Anglia Farmer - November 2024

Income boost from diversification

Arable Keep monitoring crops for slugs

CropTec show New look for flagship event

Livestock Tech revolution for British beef

Property

Farmland pricesride out Budget

Fen Tiger Why I'm ploughing on regardless

ACTIV8-BIO A Biological Solution for Sustainable Agriculture

Anglia Farmer

EDITORIAL

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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.

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Time to take control of our farming future

When times are challenging, it’s important to accept that some things are largely beyond our control.

In farming, there's much we can’t influence directly. Unpredictable weather, volatile market prices and uncertain agricultural policies to name just a few.

But by taking the emotion out of decision-making and controlling what is within our grasp, we can still build more profitable farm businesses –even amid the turbulence.

Precision farming

Harnessing technology – including advances in precision farming – is just one way we can make better decisions. And we take a special look at how to do this in this issue of Anglia Farmer (see page 39)

Technology isn't the answer to everything. But precision farming can help us farm more efficiently. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, for example, suggests it can lift yields as much as 20%.

Improving livestock health and welfare can also boost productivity. True, there is little we can do about bluetongue, for example, but proactive herd and flock management can improve growth rates, and ultimately enhance profitability.

Profit-margins can also be increased by selecting livestock breeds and crop varieties that are

more resilient to extreme weather – and tailoring farm management programmes accordingly – whether that means flood or drought

Reducing risk

Similarly, diversification can act as a buffer against financial risk. As the Basic Payment phase-out continues, more farmers are starting new enterprises to boost their incomes (see page 4).

More farmers expect to diversify over the next five years – embarking renewable energy initiatives like solar panels and wind turbines, agri-tourism, farm cafes and other forms of direct sales to consumers.

Diversification can provide stability, even in difficult times, allowing farmers to expand income sources without relying solely on fluctuating agricultural prices. Defra figures show farms with diversified incomes are less vulnerable to market volatility

While there’s no shortage of challenges in UK agriculture, focusing on the factors we can control does give us a better chance of thriving – not just surviving. For some of us, that might be out of our comfort zone. But building resilience from within will mean a better chance of taking charge of our future.

Johann Tasker, Editor

Family farms reap rewards from diversification

13% of farm revenue not from farming

More growers and livestock producers are diversifying as they strive to secure a more sustainable future for their farm business.

Some 17% of farmers plan to start a diversification in the next five years – up from 15% in 2023. And 40% of producers already running a diversified enterprise plan to further develop their business over the next five years – up 3% on last year.

The finding – contained in an NFU Mutual survey – suggests more farmers are generating an increasing amount of their revenue from enterprises which are alternatives or complementary to food production.

Pressure on traditional farm incomes is a significant factor in many decisions to diversify. Volatile commodity prices and rising input costs have been compounded by the phaseout of the basic payment.

Farm income from diversification enterprises on average now accounts for 13% of farm turnover in 2024, the same figure as in 2023. That said, the proportion has increased substantially on some individual farms.

Renewable energy remains the most popular form of diversification among UK farmers, with 8% operating schemes such as solar power, wind turbines or anaerobic digesters – up from 6% in 2023.

Stronger businesses

NFU Mutual farm specialist Chris Walsh said: “Farmers are hardworking and innovative by their nature, and this is helping to create diversifications which complement their farming activities and make their businesses stronger.

“From vineyards and wedding ven ues to solar farms and wind turbines, farmers are making the most of the re sources available on their land to make their businesses more sustainable.”

In many cases, farmers are provid ing career opportunities for other fam ily members – including the next gen eration – while creating rural jobs and boosting local economies, including through tourism.

Success stories

“There are some fantastic success sto ries out there, such as English wine producers becoming some of the world’s highest rated, also fantastic wedding venues, and hugely popular glamping sites.”

But Mr Walsh said diversification should not be seen as a quick fix or an easy win. Successful schemes required careful planning, good management and long-term commitment, he said.

NFU Mutual has put together an online Diversification Hub to help farmers incorporate diversification into their existing farm business. It includes a range of case studies.

For more details, visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/farmingdiversification

Vineyards are among diversification success stories, says NFU Mutual (Photo: Nadya Abbiss / Shutterstock.com)

Diversification checklist

Plan diversifications which fit with your farm business

Identify where to add value to your existing enterprises

Make a frank assessment of strengths and weaknesses

Evaluate whether diversification is likely to work for you

Thoroughly research the local market and competition

See professional advice early to avoid problems later

[Source: NFU Mutual]

Green schemes ‘vital to farmers’

Successful environmental schemes are vital for farmers to feed the nation and deliver for nature, says a survey.

Some 80% of respondents to the poll said payments through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) schemes were critical to farm viability.

The survey was carried out by the Country Land and Business Association ahead of the

Autumn Budget. Failure to properly fund the schemes risked undermining confidence and stability among farmers and landowners, it said.

CLS president Victoria Vyvyan said sustainable food production and environmental protection would be at riskithout the schemes

This included wildlife habitats, flood management and access to nature – as well as landscape recovery projects.

Is

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How to combat coastal erosion

North Norfolk farmers and landowners are invited to attend a workshop highlighting ways to mitigate coastal erosion.

Coastwise is an initiative that works with individuals, communities and businesses to explore and demonstrate how coastal businesses and communities can mitigate the risk from coastal erosion.

Hosted by Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), the workshop will explore ways that Defra's Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes can help reduce the risk of erosion to livelihoods and the environment.

Mitigation measures include fun damental farming system change, says FWAG. Although this sounds extreme, it can still allow land to be worked while creating valuable wildlife habitats.

FWAG supports farmers working to improve the environment. Work shop participants will be given the opportunity to share their concerns and book a visit from a FWAG advi sor to assess and advise on ways to mitigate coastal erosion.

The workshop takes place on 21 November at the Wenn Centre, Hap pisburgh. For full details, do visit www.bit.ly/wenncentre

Princess Royal attends Beef Shorthorn day

More than 100 Beef Shorthorn enthusiasts were in attendance when HRH the Princess Royal visited Pode Hole Farm, near Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire.

Kindly hosted by Charles and Sally Horrell, along with son Harry, the Beef Shorthorn Development Day saw a packed schedule of expert talks with on topics ranging from performance recording to pelvic scoring.

The afternoon of events started off with the attendance of the Princess Royal. The Princess was welcomed by the Horrell family to the farm, which has been home to the Podhole herd

Praising breeders for their hard work and dedication, the Princess then joined guests to present this year’s Na tional Herd Competition award to win ners Geoff and Chris Riby from the Stonehill herd, Yorkshire.

The Beef Shorthorn breed has vast ly developed in recent years – and its work alongside supermarket retailer Morrisons has helped make it one of Britain’s fastest growing traditional native breeds.

Guests were then spilt into four workshop group with the Princess overlooking various parts of each workshop during the tour of the farm

horn president Tim Riley. Mrs Horrell said the Princess’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the breed was apparent throughout the day.. “It was lovely to see her speak with fellow breeders and show interest in their different herds, businesses and passions.”

Speakers included Seth Wareing and Harriet Bunning from the AHDB, who discussed the benefits of performance recording; and Freddie Watchorn, from Farm Veterinary Solutions, who demonstrated pelvic measuring heifers prior to calving.

The workshop will explore ways to mitigate coastal erosion

Four rules to get the best

A trials site open day sheds light on the best options for farmers

Farmers looking for the most suitable Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options found help at hand during an autumn open day in Cambridgeshire.

More than 100 options are available under the expanded 2024 SFI offer – so choosing what works best can be tricky. Hence the Hutchinsons Environmental trial site demonstration kindly hosted by PF England & Son, near Warboys.

The theme of the day was “right option, right place” – highlighting the importance of targeting SFI options to individual farms and fields, rather than focusing solely on income.

Farmers were urged to look beyond the headline-grabbing payments on offer – some of which exceed £800/ha. Instead careful planning can optimise benefits to the farm business –and mitigate any potential risks.

Look at soil health in more detail “

Rule 1 • Start with soil

Fully understanding soil health is an important first step in targeting the most appropriate SFI actions. This is especially so for soil management options, says soils services specialist Jade Prince.

“It’s only by looking at the bigger picture across the three pillars of soil health – physics, chemistry and biology – that we can identify any issues, then decide how to address them.”

While phosphate levels were generally high on the heavy clay soil at Warboys, much of that was being locked up and unavailable to plants because of a high pH – typically 7.5-8,

according to a Terramap Gold analysis.

“We could use a cover crop containing buckwheat, which is a good scavenger of phosphorus in high pH soils, to help release some of that for following crops to utilise,” says Ms Prince.

Analysis also showed high magnesium content was causing a tight soil structure that was difficult to work. That was being rectified through the application of gypsum, SFI cover crops, and cultivations.

“If you don’t take time to understand what a soil needs and how it wants to be treated, that’s when trouble starts.”

Rule 2 • Select mixes carefully

Cover crops should be carefully selected, says agronomist and regional technical support manager Alice Cannon. Multispecies mixes should be chosen that best address specific needs.

The management and termination of covers also warrants careful consideration when deciding what to grow, she adds.

“White mustard, for example, is cheap, and can do a great job for soil structure given its deep tap root.

“But it has a high carbon:nitrogen ratio, which means that if it’s not managed correctly, there can sometimes be a yield loss in the following spring cereal as so much nitrogen is used by the soil biology to breakdown all that carbon.”

Every species has its pros and cons, says Ms Cannon. This means growers need to understand what is good and what isn't to fully to deliver any desirable benefits – both above and below ground.

SFI actions for your farm

Rule 3 • Super-charge soil biology

Trials at Warboys have highlighted another important consideration around multi-year stewardship mixes which contain a high proportion of legumes.

Work by Hutchinsons suggests that the sudden release of natural nitrogen which builds up in root nodules over a four-year AB15 grass-free legume fallow can act as a “super food” for soil biology, says technical manager Dick Neale.

A stewardship mix containing vetch, clover, sainfoin, lucerne and others, for example, prompted a spike in consumption of organic matter, that in turn, caused soil aggregates to collapse.

“Soil aggregates form around organic matter, so when that is consumed, the structure collapses, causing soil to become tight,” says Mr Neale.

“The soil’s not compacted, and is still in good condition, full of roots, with decent infiltration, but it needs

to be managed carefully to open that structure back up.”

At Warboys, that was done with gypsum application. “High mag soils are prone to becoming tight, but the issue we’ve seen with nitrogen release and organic matter consumption, seems to affect all soil types.”

Interestingly, no such structural issue was observed after the fouryear AB15 mix containing grass, as the grass utilised nitrogen throughout the cover period, meaning no sudden spike in availability when it ended.

“You wouldn’t want to introduce something like ryegrass into an arable rotation, but, as many growers are utilising CNUM3 legume fallow on a one year basis, it may be that including wheat, barley, or triticale, within a legume fallow mix could help utilise nitrogen better and maintain good soil structure.”

Rule 4 • Consider weed burdens

Winter bird food on arable land (CAHL2) is of the highest payments on offer under the SFI. It is worth £853/ha/year for three years.

“It is one of the best-paying options, but be really careful when deciding whether it will work on your farm,” says environmental services specialist Hannah Joy.

The option can be very effective on field margins, awkward corners, or as a spring-sown option on areas where crops had failed, but caution was needed when considering it on a field scale, particularly on more weedy sites, she says.

“Once you’ve drilled the mix, there’s little or nothing you can do in terms of weed control, so you need to be really careful it doesn’t create a mess that needs tidying up before that land can go back into crop production. Recognise the risks and do what you can to manage them.”

The same applies to other options, such as the legume

fallow (CNUM3), which despite being badged by Defra as a way of helping to control grassweeds, is likely to do very little in that respect.

It can even exacerbate problems if not used appropriately, adds Hutchinsons tehchnical director Dick Neale.

“A lot of growers looked at the one-year fallow [in SFI 2023] as an alternative break to oilseed rape, but again, you need to recognise that once a legume mix is drilled, you’re locking yourself out of using any grassweed chemistry.

"The guidance suggests mowing can help control black-grass, but in reality, we often find it just sets heads a lot lower down, so still returns seed.”

Mr Neale insists that legume fallows can deliver many benefits to the soil and biodiversity. But he says the risks must be considered –and options targeted to individual situations.

Check whether it will work on your farm “

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Keep monitoring for slugs – experts

Wet autumn weather means growers should keep monitoring crops for slugs and reapply pellets where necessary, say experts.

The durability of molluscicide pellets is increasingly important to protect cereal seedlings from slug attack. Growers should remain vigilant until seedlings start to tiller (GS21), when they become less vulnerable to economic damage.

High pressure

Slug pressure was extremely high throughout much of the past year. A lack of sustained dry weather during the summer – and deluge after deluge during what has largely been another wet and rrainy autumn – have helped to maintain populations.

Careful monitoring and targeted slug pellet treatments have already proved essential for oilseed rape crop survival, says ProCam agronomist Paul Gruber. Slugs remain a significant threat to later cereal crops too, he adds.

“Later drilled crops will be slower to establish. If the pressure remains high, then crops could potentially be vulnerable for longer.

“The drive towards less cultivation is also favouring slugs and where discs drills will be working in suboptimal conditions, establishment could be tricky.”

Farmers who haven’t already done so should monitor fields earmarked for winter cereals using traps. Pellets should be applied where a threshold of four slugs per trap is exceeded.

Continued monitoring and reapplication of pellets will be required until seedlings start to tiller (GS21), says Mr Gruber. “I’d also recommend aiming for a minimum of 40 baiting points/m2,” he adds.

Formulation will be key. “If conditions remain catchy, larger wet-processed durum wheat-based pellets will prove their worth. They are more durable in the rain and aren’t ingested as quickly, so potentially kill more slugs.

Formulation and baiting points are important considerations given prevailing conditions, says Certis Belchim manager James Cheesman.

A premium product like Sluxx HP fits the bill because of its durable pasta-based pellet, says Mr Cheesman. “The formulation also contains a unique chelating agent that remains effective for longer in challenging conditions.

Better efficacy

“The chelating agent is the vehicle that gets ferric phosphate into the gut of the slug and trials have shown that the EDTA type used in other pellets leaches away much faster than EDDS when exposed to rain. That extended efficacy could be critical this year.”

“Crops could be vulnerable for longer

Mr Cheesman says a 5kg dose of Sluxx HP delivers 42 baiting points/ m2, with the higher 7kg/ha delivering 59/m2.

Correct application is an important factor in achieving those numbers across the treated area and better-quality, larger pellets will spread more evenly.

“Also, make sure applicators are set up correctly and calibrated for the product you are using, and consider environmental conditions when spreading pellets. Windy days can result in a poor spread pattern.

“Certis Belchim’s online Calibration Wizard is a useful tool to help operators find the right settings for most applicators when using our range of slug pellet products.”

Monitor and reapply pellets if necessary until seedlings start to tiller

‘Shocking’ harvest was second worst since records began

• 21% drop in wheat production

• Yields tumble for other cereals

• Call for climate change action

This year’s cereal harvest was England’s second worst since records began – with some growers suffering devastating yields, Defra has confirmed.

The English wheat harvest is estimated to be 10m tonnes or 21% down on 2023, according to Defra figures. Winter barley was 26% down on last year, and the oilseed rape harvest was down 32% – down 38% on the fiveyear average.

Major decline

In total, the harvest for wheat, winter and spring barley, oats and oilseed rape was down by 15% on 2023 and 18% on the five year average, with increases in spring barley and oat production failing to offset a major decline in the other crops.

It follows a season which will be remembered for all the wrong reasons –starting with a wet autumn, disrupting drilling ultimately reducing yield. Records have tumbled again in the recent weeks, already sparking fears of a repeat in 2025.

The Defra data broadly reflects earlier estimates by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) that the shortfall in production compared to 2023 could see farmers lose a whopping £600m in revenue on the five crops alone.

ECIU analyst Tom Lancaster said: “This year’s harvest was a shocker –

This year’s harvest was a shocker

and climate change is to blame. While shoppers have been partly insulated by imports picking up some of the slack, Britain’s farmers have borne the brunt.”

‘Biggest threat’ Climate change is the biggest threat to UK food security. And these impacts are only going to get worse until we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, in order to stop the warming that is driving these extremes.

Mr Lancaster said the government had an opportunity to invest in more sustainable farming that would make food security more resilient to climate change. The alternative was to allow the effects to worsen.

An analysis by World Weather Attribution found that storm rainfall was made 20% heavier by climate change. The volume of rainfall between October 2023 and March 2024 was made four times more likely.

AHDB publishes UK harvest estimates

UK wheat production for 2024 is provisionally estimated at 11.1 million tonnes – a decrease of 2.9Mt compared to 2023 harvest. This is 21% below the five-year average but above the 9.7Mt crop seen in 2020.

While the wheat crop is larger than 2020’, oilseed rape output is provisionally the lowest since 1983. Despite increases in barley and oat production from 2023, both remain below their five-year averages.

As a result, the UK will be much more reliant on imports than usual this season, says the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, which calculated the UK estimates.

Final UK production estimates for the 2024 cereal harvest are due to be published by Defra on 12 December.

For many farmers in England, drilling this autumn season has got off to an even worse start. A soggy September saw record-breaking rain across much of southern, central and eastern England – and continued into October.

Becoming unviable

Lincolnshire arable farmer Colin Chappell said: "We are now on a knife edge. We had almost two inches of rain within 36 hours here and we're not the worst off. Some farms in southern England have lost their crops for the second year in a row.”

Many farmers would be relying on spring crops once again, said Mr Chappell. "We're getting into a situation where autumn planting is becoming unviable due to flooding and spring planting is risky because of drought. It is causing a lot of nervousness and uncertainty.

“Farmers are going to need support to see them through this and ensure they are resilient in the future. This is the time to redouble our efforts and invest in policies that boost farming's resilience, both environmentally and financially.”

Colin Chappell: Cereal production is on a knife-edge on many farms Farmers are bearing the brunt of

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Revealed: Secret of success for late drilled second wheat

Growers drilling second wheats into the end of 2024 should consider the variety carefully and manage it well to get the best from the crop.

Good early crop management is vital alongside varietal selection to avoid potential disease problems and yield losses at harvest, explains Jim Knight of Frontier Agriculture.

While later drilling can help with blackgrass management and reduce some of the threat of take-all, the more challenging conditions puts particular demands on germination and establishment, he says.

"Sowing later when soils are colder and the take-all fungus is less active can reduce the risk of the disease spreading, but the warmer and wetter winters we now seem to be experiencing mean other factors also need to be considered.

"Unchecked, the take-all pathogen can easily infect second and consecutive wheats and produce real problems the following spring, particularly if conditions are wet, with significant yield losses possible."

is an effective choice for growers wanting a late drilled second wheat

"Damaged roots as a result of take-all can compromise nitrogen uptake, so planning an early application of nitrogen can help mitigate against this.

"Biomass is often lower in second wheats due to the later drilling, so selecting a variety that puts down roots quickly with good root-mass development and has strong tillering potential is beneficial, he says.

"Eyespot resistance is a particularly useful trait, as is good resistance to brown rust,

"We've found the Group 4 hard wheat Champion, from DSV, has proven to be a particularly effective late driller as well as having many of the properties that make for a

Sarah Hawthorne of DSV also highlights the variety Oxford alongside Champion, with both varieties the result of the company's western-based breeding programme which factors in high disease pressure from the start, resulting in exceptional resilience

"Second wheats need that 'get up and go' both in the winter and the spring, combined with really strong disease resistance and this is often a good indication of their overall stamina and resistance," she explains.

“Champion currently holds the Guinness world record for the highest wheat yield at 17.96t/ha, which underlines its outstanding combination of robust disease resistance and

"It's one of the few varieties to genuinely have overcome the ‘yield/resistance’ tradeoff and is one of the highest yielding wheats on the 2024/25 RL as a second cereal.

"It’s a versatile performer on heavy and light soils and great later driller too, with its powerful growth habit giving it one the highest scores for this on the RL together with a latest safe sowing date of mid-February.

"There's only 1% difference between its early and late drilling yields - 106% of controls in the RL compared to 107% - plus it has scores of 7.9 for Septoria resistance, 8 for yellow rust."

Oxford shares many of Champion's attributes, making it a strong second wheat contender too, says Ms Hawthorne.

"Latest recommended sowing date is end of January and you've got minimal yield loss when drilled after Nov 1st compared with earlier, plus you've got similar septoria and yellow rust resistance.

"Like Champion, Oxford also has good eyespot resistance which is important in a second wheat. In terms of fungicidal control of take-all, Latitude (silthiofam) seed treatment remains the most effective method."

Take-all control

ADAS plant pathologist Chloe Francis says replicated field trials have proven the effectiveness of Latitude in reducing take-all infection.

"It’s at its most damaging on light, sandy soils and can cause yield losses of up to 50% in winter wheat. The mild, wet winter of 2023 and spring of 2024 promoted the spread of take-all with even some first wheats showing signs of infection.

"Picking the right variety can reduce the impact of take-all on the crop with trials conducted by ADAS showing yield responses to Latitude seed treatment, across four varieties, ranging from 0.9-1.9t/ha."

Champion

Potassium tops nutrient deficiency in East Anglia cereal crops

• Shortfall in key crop nutrient levels

• Important to eliminate deficiencies

• Better soil organic matter can help

More cases of nutrient deficiency are being found in cereal crops, according to seasonal tissue tests across East Anglia.

Winter sown cereals face a huge challenge over the winter months, with crops still in their infancy and at their most vulnerable to climate stressors. Magnesium, potassium and zinc deficiencies are all on the rise.

FMC crop nutrition expert Chris Bond says that having a firm understanding of the level of readily available nutrients can allow growers to address issues head on – and eliminate the threat of deficiencies.

“By carrying out tissue testing, we can build an accurate picture of crop health and robustness at that time. Samples from farms across East Anglia have allowed us to identify which nutrient deficiencies are commonly being seen in the region.”

FMC has been carrying out wide scale testing since 2018. More than 5,600 samples have been collected from wheat, barley and oats crops –about 500 of which were from eastern region farms.

2024 results

A rise in potassium deficiencies is the most significant issue flagged among the 2024 tissue tests, says Mr Bond.

East Anglia has the UK’s worst potassium deficiency, says Chris Bond

“

A shortage could unknowingly cause issues

How to replenish nutrients

Crop nutrition can be complex because there are a number of reasons why nutritional deficiencies occur. This is why understanding why each deficiency occurs makes it easier to rectify.

Mr Bond advises growers to apply foliar nutrition at crucial timings in the growth season – such as ahead of winter dormancy – to reduce the risk of deficiencies impacting crop development.

“For example, applying a product such as Root 66, which contains magnesium and manganese, or Cereal Plus which contains a broad spectrum of key nutrients for cereals, at the key spray timings will pay dividends for crop development.”

But Mr Bond also encourages growers to keep on top of nutritional analysis, by carrying out tissue testing and soil sampling, as there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to crop nutrition.

sium to leach from the soil, particularly in sandy or lighter soils, exacerbating the problem in the following spring. “A potassium shortage could unknowingly cause issues,” says Mr Bond.

We know it’s important for straw strength to avoid lodging, but it’s also crucial for water management and the transport of nutrients throughout the plant, which help to ensure crop quality and health.

If the region experiences another wet growing season, Mr Bond says keeping an eye on potassium levels is all the more important. Improving organic matter in soil will help to address this deficiency, he adds.

“Organic matter acts like a sponge by storing potassium and other nutrients to improve soil structure. making it easier for the roots to reach and absorb potassium, while also protecting it from being washed away.”

Nutrient deficiencies

This year’s results also highlighted a rise in zinc and magnesium deficiencies. Magnesium levels have fluctuated over the past six years, whereas zinc has steadily decreased.

“It will be no surprise to growers that magnesium is a key macronutrient. Responsible for catalysing over 300 reactions within the plant, it’s the central atom of chlorophyll and synthesises carbohydrates and proteins.

“It’s fundamental to crop success.

“Magnesium deficiencies can be recognised by poor establishment and a fall in active green leaf throughout the growing period.”

Mr Bond adds that addressing zinc levels early on can also be beneficial to getting crops off to a healthy start. Zinc deficiency has increased by 5% since 2023 – and by a 20% since 2020.”

Vulnerable crops

“Heavy rainfall and waterlogging can cause zinc lockup; cool, wet soils with low microbial activity and slower root growth make it harder for the crop to access zinc. Winter drilled cereals are particularly vulnerable.

“Zinc is vital in strengthening cell membranes, which helps improve the plant’s tolerance to winter’s cold conditions. It may not be front of mind for growers, but crops benefit from zinc throughout the season.”

Adequate zinc levels in cereals can enhance the plant’s ability to utilise nitrogen efficiently, leading to better growth and establishment, particularly in nitrogen-demanding crops like wheat and barley.

“Over time, continuous cropping without sufficient replenishment of micronutrients will naturally deplete the soils,” says Mr Bond.

“In the drive for higher yields, macronutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are often prioritised, while micronutrient applications, such as zinc, may be overlooked."

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Pay attention to grassweed control this autumn

Farmers should pay close attention to grassweed control this autumn –with high levels of weed seeds remaining after last season.

Extremely wet conditions severely challenged cereal weed control last year. Saturated fields led to delayed or compromised application timings – allowing grass weeds and wild oats to establish strong footholds.

Weed burden

Good control this time around is vital for growers to get on top of what is a very high legacy weed burden, says Ruth Stanley, UK manager for off-patent manufacturer Life Scientific.

“The upcoming weeks after drilling offer a critical window for farmers to apply herbicides and target remaining grass weeds and wild oats before winter sets in,” she says.

Uncontrolled weeds will have a knock-on effect later in the season autumn – and ultimately at harvest. The challenge has intensified as pressure to drill early competes with the reality of late-flushing blackgrass.

Competition

“The key is to prevent the crop and weeds competing at the same time – so it is important to make sure every product works as well as possible – don’t rely on just one herbicide stack or sprayer pass and make use of all application timings and actives.”

When it comes to post-emergence options, Mrs Stanley recommends applying a single appli-

cation of 0.4 kg/ha Niantic with adjuvant 1.0 l/ha Probe to small, actively-growing weeds between one and three leaves.

This should be done when the majority of the weed population has emerged, she adds.

Niantic contains 30 g/kg mesosulfuron-methyl + 6 g/kg iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium. It is a reverse-engineered herbicide formulation based on the reference product Atlantis WG.

Approved for use in winter wheat in the autumn, Niantic controls susceptible blackgrass, ryegrass, wild oats, meadow grasses, common chickweed and mayweeds in winter wheat.

Best approach against wild oats Mineral Reserves Wanted

A NIAB survey sponsored by Life Scientific looked at wild oat resistance in Avena fatua (spring wild oat), which tends to germinate in spring, and Avena sterilis ludoviciana (winter wild oat) which tends to germinate more in autumn.

While winter wild oat showed higher levels of resistance than spring wild oat in the NIAB work, most populations still showed good susceptibility to herbicides containing mesosulfuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium such as Niantic.

“If you have wild oats on your farm, hopefully seed has been collected and tested, as knowing the species present can help target the best approach to control the weed in your fields,” says Mrs Stanley.

“The active ingredients of Niantic are ALS-inhibitors which affect cell division so the product is most effective when weeds are small and actively growing,” explains Mrs Stanley.

until flag leaf ligule just visible (GS39).”

Populations of blackgrass and Italian ryegrass with varying levels of resistance to ALS herbicides are widespread in the UK.

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It can be apuntil ear-

“This means plied from autumn ly spring when the wheat has two leaves (GS12) up

“Niantic must therefore always be used as part of an integrated approach to weed control involving rotation, cultivations, stale seedbeds and delayed drilling.”

Niantic should also be used with an authorised adjuvant and sequenced with alternative modes of action such as the preor early post-emergence herbicide, Firestarter which contains flufenacet and diflufenican.

Left: Growers should keep on top of the weed burden, says Ruth Stanley

Below: A freshly emerged crop of winter wheat

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‘Join the rebellion’ this season, growers urged

• Late-sown wheat for early harvest

• Strong tillering and spring vigour

• High yield and good grain quality

Growers looking for a strong-performing late-sown winter wheat that can be harvested early have a new available option.

Hard Group 4 variety LG Rebellion builds on many of the agronomic strengths that made KWS Extase such a popular choice on farms – bringing with it higher yield potential and even earlier maturity.

“It’s shown very consistent high yield potential across testing seasons and regions, with additional desirable agronomic characteristics,” says Ron Granger, arable technical manager for plant breeder Limagrain Field Seeds UK.

Early maturity is a particularly valuable characteristic of LG Rebellion, offering growers across the country a way to spread harvest workloads or provide an early entry for following crops, such as oilseed rape.

It has strong tillering ability and spring vigour – and performs well even when sown into November, says Mr Granger. This makes it a good choice for growers looking to sow wheat after later harvested potatoes, sugar beet or maize.

Extended drilling

LG Beowulf remains the highest yielding variety in late drilling situations on the present AHDB Recommended List. But Mr Granger says there is also a good opportunity for extended drilling dates with LG Rebellion.

“It’s so quick out of the blocks regarding its vigour in the spring. It produces strong tillers and responds very well to PGR programmes.” Another key strength of LG Rebellion is its consistently high untreated yield.

Provisional harvest results for 2024 show that LG Rebellion delivered the second highest mean untreated yield over the four years to this harvest (2020-2024), at 117% of control.

This is partly due to a good disease resistance profile, especially for brown rust and Septoria. The variety also of-

Factbox: LG Rebellion

Hard Group 4 feed wheat with consistent high yield potential

Consistent yield performance over multiple seasons and across regions

Very high untreated yield

Good disease resistance profile, including Pch1 eyespot resistance

Strong tillering with spring vigour

Very early maturity

Suitable for drilling from early October onwards

Excellent grain qualityukp export potential

A true replacement for growers of KWS Extase and its agronomic type

Has shown good black-grass competition in external trials

fers Pch1 eyespot resistance, which will be particularly important for growers looking to grow it in a second wheat situation.

Grain quality

LG Rebellion also has performed well in second wheat situations, he notes. It’s a KWS Extase derivative with 4% higher yield, offering yields comparable with the best hard feed wheats commercially available.

Grain quality is excellent, offering a high Hagberg and specific weight, although he reminds growers that it is a hard Group 4 feed wheat with ukp export potential, rather than a Group 2 quality wheat like its parent.

“But choosing a variety should never be just about yield,” he adds.

“While yield is important, it’s also important to consider all of the other attributes that a variety offers growers on farm, whether that’s variety positioning, early maturity, disease resistance, or grain quality.”

Above: LG Rebellion gives high yields, is early to harvest and is low lodging, says Ron Granger (below)

Variety spreads workload on Cambridgeshire farm

Cambridgeshire farmer Michael Brown grew 20 ha of LG Rebellion for the first time last season, utilising its early maturity to help spread harvest workloads on his 600 ha farm.

The variety was one of the last to be drilled before the weather broke in the middle of October last year. Despite that, it was easily the first to reach harvest, which this summer was on 30 July.

“The LG Rebellion established well last autumn, but it was in the spring that it grew away really quickly,” says Mr Brown.

“Throughout the spring, the variety was easily the most forward of all the wheats I grew.”

Mr Brown’s crop went on to produce his joint highest winter wheat yield last season, averaging 10.5 t/ha, with a specific weight of 78 kg/hl. He is now growing 30ha for seed and 30ha commercially.

“We grow a lot of crops for seed, so generally like to maintain a robust fungicide programme, but it’s good to have the varietal resistance as an insurance policy in the event that the weather prevents us getting on with sprays at the optimum time."

Stand out from the crowd

BCN RHIZOMANIA HOOPOE

Beet Cyst Nematode continues to spread, threatening yields. Hoopoe has been tested thoroughly in the presence and absence of BCN consistently giving excellent performance. It allows growers to mitigate risk of this damaging pest and lack of genetic diversity currently available. Following on from Jura and Jackdaw, Hoopoe’s excellent performance against BCN is why it has been fast tracked for UK Beet growers. Hoopoe is available for 2025 sowing with a wide range of seed treatments against pest and diseases to help you stand out from the crowd (and ruffle some feathers on the way).

Decision-making tool launched for phosphorus

An easy-to-use online tool allows farmers to assess the phosphorus biological availability in their soils by entering their post code.

Developed by Unium Bioscience, the free Phosphate Power tool helps growers optimise phosphorus use efficiency.

Based on peer-reviewed data, it informs farmers whether soils are biologically optimised to provide crop requirements.

A critical nutrient during germination and establishment, phosphorus availability is often limited by various environmental factors, says John Haywood, of Unium Bioscience.

If phosphorus availability is limited, the tool provides advice on appropriate actions, such as the application of seed treatments, foliar phosphorus products – or applying bi-

ostimulants to encourage root growth, says Mr Haywood.

“It links environmental con ditions such as soil moisture, temperature, soil texture, and location to a forecast for the next seven days to help grow ers with precise, location-spe cific information.

“Seed treatments are a sen sible choice when you are plant ing outside optimal conditions to boost establishment and root growth – for planting from Oc tober to April.”

Mr Haywood says the tool is the next step to help farmers make informed decisions, ques tion practices or recommenda tions – and to stimulate debate as to how to better manage phos phorus uptake.

For more details, visit www. bit.ly/phosphatepower

ProCam appoints new specialists

Agronomy firm ProCam has appointed two experts to bolster its technical sup-port to UK arable and livestock farmers.

Forage crop expert Hayley Wellings joins the business as the company’s new technical seed specialist; while Phil Burrell joins as ProCam’s new plant health business manager.

Ms Wellings will provide technical support and advice to ProCam’s agronomists and customers in relation to variety and mixture selection, crop establishment and utilisa-tion of forage crops, cover crops and environmental mixes

Mr Burrell work with ProCam’s technical and agronomy teams to maximise the firm’s crop nutrition and nutrient use efficiency offerings. This includes mainstream fertilisers, foliar applied products, biostimulants, and biofertilisers.

Phosphorus deficiency in wheat

More renewable energy options to fuel supplies

Demand grows for green feedstock

Farmers are being encouraged to grow alternative energy crops and help meet demand from anaerobic digestors.

The International Energy Authority (IEA) expects the global biogas sector is expected to grow by 8-22% annually over the coming years – a figure described as startling by Chris Huhne, chairman of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ABDA).

At the lower projected growth rate, an extra 500 AD plants will be needed in the UK by 2030, says Mr Huhne. “If we grow at the higher rate, we'd be looking at an extra 2,000."

At the end of 2023, the UK had about 723 plants, adds Mr Huhne. "This is a substantive projected increase. Even at the lowest IEA forecast, the industry would overtake the nuclear sector during the 2030s.”

Wholecrop options

Future Biogas feedstock director Angela Battle believes biomethane produced via AD is a scalable solution to gas decarbonisation and growing crops for it can help farms achieve a neutral or even negative carbon footprint with rotational benefits.

“Gaps between energy and food crops can also be filled with cover crops capable of holding plant nutrients, water and helping to build soil organic matter.

“Introducing AD and sustainable farming practices into an arable pro duction system, therefore, provides multiple opportunities to help build soil organic carbon and restore the soil carbon sink potential for generations.

“The growing of bioenergy crops provides significant diversification opportunities for growers, too, sup porting them in making long-term changes."

Rory Hannam, KWS UK techni cal manager for hybrid crops, says wholecrop cereals are a viable alter native option to maize for biogas pro duction and can provide significant ag ronomic, environmental and economic benefits.

“Given hybrid rye’s benefits it’s no surprise that the UK area has increased from 25,000 - 35,000ha annually just four years ago to possibly just under 50,000ha today."

About 50% of this is used for biomass to produce feedstock for AD plants, says Mr Hannam.

“It’s one of the most drought-tolerant crops available and is typically well suited to lighter, drier, droughtprone soils, particularly in areas of low rainfall, as well as being suited to heavier land with many farming businesses in that situation now considering the crop."

Energy balance

Rye fits well with energy beet or maize in the rotation and can be utilised in the biogas plant to balance the high productivity of energy beet or maize substrates, he adds.

“Used alongside maize, rye has a synergistic effect by improving the gas yield, as it increases the length of time for the maize to produce methane in the digester.

"By mixing 25% hybrid rye with 75% maize, plant managers can increase gas output by nearly 15% more than from maize used on its own."

According to KWS UK hybrid crops product manager Kate Cobbold, hybrid barley grown as wholecrop offers

Top: Hybrid barley Inys has early vigorous growth

Above: Hybrid rye Serafino has good good wholecrop yield

“Energy crops are a

“If weed control is a higher priority, hybrid barley offers some specific advantages over hybrid rye. As farmers increasingly battle with blackgrass, hybrid barley can help reduce grassweed pressure considerably."

Choose carefully

Variety choice is important and a series of UK field trials is showing some exciting benefits for the new KWS hybrid barley Inys, says Ms Cobbold.

“There is a definite yield advantage for Inys over the leading hybrids currently available in the UK with good yield stability plus we’re seeing thicker plant stands and deeper rooting.

“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 trials conducted across the UK.”

Standout rye varieties include KWS Igor, KWS Serafino and KWS Tayo. In trials with Agrii, all three produced outstanding wholecrop yields with Igor and Serafino topping 50t/ha at 34% DM.

“Our breeders are also developing biomass only varieties that will be particularly suited to wholecrop markets and this in an exciting development that growers and end users should look out for in the next few years.”

Rory Hannam: Wholecrop cereals a viable alternative

Kate Cobbold: Greater vigour from hybrids

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Early maturing maize set to become more popular

• Challenging season delays harvest

German maize breeder Saaten Union has good links with Elsoms. It has a trials network of more than 70 locations – including three in the UK – across 16 countries with more than 6,000 trial plots.

Saaten Union product manager Daniel Ott says varieties which are bred in Germany and then prove well-adapted to UK conditions are a good starting point when deciding what to grow.

ety, says agronomist Jim Clark, of Hutchinsons.

“Maize doesn’t travel well, so what you often find is that varieties that perform well in one region of the UK don’t necessarily replicate that performance elsewhere due to differences in weather and soil types.”

Big improvement

“The agronomic standard of maize varieties has also improved tremendously during the last 10 years and, while that’s a positive, it also makes variety choice more difficult given there’s now a bigger talent pool for growers to consider.”

Mr Clark says he would trial 30-40 varieties when he began regional maize trials 20 years ago. Of those, about 6-8 varieties would perform well and go on to be recommended for on-farm trials with customers, he adds.

“Now, we have to look far more closely at year-on-year consistency, separating the very good varieties from the good ones by extending regional trials over two years before recommending a new variety."

A challenging season – including a lack of summer sunshine – delayed the maturity many maize crops this year. This was compounded by difficult harvesting conditions later.

“Given these weather patterns could become the new normal, I would certainly advise growers to look at ear-

Some German maize varieties also perform well in the UK

aging expectations.

Maize variety Hagrid – marketed in the UK by Elsoms Seeds – looks like one to watch, says Mr Clark. Trials by Hutchinsons suggest it is high yielding, with an excellent dry matter per-

Stressful conditions

“We also deliberately trial in locations where we can expect stressful conditions. For example, on very light and sandy soils, cold heavy soils and in sites with little annual rainfall to test drought stress during flowering.”

For UK growers, Mr Ott says usage, maturity dates and yield are key factors. So too is an understanding that the UK climate may mean later harvest dates now becoming the new normal.”

“Having experienced a lot of success in the UK with SU Neutrino, a high-yielding biogas variety, we have now successfully launched SU Addition, a multi-use earlier maturing variety,” says Mr Ott.

“SU Addition produces high-energy, highly digestible quality silage for feeding, biogas and corn-cob mix. It’s UK registered, available to farmers for the 2025 season and is specifically bred to perform consistently in

(all makes)

(all makes)

‘Pivotal moment’ for UK oilseed rape

The first meeting of a cross-industry initiative to secure a sustainable future for oilseed rape has attracted dozens of participants.

The OSR Reboot campaign – launched by farmer-owned cooperative United Oilseeds earlier this year – brought together 57 professionals from 41 different companies and organisations from all facets of the industry.

Attendees included farmers, retailers, breeders, research institutes, crushers, agronomists, beekeepers, conservationists and industry bodies – all calling for a sustainable increase in UK oilseed rape production.

Way forward

Hosted by industry expert Julian Little on behalf of United Oilseeds, representatives of the AHDB, the AIC, the John Innes Centre and ADM Erith joined United Oilseeds managing director James Warner to discuss a way forward for the crop.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Warner described the meeting as truly inspiring.

He added: “That collaborative spirit will no doubt play a crucial role in achieving our aims of a recovery for oilseed rape production in the UK.”

The UK oilseed rape area has fallen to its lowest for 40 years. Mr Warner said the decline was due to combination of factors. They included declining yields, challenging establishment, and the ban on neonicotinoid treatments to combat cabbage stem flea beetle.

This had created an unlevel playing field for British growers, said Mr Warner.

While neonicotinoids were banned in the UK, farmers in many other countries could still use them – leading to negative net trade swing of 2 million tonnes worth almost £1 billion. As a result, UK food security for edible oils had fallen from 40% to less than 20%.

“We face a pivotal moment for oilseed rape in the UK,” said Mr Warner. “It is only through collaboration that we can drive meaningful change – both in the immediate future and for the long term. I will be relentless in pushing this agenda forward.”

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An independent trial conducted by Dyson Farming revealed the following results :

• Less waste, more crop! Waste was reduced by 13% equivalent to 6t/ha.

• Increased yield of 13.6t/ha, an average increase of 35%.

• Environmental impact of nitrogen was reduced by increasing the yield and improving the NuE by 20%.

Root crops

• Confusion over sugar beet supplies

• Growers can purchase seed direct

• British Sugar will release more soon

Sugar beet breeders say they have plenty of seed available for the coming season – despite British Sugar describing some varieties as “currently sold out”.

Confusion over seed availability follows changes to the UK sugar beet seed model – the route through which British Sugar sells seed to growers. Under the reforms, growers can now purchase seed direct from breeders, not just from British Sugar.

The move gives farmers more choice and flexibility in the varieties they grow and treatments they can access, rather than having to buy exclusively from the UK Seed Account, which is operated by British Sugar and overseen by NFU Sugar.

British Sugar has also changed the way it sells seed, releasing stocks throughout the year rather than in one go. It says this means growers can buy when the time is right for them.

We still have stock available

Growers can now buy seed direct from breeders, not just via British Sugar

We have seed available, say sugar beet breeders

That said, some growers have reported that seed from British Sugar is extremely limited. This includes regular seed as well as reports that British Sugar has sold out of beet cyst nematode (BCN) tolerant varieties.

But sugar beet breeder SESVanderHave – the company behind BCN variety Hoopoe, as well as Wren, Gadwall and Osprey – has stocks of 2024 harvested seed reserved for UK growers. It says it is exclusively supplying this seed direct and via the Anglia Farmers buying group.

“With excellent yields being reported for our new high yielding BCN variety Hoopoe in the presence and absence of BCN, we still have some stock,” says SESVanderHave’s Ian Munnery (pictured top right).

“Varieties are now added to the APHA Variety List earlier, so we produced more seed in anticipation of this – ensuring UK growers and British Sugar reap the rewards sooner.”

“Jackdaw (BCN), which British Sugar purchased for growers last year, is also delivering exceptional yields – a testament to the excellent seed quality.”

Anyone wavering on signing a contract to grow sugar beet because they cannot access BCN or other seed should contact the team at SESVanderHave or Anglia Farmers to secure their stocks, says Mr Munnery.

In a joint statement, British Sugar and NFU Sugar said that although some varieties were displayed as “currently sold out”, further seed would be released for sale within in the next few months.

“We will receive updates from breeders in the coming weeks as their final production volumes are confirmed. Provided the production numbers we receive remain above the volume sold so far, we will release additional stocks.

“By January we will have clarity on final production volumes and processing out-turn. We will therefore offer all remaining supplies of each variety up to these exact production numbers.

“As such, unless the yield or quality of the seed harvest falls far short of initial estimates from breeders, we expect to have further volumes to sell, including those displaying as ‘currently sold out’. We will give notice ahead of additional seed releases.”

Compared to selling seed in one single release, British Sugar and NFU Sugar say this reduces the risk of substitutions and allows the industry to benefit from obtaining as much of the most popular varieties as possible.

As well as buying via the UK Seed Account, growers can also purchase KWS Smart seed from one of the breeder’s preferred distributors. SESVanderHave and Hilleshog varieties are available directly from SESVanderHave or from an agent.

Seek advice before ordering sugar beet seed

Six new varieties added to 2025 list

Growers looking to order sugar beet for drilling in 2025 have six new varieties to consider on the British Beet Research Organisation recommended list.

New varieties are Chyma, Josephina and Smart Uma – all from KWS UK; Magpie from SesVanderHave; and ST Tweed and ST Trent from Strube UK. Three varieties were withdrawn which means the 2025 list comprises 22 varieties.

Tolerance

An increasing number of varieties on the recommended list have builtin traits designed to combat challeng-

“

Growers should discuss their requirements

es faced by the crop. They include tolerance to Beet Cyst Nematode, AYPR rhizomania and yellowing virus.

But growers are being advised to discuss any specific requirements before placing an order because data is limited on the tolerance of the new varieties to foliar diseases such as rust, powdery mildew and cercospera.

Chyma KWS, for example, has cercospora tolerance but is unsuitable for early sowing. In recommended list trials, it produced 101.0% adjusted tonnes at 16.9% sugar content – but the trials did not determine the degree of its cercospora tolerance.

Smart Uma KWS is ALS tolerant –

likely to produce higher yields when used with partner ALS herbicides than with conventional products. Treated with non-ALS herbicides, in trials it yielded 95.3% adjusted tonnes with 17.1% sugar content.

Mike May, who oversees the annual recommended list, said: “Growers should discuss options with the BBRO and breeders who will have more information on their performance and use in the presence of the specific problem.”

Other varieties

In terms of the other new varieties, Josephina KWS from KWS UK produced 99.5% adjusted tonnes at 17.3% sugar content. This was the highest on the list. It had the lowest number of bolters in the early sown bolter trials.

ST Tweed from Strube UK produced 98.2% adjusted tonnes at 17.0% sugar content. It had lower establishment than the other varieties.

Magpie from SesVanderHave UK produced 97.7% adjusted tonnes at 17.1% sugar content. ST Trent from Strube UK was only slightly behind, producing the same adjusted tonnes at 17.2% sugar.

The highest yielding variety remains BTS1915 – delivering 102.2% adjusted tonnes at 16.9% sugar. Breeder Betaseed said it had shown consistent high yield potential over all the seasons it had been tested in UK official trials.

“More importantly, it has now proved its high yield potential and robustness both in very testing seasons of virus and drought, but also in the difficult winter of 2022/23, where frost damage was a real concern.”

With data on some traits somewhat limited, the BBRO also said it should be noted that many differences between individual varieties were small and not statistically significant and should be treated with caution.

How to fit sugar beet into more sustainable rotation

New genetics offer greater flexibility

New genetics, advanced seed and herbicide technologies are making sugar beet an increasingly beneficial addition to arable rotations.

"It's a superb break crop," says KWS UK AgroService sugar beet manager Martin Brown.

"Pest, disease and weed problems that may have built up in cereal-based rotations can be effectively dealt with plus sugar beet can improve soil and help in the management of key nutrients.

“As a spring crop, cover crops grown through the previous winter can add vital or-ganic matter to soil while BBRO research has shown such an approach reduces compaction and has higher earthworm populations.”

Planning rotations

Planning of sugar beet in the rotation often revolves around what is to be grown af-terwards with this dictating when the ideal time for lifting is, he explains.

"Decisions around lifting date are largely practical. As well as the type of crop to fol-low sugar beet, soil type and its ability to allow harvest machinery to travel later in the season are also key.

"While lifting can be influenced by sowing date and in a perfect world drilling from the second week of March is ideal, in reality the more variable spring conditions now experienced mean people drill when conditions allow.

"This puts an increased emphasis on choosing the right variety and any enhanced technologies that can help a grower achieve a specific target harvest date.

"So, if you want to drill your following wheat crop in October with KWS Dawsum, for example, you are best going for a sugar beet variety that you can drill early with perhaps a lower disease resistance.

"Initio EarlyPower seed treatment will also help plants emerge, establish and grow more uniformly in these circumstances leading to less agronomic intervention through the growing cycle.

"Good early drillers include our

new variety Josephina KWS which has the high-est sugar content on the BBRO list with the lowest number of bolters in early sown trials.

"Harryetta KWS is another low bolting variety being the highest yielding BCN toler-ant variety and the second highest yielding variety for 2024."

Maximising yields

If the objective is to maximise yield and leave the crop as long as possible before lifting, then a different set of criteria comes into play, Martin Brown explains.

"It could be that you're planning on using a later drilling wheat like KWS Extase or you're on a parcel of land that you don't want to get on to until the following Febru-ary, for example.

most destructive leaf diseases in sugar beet and can reduce crop yields by 50%. With CR+, the Cercospora leaf spots appear later and the disease progression is slowed down considerably.

"Another new variety Smart Uma KWS is also a sound choice with its Conviso tech-nology not only helping with weed control in the sugar beet crop, but also with workloads across the rotation.

"Developed by KWS and Bayer, the Conviso Smart system reduces herbicide ap-plications through the development of specific varieties resistant to the Conviso One herbicide, such as Smart Uma KWS.

"In such cases a variety with good disease resistance should be chosen and if you're leaving the crop in the ground over winter, one with good canopy protection is essential."

New Chyma KWS makes a good later drilling choice with its CR+ Cercospora tol-erance and the highest untreated yield of any variety on the 2025 Sugar Beet RL plus no obvious weakness in its disease profile, he says.

"Cercospora Leaf Spot is one of the

“ It's a superb break crop

"With only one application needed for highly effective control of a broad spectrum of weeds in sugar beet, the system simplifies herbicide choice whilst also freeing up time for spray operators across all crops and helps them apply chemistry at the time it is most effective.

"Daphna KWS is also a great option for a long growing season with proven perfor-mance across many years featuring BCN tolerance and good leaf scores, too."

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Strube deliver breeding progress and seed technology for sugar beet and fodder-energy beet seed in 2025

Sugar beet growers will soon complete seed orders for 2025.

Strube offers a strong portfolio with Morgan, Stewart and Button (BCN) – in their third year of commercial use –all delivering stable and consistently high yields for growers.

ST Trent and ST Tweed are new for 2025, offering competitive performance with low bolting. ST Tweed offers comparable yield to Morgan with low disease expression for rust, powdery mildew and cercospora; so we expect this variety to be highly reliable and stable in its ‘real world’ performance.

Friedrich Strube started classic breeding and seed production in 1877. Today, sugar beet breeding at Strube is led by Dr Michael Stange.

He says “We influence seed properties through breeding and innovative analytical methods such as our unique four-dimensional phenotyping, microcomputed tomography and near-infrared spectral measurement (NIRS) so that we can reliably assess seed quality.”

During seed multiplication, we research the influence of cultivation practice on seed properties to stabilise and increase the yield and quality of our raw seed material.

“We can confidently offer our customers the best varieties with excellent seed quality,” says Dr Strange.

Strube UK managing director Richard Cogman says: “We strive to combine high sugar content and yield potential with increasingly strong disease and stress tolerances to meet the demands of growers and sugar companies alike.

“We are confident that our varieties will be stable and perform reliably in the field despite the dynamic and varied pressure from climate, pests and diseases.

“We actively engage with industry partners to align breeding programmes with the needs of UK growers. This means multigene Cercospora, Virus Yellows tolerance, as well as Beet Cyst Nematode (BCN) and Strong Rhizomania (AYPR) tolerance remain our core priorities.”

With the changes in seed supply

Sugar beet varietal offer for 2025

flexibility created by British Sugar and the NFU for 2025, Strube is pleased to offer its own prime and pellet to complement the Germains Enrich range. ‘3D+’ was launched in 2010 with over three million units sold, and is being continuously improved. Our process enables smaller seed batches to be calibrated and optimally primed before pelleting, for optimal field performance.

Fodder and energy beet

For growers of fodder and energy beet markets, Strube’s Degas and Gahan varieties are proven leaders for high fresh and dry matter yield – in direct response to excellent field establishment and canopy health characteristics.

For more information contact Richard Cogman, Strube UK Ltd. T: 07983 314424 or email r.cogman@ strube.net

Root crops

Promising results for growing potatoes with fewer inputs

Good progress is being made in the quest to grow potatoes sustainably – benefiting farm businesses and the environment, say researchers.

The Transformative Reduced Input Potatoes (TRIP) project brings togeth er researchers from Dyson Farming and Bangor University with a host of other partners – including commer cial companies.

Funded by Defra via Innovate UK, the three-year initiative is investigat ing disease resistant potato varieties, foliar nutrient treatments, reduced tillage systems and new methods to monitor greenhouse gas emissions from fields.

Results from the project can be expected to offer farmers a range of methods to reduce crop inputs – as well as the impact of growing the crop, says Christine Jones, of Dyson Farming Research.

“Many farmers are seeking ways of producing their crops more sustainably. But the particular requirements for growing a potato crop can make it a challenge to incorporate potatoes into a sustainable rotation.”

First-year results from crop nutrient specialist Emerald Research suggest reduced rate seedbed fertilisers or manures could provide commercially viable yields when supplemented by foliar nutrition and biostimulants.

Trials suggest the use of either farm-yard manure or half-rate (50%) seedbed fertilisers in combination

with foliar fertilisers provided yields equal to – or greater than – the yield from the standard conventional approach.

This indicates that it might be possible to produce a viable commercial crop with fewer inputs. Trials over the coming year will investigate this further – possibly applying foliar nitrogen at an earlier stage.

Sustainable

Overall, the goal is to develop an approach that offers growers a low input, sustainable programme that results in lower costs, higher yields and ultimately higher margins while being better for the environment.

As well as the James Hutton Institute, the project consortium includes a small number of commercial potato growers across England – from Lincolnshire to Cornwall – among them farms owned and managed by Dyson Farming. In addition, ad hoc TRIP trials are being conducted by Emerald Research and other commercial partners on potato crops of interest directly with existing customers to extend the range of the project.

Supply chain manager appointed at Haith Group

Vegetable handling equipment manufacturer Haith Group has appointed a supply chain manager as it seeks to deliver greater value to customers.

Alan Hewitt's appointment is a direct response to the changing business landscape and global market challenges, said Haith. He will have responsibility for procurement, stock levels and Haith's parts and after-sales departments.

Growth targets

With after-sales support vital customers, Mr Hewitt’s appointment will see Haith introduce new systems to ensure its production process remains smooth as the company targets new markets and ambitious growth targets.

An experienced engineer who started his

career in 1999, Mr Hewitt has been involved in all aspects of supply chain management during his working life – including logistics, sales, purchasing and warehousing.

"My role at Haith feels like a cumulation of everything I have learnt during my 25 years in the industry," he says.

"Every skill I have gets put to use in my new role. I am currently mid-way through a modernisation of the parts department pro cedures. In the next few months, we will ful ly overhaul several systems to further en hance the department's efficiency."

Mr Hewitt will report to Haith managing director Duane Hill. He said: “By strength ening our supply chain leadership, we are not only preparing for future growth but also ensuring that we can deliver even greater value to our customers.”

The three-year project is funded by Defra via Innovate UK

Technology and precision farming

New era beckons for CropTec

• Focus on innovation and knowledge

• Profit at heart of successful farming

• New sessions reflect range of topics

Future-proofed farms will be a hot topic at this month’s CropTec Show which has been revamped to reflect with industry trends.

Regular visitors will notice some significant changes at this year’s twoday event, which takes place on 27-28 November at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

CropTec has been showcasing technical knowledge, products, services and solutions to progressive growers and agronomists for more than a decade – and this year will see some further updates.

New identity

As the show enters its twelfth year, it has unveiled a new brand identity and introduced some big changes to its conference programme, aligning

with evolving agricultural practices and industry trends.

As part of the refresh, this year the show will introduce three keynote theatres focusing on Innovation, Knowledge and Profit, to provide visitors with practical advice to futureproof their farms.

The sessions will explore a range of topics. These will include crop varieties, eco-friendly fertilisers, pesticide regulations and the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in arable farming, says event director Verity Hyland.

Key topics

“By bringing together companies, visitors and industry experts, CropTec shines a light on the arable industry’s key topics, concerns and opportunities. We can’t wait for our audience to experience the refreshed show.”

The Innovation theatre will include presentations by award-winning arable farmers and growers who will share the secrets of their success – including ways they have increased their productivity and yields.

In the Knowledge theatre, visitors will hear from speakers and industry experts who will share their insights into different farming practices from

More than 3000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s event.

“Arable farming faces huge opportunities

around the world – and discuss how they can benefit UK agriculture.

Exhibitors

With the farming industry facing both huge challenges and opportunities for growth, organisers Ms Hyland says CropTec will continue to evolve and focus on the topics that matter most to the agricultural sector.

BASIS, which promotes the safe and responsible use of pesticides, has once again partnered with CropTec to bring their CPD knowledge trail to the event for members of BASIS and the National Register of Sprayer Operators.

More than 150 exhibitors and 3000 visitors are expected to attend the event. The target audience includes agricultural professionals, industry experts, researchers and students –as well as farmers.

Getting there

When: 27-28 November

Where: National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

full details, visit www.croptecshow.com.

Technology and precision farming

NIAB key partner for tech start-ups

• Regional support and mentoring

• Barn4 incubator for entrepreneurs

• New opportunities for UK farming

A£3.5m funding pot for NIAB is helping to establish small and start-up-companies specialising in cutting-edge science and agri-technology.

The five-year funding programme – showcased to visitors earlier this autumn – is supporting fledgling businesses involved in plant genetics, pest management, soil health, artificial intelligence and farm robotics.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor Nik Johnson was among the visitors to NIAB’s state-of-the-art crop research facility at Park Farm, Histon. The agri-tech sector is seen as increasingly important to the regional

economy.

Led by NIAB chief executive Mario Caccamo, the tour began at NIAB’s SME business incubator ‘Barn4’ – a purpose-built facility funded by the Combined Authority which includes laboratories, plant growth containers and vertical farming facilities.

So far, Barn4 has supported around 120 small and start-up agri-tech businesses. They are also given broader support – such as mentoring, business planning and raising investment and applying for grants – to further break down barriers to growth.

The group moved on to the MacLeod Complex, 2,800m2 of research glass-

A new device has been developed to assess soil health in just five minutes – simply by analysing its smell.

Developed by PES Technologies and helped by NIAB, the product can be used in the field – and is much quicker than current methods which involve taking samples back to a lab for tests which can take weeks.

The test focuses on analysing the smell from microbial life in soil to provide information about biological, chemical and physical characteristics.

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Investors reminded of huge potential

The UK Agri-Tech Centre – which helps agri-tech start-ups become market-ready – is reminding investors to keep the sector in their sights.

Investment in agri-tech start-ups is at its lowest point for over half a decade – and down by 29% last year from 2022, according to the latest AgFunder report. The sector includes engineering, biology, artificial intelligence and autonomous technology.

UK Agri-Tech Centre chief executive Phil Bicknell (le ) said technology could have a transformational effect on food production in the UK and abroad, with all the ensuing benefits of economic growth and food security.

The UK Agri-Tech Centre currently has

houses and learned more about NIAB’s research into legume and pulse crops – new opportunities for domestic protein production, such as UK chickpea varieties.

Global hub

The agri-tech and food-tech sector in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough employs a combined 22,000 people and is worth about £1bnto the economy. There are increasing links with the area’s wider tech sector too.

85 live projects underway, involving 84 partners, leveraging a total of £64.4M direct total support, with much larger anticipated financial impact and benefits, if commercialised.

"The UK is fortunate to have a very rich agri-innovation R&D ecosystem and is well supported by government and grant-funding which significantly derisks early-stage test and trial, but the final driver of success is private investment.

"We are working with numerous, innovative start-ups whose products are game-changing and invite the wider investment community to support our sector’s potential to grow great businesses and create a more sustainable future.”

Dr Johnson said he wanted to see the eastern region become a global hub of innovation in agri-tech. Investment in NIAB, supporting new businesses and jobs, was part of the combined authority’s work to back the sector, he said.

“It was fascinating to see the exciting research and commercialisation of some products which could be on our own dinner tables very soon, and fantastic that it’s happening right here, supporting our economy and creating skilled jobs.”

Professor Caccamo, said the combined authority was an important strategic partner for NIAB. He added: “Its investment has enabled us to support local innovation and entrepreneurship within the rapidly expanding agritech sector.”

This was helping to ensure Cambridgeshire remains at the forefront of finding and developing solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges – including the climate crisis and food security.

How new technology can help boost nitrogen use efficiency

• Improvement essential for future

• Managing in-field emissions is key

• Technology promises lots to offer

Innovative thinking and technology is helping growers optimise profits and while making their businesses more sustainability by improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).

Use of inorganic nitrogen fertilisers is usually the single largest component of the carbon footprint of crop production and any attempt to decarbonise food production must address this, says Peter Scott, technical director of Origin Fertilisers.

"In a typical combinable crop, 50% of the carbon footprint is related to the production of the fertiliser in the first place and the other 50% is due to infield emissions,” he explains

"But, around half of human dietary protein consumed globally is directly related to the use of inorganic nitrogen and in the west, this would be much more. The issue of nitrogen use goes to the very heart of sustainable food production.

"Low-carbon nitrogen, made from green or blue ammonia, could play an important role in the future with regard to reducing the carbon footprint of manufacture, but we must also address in-field emissions."

Going local

The pH of soil together with its organic matter content and structure plus other considerations such as drainage all impact on emissions, so better management is essential in the future, he points out.

"One of the biggest things we can do, and one of the most important benchmarks for delivering future sustainability full stop, is to focus on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). The higher the NUE, the lower the nitrogen loss, but you have to measure it to manage it.

"Once we know what the NUE is at farm level, only then can we take appropriate steps to reduce emissions."

Farms manager Peter Cartwright, of Lincolnshire's 2400ha Revesby Estate, says focusing on NUE has been essential in monitoring their own use of nitrogen and allowed better understanding of how technology can be used to improve it.

"Nitrogen use is definitely a main element of our carbon footprint, but we're finding there are ways of managing it more effectively.

"Our own trials have shown the benefits of using Agri-Start Liquisafe, a nitrification inhibitor which holds nitrogen in the soil, for example, with some trials pointing to a 50% reduction in yield without the technology.

"We're also getting good results from using biologicals in the early stages of crop growth to promote plant health and build green area and this can help reduce the need for nitrogen.

"Rotation is important, too. We include peas and beans wherever possible to put nitrogen back in the soil and improve it's all overall health plus cover crops are increasingly being used.

"Aiming to produce high yield is an often overlooked element of reducing the carbon footprint of crops. A 10t/ ha yield dilutes the carbon footprint per tonne produced considerably, compared to a lower one."

New technology

Jonathan Trotter: improving NUE through technology

Left Peter Cartwirght: High yields dilute carbon footprint

make decisions on-farm and see how they can enhance decision making compared to a traditional agronomic approach.

"So, for example, the Skippy Scout drone system can monitor above ground crop growth and information from this could be enhanced by data on below ground nitrogen levels from in-situ soil nitrogen sensors such as Plentysense nitrogen blades.

"NUE changes from season to season, field to field and crop by crop, so it is no good using default average values or national levels. We need to get local and we all need to encourage growers to do this.

Agrii technology trials manager Jonathan Trotter believes emerging technology will make a vital contribution to improving NUE and delivering sustainability, with Revesby Estate one of the company's first digital technology farms (DTF) to be up and running.

“You have to measure it to manage it

"These sense nitrogen availability at three different levels in the soil - 10, 20 and 40cm - and there is a telemetry head that sits on top of them that tells us in real time what N the soil has.

"We can then understand how the nitrogen is moving through the soil profile to help improve decision making around nitrogen management.

"The idea behind DTF is to understand how we can leverage and integrate different technologies to

"This data can be combined with that from Soiltech Wireless soil moisture and temperature sensors dug into the ground, for example, and all the information we are collecting can link to Agrii's Rhiza online Contour platform.

"We are also starting to use hyperlocal disease prediction models based on key risk factors and data."

Technology and precision farming

Profitability focus for digital farming event

Profitable farming in a digital age is the topic for a new conference which will bring together farmers and technology expects.

The Connected Farming Conference is being organised by Hutchinsons and AgriTech-E. The one-day event will take place from 10am to 3pm on 3 December at the KingsGate Conference Centre, Peterborough.

Stay ahead

“This is a unique event aimed specifically at today's farmers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry,” says Hutchinsons Chairman, Andrew McShane.

With data-driven digital technology playing a crucial role in modern farming, the conference aims to show farmers how digital tools can be used to support profitable and sustainable food production.

Attendees will hear from fellow farmers who have integrated digital

technologies into their operations and learn from their real-life experiences. They will also receive expert advice on digital solutions applicable to both small and large farms.

Other topics will examine how dig-

Speaker line-up

David Purdy – Machinery and soil health expert, John Deere

Matthew Smith – Head of Foods Data Science, Marks & Spencer

David Webster – Chief executive, LEAF

Julian Gairdner – Farm Data Governance Expert

George Marangos-Gilks – Satellite Technology Expert, Messium

Registration

Attendance is free but registration is essential. BASIS and NRoSO CPD points are available for attendees. To secure your place, visit Hutchinsons Connected Farming Conference.

KingsGate Conference Centre, Peterborough, PE1 4YT

The Connected Farming Conference takes place next month in Peterborough.

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Livestock

Artificial intelligence could ‘transform UK beef sector’

Bold plan to secure profitable future

Beef farming could be transformed by using artificial intelligence to make livestock production more profitable, say researchers.

Feed efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and animal welfare could all be improved by harnessing the benefits of AI, according to scientists behind the £1.2m UKRI-funded BeefTwin project.

The project brings together experts in biosciences, environmental sciences, business management, computing, and livestock production. The goal is to leverage data-driven technologies to boost the UK beef industry.

Challenges

The BeefTwin initative is being led by Professor Xiao Ma, director of the Centre for Business and Industry Transformation (CBIT) at Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University.

UK beef producers face a raft of challenges. These include low profitability due to factors like inconsistent beef quality, lack of precision farming practice and an imbalance of pow-

Prof Ma said: “Due to yield-driven beef grading, the industry's low margins, and value being extracted later in the food supply chain, for example by supermarkets and abattoirs, UK farms often rely on subsidies to survive.”

Beef farming also contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it is hard to collect real-time data from grazing livestock on animal health, feed conversion, and their environmental impact.

‘Smart farming’

Prof Ma said “smart farming nations” such as South America and Southeast Asia had already seen profitability increase after upskilling rural communities and the agricultural workforce. The UK could follow suit, he suggested.

“The UK needs to catch up and if we do it right then we can protect our small farm model and keep local people in their farms by improving the value chain and making farming self-sustainable.”

BeefTwin will develop an AI-powered DigitalTwin for each cow in the herd. This will create a virtual rep-

The project is being led by Xiao Ma of Nottingham Trent University

“

The UK needs to catch up – and do it right

including real-time data, simulation, machine learning and real time tracking of emissions.

Farmers will be closely involved in the project. Scientists will measure production beef rates and develop a more efficient production system by adapting farm practice accordingly, says Prof Ma.

Manure management

Researchers want to make beef production more profitable for

Areas for study include analysing cattle slurry and manure waste to understand feed conversion rates and productivity in terms of meat and methane emissions, which will be monitored and tracked.

Grazing patterns will be scrutinised to assess their impact on farm productivity and efficiency. Data will also be collected on cattle weight, behaviour, growth patterns, farming practice variations and methane emission tracking.

Meanwhile, a management sciences team will monitor and reconfigure farm practice to create a more efficient and optimised production system that benefits the entire farming value chain – including farmers.

Prof Ma says this will lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, improved feed conversion efficiency, better beef farming productivity; and enhanced animal welfare and reduced calf mortality rates.

“By fostering collaboration and innovation, BeefTwin aims to create a more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible future for beef farming.”

For more details about the BeefTwin project, please visit cbit@ntu.ac.uk

How to formulate winter rations to reduce acidosis and lameness

• Latest genetics deliver big benefits

• Balance rations to optimise maize

• Paying attention to ration structure

Getting the most out of high energy maize is increasingly important for dairy farmers looking to make optimum use of home-grown feeds.

Significant improvements in the digestibility and reliability of high energy maize si-lage mean milk producers must pay more attention to they feed it – if they are to avoid complications with potential acidosis and laminitis.

"Plant genetics and knowledge have improved significantly in recent years, says Grainseed's Neil Groom.

“Wth many growers now able to produce consistent, high quality crops that when included in total mixed ration (TMR) feed regimes can really boost milk production and quality.

"In particular, the wider use of earlier varieties able to finish fully, even in more marginal areas of the country, have meant most maize growers can achieve starch levels of more than 30% with a corresponding rise in MEs to over 11.0mj/kg DM.

"While this is great news for producers looking to get more from homegrown re-sources, it does mean they have to understand the effects of such high energy maize in the rumen and take steps to avoid any potential issues."

Avoiding these starts well before feeding, with the choice of a maize variety that will definitely finish in a particular location and is well suited to the system in which it is to be used, he says.

"Producers shouldn't be afraid of producing high energy maize - energy drives both yield and solids - so choose a variety that's going to give you max imum starch yields with the heat units you have available.

"D-value is an increasingly impor tant consideration, with varieties like Bonnie able to combine an 11.9mj/kg DM ME with a cell wall digestibility of over 60%. That's providing a lot of very accessible energy which has to be factored into ration plan-ning.

"Acidosis, the precursor to lame ness-inducing laminitis, occurs when dairy cows digest too much energy,

too quickly, so the first question to ask is whether other constituents in the ration, such as compound feeds or wholecrop, can be reduced."

Balanced rations key

Dairy farmers should also be prepared to use chopped straw or rumen buff ers to moderate rumen pH, where ap propriate, he says.

“Rations need to be balanced at all times and you need to get into the hab it of test-ing all your forages at least once a month as feed values do change as the winter progresses.

“Acids produced in the fermenta tion process continue to soften the maize grain in the clamp making more starch available as time goes on, which is why maize al-ways feeds better after Christmas than before.”

Independent feed advisor Martin Attwell agrees, adding dairy farmers can feed high levels of maize energy without complications provided some simple rules are fol-lowed.

“Producers must monitor changes in their forage through the feeding period and adjust rations accordingly to account for the extra starch availability to the rumen and small intestine as material matures in the clamp.

“If different varieties have been clamped separately, making sure an analysis is done before feeding and allowing 10 days change over from old to new season maize is also important.

"Fresh cows are particularly at risk

“D-value is increasingly important

a negative en-ergy balance.

"Rumen pH can quickly drop to 5.5 or less in such circumstances and this can not only decrease the rumen bug population, but in turn reduces digestion rates and thus decreases dry matter intake.

"Even before laminitis becomes an issue, acidosis and sub clinical acidosis lead to inefficient rumen function, reduced butterfat’s, loose dungs and poor utilisation of diet."

Ration structure critical

The overall structure of the ration is of critical importance when looking at how to minimise the threat of acidosis, he points out.

"With the increase in grass silage in rations from multi-cut systems and the tenden-cy to chop maize shorter, we are inevitably heading towards reduced structural fibre levels in high producing cow diets with an increase in rumen flowrates resulting.

"When assessing a TMR ration it is, therefore, important to look at balancing the structural fibre contained within it and considering the proportion of neutral deter-gent fibre (NDF). This should ideally be 34% or over.

"Aiming to slow the passage of rations with poor structure through the rumen by adding fibre from chopped haylage, good quality straw or similar, can be very bene-ficial."

Neil Groom: rations need to be balanced

Consider copper supplements with care this winter

Livestock producers should carefully consider their options when looking to feed supplements this winter – rather than relying on them as a catch-all.

Lack of sunshine and lots of rain this season have affected mineral and trace element levels available for plant uptake – and overall forage and grazing quality too, says Emily Hall, of nutrition specialists Nettex.

“Mineral deficiencies are a potential problem this year because of soil leaching caused by flooding and poor weather earlier in the year. Copper deficiency, in particular, can lead to swayback and therefore poor performance in lambs and ewes.”

To help fill the void, a mineral drench or bolus is recommended. But Mrs Hall recommends that farmers discuss with their vet the best way to determine the copper status of their flock before supplementing with copper.

“This could involve blood testing, forage analysis or liver tissue copper analysis to establish whether a copper-containing supplement is required,” she says.

soil and forage samples taken from across the UK. But Shane Brewer of analysts Eurofins has received thousands of samples and says there is no obvious trend.

“We have seen huge fluctuations in soil mineral levels which have directly impacted forage quality. Some areas may have suffered significant leaching, and livestock in these areas will be at risk of deficiency this season.”

Accurate soil and forage analysis is recommended to help establish if a supplement could be beneficial to flock health – and if so, which one.

A mineral bolus, for example, offers a daily trace element released over a long period. Usually ideal for extensive grazing animals, it may be a concern for livestock with access to other copper supplements such as concentrate, blocks or a lick buckets.

Alternatively, a drench will work over a much shorter time period – and may therefore be beneficial for short at-risk periods. Mrs Hall says this means it is sensible to consider both a drench and a bolus.

High levels of heavy metals such as molybdenum and sulphur in forage can reduce the availability of dietary

Mid-pregnancy ewes need special attention

Below: Rams should be in top condition at tupping

“Toxic

“Inaccurate supplementation is wasteful and potentially harmful, with minerals such as copper being toxic when over supplied,” says Mrs Hall.

“We recommend farmers work closely with nutritionists and vets to ascertain what deficiencies need to be rectified and then choose a bolus or drench to reduce the threat to lamb and ewe health.

“We suggest a mineral audit in a flock prior to introducing tups so that the use of a copper-containing drench

Maintain ewe condition between tupping and scanning

The importance of ewe condition before lambing has been known about for generations, writes Nerys Wright. But recent research has shown that poor ewe body condition score (BCS) has a longerterm impact on flock performance than first thought.

condition from tupping to scanning achieved better scanning results. This contradicts the previous recommendation to allow ewes to lose half a condition score. However, maintaining condition and allowing the ewe to utilise it during lactation instead, resulted in heavier lambs at both 8-weeks post lambing and at weaning.

A relatively quick and simple way of assessing ewe condition is through body condition scoring (BCS), placing a hand over their back to determine the amount of fat cover, using a scale of 1-5, 1 being lean and 5 being obese.

See panel for current BCS targets throughout the year for lowland ewes.

Yes, I happen to be the author of this research – but don’t hold that against me. It was an AHDB funded project. For more information, visit their website – or, if you like a good read, search for my 400-page long thesis. Here are some key findings:

• Ewes that maintained

• Dump Trailers

• Multi Purpose Trailers

• Pallet/Bale Trailers

• Dropside Tipping Trailers

•

•

Trailers

•

• The impact of ewe condition at weaning has an impact on scanning results in the next production year. Not only does it impact how many lambs a ewe has, but it also affects how heavy those lamb(s) are at weaning, 12 months later.

• Once ewes are in-lamb, it is much harder to influence BCS without impacting lamb growth.

Ewe condition is cyclical, which means their prior condition and the journey to regain lost condition impacts future performance. This was evident in shearling ewes and affected their performance as first-time mothers.

• Most farmers who responded to my survey reported that they thought BCS was important but that having time to assess condition and the ability to manage those separate groups of ewes were the barriers to utilising it as a management tool.

Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant.

For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.

Professional services

Farmland values remain high –despite Budget uncertainty

• Higher number of farms for sale

• Average land values still robust

• Strong demand for arable units

The value of farmland in England remains close to record levels, despite an increase in farms for sale and uncertainty in the run-up to the Autumn Budget.

Average arable land prices for 2024 remain at £11,000/acre, only slightly lower than the £11,200/acre recorded across 2023. And more than half of all pasture land now sells for £8,000/ acre or more with the average around £9,300/acre.

“Prime farms in locations where there tend to be wealthy buyers continue to sell well and often over the guide price,” says Sam Holt, Head of Estates & Farm Agency for Strutt & Parker, which published the figures.

“Smaller blocks of bare land can also command very high prices, often being bought by farmers with rollover money who are highly motivated when they see a neighbour has land for sale.”

Second tier

But Mr Holt added: “The feeling among agents is that demand has eased since the frenzy of the post-Covid period of 2021/22. This means there is a second tier of farms, which can be extremely good quality but in less pop-

Demand has eased since the post-Covid frenzy

ular areas, which are taking longer to sell.”

Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database records the sale of all farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed land in England over 100 acres in size. It shows 86,200 acres were offered for sale publicly during the first nine months of the year.

This is the second highest amount of farmland offered for sale in 10 years. Supply is above average in most regions, but particularly high in south-west England and the East Midlands.

– with more larger farms and estates available. To date, there have been 24 farms of over 500 acres new on the market and 12 over 1,000 acres –

Retirement plans

The number of properties for sale is the highest since 2015

5

2024

An increasing proportion of vendors are looking to retire, says Mr Holt, with speculation ahead of the Autumn Budget about possible changes to inheritance tax, capital gains tax, agricultural property relief and stamp duty.

higher than usual. ahead get

“There was a concerted effort across almost all sales agreed so far this year, to get transactions exchanged under the pre-Budget tax regime. It has been one of the many attractions of buying UK farmland.”

Smaller blocks of bare land can command high prices, says Sam Holt

The Glenham Hall Estate in Suffolk came to the market with a £19m guide price earlier this year

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Fragmented land market sees values polarise

• Exceptional prices for desirable areas

• Emerging trends attracting new buyers

• Market quieter during summer months

Farmland markets virtually flatlined in the third quarter of 2024 – reflecting high average values which remain steady, suggest the latest figures.

And with some distinct emerging trends, some areas of the country are commanding exceptional prices, according to the Knight Frank Farmland Index, which tracks the values of bare agricultural land in England and Wales.

“Across the board, land sales are still tracking higher than other property values such as central London residential and the wider housing market,” says Will Matthews, the land agent’s head of farms and estates.

“There’s no doubt the timing this year of a general election just before summer holidays and now a Budget followed by Christmas has made for a quiet market.”

‘Hugely polarised’

Mr Matthews says it is difficult to talk about the market as a whole because farmland prices are becoming hugely polarised – depending on their location, desirability and revenue potential.

“Every acre has its own microclimate,” he says.

What sells for £20,000/acre in some parts of the country could be worth much less in another. This is down to some emerging trends, including the growth of English wineries and a more organised market of environmental purchasers.

“When it comes to who is buying, we are starting to see more genuine activity from environmentally motivated purchasers,” says Knight Frank associate Alice Keith.

Ms Keith is an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Ambassador –connecting landowners, farmers, institutions, funds, developers and businesses, assisting with the purchase and sale of land.

“Previously, there had been a lot of

talk and interest, but relatively few successful bids,” she says. Now that has changed, making it important for vendors to identify the latent “green” value of their land.

Better funded

“Buyers with a conservation agenda, whether investment-led, charitable or driven by personal altruism, seem to be better funded and organised when it comes to bidding on suitable properties.”

High prices are being paid for land suitable for viticulture Environmental potential is becoming more important, says Alice Keith (below)

are another new area. They can be created – and sold – for example, from a change of use for pig or dairy units, planting trees or developing a watercress farm.

England’s dramatically growing viticulture is also influencing land prices. High value sales have been achieved as the changing climate and suitable soil make more locations suitable for growing vines.

Some 87% of respondents are farming in a more nature friendly way – but only 41% see biodiversity as a priority, according to a recent survey by Knight Frank for its annual state-ofthe-nation Rural Report.

“All landowners should be capturing the value of the biodiversity and natural capital on their land to ensure that they are sufficiently rewarded when it comes to selling,” says Ms Keith.

“With Biodiversity Net Gain compulsory for new house building, and Labour planning 1.5 million new homes, alongside a high ESG responsibility for corporates, natural capital will only drive up values.”

Emerging markets

Kent, Sussex and Surrey remain attractive places to establish vineyards for produc-ing sparkling wines. They are being joined by Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire for producing still

Phosphate credits – needed by developers for building new homes –

The sector has grown 75% in the last five years to 10,000 acres under vine and 950 vineyards, split between both large commercial foreign wine houses, including Tattinger, and small-scale UK entrepreneurs or as a side project. Large blocks of land unencumbered with houses are selling for strong prices, often to non-UK buyers. “I have had interest at almost £30,000/acre for a parcel of sever-al hundred acres in the south of England,” says Mr Matside thews.

Different factors drive land values

Large estates are coming on to the market because it doesn’t make sense to split them between siblings, says Knight Frank.

Succession is affecting one in four respondents to the land agent’s Rural Sentiment Survey. Meanwhile, a new type of buyer is coming to the sector –attracted by inno-vation, technology and a greater emphasis on farming with nature.

Other factors that could impact land sales going forward will be the quest for more onshore renew-

able energy and infrastructure projects – including large-scale data banks, depending on location.

“It’s an interesting time ahead for farmland sales,” says Knight Frank's Will Matthews. “We’re a small country and the pressure on land means values will remain high.”

It’s becoming harder to put a price on each acre, he says. “Competition is what drives the market, and we’ll be helping clients realise the green, business and social assets of their land to maximise its value.”

Midlands Machinery Show

Exhibitors gear up for 10th annual machinery show

• More than 200 trade stands booked

• Latest machines on demonstration

• Driving experiences and health hub

Apacked schedule has been con firmed for the 10th annual Midlands Machinery Show, which takes place this month.

Thousands of farmers and contrac tors are expected to attend the twoday event –due to be held on 20-21 No vember at the Newark Showground. More than 200 exhibitors have booked stand space.

The show will include machines, demonstrations and advice – along side workshops, training, driving ex periences and a health hub to support farm businesses, their staff and fami lies, says organiser Elizabeth Halsall.

“We’ve pulled together a very special programme of events and exhibitors to mark our tenth anniversary, with exhibitors from across the region and beyond coming to showcase their products and share their knowledge,”

“It’s not just about machinery. We have a variety of free training, seminars and drop-ins for visitors to take advantage of. It’s a packed two days of learning, training, and discussions, in addition to seeing the latest machines.

The NFU’s Environment Conference, focusing on water, is being held at this year’s show. Expert guest speakers including Paul Carrott, from Dyson Farming; NFU Water specialist Mark Betson, and Professor Jerry Knox from Cranfield University.

They will present the latest thinking in terms of capture, storage, abstraction and flood prevention. Many exhibitors will be on hand to add to the wider discussion on the environment, including Terrington Machinery.

Director David Coleman says: “Managing the farmed environment is now a big aspect on how businesses are thinking – and the Midlands Ma-

chinery Show is a great opportunity to find new machinery solutions to move away from chemicals.”

The demo ring has a full line-up with exhibitors showcasing their latest machinery and technology in action. Technology is a key, with many exhibitors showing off their latest developments, including local John Deere dealer Farol.

Newark-based technology consultant Tom Hinchley says: “The technology on offer doesn’t just improve operation efficiency in field, but also reduces downtime and output and improves your entire operation as a whole.”

Knowledge

Training will be a huge aspect of this year’s show. A wealth of knowledge is available to all attendees, from the Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Awards to practical HGV driver training.

First responders will be providing demonstrations on how to react in a range of emergency situations. The Transport Hub will return, with industry experts on hand to provide useful tips and advice on towing regulations, road safety and load security.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the two-day event

“It’s not just about machinery

“With a strong following of farming business customers, we have always found the show to be a worthwhile exhibition, focused exclusively on machinery and business,” says Gavin Pell, managing director at Chandlers Farm Equipment.

BASIS and NRoSO points are on offer, with two points available for attendees. Tickets and parking are free, but pre-registration is requested at www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

Getting there

This event is organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

The Show public opening times are:

Date: Wed 8 & Thu 9 Nov

Time: 8am to 4pm

Where: Newark Showground

Postcode: NG24 2NY

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Midlands Machinery Show

Dealer looks forward to ‘perfectly-timed’ show

• Time to look ahead after Budget

• Farmers have clarity on fi nances

• Industry purchases for long term

Farmers and contractors looking for some much-needed clarity before purchasing much-needed kit can look forward to a perfectly timed Midlands Machinery Show.

That’s the feedback Chandlers Farm Equipment has received from customers ahead of this month’s twoday extravaganza at the Newark Showground on 20-21 November –three weeks after the government set out its Autumn Budget.

“We’ve had a few people say they were going to hold off on big purchases until after we heard from the Chancellor,” says Rob Immink, director of sales FV at Chandlers Farm Equipment. “They wanted that clarity.”

Having identified a need for a particular machine, most farmers and contractors would have probably ended up making a purchase anyway, says Mr Immink. But they wanted to make a final decision when there weren’t as many unknowns.

Although painful for some, the Budget wasn’t so bad for others. Either way, few businesses thrive on uncertainty and everyone now knows where they stand. This means they have an expectation of what the future looks like.

“That will install a bit more confidence in the sector,” says Mr Immink. Challenges in the agricultural sec-

tor and the wider cost of living crisis have meant that many farmers have already altered their priorities when it comes to purchasing farm equipment.

“People are looking for fuel efficiency. That’s why we sell so many Fendts, because if there is one thing Fendts are, it’s fuel efficient.

“People aren’t necessarily looking for a cheaper investment – the vast majority of customers are looking for better quality machinery that they can keep for five to six years, rather than three.”

Chandlers is one of the UK’s biggest AGCO dealers. Representing a host of agricultural big brands including Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra, it also carries a full range of complementary machinery from other leading manufacturers.

Great location

“We like the Midlands Machinery Show because it’s in a great location for us – it covers 50% of our 16 depots so we will see clients from seven or eight of those. It’s local to our head

‘People are looking for fuel efficiency, says Rob Immink

office and the time of year is perfect as it’s quieter for most farmers.

Confidence is returning to the sector

“It can be raining or cold in November – but nowadays it can be like that in July too. You can’t guarantee the weather any day or month now – but we can guarantee there will always be a warm cup of tea or coffee waiting for customers on our stand.”

Visitors to the Chandlers stand at the Midlands Machinery Show can expect to find a variety of kit on show. And as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, Mr Immink says Chandlers is looking forward to a birthday of its own next year.

Visitors will see

“Chandlers will mark 90 years of serving the farming community in 2025 – and we’re looking forward to celebrating with all our customers as

Water is focus for NFU environment event

Top speakers have been confirmed for the NFU’s environment conference, which takes place on the first day of the Midlands Machinery Show.

The theme of the conference is Water Under Pressure – including the latest thinking on flood prevention and abstraction. NFU deputy president David Exwood will give an update on the government’s strategy on water for farming.

Other speakers will include Paul Carrott

from Dyson Farming, irrigation expert Jerry Knox from Cranfield University, Severn Trent Water principal catchment scientist Georgina Key and NFU water specialist Mark Betson.

NFU Midlands regional director Rob Newbery said: “Our annual environment conference is a key date in the regional calendar and an opportunity for us and members to delve into a topic in greater detail. There was no more pressing issue than

water in Midlands farming and wider agriculture, said Mr Newbery. With the global population set to exceed 10 billion people by 2050, there would be increasing demand for water resources.

“British farmers’ ability to maintain and increase efficient, high quality food production is being threatened by growing competition for water, climate change, severe weather events and ageing and inadequate infrastructure.

Farm 4x4 Farm workhorse: pick-up delivers where it counts

The new-look D-Max has helped take Isuzu to another level. We drive two popular models.

When it comes to pickups, the Isuzu D-Max has long been a favourite among farmers. We had the opportunity to test drive the basic Utility model – and compare it with the more premium DL40 Double Cab Auto.

First impressions

Let’s start with first impressions. The Utility version of the D-Max is exactly what you’d expect from a workhorse. It’s practical, no-nonsense, and built to get the job done.

From the outside, it doesn’t have the flashy looks you might associate with modern pickups, but that’s not the point of this version. It’s clear Isuzu has designed it with functionality in mind – for people who spend more time in muddy fields than on city streets.

On the other hand, the DL40 Double Cab stands out with its sharper lines and more aggressive, modern styling. It’s a truck that wouldn’t look out of place in a farmyard or parked outside a restaurant in town.

It’s got the mix of ruggedness and style that appeals if you want a vehicle to do the heavy lifting butw also turn heads on the road. The chrome accents, LED headlights, and a more refined overall appearance make it feel like a step up in quality.

Driving experience

When it comes to driving, both models share the same 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, which is more than capable of handling farm work. The engine produces 164 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, enough to tow a fully loaded livestock trailer or haul large quantities of feed without breaking a sweat.

Both trucks have a solid, dependable feel when driving over rough terrain or on long stretches of country roads, and the four-wheel drive sys-

tem provides excellent grip even in wet or icy conditions.

Both models we drove were fitted with the auto gearbox – although a sixspeed manual is available. The auto is a real treat – with smooth shifts making it a breeze to drive whether creeping through the farm gates or cruising down the motorway.

While it may not be the most powerful engine in its class, it is certainly more than adequate for most needs. It shines in terms of fuel economy too – we achieved almost 34mpg – more than respectable for a vehicle with such capability.

Interior and comfort

The Utility version is – as expected –basic. The interior is filled with tough plastics, hard-wearing fabrics, and all the essentials like air conditioning and electric windows. The seats are comfortable enough for a long day’s work, but clearly built with durability in mind rather than luxury.

It’s a functional space where you

“Both models are solid and dependable

can chuck in muddy boots, a thermos, and the odd spanner without worrying about damaging anything. The radio is basic but does the job, and while it has Bluetooth connectivity, you won’t find any fancy tech features.

In contrast, the DL40 feels more like a modern SUV inside than a pickup truck. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control all deserve appreciation.

The dashboard is more refined, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – ideal when you need to check the weather forecast or make hands-free calls while driving between fields.

The extra comfort is noticeable on longer drives too – and even though it’s still a hardworking pickup underneath, the DL40 offers a more relaxing experience overall.

Practicality and capability

Both trucks are built with practicality in mind, but again, they cater to

>>

slightly different needs. The Utility model is as straightforward as it gets. It has a 1,161kg payload capacity –more than enough for most workloads, whether it’s carrying tools, fencing, or feed. It’s tough and easy to clean out when it inevitably gets covered in mud and straw.

The DL40 offers the same practicality in terms of payload and towing capacity – up to 3.5 tonnes – but it also comes with some added features that make day-to-day life a bit easier for the driver.

A rear-view camera and parking sensors come in handy when reversing with a trailer or parking in tight farm spaces. The cabin is also quieter and more refined, making it a better option if you spend as much time on the road as off it.

Verdict

The Isuzu D-Max excels in affordability, durability, and off-road capability, making it ideal for tough, practical work.

Yes, the Ford Ranger offers better driving dynamics and comfort, while the Toyota Hilux matches the D-Max in ruggedness but at a higher price.

The VW Amarok has more power and luxury but is less suited for heavy-duty tasks.

At the end of the day, both the Isuzu D-Max Utility and the DL40 Double Cab Auto are excellent farm pickups. And if you’re after a no-frills workhorse that prioritises durability and cost-effectiveness, the Utility model is hard to beat.

But if you want a truck that can handle the tough jobs while offering extra comfort and tech, the DL40 Double Cab Auto is worth the extra investment. It provides a great balance between practicality and luxury, which feels like a well-earned reward after a long day on the farm.

Tech Specs

Engine: 1898cc Diesel Net Power: 164PS

Get Muddy with D-Max at the Midlands Machinery Show

Visitors to the Midland Machinery Show can experience the off-road capability of the Isuzu D-Max – thanks to the Duckworth Motor Group.

Offering the opportunity to test the D-Max in the Woldmarsh 4x4 driving experience, Duckworth Isuzu will be allowing guests to experience the full potential of the pick-up on the off-roading course.

With the support of pro drivers, participants will be able to experience the D-Max’s abundant off-road features such as shift-on-the-fly 4WD, differential lock, high approach and departure angles, and hill decent control.

FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Ploughing on regardless

Another wet autumn means more growers are returning to the plough, says Fen Tiger

The countryside has undergone a sudden change this autumn. No, nothing to do with government grants or lost payments. But relating to cultivation techniques.

It isn’t widespread but it is noticeable. Certain pockets of arable land – in this neck of the woods at least – have seen a return to the plough. And from what friends elsewhere have told me, it is happening where they farm too.

The days have gone when land is ploughed as soon as the combine leaves the field – before fields are left to weather and then pressed, power- or Dutch-harrowed depending upon soil type.

The plough gives a clean start too “

Less disturbance

After this came the combination drill and rolls. And with minimum tillage or no-till now the fashionable options the start date for drilling winter cereal crops tends to be during October rather than early September. These plough-less tillage systems mean less soil disturbance and lower machinery costs. In theory, at least, because less metal is being worn away as it is dragged through the ground.

One of the biggest challenges of these mintill or no-till systems is the establishment of a one- or two-pass seedbed. It’s not a popular view among all farmers, but sometimes soil benefits from a bit of air.

When it is wet – as we are seeing again at the moment – the land has little chance to dry out. Hence even some hardened regenerative farmers are pulling the plough out of the nettles and turning over the land this autumn.

Surface trash

Some claim min-till systems encourage vigorous grass weeds and more slugs – mainly because of surface trash. And it is true that a good ploughman – or ploughwoman – with

a well-set plough will bury weed seeds to a depth that they will not emerge.

It has also been said that ploughing has become too expensive – not only in diesel and replacement parts, but in the amount of time it takes to get over the land. Yet more people this autumn are seeing it as a necessity.

Cast your mind back to the stubble burning days of the 1980s when a clean start was the norm – thanks to a box of matches. The 1993 burning ban saw the end of many a Bettinson drill doing its work directly into the stubble.

But the plough gives a clean start too. At least it did until blackgrass became resistant and more people began to consider their cultivation costs. In any case, does a min-till system and glyphosate really cost less than ploughing?

Most effective

In many cases, farmers will argue that turning over the soil is most effective when the plough is set correctly and buries everything in its wake. Anything less can often cause more problems than it solves.

That is particularly the case with farm machinery becoming heavier and more expensive. And it is true that surely there must be a place for a lighter plough-based system with a smaller footprint.

I have seen 400hp and 20 tonne machines pulling sub soilers with three legs. Rewind a few decades and our old Ford pulled three legs at a fraction of today’s weight and cost. Have yields dramatically increased since the 1980 to cover the difference?

Yes,10t/ha yields were achieved then just as they are today. And I firmly believe there is still a place for all cultivation systems –even though today most people seem to be obsessed with speed and costs, which doesn’t always work.

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