer

EDITORIAL

Editor:

Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971

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Anglia Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares. Subscription is £18 a year (including postage). No responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for the opinions expressed by contributors.

If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, please email your name, address and postcode as it appears on the wrapper to gemma.mathers@micropress.co.uk

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Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800

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OPINION Johann Tasker

SFI worth considering – despite changes

The government’s decision to restrict the amount of land farmers can put into the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) was swift when it came – but not unexpected.

It means SFI applicants can now put only 25% of their land into six SFI actions that take land out of food production.

Importantly, the rule change – which came into effect with just 12 hours’ notice on 25 March – does not affect existing SFI agreements.

While not exactly unsurprising, this latest development represents another “shifting of the goalposts” involving SFI rules that many growers and livestock will understandably find frustrating.

Wet weather has made it impossible to drill crops in many fields this season. Add high input costs and uncertain output prices into the equation and it is no wonder that some farmers have seen the SFI as a safe haven.

Keen to de-risk their business, the offer of guaranteed revenue from the SFI has proved irresistible for a number of growers who have entered entire farms into the scheme – something Defra argues goes further than necessary.

Defra says that freedom of choice is an important SFI feature. But it believes that putting

whole farms into the could become more of an issue – and says food production is the primary purpose of agriculture. It has thus decided to act –and act swiftly.

But as the Country Land and Business Association has pointed out, food production and nature are not binary choices. The CLA say it understands the need to revisit some of the individual actions – but a balanced approach is vital.

The SFI is a contract between farmers and the government to make sure we meet environmental and climate targets – something that is more critical than ever as extreme weather devastates farms, says the CLA.

Introducing caps at this early stage may only delay Defra’s target of getting 70% of farms in land management schemes – hindering farmers’ ability to produce food while protecting the planet.

In short, the SFI is still worth considering.

And the latest changes are a stark reminder that it is worth considering sooner rather than later because the rules could change again, further disadvantaging late applicants.

Johann Tasker Editor

Growers switch to SFI to fend off weather woes

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Farm incomes under pressure

Risk management is a priority

More arable land is left fallow

More growers are switching land into agri-environment schemes – as they try to cut their losses following a challenging year and wet winter.

Provisional farm income figures from Defra suggests a slump in income across a range of enterprises in the year to February 2024 – including cereals (-77%), dairy (-78%), general cropping (-58%) and mixed farms (-46%).

Final income figures are due to be published later this year. A few sectors are expected to show a recovery from recent lows – including lowland livestock (+6%) and specialist pig production (+34%). But they will be the exception not the rule.

Causes include high input costs driven by geo-political upheaval – including the war In Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. At the same time, extreme weather has weighed heavily on global markets and UK farm output.

The phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme – which has helped cushion producers from market volatility –has left farm businesses scrambling

to find alternative income sources in a bid to maintain profitability.

Unable to get out into the field because of the wet winter and sodden spring, more growers are switching productive land into the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme rather than risking late-drilled cereal crops.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board suggests a 15% drop in the wheat area this year, with a 28% drop in oilseed rape and 29% drop in spring barley. Meanwhile, the area of arable fallow has soared by 80%.

This includes a “significant but unmeasured” number of growers switching to agri-environment options, said the AHDB. “Difficult soil conditions, plus profitability concerns, are reportedly making environmental schemes more appealing.”

Support

An annual budget of £4 billion is needed to support the delivery of the government’s statutory environmental ambitions – and a balanced agricultural policy, according to analysts at the Andersons Centre, commissioned

Farmers

by the NFU.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Profitable farm businesses are essential if we are to deliver what the country needs; food produced to world leading standards and environmental protection.

Profitable farming is essential “

"We need government to deliver on its promises and prioritise domestic food production with a clear commitment to a budget that can underpin food production and deliver for the environment.”

The income slump follows a good year overall for average farm incomes in 2022/23. But the NFU said the figures were still low compared to other recent years – with cereal incomes down 49% down on 2016-19 and 66% on 2018-23.

For more on the Sustainable Farming Incentive, see page 21.

Many farmers feel 'politically homeless'

Rural votes are up for grabs because people in the countryside have faced a generation of economic neglect, says the Country Land and Business Association.

Farmers and rural communities feel invisible and unseen by politicians, says the organisation. CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said: “Rural voters feel politically homeless and their support is up for grabs.

With a general election due this year, Ms

Vyvyan said there was still time for all political parties and candidates to grasp the key issues and help unleash the potential of the rural economy – and the CLA was ready to help their understanding.

“We will work with anyone whose ambitions match those of our dynamic and forward-thinking rural businesses. Whoever produces a robust and wide-ranging plan for growth in the rural economy will undoubtedly secure support.”

Boundary changes, shifting public opinion and a record number of incumbent MPs standing down mean this year will likely see hundreds of new MPs having to get to grips quickly with unfamiliar issues.

Parliamentary candidates from across the political divide will receive a pack of information explaining six key CLA topics – issues such as profitable and sustainable farming, affordable housing, rural crime and economic growth.

face a stark challenge, says NFU president Tom Bradshaw

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Big change in interest rates ‘unlikely before harvest’

Asignificant drop in interest rates is unlikely before harvest, says a leading agricultural banker.

HSBC deputy head of agriculture Grace O’Dwyer made the forecast as she addressed the Suffolk Farming Conference. More than 400 farmers and industry experts attended the event on 29 February at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

“Most farming businesses have a high dependency on borrowing relative to the size of their business,” said Ms O’Dwyer.

“It's a really key part of business planning. It may be working capital – and as you will all be aware, the demands on working capital, usually

FARM DIARY

April

27-28 East Anglian Game & Country Fair ukgamefair.co.uk

through overdrafts, has increased massively in recent years.”

The need for multi-generational farming businesses to leverage assets and invest for the future was important, added Ms O’Dwyer. But a big change in interest rates was unlikely for some months.

“When I talk to our economists, their perspective at the moment is maybe a little bit of a plateau. But with the inflationary pressures we still have within the economy, it's very likely we won't see any real changes in interest rates this side of harvest."

That said, banks were contin ue to support farmers. Lenders with agricultural expertise understood there were good and bad years in farming – and a host of external factors affecting profitability.

Pig & Poultry Fair returns to the NEC

May

12 South Suffolk Show, Ingham, Bury St Edmunds www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk

15-16 Pig & Poultry Fair Birmingham NEC www.pigandpoultry.org.uk

18 Hadleigh Show, Hadleigh, Suffolk www.hadleighshow.co.uk

19 Essex Young Farmers’ Country Show, Roxwell, Chelmsford www.essexyoungfarmers.com

25-26 Hertfordshire County Show, Redbourn www.hertsshow.com

29-30 Suffolk Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich www.suffolkshow.co.uk

To list your event for free, please email editor@ruralcity.co.uk

More than 400 delegates attended the conference in person and online Inset: Grace O'Dwyer

As well as unrest and conflict, such as the war in Ukraine, a lot of factors were outside the control of farming businesses.

They included volatile prices, uncertain weather and animal disease.

This “churn and change” made it important for the supply chain to work together, said Ms O’Dwyer.

Technology was part of the answer when it came to securing a profit amid so much uncertainty but often it required a huge investment.

“Whether it's driving regenerative farming – or whether it's looking to produce as much as you can with fewer inputs – driving economic sustainability within your farming system and understanding what that means going forward will be key.”

Farming conference is big success

More than 400 delegates keen to see how their farm businesses can “thrive, not just survive” attended the 2024 Suffolk Farming Conference.

The one-day event was a collaboration between Fram Farmers, Scrutton Bland and the Suffolk Agricultural Association. It brought 260 delegates to Trinity Park, Ipswich, on Thursday, 29 February, with a further 160 attending online.

Keynote speaker was Henry Dimbleby, cofounder and former chief executive of Leon restaurants. He talked about changes in the food system and discussed recommendations for the future of food production.

A panel discussion on finance with questions

from the audience then followed with HSBC deputy head of agriculture Grace O’Dwyer, ADM chief exconomist Marc Otswald and Scrutton Bland tax expert Paul Harris.

Two further panel discussions followed. Stephen Jacob, chief executive of the Institute of Agriculture & Horticulture hosted a session on talent and training. Belinda Clarke from Agri-Tech E then hosted a session on digital innovations.

As well as giving much food for thought on a range of issues, the event also raised £1036 for YANA – the You Are Not Alone mental wellbeing charity for farms and other people in rural communities.

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KWS prepares to launch its first hybrid barley in UK

• Long history developing hybrid crops

• Hybrid barley is a natural progression

• Conventional programme continues

Plant breeder KWS is to launch its first ever hybrid barley into the UK market later this year – with a strong pipeline of varieties behind it.

The comapny said the move underlined its commitment to the sector in the coming years. Although a newcomer to hybridisation in barley, KWS has years of experience of hybrids across sugar beet, maize, rye and oilseed rape.

"Our history with hybrid breeding stretches back to 1960s with maize and we have been steadily and successfully adding new hybrid crops and varieties to our portfolio since then,” says KWS UK hybrid crop product manager Kate Cobbold.

Barley is one of the world's most important cereals crops and KWS has a track record of successful varieties.

"We are the market leader in conventional barley in the UK and France, for example, and introducing hybrid barley now adds to that position by allowing us to offer another solution to offer growers."

Customer options

But the new range of hybrid barleys being launched under #NextLevel, does not replace the company's highly successful conventional varieties, such as the current UK market leader KWS Tardis, she emphasises.

"There is a place for both conventional and hybrid barley varieties on farm. Depending on the end market and local growing conditions, farmers now have options for finding the most appropriate barley solution and that is the benefit of the KWS position.

"At the moment, 450,000ha of winter barley is grown in the UK each year of which roughly 25% is hybrid barley so we see huge opportunities in the future with the crop bringing many benefits to growers.

"Firstly, there is the potential for

higher and more stable yields. Farm ers are increasingly under pressure in terms of increasing production costs and volatile grain markets and a good way to mitigate against these pressures is to have varieties that de liver high yields consistently year af ter year.

"Increased productivity also helps with sustainability as more efficient use of land and resources is made."

Growers are also looking for vari eties with robust disease resistances and good grain quality and hybrid va rieties can excel in this area, too, she points out.

"As farmers increasingly battle with blackgrass, hybrid barley can help reduce grassweed pressures. Hy brid barley has a bigger root system than conventional barley and it gets going very early in the spring which allows it to better compete with grassweeds.

"Although this doesn’t offer complete control, it is a useful instrument within the grower’s tool box in the long-term battle with blackgrass pressures.”

Hybrid barley is also a great addition to crop rotations, usually being the first cereal to start harvest, adds Ms Cobbold.

"Thanks to its early harvest maturity, hybrid barley is an ideal crop to sow before oilseed rape, giving farmers the opportunity to drill earlier and spread the workload during a very busy time of the year."

Exciting future

The variety Inys is the first of the new hybrid barley varieties to be launched.

"Inys seems to have a definite yield advantage over the leading hybrids currently available in the UK with good yield stability plus we're see ing thicker plant stands and deep er rooting, which is exactly what we were hoping to see.

Kate Cobold: Another solution to offer growers

"There are indications that Inys also has a much more vigorous growing habit in the early stages of development with up to 40% greater ground cover being seen in some instances.

"It's all shaping up to be a very exciting project with significant benefits for growers in the future."

Global markets

Sandra Dunckel, KWS head of breeding barley, says the UK will be the first of the company's global markets to introduce hybrid barley.

"Many people have put in a lot of hard work to get us to this point, with the hybrid barley breeding programme taking us all across Europe and strengthening the bonds between the different barley breeding teams within KWS stations.

“Furthermore, we have initiated ongoing trials across multiple countries with the first KWS hybrids entering official trials in autumn 2022, which represents a major, and very exciting, milestone for us."

Inys is the first of the new KWS hybrid barleys

Variable nitrogen could prove its worth this spring

Uneven growth in many crops

Variable-rate nitrogen applications could be a valuable tool for managing uneven growth of winter cereals and oilseeds this spring.

Some crops sown before the weather broke last October established well and show good potential. But others have struggled where seedbeds were compromised or land suffered prolonged waterlogging or flooding.

“There’s huge variation out there and some pretty sensitive crops need managing carefully,” says Omnia digital farming manager Aidan Monaghan. “Variable nitrogen applications to even up growth and optimise yield potential has a stronger role in a year like this.

“All winter crops can show a response from variably applying nitrogen, but the biggest benefits are when there is more variation. This year is almost the perfect opportunity for variable nitrogen, even if you’re already using variable rates elsewhere, such as for seed.”

Baseline

When planning nutrition strategies, Mr Monaghan recommends first establishing a baseline for each field and crop. Omnia users are able to do this by accessing NDVI satellite imagery for any fields saved on the system.

The system generates a regular supply of images throughout the year when the skies are clear. They provide a useful starting point to show in-field variation before anything starts grow ing, says Mr Monaghan.

Early mapping can highlight are as where crops are damaged beyond repair and are better being re-sown, rather than receiving further inputs. Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN) testing and later tissue, sap or in-field chlo rophyl can also help build a picture.

There are different approaches to

variable nitrogen, depending on the requirements of individual crops and field situations.

The traditional approach in winter wheat is often to variably apply the first couple of doses, upping rates on thinner areas of crop to build biomass, while cutting rates on thicker parts, to generate more even canopies.

Most fields will benefit from a good early nitrogen dose to get crops moving because residual nitrogen levels this spring are likely to be lower than normal after the wet winter, says Mr Monaghan. This will have increased leaching losses.

“The best approach might therefore be to apply a flat rate first, then vary the second application to even crops up, before tailoring the final nitrogen applications to the yield potential of specific areas of crop.”

Many trials over multiple years show a clear benefit from front-loading nitrogen at the start of the season to build biomass and support tiller retention during the crucial foundation phase.

This then allows subsequent doses to be varied according to yield potential and end user requirements. But it isn’t just soil nitrogen that could be much lower this spring, says Hutchin-

This year is a good opportunity for variable nitrogen, says Aidan Monaghan Well-balanced nutrients will optimise yields, says Rob Jewers

for using a nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur compound fertiliser to give crops a bit of an all-round nutritional boost.”

Mr Jewers points out that NDVI imagery could be useful this spring for highlighting any areas of crop have that have failed to establish completely, or have been lost to flooding, before fertiliser is applied.

Fields should be walked to double-check whether there is any viable crop remaining, and if not, application plans can be set so that no fertiliser is applied to bare areas.

Technology

But saving fertiliser is not the main aim of variable rate applications, he notes. “It’s about using the technology to even-up crop growth through the season, tailoring inputs precisely to crop requirements to optimise yield potential.”

There’s huge variation out there

This can bring other management benefits, such as reduced lodging or more even harvesting, and help growers improve overall nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).

“Typically, NUE is around 5560%, but a good target is 75-80%; any more than that and there is a risk that you’re starting to ‘mine’ the soil’s reserves. Omnia is a really good tool for helping you calculate the NUE for individual fields.”

Variable fertiliser applications may be slightly different in oilseed rape, as crops often receive just two main applications, says Mr Monaghan. Crops can be evened up by variably applying the first dose, then adjusting the second according to expected yield.

Set-up

“The key is to establish that early baseline, then keep reviewing crops and their yield potential as the season progresses, using the NDVI imagery in Omnia, and any other information, to plan the most appropriate strategy.”

More growers choose sunflowers this spring

United Oilseeds has launched the first buying pool for UK sunflower seeds – worth £350450/tonne for a crop that yields about 1-2t/ha.

The crop can be drilled from about 10 April onwards depending on frost and wet conditions but a consistent soil temperature of 7°C is the main driver for the drilling window.

Tight supplies of spring cereal seed are expected to see more farmers grow sunflowers this year. Plant breeder Grainseed is reporting significant interest in its best-selling early maturing variety Es Bella.

Consistent performer

Bella has performed consistently well in UK trials and commercially in England. It has a high oil content of 4850%, good standing ability, reducing neck snapping, high dry matter yield and good disease resistance.

Sunflowers can be successfully

grown south of a line from the Wash to the Bristol Channel – but climate change and increasing temperatures means this area is expanding northwards.

Grainseed sunflower specialist Edward Stanford says: “I can see sunflowers really flourishing in the UK within 5 years – and early adopters can try out this great alternative spring crop in 2024.”

A low-input crop, seed is the most expensive input. Sunflowers are sown at 110,000 seeds/ha or 120,000 seeds/ ha on heavier clay soils to achieve a target population of 100,000 plants/ha on a 25-45cm row width.

Seed is treated with a fungicide to protect from damping off and seedling blight. To prevent disease, sunflowers should not be grown more often than one year in four. Growers should not follow sunflowers with potatoes.

Drilling in April means weeds such as blackgrass can be controlled

by a stale seedbed and glyphosate. Pre-emergent herbicide can be used for early weed control with a dense crop canopy preventing problems later in the season.

Pigeons can be problematic for the first 10 days post-drilling. Slugs at seedling stage can also be a risk. But once the crop has two cotyledons, it rarely needs further protection against these pests. Fertiliser needs are low and often zero.

Sunflowers are a good spring break crop, says Ed Stanford

Using GOLTIX TITAN® in ALS resistant sugar beet

As reported at the BBRO’s BeetTech24 conference, the adoption of ALS resistant sugar beet has revealed that some of the more common broad-leaved weeds (particularly poppies and chickweed) have developed varying levels of insensitivity to ALS herbicides. Mayweed has also been shown to display a range of ALS insensitivities.

All three weeds should therefore be targeted with additional modes of action as part of an herbicide resistance stewardship approach in ALS resistant beet.

At the same time, it is also important to consider speedwell species as these are not well controlled by most ALS inhibitors, and in an ALS resistant sugar beet crop can be considered a gap in the expected weed control spectrum.

Metamitron to the rescue

Two of ADAMA’s beet-specific herbicides, GOLTIX TITAN® (metamitron 525 g/L + quinmerac 40 g/L SC) and GOLTIX® (metamitron 700g/L SC), are well-suited for inclusion in an ALS stewardship programme as they both offer good control of the target weeds and have an excellent history of good crop safety. They also benefit from being able to be applied at their maximum individual dose rates from the pre-emergence timing (including at the peri-emergence stage).

Common poppy

GOLTIX TITAN® is the best option for the control of ALS resistant

poppies thanks to its additional active ingredient, quinmerac.

Two suggested programmes for the control of ALS resistant poppy are as follows:

Option A

1. Pre-emergence application of GOLTIX TITAN® (2 L/ha) followed by

2. Post-emergence (T1) application of GOLTIX TITAN® (1.3 L/ha) plus any additional actives required (e.g. a low dose of phenmedipham and ethofumesate and an oil adjuvant)

Option B

1. Very early post-emergence application of GOLTIX TITAN® (1.5 L/ha) followed by

2. Post-emergence (T2) application of GOLTIX TITAN® (1.5 L/ha) plus any additional active ingredients required (e.g. a low dose of phenmedipham and ethofumesate and an oil adjuvant)

Mayweed

Both GOLTIX® and GOLTIX TITAN® provide good control of mayweed species, with the efficacy of typical programmes ranging from 80 to 100%. However, a single application will not suffice in weed populations with ALS insensitivity. Therefore, in order to ensure a durable and high level of control, applications should be continued until weed emergence is complete.

Chickweed

A pre-emergence application of GOLTIX® will provide a good start to chickweed control, although GOLTIX TITAN® will provide a slight advantage (approximately +5% efficacy compared to GOLTIX®). This is due to the quinmerac in GOLTIX TITAN® which will primarily be absorbed via the weed’s root system, but can also be absorbed via foliar contact. As such, GOLTIX TITAN® will also work well as a post-emergence treatment.

For the best results, post-em applications should be made as early as possible (when the weeds are from cotyledon to the two-leaf stage) and when there is adequate soil moisture to support rapid root uptake.

How satellite imagery could revolutionise pea harvest

Satellite imagery is helping scientists develop a new method to help growers predict vining pea yields.

The PeaSat project involves ADAS researchers and pea grower coopera-

Remote sensing specialists at ADAS believe they can use satellite data taken at flowering to accurately predict final pea yield. It is hoped the resulting algorithm will be ready for use by growers before the 2024 vining pea harvest.

ADAS remote sensing consultant Ben Hockridge says: “By creating an algorithm using satellite imagery, we can provide real-time, up-to-date information for everyone involved, no matter where they are in the process.”

HMC Peas have had yield mapping viners since 2017. They are sharing their repository of past yield map data for multiple vining pea varieties. This data will be used to calibrate the algorithm and ensure accuracy in time for harvest 2024.

Grower groups and processors who are supporting the project say accurately predicting yields from individual fields could revolutionise the way we vining peas are harvested – with benefits for farmers, consumers and

Accurately predicting yields could revolutionise harvesting

Left: Ben Hockridge: Realtime information

the environment.

Pea processing company Greenyard predicting the yield that is coming out of a field would ensure that crops were taken at the required tenderometer reading (TR) band, reducing waste to a minimum and improving the production process.

HMC general manager Allen Giles says: “The efficiencies that this will bring will not only increase our productivity but will also potentially reduce our environmental impact significantly.”

LEADING THROUGH INNOVATION SINCE 2004 – CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LODI UK SUPPORTING BRITISH PEST CONTROL

HISTORY OF LODI UK

Established in 2004, our story began supplying 5 professional pest control products from our hub in the West Midlands, a place we still call home today. Lodi UK is a subsidiary of the Lodi Group who are one of Europe’s largest family-owned manufacturers of pest control chemicals. Individual and authentic, what you see is what you get. Over the years Lodi UK has invested in both people and products, growing to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers into the professional, agricultural and retail sectors. Your one stop shop for pest control solutions.

LEADING THROUGH INNOVATION

Here at Lodi UK, we strive to launch new, innovative active ingredients and formulations to ensure that our customers have the best possible armoury in controlling pests. We offer an extensive range of products targeted at insect and rodent control, stored grain protection, garden and ground care and amenities. Our products are used by all bluechip companies involved in pest control as well as professionals in the agricultural industry.

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CHEERS TO 20 YEARS

As a business we are focused on offering first class service, on-hand technical advice and unrivalled marketing support. With 20 years’ experience supplying the professional pest control industry, Lodi UK has a unique perspective on what works and how to make it market leading, delivering products that you know you can trust. Building on a history of quality and service we always endeavour to support and inspire our partners, customers and end-users.

THINK BIG, THINK LODI

Every year we look to do more and achieve more, leading the way in sustainable pest control solutions. Forming part of our ongoing sustainability mission, Lodi UK are committed to reducing our plastic consumption by over 57% with the introduction of recycled buckets and baiting made better – better for us, better for you and better for the planet. The future is bright, the future is Lodi. Our company promise is simple, we aim to be your pest control partner of choice.

“20 years, How quickly time flies.. it has been a real pleasure seeing how the Lodi business and team have developed over the years –many of our team as well as many of our customers have been with us since the early years. We pride ourselves on delivering quality products coupled with a reliable and good service. Lodi wouldn’t be where it is now without the quality of product, passion and people, our team and very importantly the loyalty of our customers – thank you for all your support over the years and cheers to many more to come.”

Roger Simpson, Lodi UK Director

High yielding soft wheat signals landmark change

• New variety has very strong CV

• Promise of high yields for growers

• Popular with the trade for export

Growers and agronomists should find it easier to decide on which winter wheat to grow following a cleaner, fresher look for the latest Recommended List.

With a much-improved layout, the list sees 10 wheat varieties removed and just five new varieties recom mended for the 2024-25 season. Rec ommendations include Bamford – a

sistent disease resistance ratings has to be Bamford.

“With a treated yield of 106%, it’s 6% ahead of the next best Group 3 soft, and with an untreated yield of 92%, it has the second highest untreated yield on the entire winter wheat RL – regardless of classification”.

The new soft wheat, from independent breeder Elsoms Seeds, first caught Mike’s attention in NL1 trials following a tip-off from Procam seed manager Lee Harker.

Clean variety

“I recall Bamford’s specific weight being over 78kg/hl in that first trial when most other wheats struggled to get close to that type of figure.

The untreated Bamford plot looked incredibly clean and, with growers often looking for opportunities to lower agrichemical inputs, its 92% untreated score is a compelling figure on any variety’s CV.

“It’s undoubtedly the best Group 3 to come onto the RL in many years, but I believe growers should consider it, first and foremost, as a very high yielding wheat – not simply as a Group 3 biscuit wheat.

“Although there’s very little to separate Bamford and LG Beowulf on this

It’s the overall stand-out variety

year’s list, Bamford’s earlier maturity may well give it an agronomic edge with growers in the North,” suggests Mr Thornton.

For growers based in the South, Bamford’s higher yield when compared to almost all other winter wheats would be its greatest attraction says Christian Maltby, seed manager with Bartholomews.

“Growing high-yielding Group 4 feed wheat in the South-East is often less favourable due to a lack of local feed homes and export interest. Assuming growers can grow Bamford to a minimum 11% protein, it looks good."

Export market

Allied to its robust Hagberg and specific weight data, high quality UK soft Group 3’s like Bamford are high-

>>

Bamford’s 92% untreated yield score is compelling, says Mike Thornton (left)

ly marketable for export, due to a lack of Group 3 wheat being grown in oth er countries for the Iberian market.

“With increasing costs of fertil iser, and the higher risk involved in pushing some varieties to achieve 13% protein, growing a Group 3 to achieve 11% protein would be preferable for some growers, says Mr Maltby.

“As a merchant, we’re really look ing forward to seeing how the varie ty performs on a larger scale and ex pect to see strong seed demand this autumn. Our longer-term expectation is that subsequent high-yielding Bam ford wheat crops, grown to a specific minimum grain quality will increase the market share of planted Group 3’s in the UK,” concludes Christian.

Jim Knightbraid, seed business de velopment manager for Frontier Agri culture, agrees with Christian’s view on the potential for future growth in the Group 3 planted area.

“After a period of stagnation in Group 3 biscuit making varieties, Frontier were on the lookout for a new variety to rejuvenate the sector and bridge the yield gap between hard and soft wheat varieties.

"Bamford has always looked a good

challenges in 2023. It’s straw strength and moderate speed of development in the autumn make it well suited to earlier drilling, particularly in the north of England and Scotland where Sep-

Bamford also offers a fast speed of development in the spring and has an erect growth habit. Two significant agronomic characteristics that will help it to outcompete higher grassweed burdens – a key problem for UK wheat growers during the last two seasons.

“It has been a long time since we’ve seen a variety on the RL with a 6% yield advantage over the next best variety in its group. Bamford has the potential to revitalise the Group 3 sector and I believe it signals a landmark change for the UK soft wheat sector, outperforming current soft variety

"On grain quality, we’ve seen a number of top yielding wheats in recent years that couldn’t quite combine high yield with high bushel weight. Bamford’s specific weight of 78.5kg/ hl represents a real step up in this area, given that it is higher than any of the currently recommended Group 3 and

PREPARATION PROTECTS PROFIT

BE GRAIN STORE READY POST-HARVEST

After months of work to produce the best possible harvest, the aim is to reap the rewards by selling grain at the highest price. Prioritising grain store preparations can protect precious profit, ensuring stores are free from the potential risk of insect pests and harvests are less vulnerable to infestations.

Effective grain store preparation is often the missing piece of the growing season jigsaw, says Ken Black, Account Manager at Envu Environmental Science.

“It isn’t a popular job on the farm. It’s time consuming and comes at a time which is incredibly busy, but that doesn’t mean it can be overlooked. A proactive approach is needed to ensure that all the work that goes into growing and harvesting grain doesn’t go to waste.” It only takes one insect to be found in a one-kilogram sample of grain for it to be rejected. With end-users becoming increasingly selective when it comes to buying or rejecting grain, it’s vital for farmers to take a proactive approach, with effective preparations to deter grain store pests.

MONITOR STORES AND PROMPTLY TREAT PEST ACTIVITY

Insect monitoring traps, which are sticky boards that can be put in every few metres, can help identify insect activity. “If you haven’t seen any activity after monitoring you may not need to apply any insecticide. But where there is evidence, you might consider something like Envu’s K-Obiol™. This should be applied up to two months ahead of harvest. Its residual effect allows you to control any adult insects that come into contact with it,” concludes Ken.

K-Obiol™ is available in two formulations, both providing preventative and curative protection against stored grain insects. K-Obiol™ EC25 has been formulated to treat the fabric of grain silos and storage facilities prior to the introduction of grain. This fabric treatment provides up to 2 months protection and is accepted for use by the Brewing Research International (BRI), the National Association of British and Irish Millers (NABIM) and the Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC).

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GRAIN STORE

To minimise the risk of infestations, grain stores should be cleaned and prepared 6-8 weeks before harvest.

Thorough preparation and hygiene helps to eliminate sources of contamination from fungi, insects and mites, that are most likely to be introduced from the store structure and equipment. Even small quantities of residual grain provide a food source, allowing pest problems to build.

Ken says: “The earlier you can prepare a store by thoroughly cleaning it out and monitoring for insect activity - the better. Thoroughly clean ledges and dispose of any old dust and debris as quickly as possible, well away from the store. Don’t leave vacuums within the store as the pests can easily crawl out.”

Scheme is opportunity to boost farm income growers told

Valuable advice was on offer to growers at the 2024 Farmacy conference in Newmarket.

Farmers chasing much-needed additional income are again being urged to consider opportunities available under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

Although Defra figures suggest more than 10,000 farmers in England have applied for the revised SFI since it opened last September, this is equivalent to only one-in-eight of all eligible growers and livestock producers.

As the SFI becomes more popular, there is a chance that Defra could reduce future payment rates for some options – especially if the government considers that targets are being met or the scheme is resulting in too much land taken out of production.

That could make it wise to join the scheme now.

“At the moment, the government is willing to pay for it – but over time, some of these measures may just be-

ing reach a certain baseline of core environmental performance.”

Public good

The government’s farm support budget has remained unchanged since 2007. But it is only guaranteed until the end of the current parliament –which means it could be reduced fol lowing the general election which is expected this year.

“All the main political parties seem wedded to ‘public money for public goods’, so with the Basic Payment Scheme due to go completely by 2028, I doubt there will be much change in the overall direction of farm support – although we may well find some payment rates change.”

Payment rates may well change Richard King “

in now rather than waiting for new options to come along.”

Addressing the popularity of the scheme, Mr King estimated that the amount of agricultural land being taken out of production and put into the SFI or other environmental options could increase from 3-4% to nearer 7-9% – excluding rough grazing.

While it was a significant amount, it was still a relatively small proportion of all farmland, and the focus was often on less productive areas, he noted.

Best options

Farmacy farm business consultant, Will Foyle also urged farmers to make the most of any funding while it was available. But it was important to select options that were right for each individual farm business, he added.

Mr King acknowledged that some farmers might want to wait for the launch of additional SFI options later this year – including support for

“The direction of travel is very much on farming with the environment, but use the SFI, and any other grant funding, to your advantage, considering how it best fits with your

A good starting point was to examine variations in the cost of production on an individual field basis to identify any sub-marginal land that needed improving or may be better put to other uses, suggested Mr Foyle.

He highlighted the impact of varying winter wheat yield from 9 t/ha to 6.5 t/ha, which, in one example, resulted in an increase in the cost of production from £144/t to £187/t.

“If there are parts of a field that are regularly losing you money over different seasons and crops , you need to address that first. There might be ways to rectify the issues, or if not, consider other options, such as the SFI. The important thing is to do what’s right for your business.”

Farmers were also urged to be proactive and consider the bigger picture rather than focusing on just one bad crop or season. This is particularly so given the wet winter and spring which has left many growers unable to get crops in the ground.

Yield analysis over multiple years is a good indication of field performance. Costings, soil analysis and field maps of weeds, pests and diseases will help growers reach an informed decision before taking land out of production.

Integrated crop management ‘can maximise productivity’

Growers looking to put land into new environmental measures can maximise productivity by planning how best to integrate them into farming systems, farmers were told at the recent Farmacy conference in Newmarket.

“We still need to be as productive as possible while maintaining and enhancing the environment,” said Farmacy head of integrated crop management David Howard. Flowering margins or insect species could benefit pollination and yield in crops like peas or beans, he added.

“Integrated Crop Management (ICM) allows us to achieve this – but there are many different aspects to consider.” These included economics, compliance and stewardship – along side soil health, nutrition and disease management.

The complexity of ICM was made greater by the constantly evolving environment that farmers operated in, including anything from new dis ease pathogens with fungicide resist ance to more extreme weather, said Mr Howard.

Plant protection

ICM could also help growers and agronomists cope with the reducing availability of effective plant protec tion products, he added. The with drawal of products due to resistance and tighter regulation was arguably the biggest challenge for crop management.

In terms of fungicide resistance, the curative efficacy of some DMI and SDHI chemistry had steadily declined in recent years. At the same time,

Changing weather has seen an increase in Septoria isolates.

New methods are needed for disease control, says David Howard (left)

iation in the distribution of different rust isolates, so where you are in the country now has a big impact on whether a variety will fail or succeed.”

New ICM developments could help. Systems for monitoring disease infield were being developed and refined, and new chemistry was still coming through from manufacturers, although new modes of action were still relatively few and far between, said Mr Howard.

Alternative products

Biological products are also gaining more interest. Trials with Nottingham University last year have shown promising results from applying a biological product at T1 to improve the disease resistance of leaf two as it emerges.

Results confirmed less disease on both leaf two and the flag leaf, although more work was needed. “Biologicals are useful, but they work very differently to what we’ve done before, so we need to understand how to get the best from them.”

Essex-based Farmacy agronomist Andrew Spackman emphasised that ICM wasn’t always about improving yields. “It’s about allowing us to better manage these changes and the increasing volatility, to mitigate the risks in a sustainable way,” he explained.

mained a core part of integrated dis ease control. But that too faced challenges, especially where varieties relied on single gene resistance, he noted. This was particularly evident in terms of rust risk.

“There’s a huge geographic var-

As more data became available to farmers, so there was greater scope to quantify ICM practices, plan the most appropriate options – and measure their success, added Mr Spackman. This meant analysing it correctly with the right knowledge and meaningful advice.

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Weather and war fuel grain market volatility

Grain market volatility continues to be driven by increasingly unpredictable weather and conflict, delegates at the Farmacy conference were told.

Global wheat stocks were the tightest for nine years, said independent consultant James Bolesworth of CRM Agri. The impact of weather variations in key production areas would have an important bearing on prices over coming months, he added.

“We’re currently in an El Nino period, but that’s expected to be followed by La Nina later in the year, which often brings dry conditions to the US and rains to Australasia, and has historically been associated with periods of increasing grain prices.”

UK forecast

Weather-related impacts on European production have been largely factored into markets. Forecasts suggest a UK crop of 12-13m tonnes this har-

vest compared with some 14mt in 2023 and 15.5mt in 2022. This means imports will need to supplement domestic requirements.

Recent European wheat prices have been under pressure from competitively priced grain from Black Sea regions. Meanwhile, higher interest rates have reduced demand for commodities among investors.

Lower interest rates could be positive for commodity markets – but volatility will continue to be driven by macroeconomic factors. These include war in Ukraine, disruption to shipping through the Red Sea and fluctuations in global energy prices.

Outlining some key tips for marketing grain, Mr Bolesworth said growers should have a plan and set targets for when to sell, recognising what price they needed to cover the production costs.

Growers should also consider market reports from impartial and neutral

Growers should have a marketing strategy, says James

Bolesworth

sources to avoid confirmation bias and remove the risk of making decisions based on emotion.

Remembering that price is not the same as value, farmers should also be prepared to cut their losses, keep records of all buying and selling decisions – as well as the factors that have driven them, said Mr Bolesworth.

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Root crops

Sugar beet growers face high-pressure virus year

• Aphids fly into emerging crops

• More susceptible growth stage

• Agile spraying strategy needed

Sugar beet growers face anoth er high-pressure year for virus yellows with aphids flying into new crops as they emerge.

Aphids will be flying two to three weeks earlier in England compared to the historical aver age, according to the Rothamst ed Insect Survey aphid forecast for 2024, which was issued on 1 March.

First capture of peach–potato aphid at the Broom’s Barn research station in Suffolk is predicted for 10 April which is much earlier than pre viously forecast. This suggests a virus epidemic on the scale of 2020.

Significant risk

The British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) expects some 40% of the crop to be drilled with untreated seed and with aphids arriving when crops are at younger, more susceptible growth stages, this poses a significant risk.

In the absence of any control measures, the BBRO forecasts an 83% incidence of virus yellows for 2024. This breaches the DEFRA threshold of 65% required to trigger the use of Cruiser SB (thiamethoxam) on seed.

Patience has been key for crop establishment this spring. With wet weather and sodden soils holding back drilling, the BBRO has been advising growers to wait for warmth before getting the crop in the ground.

Waiting for warmer conditions –and for soil temperatures to rise from 5°C to 8°C – would have a big effect on germination and prepare the way for rapidly and evenly established crops. These often perform better and suffer less virus content.

Careful monitoring

Even so, crops drilled with untreated seed will still need careful monitoring for aphids from early April on-

for the first spray should take into consideration aphid abundance and crop growth stage.

Emerging

Above right: Aphids will be flying into crops a fortnight earlier than usual

The two available foliar insecticides – acetamiprid and flonicamid – are subtly different. InSyst (acetamiprid) is a knockdown product with faster activity than Teppeki or Afinto, which are both based on flonicamid.

Crops drilled with Cruiser SB seed treatment should be protected for up

to 10 weeks from drilling, so depending on aphid numbers in June, they may require further protection from a foliar insecticide then.

Consecutive applications of neonicotinoid products are not permitted, so the Emergency Authorisation for Cruiser SB specifies that if subsequent foliar sprays are required, the first one must be a flonicamid containing product.

If aphid thresholds are breached again this can be followed by InSyst.

Tributes to sugar beet expert Simon Bowen

Industry leaders and growers have paid trib ute to sugar beet expert Simon Bowen, who died unexpectedly last month.

Mr Bowen, 62, was head of knowledge ex change at the British Beet Research Organi sation. He passed away following a suspected heart attack while walking his dog on 10 March.

In a statement, the BBRO described Mr Bow en as an outstanding ambassador for the sugar beet industry, widely respected for his exten sive sugar beet knowledge and his enthusiasm for the crop.

“He will be greatly missed,” said the BBRO. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

NFU Sugar said: “Simon’s knowledge, pas sion and drive were unrivalled assets to the home-grown beet sector. Always committed, always inspiring, and always with a smile. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and col-

Root crops

Foliar nutrition has key role in rapid beet establishment

• Helps get crops off to best start

• Avoids compaction of wet soils

• Ensures nutrients reach plants

Early applications of foliar nutrition could be key to helping sugar beet crops establish following the wet winter.

With slumped soils causing havoc for seedbed creation, early foliar nutrition help crops grow past their most vulnerable 12-leaf stage for aphidborne virus transmission, says ProCam agronomist Ian Jackson.

“It’s important that sugar beet achieves full ground cover as quickly as possible – not least to allow it to intercept maximum sunlight. But sugar beet starts with a problem – it is drilled into cooler soils unable to supply sufficient nutrients to seedlings.

“Spring phosphate and potash are still required after autumn maintenance applications. But soil-applied phosphate can lock up before it achieves its goals and applying potassium before drilling to avoid seedling scorch can cause compaction.”

To give sugar beet crops an early boost, Mr Jackson suggests applying a multi-nutrient foliar treatment, such as Pro+ NutriBio, with the first two

herbicide sprays to provide a balanced range of macro and micronutrients.

Growers should then switch to a polymer urea treatment, such as Pro+ N-Viron PCA, plus boron with the third herbicide spray to supply a sustained release of nitrogen to help expand the leaves across the rows.

Ground cover

“In farm observations, this approach has significantly increased the speed of ground cover over the last three years,” says Mr Jackson.

“Last year, treated crops grew through the early 30 degree heat which stopped most crops in their tracks for three weeks. Other crops give very good responses to foliar urea poly mers, but sugar beet seems to be in a different league.”

Two growers used no solid nitrogen for a second year because they were impressed with the way Pro+ N-Viron performed, says Mr Jackson. These crops proved to be better than most beet in their local area with a much reduced cost, he adds.

Sugar beet must achieve full ground cover to intercept maximum sunlight

Below: Early foliar nutrient application accelerates sugar  beet ground cover, says Ian Jackson

Heart rot

“Including boron at this stage is a very pertinent consideration this season after the wet winter because it’s very leachable. Boron is needed during rapid cell division and deficiencies result in heart rot in sugar beet, something which is critical to avoid.”

Where aphicides are being applied to target virus transmission, Mr Jackson says these must be applied according to when aphid thresholds have been reached.

To maximise spray coverage, growers should keep up water volumes and use angled nozzles. This will help ensure good spray coverage – giving the best protection on each leaf.

Sugar beet is in a different league “

Growers should also consider applying manganese.

Mix strategy to combat blight resistance

Potato growers can manage the increasing incidence of blight resistance with effective fungicide mixing strategies, say experts.

Speaking at the Potato Science Live events this spring, Syngenta technical manager Andy Cunningham said a mandipropamid mixing strategy was helping growers in Denmark to control resistant blight.

Incidents of blight strain EU 43 have fallen from over 70% of recorded cases in 2022 to fewer than 20% last season. As a result, recommendations for the use of Revus in Denmark have increased by over 60% for this season.

“UK growers are in a far more fortunate position,” said Mr Cunningham.

Options available

“The EU 43 strain has never been sampled in blight monitoring

programmes, and they have many more options available for mix partners that will enable them to reliably use Revus in this season’s programmes.”

Revus has consistently proven the most potent blight fungicide for protection during the most important early and mid-canopy phase – with news that OXTP has now also been compromised with resistance in the European blight population.

To ensure Revus retains its full efficacy – and to avoid selecting for any resistant strains that do arrive in the UK – Mr Cunningham says it should always be mixed with a complementary blight fungicide with an alternative mode of action.

The partner fungicide must give protection equal in duration to Revus in the blight programme schedule. Suitable partners this season include

A mix of fungicides will help maintain full efficacy, says

Andy Cunningham

mancozeb, fluazinam, propamocarb and cyazofamid – and leading contender amisulbrom.

Kick-back activity

“There is potentially a role for cymoxanil to give kick-back activity, in the event of a weather delayed application, but our Eurofins blight trials indicated it may not give the desired duration of protection – so intervals would have to be tightened.”

Mixing fungicides was proven to break resistance, said Mr Cunningham. Even a season-long programme of fluazinam – mixed with a range of partners – maintained full or high control in a trial crop inoculated and infected with resistant strain EU 37.

“With appropriate mixing strategies we can both minimise the risk of resistant blight strains established in the UK, and still get beneficial effects from compromised chemistry should it occur.

“Potato growers and agronomists need to take a responsible approach to planning this season’s blight strategy, and still take full advantage of the benefits of Revus for highly effective foliar blight control."

Management tips for sugar beet following wet spring

• Target beet yield at least 80t/ha

• Input costs are finely balanced

• Establish crop and ‘get it going’

Sugar beet growers should target a yield of at least 80t/ha to ensure the crop pulls its weight during the 2024/25 season, say experts.

Prospects for sugar beet this season and recommendations for herbicide programmes were discussed by agronomists and other arable advisors during a webinar hosted by crop

competitive against combinable crops, says Jock Wilmott, partner and agronomist at farm business consultants Ceres Rural.

But the figures look less good when beet is considered on a cost-per-tonne basis, says Mr Wilmott, who has been advising growers about sugar beet for more than 20 years across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

“At £40/t, you would think the margins would be healthy, but if you look at it on a per-tonne basis, it isn’t as good as first thought.”

Not including the 2023/24 crop, the five-year average beet yields for the country are 71.5t/ha at 17% sugar, explains Mr Wilmott. An average beet crop costs almost £30/t to grow. Adding £500/ha for land rate increas-

“Looking at the prices for cereals, the issues getting wheat crops estab lished and how well they look, beet has to pull its weight this year. It is all the more important to get the yield above 80t/ha if you can.”

Input costs

Crop inputs comprise 40-45% of overall growing costs. Harvest and transport (40-45%) represent a large proportion too, although Brit ish Sugar’s transport allowance or beet delivery service will offset some of this.

Seedbed preparation, drilling, spraying, fertiliser and agronomy costs comprise the smallest proportion but are the most important. This means total costs are more finely balGood crop establishment is vital to maximise yield potential

well, getting it growing, and closing the canopy. This will help protect against virus yellows and mitigate any late herbicide sprays.

“Patience and attention to detail when preparing land for sugar beet will be critical this year. There is a margin in sugar beet, which has to support the other crops in the rota-

Beet has to pull its weight this year

tion, so a lot relies on a decent year.”

Most crops will need four post-emergence broad-leaved weed sprays costing at least £150/ha. Most scenarios will involve blackgrass control, adding roughly another £35/ha for Centurion Max (clethodim).

Controlling volunteer potatoes with clopyralid or adding a pre-emergence spray further increases the overall cost. And where there are issues with weed control, often it is because the spray intervals are too wide.

British Sugar technical support manager Pam Chambers says: “My view is to follow up a successful first post-emergence spray closely with a second, especially if there is a high

Intervals between sprays become more of an issue when it is dry. The industry has missed desmedipham to boost the activity of herbicides, but Ms Chambers believes its role can be partially replaced with adjuvants.

“In some situations, not including an adjuvant (with a herbicide) is like having gin without the tonic. In trials, I have seen a 50% increase in efficacy by including an adjuvant.”

The main reason for using an ad-

juvant oil with herbicides is to break down the waxes on a weed leaf surface to allow faster penetration of the herbicide into the weed, says Rob Sucking, commercial technical manager at De Sangosse.

“Ultimately, adjuvants increase herbicide uptake. In conditions like moderate to severe frosts, high diurnal range and fast-growing crops, using an adjuvant can increase the potential for herbicidal crop phyto expected under these conditions.”

Newman Cropspray 11-E is one of the most common adjuvant oils used with beet herbicides. Growers should adjust application rates depending on the temperature, says Mr Sucking.

A dose rate of 0.75l/ha is recommended up to 18°C. This should be reduced to 0.5l/ha if the temperature is between 18-21°C, with growers advised to switch to a methylated seed oil (MSO) above 21°C.

Herbicides

Straight herbicides based on metamitron, ethofumesate, and phenmedipham have a synergistic effect when combined, giving 100% of control against fat hen in BRRO and UPL

Root crops

trials at Bracebridge Health, Lincoln shire.

“In certain situations, a co-formu lated (herbicide) solution fits,” says Mr Wilmott. “A dynamic situation where you have a mixture of dry and wet periods in the spring and sprayers are busy suits straight herbicides be cause you can adjust the rates.”

The value of a pre-emergence sug ar beet herbicide often divides opin ion among agronomists and growers. But Ms Chambers says soil moisture in 2023 resulted in good weed control from a pre-em.

“If you have blackgrass, I would look to do a pre-emergence of etho fumesate plus metamitron. Anoth er good reason for a pre-em is if you are pushed for time and think the first post-em sprays will be challenging to apply at the correct time.”

Mr Wilmott suggests growers might not need a pre-emergence spray in the absence of problem weeds – although he acknowledges that using one could certainly help to take the pressure off.

“Doing some early metamitron followed by some rain will deliver a return. However, I don’t advise you to

tions ahead.”

Herbicide-tolerant beet

Some 20,000ha of herbicide-tolerant Conviso sugar beet was grown in 2023 with British Sugar predicting a similar area this season, with the yield gap closing between Conviso varieties and conventional beet.

The one area where growers should avoid Conviso is if they have a beet cyst

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blackgrass herbicide, but it is similar sulfonylurea (SU) chemistry to that being used elsewhere in the rotation, like Atlantis (metsulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl).”

Growers should be mindful of resistant blackgrass and use a blackgrass active pre-emergence spray and Centurion Max in a programme with Conviso One if they think they have target site resistance, says Mr Wilmott.

sugar beet are in short supply this spring

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Contact: Richard Cogman on 07983 314424 or email: r.cogman@strube.net

Advanced fertiliser boosts potato yield and quality

Good for farm and environment

New fertiliser technologies that match nutrient supply more closely to plant requirements through the growing season can increase potato yields – and improve tuber and skin quality.

Controlled release fertiliser (CRF) technology can increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and reduce the carbon footprint of production while polysulphate-based potash fertilisers have been shown to increase yields and consistency of tuber size.

"These are exciting results for UK potato producers," says agronomist Scott Garnett from crop production specialists ICL Growing Solutions.

"Faced with the need to optimise use of crop inputs and produce high yields of top quality potatoes in the most cost-efficient way possible, these new trials suggest fertiliser choice can have a major impact on productivity and environment.

Multi-nutrients

"Polysulphate is a naturally occurring multi-nutrient fertiliser mined from underneath the North Sea that when boosted with potassium to pro duce PotashpluS has the formulation of 23% SO3, 37% K2O, 8% CaO and 3% MgO.

"One of its unique properties is that it has prolonged release charac teristics that deliver nutrients in line with the potato plant's specific nutri ent needs over critical stages of the growing cycle.

"In UK trials, where Pot ashpluS and muriate of pot ash (MOP) were applied to provide the same 340kg of

K2O/ha application rate of potassium to potatoes, PotashplusS delivered an 8% increase in yield over MOP.

"This is attributed to the soluble magnesium, sulphur and calcium supplied by PotashpluS, even when the soil was not magnesium deficient.

"The tuber dry matter was higher in the PotashpluS treatments at 20.6% compared to the 19.8% when MOP was applied and this is a significant improvement when it comes to ease of processing potatoes. The PotashpluS potato tubers were also judged to be more consistent in size, showing less variation."

CRF technology has proven itself in commercial potato production and independent trials, says ICL speciality fertiliser manager Andrew Judd."

Optimum delivery

"Unlike other fertilisers, CRFs are designed to release optimum daily quantities of nutrients to crops over a specific timescale.

"This ensures nutrient availability can be matched to the specific crop requirements more effectively, which leads to higher NUE and reduces nutrient losses.

"Another major advantage of CRFs is that they can reduce the number of fertiliser applications required through the season. This reduces farm traffic, labour costs and time as well as helping to reduce potential soil compaction problems.

"This combined with other environmental benefits, such as reduced nutrient leaching, mean CRF could play a key role in helping UK

potato production meet its future sustainability goals."

CRFs works by covering granules with a semi-permeable coating that allows water to pass through it to dissolve the nutrients contained within, he explains.

"The process is temperature sensitive. As soil temperature rises, cracks develop in the coating, drawing in water to dissolve the nutrients inside.

"The water then carries these out into the soil for the plant roots to take up. When soil temperature decreases, nutrient release slows down.

"The continuous release of nutrients through the main part of the growing season when plants need them most, means only one application of CRF is usually required compared to the many often needed with conventional fertilisers."

Proven results

In one particular trial in Belgium, a 26% increase in potato yields for CRF compared to the grower's usual ammonium nitrate (AN) based regime was recorded, Mr Garnett adds.

"In other trials in Holland, the income gain from such benefits was 14% for CRF compared to a conventional CAN-based two-application approach and we've seen similar yield lifts over regimes using urea treated with DMPP nitrogen inhibitors.

"Furthermore, independent analysis of 19 trials in Holland showed the combined benefits of CRF technology to reduce the carbon footprint of potato production by 11%."

Similar results are now being repeated closer to home with major lifts in productivity, financial performance and environmental benefits seen in UK trials, says Mr Garnett.

"One UK trial carried, for example, showed the controlled release of nitrogen from CRF increased NUE to 82% and boosted seed potato yield by 10%, delivering an extra £736/ha compared to the grower's standard AN-based practice."

Scott Garnett: Exciting results for growers

Fodder beet could be popular choice this spring

• Crop is cost-effective energy source

• Good attention to detail is needed

• Varietal choice is very important

Fodder beet could offer livestock farmers a cost-effective energy source this year – but growing it will require careful management following an especially wet winter.

“Fodder beet is a crop that requires investment and attention to detail,” says Ryhs Owen, of agronomy specialists ProCam. “However, done right, it can be the most cost-effective forage crop available.”

A typical dry matter yield of some 25t/ha means fodder beet can cost as little as 5-6.5p/kg DM. This is about one third to half the cost of grass silage on many farms – and cheaper than 8-10p/kg DM for kale.

Fodder beet is drilled earlier than most forage crops, with the optimum sowing period being mid-March to the end of April. In all cases, site selection is the first consideration alongside the correct seedbed preparation.

Seedbed

Light and medium bodied soils that are free draining are best, with a pH of 6.5 or higher.

Optimum establishment and crop growth will be achieved with a fine and firm seedbed in the upper 5-7cm, with a more open structure below.

“If you are intending to graze the crop in situ, it’s important to plan ahead of drilling in order to optimise the layout,” says Mr Owen.

“If planning to transition cattle on to beet, leave a 6m headland to allow them space.

“Also, drill in a direction that en ables the fence to be positioned along the rows, which simplifies allocation of the crop to all stock. If the field is sloping, always aim to graze down hill.”

Maximising returns will depend on choosing a suitable variety. Grazing cattle will favour a medium DM vari ety like Geronimo (above right), sheep or young cattle thriving on a low er DM variety, such as Lactimo, that sits out of the ground more.

Canopy closure

“In all cases, I’d recommend using primed or pre-germinated seed, as this will result in a faster and more even establishment, with the crop reach ing canopy closure more quickly,” says Mr Owen.

“Primed seed is an important ad vance in fodder beet growing. It should be used alongside a number of other significant agronomic improvements in order to achieve full potential.

“Where a crop is destined for graz ing, for example, fertiliser application and disease control should be geared towards maintaining green leaf growth longer into the season, boosting overall yield and protein content.”

Five steps to success with fodder beet

• Opt for suitable site and seedbed

• Plan field layout ahead of drilling

Fodder beet has a total nitrogen requirement of about 200-240kg/ha, compared to 120-150kg/ha for traditional beet, says Mr Owen. But the right inputs at the right time will help ensure it outperforms many other for-

• Choose proven varieties which are compatible with end use

• Select primed seed

• Use tailored agronomy

Maintaining green leaf growth longer will maximise yield, says Rhys Owen

Grants on offer for animal health and welfare equipment

• Application deadline closes on 1 May

• Funding available for over 130 items

• Useful way to upgrade farm facilities

Livestock producers have one month left to apply for equipment grants to improve animal health and welfare on their farms.

The expanded Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grant scheme offers funding towards a broad range of commonly used pieces of equipment and technology.

The Animal Health & Welfare section of Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund offers part-funding for more than 130 items, including an additional 29 new products compared to previous years.

These include handling facilities, weigh crates, livestock cameras, automatic drench gun and EID readers. The minimum grant funding is £1,000 and the maximum is £25,000, towards the cost of the equipment.

Increased grants

For many items, this percentage is an increase on last year. This funding will go towards either the average cost of an item purchased from a Defra-ap-

proved list – or the actual cost paid for the item if it is less than the cost on the list.

Applications must be made before 1 May. Separately, farmers can apply for grant funding of between £1,000 and £50,000 for productivity and slur ry items. Applications for this part of the scheme close on 17 April.

Megan Proctor, a rural surveyor with Galbraith, said: “This is a useful source of support for farm businesses, particularly as input costs have risen significantly – especially for feed and fertiliser.

“It is worth setting aside some time to assess what equipment you may need and whether it is covered by the scheme. It can feel like just more paperwork at a very busy time of the year, but in our experience it is well worth submitting an application.”

Competitive fund

The fund is competitive. Farmers who decide to apply can increase their application score – and chance of grant

Grants are available for a range of livestock equipment

“It is well worth applying

approval – by providing evidence that they have discussed their application with a vet.

Veterinary advice can be obtained by telephone, email, or as part of a vet visit. Farmers may be eligible to apply for a fully-funded vet visit as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) annual health and welfare review.

Farmers must have received veterinary advice on their application after 1 January for it to be eligible. They will need to provide their vet’s details, the date of the discussion and permission for Defra to contact the farm vet following an application.

For details, visit bit.ly/FETF2024

Funding for slurry kit

Grants for a range of slurry equipment are availab le under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2024. Eligible products include dribble bar and trailing shoe applicators, hose reels and drag hose, slurry separators, flow- meters, mobile slurry chopper pumps and remote-control systems for engine-driven pumps.

Significant funding is available for slurry separators which are a useful management tool, says Terry Baker of slurry specialists Tramspread.

“Removing solids from slurry makes in-store management easier.This provides increased application output from both tankers and umbilical systems. Less friction in umbilical hoses allows for longer pumping distances and reduces wear on the pump, hose and applicator, and saves fuel too."

FETF grants are available for mobile separators for the first time, and there are two Stallkamp options. Funding is also available for fixed separators. Tramspread also supplies pumps, gantries and control panels.

Pig & Poultry

Flagship industry event opens door to success

• New technologies and advice

• Fresh thinking and innovation

• Low carbon future is key goal

Innovation and collaboration will be the focus of this year’s Brit ish Pig & Poultry Fair – helping producers secure a low carbon future.

New technologies and advice on dis ease management and alternative pro teins will also be among the topics at the two-day event, which takes place on 15-16 May at the Birmingham NEC.

“It is the job of everyone in the sup ply chain to work together to reduce the industry’s carbon impact, and new thinking and technology provide some of the answers here,” says fair organiser Alice Bell.

Listening system

these next steps will play out.”

Thousands of producers will attend the Pig & Poultry Fair

One example is a new pig “listening” system. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to monitor coughs and forecast the potential onset of respiratory diseases.

Developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, tests have shown the system can detect issues such as PRRS and Mycoplasma hyopneumonaiae five days earlier than by human observation alone.

With more rapid treatment and management, this was calculated to improve daily growth rates by an average of 12.7g, reduce antibiotic treatments by 23.4%, and generate a 1:4 return on investment.

Pig and poultry producers could both benefit from a new digital emergency planner from Livetec Systems. It helps farmers prepare for events ranging from flooding to notifiable disease outbreaks.

Rapid response

“This is critical when farm businesses are under pressure to respond quickly,” says Livetec technical director Julian Sparrey.

Egg producer James Baxter will explain how a robust contingency plan saved him £45,000 by reducing the amount of time before depopulation could start following an avian influenza outbreak.

Another Innovation Theatre session will examine how a new highly absorbent straw crumb is being provided free to farmers when manure is processed into biomethane and biobased fertiliser.

This fertiliser can be used to displace predominantly imported fossil

“

We can tackle the challenges together

Alternative feeds

A forum on insect farming, with Beta Bugs and Flybox talking about their combined solution which takes complexity and cost out of insect farming, by supplying eggs and larvae in containerised systems.

“Demand for insect protein as alternatives to existing feed ingredients is increasing, making insect farming a mainstream opportunity,” says Beta Bugs chief executive Thomas Farrugia.  For full details, visit  www.pigandpoultry.org.uk

Expert speakers address key issues

Some 330 exhibitors are due to attend the Pig and Poultry Fair – with visitors able to listen to dozens of speakers. “This is a chance to discuss the challenges and topical issues of the day," says Charlotte Evans of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. “As an industry we can tackle the road ahead together.”

Opportunities

Headline sessions in each discussion theatre include pig, egg and poultry meat outlooks. This will see speakers from across the supply chain share their views on the prospects for their

specialist sectors.

Other pig forums include contingency planning for African Swine Fever, and a practical workshop looking at how slurry and waste management can help farmers on their journey to net zero.

One session will examine how young people can be encouraged to eat more pork; another will explore grants available for new poultry equipment and infrastructure.

Fair partner ABN will explain how precision feeding and sustainable replacements for soya are set to be a key part of reducing carbon emissions, improving efficiencies and profitability.

Free test helps tackle cause of post-weaning diarrhoea

Pig producers are being encouraged to reach out to their vets to perform free diagnostics if they are concerned about post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD).

Elanco is funding veterinary testing for the F4 and F18 strains of E. coli – both of which are a common causes of PWD and have shown to be present on 78% of farms, says strategic account manager Gillian Bryson.

Historically, PWD was kept at bay by zinc oxide, which has been banned. But its use also masked a multitude of potential issues which are now becoming more evident – highlighting the importance of understanding the root of the problem.

“Tests are available free of charge

Tackle the root cause of PWD with free diagnostic tests says Gillian Bryson (above right)

Rainbow kits

Producers can access fully funded diagnostic tests, such as rainbow kits and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, free of charge through their vet – giving an instant result and will confirm whether the herd is suffering from E. coli.

“PCR tests don’t provide immediate results, but offer more detail, including identifying whether F4 and F18 strains are present on farm, even if E. coli is not directly affecting the herd" says Ms Bryson.

“This is important because once these strains of E.coli are present, it is near on impossible to get rid of them, so preventative measures must be im-

Small poultry keepers must register bird flocks

New measures to better protect the poultry sector from avian influenza outbreaks have been set out by the government.

Under the changes, all bird keepers  – regardless of flock size – will be required to officially register their birds. Currently this only applies to flocks of 50 birds or bigger, limiting the effectiveness of disease control measures.

By registering their birds, Defra says keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on

any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks.

Control zones

This will help to manage potential disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, and limit any spread. Information on the register will also be used to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones.

Defra says this will allow for more effective surveillance, so zones can be lift-

plemented to protect herds.”

Ms Bryson recommends producers work closely with their vets to put together a robust health management programme including the use of a vaccine to ensure effective protection against the most common strains of E. coli.

Early protection

Only one vaccine on the market offers herds effective protection against F4 and F18 strains of E.coli, says Ms Bryson. Piglets can be vaccinated from 18 days old with full immunity after seven days, providing early protection against the disease.

Piglets vaccinated with Coliprotec have shown increases in appetite resulting in slaughter weight gains of up to 2kg, while also reaching market weights seven days earlier.

“If you have any concerns about PWD or E. coli, get in contact with your local vet to discuss how diagnostics can support the overall health of your herd,” Ms Bryson concludes.

ed at the earliest possible opportunity and trade can resume more quickly following an outbreak of avian disease in Great Britain.

The changes come following the UK’s worst ever outbreak of avian influenza, with more than 360 cases across Great Britain since late October 2021, including in a significant number of backyard flocks.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “These new rules will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain, making it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease.

“This information will be vital in helping to inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”

Assessment of respiratory disease and its implications on productive and economical parameters.

Swine respiratory disease is regarded as one of the most serious health problems in contemporary pig production1, due to impact on performance2, welfare3 and meat quality4, causing decreased feed efficiency and growth rate, high morbidity and mortality, and increased cost of medications5. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the primary aetiological agent of swine enzootic pneumonia (EP) and one of the major contributors to the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC)6, and often complicated by other bacterial and/or viral pathogens7.

Pneumonia and pleurisy are the most frequent lung lesions observed in the abattoir. The abattoir lung assessment represents a key checkpoint, to capture more information about the health status of pig farms4. These lesions are also economically important, as they are associated with increased time to market8,9, extra labour and slaughter line speed reduction10.

Respiratory disease has a significant impact on indications of pig welfare, due to coughing, dyspnoea, fever, discomfort and reduced feed intake11,12. EP-like lesions and pleurisy both have a negative impact on different meat quality parameters, leading to increased risk for poor processing and storage of the carcass4.

Ceva Animal Health developed the Ceva Lung Program (CLP), an application used at the abattoir to reach the correct diagnosis of respiratory disease. This will allow the detection of gross lesions of the respiratory tract at the abattoir, providing a valuable measure of the respiratory health status, economic impact, and vaccination effectiveness on the farms. It also enables the discovery of subclinical infections that were not identified during the growing period. It is important to monitor lung health regularly, particularly at different

time points of the year, to ensure that the respiratory picture is fully understood.

Following CLP analysis, a full report is generated which highlights key parameters such an overall percentage of a batch affected, and the affected lung surface within these (Figure 1).

In addition, economic assessment can be carried out to demonstrate the relationship between lung health and performance on the farm.

The CLP can be carried out pre and post implementation of measures on farm, such as a new vaccination scheme or management change, and used to demonstrate the success of these new measures.

on request

Ongoing CLP assessment is important to monitor the situation on farm and ensure that respiratory health remains to a high standard. Consistency in management of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is crucial to control other respiratory co-infections on farm13. As Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is known to be one of the major contributors to the porcine respiratory disease complex, responsible for a major threat for the farm economy, represented by reduced growth and medication costs14. The negative correlation between the prevalence of lung lesions and growth can be seen in Figure 214,15. DUO™ is a combination of Hyogen® and Circovac®. As demonstrated by numerous studies, Hyogen® has been shown to be more effective in reducing lung lesions than other vaccine protocols implemented 17,18

For more information about DUO™ Hyogen® + Circovac® or the Ceva Lung Program and how they can support your farm, then please contact your veterinarian.

Figure 1 - Segment from the report generated by the CLP application

Figure 2 – Correlation between lung score and average daily weight gain (ADWG)16

Luiza Pazini

emulsion and suspension for emulsion for injection for pigs. Active ingredient: Circovac® contains inactivated porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).

Key appointment for expanded poultry team

Lallemand Animal Nutrition has expanded its monogastric team by appointing a new poultry sales manager with a wealth of industry experience.

Antonia Chittock brings more than 13 years of poultry expertise to the team. She started her career at AB Agri as a feed sales trainee and progressing to account manager before moving to ForFarmers as a key account manager in 2016.

Natural progression

This was followed by a stint at family feed supplier Marriages. In 2021, Ms Chittock diversified from feed sales to selling in-feed pathogen control products and milling efficiency solutions with Anitox.

“It seemed a natural progression joining Lallemand,” she says.

“Their commitment to optimising animal performance and well-being through microbial solutions aligns

with my core principles, to support fi nancially sustainable businesses while contributing to food safety and high animal welfare standards.”

Previous roles involved selling direct to farmers and integrat ed businesses. An understanding of diets and microbial solutions should prove useful for Lallemand customers.

“I’m excited to be part of the Lallemand team as I see major value in their product portfolio, and I’m looking forward to showcasing this, with the support of the wider technical team.”

Ms Chittock says she is looking forward to reach ing out to new and exist ing customers to explore how Lallemand’s micro bial solutions could sup port their businesses –improving poultry health, welfare and

performance.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition country manager Lee Gresham described the appointment as an excellent fit for Lallemand. "We’re really excited to have her on board, helping to increase exposure and uptake of the benefits of our microbial solutions.”

Lallemand poultry sales manager Antonia Chittock

Hybrid rye brings benefits to pig and poultry rations

Helps to reduce carbon footprint

Hybrid rye is increasingly being seen as bringing significant benefits to pig and poultry rations as well as having major agronomic benefits for growers with its low nitrogen requirement and tolerance to increasingly frequent drought conditions.

The earlier advantages seen when rye is fed to pigs are now being added to following results seen in trials by KWS and feed producer Harbro with 16,000 egg laying hens.

The trial compared a wheat-based ration with one where rye replaced the wheat by up to 25% with no material differences between the two rations being found, explains KWS UK's Dominic Spurrier.

"From hen health through egg numbers, egg size and quality and litter waste, there were no differences between the two 8000 bird flocks."

Historically egg producers have been reluctant to include rye, thinking that there may be a detrimental effect on egg production, in terms of egg numbers, size and shell strength.

"From this data egg producers can be confident that feeding rye to hens up to 25% has no adverse reaction.

"This benefits egg production because firstly the costs of feeding rye are lower but, much more importantly, supermarkets and other sellers of eggs are increasingly looking for products that have lower carbon footprints to meet the UK's 2030 targets.

"The agronomic advantages of hybrid rye together with its very low nitrogen requirement mean the carbon footprint of eggs produced from rye-

both in controlled conditions and commercial situations."

Established benefits

KWS veterinarian Richard Grone says the benefits of feeding rye in pig production have been confirmed all over the world in recent years. It is widely used in farm-produced pig diets in Denmark, Germany, Russia, Poland and Spain with growing interest in the UK.

“Trials to assess how the inclusion of rye in pig diets affects performance have shown promising results on growth rate, feed intake and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).

“Major improvements in performance, health, behaviour, and wel-

Latest trials carried out in the UK with ABN have shown hybrid rye can successfully be included in finishing pig diets at rates of up to 60%, he ex-

“Hybrid rye can be substituted oneto-one for wheat and barley, so it offers many possibilities for feed compounders and producers.

“It can be fed as meal, liquid or pellet-based feed. It is high in dietary fibre, which promotes satiety, gut health and calm behaviour.

"It can also boost energy supply at farrowing and its levels of arabinoxylan, which is converted to butyrate in the animal’s hind gut, far exceed those of wheat.

“Rye is 2%-3% lower in crude protein than wheat, yet offers an excellent amino acid profile, particulari-

“Hybrid rye also delivers nitrogen and agrochemical savings without compromising yields, while its straw acts as a novel stimulus and helps to further reduce aggression.”

Nitrogen efficiency

According to KWS technical trials manager Olivia Potter, trials with the hybrid rye variety Tayo have shown outstanding Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) results.

In one trial in North Walsham, Norfolk, Tayo produced the same 10.84t/ ha yield from both 80kg N/ha and 120kg N/ha fertiliser regimes underlining the crop's potential to help growers make major cost savings.

"Hybrid rye has a lot going for it in terms of marketing opportunities, benefits to the rotations and drought resistance, but it's ability to produce high yields from relatively modest amounts of applied nitrogen is making it increasingly attractive.

"We've known for some time that fertiliser requirements with rye can be roughly half that of a second wheat with savings of 100kg N/ha and more being achievable, but Tayo seems to be capable of taking this even lower.

“In comparison to second wheat grown for feed which is likely to require around 220kg N/ha, hybrid rye would typically require just 120kg N/ ha, but Tayo is showing the potential to cut this by a further third."

Richard Grone: Major benefits in pigs

set to reach net zero

Pig project set to reduce emissions

ANottinghamshire pig producer has joined a pioneering programme that will see retailer M&S work with farmers to decarbonise its meat supply chain and reach net zero by 2040.

Wold Farm, which supplies M&S pork through Cranswick, is one of seven farming enterprises taking part in the seven-year Farm of the Future programme. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while boosting wildlife and habitat creation.

‘Significant challenge’

Working with Harper Adams University’s School of Sustainable Food and Farming, it will also provide the opportunity to identify where system change may be required, all within the context of continuing to produce high-welfare pork for M&S.

Cranswick agricultural strategy director Ash Gilman said the Farms of the Future Programme would help the company reach net zero. Progress had already been made and further inroads would be achieved through a combination of measures.

“We have achieved a 33% reduction in our pig carbon footprint (kg C02eq/ kg LW) against our 2019 baseline, and while we have set out a decarbonisation strategy to net zero, and have large scale commercial trials in

place, achieving this will be a significant challenge.

“It will require changes in feed mill infrastructure, greater understanding of soils and carbon, and the ability of carbon calculators to use actual – rather than reference – data.”

‘Real focus’

Steve McLean, head of agriculture at M&S Food, said the retailer was on track to reaching net zero by 2040. He added: “Over 70% of emissions of our food business come from primary

It is clear this needs real focus

brings on farm, and the need to continue to produce affordable, high-quality food from sustainable supply chain relationships. We are committed to helping our M&S Select Farmers navigate these challenges.

“This new initiative will enable us to support innovative approaches on seven of our M&S Select Farms, with the findings being shared across our whole supply base and the wider industry to help drive real change.”

Mr McLean said M&S was committed to collaborating with farmers and with the Harper Adams School of Sustainable Food and Farming. “We are confident that this collaborative approach will deliver a step-change in the industry’s approach to decarbonising food production.”

Fellowships for pig industry stalwarts

The National Pig Association has awarded lifetime fellowships to three industry stalwarts in recognition of their service to the sector.

Pig producers Sally Stockings and Sam Godfrey were presented with fellowships last month after standing down from the Pig Industry Group (PIG). Howard Revell will be presented with a fellowship at next month’s Pig & Poultry Fair.

The NPA board and PIG voted unanimously to award the fellowships in recognition of exceptional service to the NPA and to the UK pig industry – including their support, commitment and passion for the sector.

A further accolade has been awarded to NPA veteran Hugh Crabtree, who was already a lifetime fellow. Mr Crabtree, who was the NPA's first vice-chairman when it was established in 1999, received an ornamental glass pig.

Mr Crabtree chaired the NPA Allied Industry Group for many years before, once again, taking on the role of vice-chair three years ago, after the successful merger of the AIG and PG to form the PIG.

NPA chairman Rob Mutimer said: “Hugh has been the most fantastic chair and support to me. We did not agree on everything, but he has always challenged us in a unique way and has been an incredible asset to have.”

Grass & Forage

• Work out a farm forage budget

• Talk soon to silage contractors

• Prepare clean silage clamps

Dairy farmers are being urged to prepare well ahead of the silage season so they are ready to cut at the first good weather opportunity.

Last year, many farmers did not end up taking first cuts until June. Often this was because they weren’t in a position to move quickly enough when the weather eventually became dry enough to get out in the field.

“This resulted in silage of low or variable quality – which has cost many herds a lot in purchased feed or milk yields this winter,” says Lientjie Colahan, from Lallemand’s technical support team.

To minimise the risk of a similar situation this year, Ms Colahan recommends that growers start conversations with their nutritionist, agronomist and silage contractor as soon as possible.

Calculate requirements

“Your nutritionist will be able to help you work out a forage budget based on

Prepare now for first cut silage success

vice. And when thinking about silage preservation in the clamp, she says that the benefits of using an inoculant should not be overlooked.

“Pre-cut testing helps determine

“A new UK-based trial undertaken at Reading University indicates that using an inoculant on grass silage can improve clamp stability, increase feedable dry matter by 29% and

“ Nutrient plans can be adapted

Latest clamp technology boosts cost efficiency

• Barrier films are most effective

• Top layer loss reduced by 50%

• Additives stabilise clamps fast

Modern silage films are making the ensiling process quicker and more reliable –and delivering a significant return on investment.

“True oxygen barrier films can help reduce wastage and ensure more of the forage energy clamped is available for milk or livestock production,” says Jim Juby of Horizon Seeds.

“Used properly, they can virtually eliminate top-layer shrinkage losses which means as well as being able to offer cows better quality silage, you’re actually feeding more of it.

“Plus, you will be using a lot less plastic than with other systems. Si lostop films, for example, are 100% recyclable, and the new Orange 45 mi cron film when used with multi-year UV covers can reduce plastic usage by 50%.”

Consolidation is key

Whatever film is used, the key is to keep as much oxygen out as possible with applying wall film the first oper ation to be considered, says Mr Juby.

“Make sure the clamp is as clean as possible then line the walls with side sheeting to make sure oxygen cannot enter through them, this will also pro

Above right: Oxygen barrier films can mean better, more plentiful silage, says Jim Juby

Right:

SilostopMax

the top of the wall so this can be fold ed back over the shoulders once the clamp is full. Make the silage surface as dense and smooth as possible by lots of rolling.

“It’s important to make sure you have enough tractors consolidating fresh material as it arrives. It’s a false economy to have high work rates in the field that then lead to clamp manage ment being compromised.”

Scientific studies have shown that Silostop film reduces dry matter loss es in the top layer of silage by at least 50%, says Mr Juby.

“The top 1m of silage is worth at least £24/m2 of surface area, so using the film will give you an extra £12/ m2 worth of quality feed in the clamp and no waste to fork off the top at feedout.

“If you also use an effective addi

the joins in the film by at least 1.5m. Silostop Max is available in up to 28m wide rolls so there is a size that suits most silage pits.

“Side sheets need to be tucked under the final top sheet to give the best airtight seal possible, this will also ensure that rainwater sheds off the silage rather than decreasing silage dry matter.”

Modern films need suitable protection to make sure they stay in place and remain undamaged by weather and potential pests, he adds.

“This is easily achieved by using a Secure Cover and Silostop Orange film must also be protected from physical damage and ultra-violet light (UV) by an anti-UV net.

“Gravel bags or mats are the best materials for keeping covers in place. Use solid rows of neatly placed gravel bags to provide an effective weight on outside edges and joins.

“Remember, at feed out, always keep a row of gravel bags on the front edge of the film at the top of the feed out face to prevent oxygen ingression underneath the sheet.

“Growing cost effective, quality forage enables costs to be controlled on farm allowing livestock farms to make more money, with correct silage making procedures playing a key role in this.”

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Get the most out of multi-species leys

• Nutrient home-grown forage boost

• Different management required

• Focus on end goals when planning

With the Sustainable Farming Incentive paying £382/ ha for planting multi-species leys (MSLs), interest in them is growing rapidly but livestock producers should carefully consider how they fit into existing forage systems.

While there are many benefits, including increased biodiversity and better soil health, MSLs require a different management regime than typical ryegrass to maximise the benefits, says Agrii agronomist Mark Smyth.

"MSLs are generally made up of grass, legumes and herb species which together create a more diverse forage with greater resilience to climatic extremes as well as contributing significantly to soil structure and fertility.

"Because they're rooting at different depths within the soil profile

and this also helps with growth dur ing dry periods.

"Chicory and Sainfoin also have a natural worming element as they have anthelmintic properties and this can be extremely valuable in some circum stances."

When to plant

Those tempted by the £382/ha SFI payment have 12 months from sign ing up to putting their MSLs in and timing needs some thought, Mark Smyth advises.

"When establishing a full reseed MSL with grass, spring or autumn planting is fine, but if overseeding it becomes more challenging in the spring as seed to soil contact is key and the minimum soil temperature must have reached 8 - 10o C before consid

"Augustor September is often the better timing for overseeding due to less grass and weed competition, how ever if considering spring it's important to lightly graze afterwards to ensure the new seedlings don't get

Rapidly growing species in mixes, such as chicory, also need considera-

"These will need frequent grazing and should only really be considered for silage-making in a multi cut system, where frequent cutting will stop them becoming overgrown and producing more fibre which could re-

"Managed correctly, MSLs can provide a nutrient-rich home grown forage with significant environmental benefits, underpinned by a healthy incentive from the latest SFI scheme

According to Agrii's forage grass, root and environmental seeds manager Adam Simper, following a systematic approach to planning, establishment and management of grass reseeds, can also help producers get the most out

"The best starting point for a successful reseed is to focus on the end

Multi-species leys can provide a nutrient-rich forage, says Mark

point," he says. "You need to focus on your end goal and make decisions based on this. So, first of all, decide how long you want the mix to last, then what you want to use it for.

"If you want to both cut and graze, for example, choose a mix containing diploids and tetraploid perennial ryegrass (PRG), whereas if predominantly cutting, choose a mix with a higher proportion of tetraploids.

"If your plan is rotational grazing, then choose a mix that can cope with this style of management and provide good ground cover and quick regrowth. If intensively tight grazing, then use a mix with a high diploid PRG content."

Most reseed mixes in the UK contain both diploid and tetraploid PRG but there are also other types of ryegrass and species used such as clovers, herbs, Timothy, cocksfoot, and in recent years Festuloliums, he points out.

"Each of these species has different growth and quality characteristics so it is important to select the most appropriate one for your ground and situation so talk to your grassland advisor at an early stage. "

Smyth (left)

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Funding needed to combat crime in the countryside

Prolific offenders target farms

More funding is needed to combat the criminal gangs who are targeting the countryside, say campaigners.

Organised criminals – including those linked to the international drug trade – are increasingly preying on rural communities, suggests the latest report commissioned by the National Rural Crime Network.

The report was written by senior criminologist Kate Tudor, of Durham University. Rather than opportunists, many rural criminals were prolific offenders involved in the supply and sale of drugs, she said.

“Essentially, they are entrepreneurs working in the field of illicit business. They are already well grounded in crimes such as drug dealing, but they’re always looking for new and emerging business opportunities.”

Stolen goods

Foreign organised crime networks were also deeply involved in sustaining the UK’s rural crime problem by creating international transportation and disposal routes for goods stolen from the countryside.

Despite the growing threat of crime facing rural people, campaigners say police forces across the UK are treat ing the problem as a small-scale issue – leaving people in the countryside liv ing in fear.

The Country Land and Business As sociation said offenders were inten tionally victimising communities in multiple ways – including through vi olence and intimidation – during sus tained criminal careers.

Cost of crime

The report also reveals that 22 organised crime gangs are actively involved in rural crime across the UK. But only a small number of their activities are being mapped in formal police procedures. This means the full extent of organised rural crime remains unknown, with incidents less likely to be a police priority.

The report found that the costs associated with the theft of agricultural machinery and vehicles alone were £11.7 million, an increase of 29% from the previous year. Other crimes include hare-coursing and large-scale fly-tipping.

sociation president Victoria Vyvyan said: “Serious and organised crime has a heavy burden on already-isolated rural communities up and down the country, as outlined in this report.

“Well-established criminal gangs are dumping huge quantities of waste; coursing and poaching; and plundering the countryside, stealing machinery and often moving it abroad – this is not small-scale or opportunistic crime.

"The CLA is campaigning for greater rural training for frontline call handlers, officers and volunteers to help them correctly identify and record cases, as well as beefed-up equipment packs to assist forces in fighting rural crime.”

Trio of promotions across East of England

Land agent Savills has announced three promotions in its rural management teams across the East of England.

Edward Fitzalan-Howard and Joshua Spink, both based in the firm’s Norwich office, have been promoted to director and associate director respectively; while Hattie Hemmings, based in the Savills Chelmsford office, has been made an associate.

Savills regional rural team leader Richard Binning said: “The strength of our business is reflected in the continued progression and development of our staff. They consistently provide sound advice to the benefit of clients and work colleagues alike, while their professional approach has greatly contributed to the wider success of our rural teams across the region.”

L-R: Edward Fitzalan-Howard, Hattie Hemmings and Joshua Spink

Fly-tippers are often linked to other crimes, says the report

Building blocks for a new countryside

ment with is a key decision. Remember, ultimately this could be a 10 or 20-year relationship. It’s important to choose a reputable firm with a sound business who’s it for the long haul and has the resources to ‘promote’ your site – and take it from the point you sign the development agreement to them getting planning permission.

EXPERT VIEW

The forthcoming general election could have big implications for development Will Mackenzie.

in this process as early as possible. It doesn’t commit you to subsequently make the land available, but it puts it on the local authority’s radar.

Sensitive task

How a developer acts also has a big influence on community relations. How they approach the often complex and usually sensitive task of seeking planning permission will affect not just their likelihood of success, but also how local residents regard you. Development agreements can also take different forms to suit your requirements which is something we regularly advise on.

anced by a belief that a Labour government would kickstart the housing market in a way that brings many new opportunities.

Restrictive policies, red tape and a lack of resources in the planning system have meant housebuilding has come to a virtual standstill in some areas, but Labour has been very vocal about its intention to get more houses built. "Backing the builders not the blockers" is a phrase they’ve used.

Of course, selling any size plot for this purpose isn’t an opportunity everyone has, but in these challenging times, landowners are having to drive more value from their holdings.

Strong position

Different authorities have different approaches – some preferring a small number of large developments, others opting for a large number of smaller ones. But if you have land adjacent to a settlement boundary or a site part of which has already been developed (so there is a precedent) it’s worth engaging with the authority.

Think long term, too. Maybe you have land that’s two or even three fields away from the current settlement boundary. In 25 years –and housebuilders, like farmers, think in generations – those plots might be on the very edge of the village or town.

Biodiversity

In years gone by, landowners sometimes believed it was advantageous to let a would-be building plot become overgrown or fall into disrepair because the council might be keener to see it developed.

But now, with the new Biodiversity Net

One implication of recent delays in the planning system has been a relative scarcity of sites coming to the market, so landowners are in a strong negotiating position. Depending on a raft of factors, particularly location, development land is currently changing hands for £250,000 to £1.25m/acre.

For any long-term development agreement, vendors should include a clause stating that if taxes on development land rise over a certain percentage, then the agreement can freeze for a set period (often between two and ten years).

Of course, the countryside needs protection against excessive and inappropriate development. But a lot of landowners are seeing the next few years as a time when development opportunities could be unlocked.

In years gone by, the prospect of a Labour government would have been a thoroughly troubling prospect for many farmers and landowners. But if Keir Starmer gets

Labour under Keir Starmer is promising to 'back the builders'

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Road wars

Tractor drivers and motorists both need to calm down on country lanes – before more people get hurt, says Fen Tiger.

Agrowing population and the rush of modern life mean traffic on our roads is busier and faster than ever. That goes for our major routes and our country lanes too – as more people try to reach their destination while avoiding the traffic.

Most of our rural roads are centuries old. They were designed for people travelling on foot – or at best by horse and cart – often taking hours if not days to travel distances that take just minutes today.

When fast meets slow, something has to give – especially on a single-track road. Little wonder then that the number of accidents involving farm machinery is increasing – often with fatal consequences for those involved.

As a tractor driver, I was always taught to pull off the road at the first opportunity to let traffic pass. Unfortunately, many tractor drivers today appear to ignore that advice – especially larger scale operations carting grain or maize silage.

At the same time, many car drivers fail to

realise that a slow and safer journey is better than fast and furious. Patience on both sides is in short supply. We should all be more considerate of our fellow road users.

Legal limits

Farm vehicles aren’t always to blame. But with foot-heavy motorists treating country lanes like grand prix circuits, our rural roads are increasingly dangerous places for tractors – even when wide implements are within legal limits.

Power harrows and drills are becoming wider and some farmers taking them on the highway are clearly breaking the law. Problems come when oncoming traffic fails to slow down or wide farm machinery simply cannot move over.

The law is complicated. But as I understand it, anything over 2.55 metres needs an escort. And you can apply for a special dispensation from your local police force for moving agricultural machinery especially during peak times.

How times have changed. I was recently in

Farm vehicles aren’t always to blame “

conversation with a 92-year-old retired farmer who could remember driving his shiny New Holland combine harvester through a local city – complete with 10ft header.

Unimaginable now of course. But 30 years ago, I used to travel 10 miles between farms at 6am in the morning to beat the traffic. I never had an issue. Today it’s a different story and such journeys are impossible.

Peak times

One local tenant farmer is unable to access one of his fields due to cars parking on both sides of the road and drivers unwilling to move their vehicles. Other roads are so busy, farmers can’t leave their own yards for passing traffic at peak times.

Tractor drivers employed by large farming companies these days seem to have limited experience – yet they are expected to cope with 18-tonne trailers with little knowledge of the countryside around them.

Sadly, most seem to be constantly on their mobile phones while driving – although this is clearly an issue not confined to agricultural vehicles with many motorists also unaware of laws introduced for everyone’s safety.

Not so long ago, some motorists were calling for tractors to be banned from the road – not a blanket ban but at peak times. Not something the industry needs or wants but food for thought while sitting on your tractor seat holding up the traffic.

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