Anglia Farmer - March 2024

Anglia Farmer

News

Rishi Sunak's pledge on food security

Arable Concern at land taken out of production

Soil health Study reveals secrets of regenerative farming

Water Tax breaks needed to encourage investment

Fen Tiger French protests get results for farmers

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Anglia Farmer

EDITORIAL

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OPINION Johann Tasker

Beware of politicians bearing gifts

It's not often a prime minister addresses the NFU annual conference. In fact, when Rishi Sunak addressed farmers in Birmingham last month, he was the first prime minister to do so since Gordon Brown took to the stage in 2008.

grants would help increase productivity, with more support for processing, packing and onfarm retailing.

The prime minister also announced that Defra is doubling the management payment made under the Sustainable Farming Incentive. This means farmers who join the scheme can now receive £1000 instead of £2000. That is new money and it will be welcome.

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Mr Sunak was keen to demonstrate his farming credentials. “I’ve been to the auction marts,” he told conference delegates. “I’ve visited upland farms, hill farms, arable and livestock farms. I even tried my hand at milking once – not very successfully I must say.”

The prime minister was also keen to show how much the government supports farmers. Grants worth £427m will be opened to farmers this year, he said – including £220m for technology and productivity schemes (see page 4).

How much of this is new money remains to be seen. The government has history when it comes to making the same announcement twice – and Mr Sunak was soon talking about maintaining the farming budget for England at £2.4 billion per year.

Politicians like to tailor what they say to suit their audience. Mindful that farmers are first and foremost food producers, Mr Sunak said the

But the government could do so much more to support farming. And not necessarily when it comes to cash. Mr Sunak insists the government is taking food security seriously – and will now hold an annual food summit to discuss the issue.

That will be welcome. But Mr Sunak's fine words ring rather hollow when the trade deals announced by the government since Brexit threaten to undermine British farmers with imports of cheap food produced using methods that are illegal in the UK.

Anyone would think there's a general election on the way.

Johann Tasker Editor

Government makes pledge on UK food security

• Prime minister in key pledge

• Annual assessment 'is critical'

• Food summit held every year

Grants worth £427m will be opened to farmers this year –following an announcement by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at last month's NFU conference.

The package will include £220m for technology and productivity schemes, said Mr Sunak – ensuring the government delivered on its commitment to maintain the farming budget for England at £2.4 billion per year for the duration of this parliament.

The schemes would ensure farmers could access new equipment, including kit which increases automation to reduce reliance on overseas workers. It would also fund cost-saving energy measures, such as rooftop solar, to safeguard land for food production.

The multi-million-pound funding pot will also increase support for processing, packing and retailing on

farms. It doubles investment in productivity schemes, growing the grant offer from £91m to keep up with demand from farmers.

Farm support

Almost half of farmers in England were now receiving government support through new schemes created post-Brexit, said Mr Sunak. “We’ll never take our food security for granted. We’ve got a plan to support British farming – and we’re going further again today.”

The Prime Minister also confirmed plans to reduce red tape around permitted development rights – encouraging farmers to develop buildings and diversify earnings through farm shops, commercial space and sporting venues.

It is expected to benefit the broader rural community by increasing job

'Cynical' giveaway won’t win back farmers – Lib Dems

Responding to the Rishi Sunak's £220m funding package, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused the prime minister of selling farmers short.

“Conservative prime ministers have spent years taking farmers for granted,” he said. “From the botched rollout of farm payments to trade deals undercutting our farmers, this government has let down rural communities at every turn.”

Rural communities had been ignored by Mr Sunak, said Mr Davey. “His government just doesn’t care and doesn’t get it, this cynical pre-election giveaway doesn't do anything

to change that.”

“We’ll never take food security for granted

opportunities and commercial units available, helping local residents to develop small and medium enterprises in rural communities, and connecting communities more with their local farms.

Mr Sunak also announced a new annual Food Security Index to monitor levels of UK food security. He pledged to hold an annual Farm to Fork Summit – similar to the Downing Street event last year – and unveiled a £15m fund to help reduce food waste from the farm gate.

NFU campaign

It follows a sustained NFU campaign on food security. Former NFU president Minette Batters said: “I think it’s significant. When we left the EU we were told the Agriculture Bill would be five-yearly reporting. It was a real battle to get it to every three years.”

She added: “The good thing about annual reporting focusing on the UK is it means we will be measuring more often, allowing us to monitor the situation, and can see if we have a problem and do something about it.”

The Lib Dems claim that Defra's own figures show a £227m shortfall in government spending on agriculture. And they say the government’s seasonal worker scheme has allowed farmers to recruit just 45,000 employees from overseas, when the NFU says 70,000 workers are needed.

The Lib Dems also say the government voted against measures for an impact assessment on the effect the Australia and New Zealand trade deals would have on farmers – despite arguments that there had been insufficient parliamentary oversight.

With a general election expected this year, Ms Batters said she hoped all political parties would commit to hosting an annual domestic food security summit. The issue was vital to the wider general public – not just the farming sector, she suggested.

“Annual assessments will be critical to all of this. Commitment to core standards will also be key. We have to implement core standards that will mean our negotiators will have a clear mandate on which to negotiate these trade deals. That has to happen.”

Floods caused by winter storms are much worse than in 2019

UnivoqTM

Regenerative farming in spotlight at Writtle

Farmers joined leading academics to discuss regenerative agriculture and food production at the Writtle Farmers’ Club’s annual conference last month.

Held at Writtle University College, near Chelmsford, speakers included National Trust tenant Andy Cato, co-founder of the Wildfarmed conservation agriculture brand, which rewards farmers who use more sustainable methods of growing cereal crops.

He said: “In my years as a farmer, gaining first-hand experience of what an incredibly difficult and often very lonely profession it is, a key lesson was that knowledge exchange and collab-

oration are fundamental if we are to move towards systemic change.

“For a long time, I’ve been immersed in the practical difficulties of farming that combines food and nature, and field to plate supply chains that can support it. So it’s fantastic to see that the dial is moving and Writtle are leading the way, both teaching and bringing together people.”

Groundswell

Mr Cato was joined at the conference by no-till farming experts John and Joanna Cherry, hosts of the two-day annual Groundswell event in Hertfordshire. Other speakers included dairy and beef producer Becky Mayhew, who farms 200ha in south Norfolk.

March

6-7 Low Carbon Agriculture 2024, Stoneleigh (above) www. lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk

12 Andersons Prospects for Agriculture 2024, Newmarket www.theandersonscentre.co.uk

14 Andersons Prospects for Agriculture 2024, Newark www.theandersonscentre.co.uk

April

27-28 East Anglian Game & Country Fair

May

12 South Suffolk Show, Ingham, Bury St Edmunds

15-16 Pig & Poultry Fair

18 Hadleigh Show, Hadleigh, Suffolk

19 Essex Young Farmers’ Country Show, Roxwell, Chelmsford

26-27 Hertfordshire County Show, Redbourn

29-30 Suffolk Show, Ipswich

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

Academics included Tim Land, emeritus professor of food policy at City University London's Centre for Food Policy in 2021. He was joined by Professor Peter Hobson from the School of Sustainable Environments at Writtle University College.

The conference was organised by farmer and regenerative agriculture lecturer William Hudson. He said: “The Writtle Farmers’ Club is for all those who care about the environment and are involved in the production of

Speakers included Wildfarmed co-founder Andy Cato

healthy, sustainable food.”

Writtle University College (WUC) is on the edge of Writtle village, in the middle of the Essex countryside.

Established in 1893, Writtle is one of the UK's oldest specialist institutions. It completed a formal merger with Anglia Ruskin University last month to become ARU Writtle, and will continue to offer courses in agriculture and land-based sciences.

Beware of horses on rural roads

Tractor drivers and motorists are being urged to take care after statistics showing that five in cidents involving horses are recorded on roads every week in the east of England.

Across the region, a total of 282 horse-related inci dents were recorded with the British Horse Society in 2023. Suffolk experienced the most incidents at 62, up by 24% compared to 2022. Comparatively, Hertford shire had 54 incidents and Essex had 49.

These figures are a stark reminder that road incidents involving equestrians continue to persist, said the socie ty. This is despite the changes implemented in the High way Code in 2022, which set out clear guidance for pass ing equestrians safely.

BHS safety director Alan Hiscox said: “It is clear that a significant number of drivers are still unaware of the advice in the Highway Code and the importance of driv ing carefully when passing and approaching horses.”

The BHS is also offering clear advice for equestrians to follow when out on the roads with their horse – includ ing wearing hi-vis and reflective equipment as well as using the appropriate hand signals to make other road users aware of their intentions.

Motorists should pass horses slowly

'Unforeseen consequences' as land is taken out of food production

• Concern over impact on production

• More farmers opting into scheme

• Defra could put limit on applications

Large amounts of land are being taken out of food production and put into the government's flagship agri-environment scheme, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, say agronomists.

Contractors and farmers could struggle to survive where large areas of arable land are being put into the scheme, which is being seen by some growers as less risky than producing food crops.

The Association of Independent Crop Consultants issued the warning after being briefed by Defra representatives at their annual technical conference earlier this year. It came as the government unveiled its 2024 scheme offer.

An interactive poll at the conference found that the vast majority of AICC members are actively involved in SFI applications – either taking control of the process or advising clients on the most suitable actions for their farms.

Impartial advice provided by AICC members is seen as particularly im-

portant in the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) options within the SFI, along with soil and nutrient management plans.

Attendees at the conference reported significant areas of arable land being taken out of food production and put into non-food producing SFI options, with Defra increasing the payment rates increased for farmers opting into the scheme this year.

Whilst there is an acceptance farmers need to be incentivised to produce food more sustainably, there is a fear it could have devastating consequences for associated agri-businesses, including agronomy services.

AICC chairman Andrew Blazey said agronomists were having to adapt to rapid changes playing out in UK agriculture. “This is in addition to risk management and ensuring the crop production side of the business performs to its full potential.”

'Critical issues'

TBuckinghamshire based agronomist Andrew Cotton said contractors and farmers reliant on contracting their neighbours' farms could struggle to survive, especially where large areas of arable land were being put into SFI, which is increasingly common.

Land is being put into environmental schemes rather than farmed Agronomists are adapting rapidly to new policies, says Andrew Blazey (below)

grain trailer manufacturer, who has seen sales plummet.”

Defra’s Fiona James said the government would act promptly to address any critical issues. The government was keeping a watching brief for any unintended consequences arising from the SFI – whether they were environmental or economic.

Once these businesses are lost, it would be very difficult for them to re-enter the industry due to the ever-increasing cost of new machinery, he said. “It has already had a significant impact on a local

Defra had indentified similar concerns, acknowledged Ms James. “It’s how we build up over time from anecdotal evidence to hard facts that [will] enable us to have the evidence base... to course correct, to iterate our measures over time.”

SFI payment rates for 2024 are 10% higher than previously with farmers able to choose from 50 new actions. Stacking these options as part of a three-year SFI agreement is encouraged and Defra hopes 70% of farms will be in the scheme by 2028.

Rothamsted 'fully focused' on scientific research

he Rothamsted Reseach centre says it remains fully focused on its scientific programmes amid what it acknowledges is a challenging financial situation.

It follows a report by The Guardian that the research facility has warned staff they will have to pause “non-essential” work –announcing a hiring pause and warning of pay freezes due to what the newspaper described as a funding crisis.

In a statement, Rothamsted said: “We are fully focused on our scientific pro-

gramme, generating impactful outcomes from our many research commitments, and remain very much 'open for business' for all our partners and collaborators.

Peer reviewed

“Our science is in a great place, having been exhaustively peer reviewed for the next five years of BBSRC funding. As an institute we are addressing fundamental issues of food security and valuing environmental services for a sustainable net zero future at national

and global scales.

“As the longest serving and most renowned UK agricultural research facility we feel privileged to be part of such vital work. We are an independent institute supported to deliver our strategic science programmes by the BBSRC. We acknowledge the financial situation as challenging, as it is for many similar institutes and universities, and are working hard to implement necessary change as would be expected from any effective management team.”

do’s and don’ts for winter wheat disease control 5

Keeping winter wheat crops clean and healthy will be a challenge this spring, says

Mike Thornton

.

Wide variations in drilling dates, the wet winter and the early appearance of disease mean winter wheat crops will need managing on a fieldby-field basis this season.

The best growers will be paying close attention to every crop – not just those that are struggling. Just as much effort, if not more, will be needed to protect backward crops as normal ones to ensure further yield potential isn’t eroded.

Here are five tips to get on top of disease control:

1 Do remember the importance of early disease management

While it might be tempting to ease back on early fungicide inputs if crop potential has been compromised by delayed drilling or poor winter growth, diseases are already present. A T0 fungicide provides a wider management tool.

Yellow rust is already being found in crops, particularly in the southern half of the country, and it becomes more difficult to control later. Similarly, Septoria is easy to find in early-drilled crops.

As well as targeting diseases present at

application, a T0 fungicide provides a level of insurance in case the follow-up T1 fungicide is delayed. We saw this in 2023; in fields where T0 fungicides were omitted, Septoria exploded once the rains arrived in March.

2 Don’t get caught out with spray timings

Accurately timing fungicide sprays to target the correct leaf layer that has emerged is essential for maximum yield protection.

But with drilling dates varying widely from September to February this season, and varieties having different speeds of development, crop growth stages will be all over the place.

One field might reach the correct growth stage for its T1 spray early – but others may be much later. Fields will need checking individually – splitting stems to expose the developing leaves and counting back from the ear to identify which leaf layers have emerged.

3 Do pay attention to crop stress

Backward and poorly-rooted plants, whether from later drilling or because they have sat in cold, waterlogged fields over winter, together with leaching of soil nutrients by the heavy winter rainfall, mean crops are likely to be under increased stress this spring.

This makes them more vulnerable to infection, particularly yellow rust. Use accurate soil testing to identify which nutrients need topping up. But don’t just test for the nutrient levels present in the soil. Use testing which shows the levels actually available to the plant.

Consider a phosphite-based treatment such as Incite to encourage rooting.

4 Don’t discount diseases not seen for a while

Just because a disease has not been a problem for a few years, do not assume it has gone away. The root-rotting effects of takeall could be exacerbated this year if second wheat has small roots because it has sat in wet soil. If we have a dry spring and summer, take-all effects are worsened.

With more crop debris left on field surfaces due to minimum tillage, eyespot can also be a hidden threat, which increases lodging risk. Several varieties chosen for their good Septoria tritici resistance have low eyespot ratings. Make sure you know what your varieties are susceptible to.

5 Do keep your eye on the ball

Even varieties with good Septoria resistance, when drilled early, are at risk from the disease – so don’t let variety resistance ratings make you complacent.

Similarly, last year’s hot, dry June brought sudden yellow rust outbreaks in some areas, he says, illustrating how disease pressures can suddenly change.

The lesson is to ensure you have all likely disease threats covered. As a national company, we’re able to monitor disease development around the country. Having persistent protection from the fungicide is also important.

Mike Thornton is head of crop production for agronomy company ProCam.

Septoria can easily be found in earlierdrilled crops

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Next generation sugar beet 'one step closer'

The next generation of sugar beet tolerant to Virus Yellows disease could be commercially available in 2026 – helping to end reliance on neonicotinoid seed treatments.

Breeding companies across Europe and the UK are making good progress in the development of beet varieties tolerant to all three yellowing viruses, according to latest virus-inoculated field trials by the British Beet Research Organisation.

These varieties are expected to offer similar yields to conventional varieties but without the need for seed treatments to protect from the aphid vectors of VY. That said, foliar aphicides or other IPM interventions may still be needed to protect particularly susceptible crops.

Meanwhile, Defra has granted emergency permission for growers to use neonicotinoid treatments where needed to protect 2024 crops from Virus Yellows disease, while work con-

tinues on finding a long-term solution to the problem.

The seed treatment will only be used if a predetermined, independent threshold is met this month. This threshold will be met if a Rothamsted Research model predicts a 65% Virus Yellows infection across the national sugar beet crop, compared to a 63% threshold in 2023.

Strict controls

Any use of the seed treatment is subject to strict controls. These controls include restrictions on flowering crops being planted in the same field following seed-treated sugar beet. Growers must take part in knowledge exchange programmes.

Neonicotinoid seed treatments will be allowed on beet this season

Growers must also follow a strict stewardship programme to ensure best practice and that the conditions of the emergency authorisation are met on farm. In addition, the industry has jointly funded residue monitoring over the past couple of years.

Many

British Sugar said it was continuing to work with plant breeders to improve natural resistance in the crop, innovation in on-farm techniques and grower practices, and research into how the industry can benefit from gene editing.

It added: “We look forward to understanding more about how we can use the results of this work for the benefit of our industry.”

How companion crops reduce pest damage in oilseed rape

Companion crops in direct drilled oilseed rape could help reduce damage by cabbage stem flea beetle, say scientists.

Results from a Rothamsted Research study suggest relatively simple changes in crop management could help control a ubiquitous pest which has seen many farmers abandoning oilseed rape altogether.

Field trials, conducted as part of the EU-funded EcoStack project over four seasons at Harpenden, assessed crop damage caused by adult flea beetle feeding and larval infestation when sown with different companion plants.

Companion plants included both clovers and cereals to simulate delayed application of herbicide to kill volunteers. Application of straw mulch was also tested to simulate drilling into stubble trash.

Flea beetle infestations have rocketed since neonicotinoid seed treatments to combat the pest were banned in 2013. Implemented because of environmental concerns, the ban triggered a 50% slump in the amount of UK oilseed rape.

Researcher Sam Cook, who led the study, said: “Plant diversification –especially sowing crops with the addition of companion plants – has been shown to improve insect pest control in many cropping systems.”

The need to find similar effects for oilseed rape is acute, added Dr Cook. “We wanted to see if control methods that are aligned with regenerative agronomic practises could help provide some protection.”

Crop establishment

Adult flea beetle damages oilseed rape by feeding on cotyledons and young leaves early in the autumn. This can threaten crop establishment. The larval stages also feed in the stem causing reduced yield.

The team found significant differences in the level of feeding damage between treatments in all experiments. Rape with cereal companion plants or with straw mulch showed the strongest reduction in adult feeding damage.

A protective effect of clover was also observed in one trial. Differences in larval infestation were also observed between treatments but were not consistent and might be more related to oilseed rape biomass than to treatments.

“This study shows that companion planting can protect rape crops from both adult flea beetle damage and lar val infestation,” said Gaëtan Seima ndi-Corda who managed the experi ments.

New techniques

“These results suggest that farmers could relatively easily adopt new con trol techniques, but there is a need for more research to define the best agro nomical practices.”

Cereals such as oats could be sown as companion plants which are later removed, suggests the study. Alterna tively, cereal volunteers could be left for longer before removal to provide protection from flea beetle.

That said, the timing of volunteer removal and the sowing date of com panions is essential for efficacy – and to avoid competition between the oil seed rape and the companion crop, Mr Seimandi-Corda added.

“We are now learning that in creased plant diversity can promote an increased diversity of beneficial in sects within the field. That can help farmers to farm more sustainably and mitigate some of the negative ef fects of food production on the envi ronment.”

New authorisation for Emerger herbicide

Pre-emergence residual herbicide Emerger – which targets a range of common broadleaved weeds – can now be used in field beans and combining peas.

The news will likely be welcomed by growers given the low number of pre-emergece herbicides authorised for use in these crops, says Richard Phillips, Bayer campaign manager for roots and horticulture crops.

Broad spectrum

“As the only aclonifen product on the market, [it] means growers have access to a herbicide with a broad spectrum of activity. Its novel mode of action – HRAC group 32 – will also support efforts to promote resistance management.”

Among broad-leaved weeds, Emerger offers good activity on fat-hen, redshank, black bindweed, mayweeds, charlock, chickweed and poppy – as well as moderate control of blackgrass

from seed. It is not authorised for vining peas.

“Emerger is primarily absorbed by the shoot of germinating weeds, this is advantageous in dry weather conditions such as those that typically occur in the spring when seeking to establish spring crops,” says Mr Phillips.

To promote all-round weed control and protect efficacy, Bayer will support Emerger in mixes with one other herbicide so long as growers and spray contractors observe minimum application rates.

“It is prudent to ensure Emerger is partnered with a product belonging to another mode of action group to support effective control and protect efficacy, says Mr Phillips.

“Depending on the crop and the weed spectrum to be managed, we have identified those products and inclusion rates that give growers the greatest means possible of achieving the control they desire.”

Powering up disease control with multi-site efficacy

After one of the wettest winters on record, early drilled cereals are already showing significant disease pressure and will need a carefully considered programme of fungicides to ensure they go on to achieve their true yield and quality potential.

Protection, not cure

The critical factor in providing adequate protection from cereal diseases is to ensure that a suitable fungicide programme starts as early as possible, preferably before infections take hold.

With several fungicides showing signs of reduced efficacy due to disease, it is important to limit the exposure of at-risk active ingredients. This can be achieved by using a range of fungicides throughout the season, and by using different active ingredients with alternative modes of action.

Multi-site efficacy and value

ARIZONA® (folpet 500 g/L) is a unique multi-site fungicide that provides valuable protection against key diseases in wheat and barley: it delivers a reliable return on investment through enhanced disease control and safeguards the efficacy of partner products as part of an anti-resistance strategy.

ARIZONA® delivers the following benefits:

• Additional control of septoria in wheat, and ramularia, net blotch and rhynchosporium in barley. Also reduces yellow and brown rusts and gives activity against mildew.

• Extends green leaf area duration and boosts yields: every £1 spent on ARIZONA® will provide a £4 return on investment.

• The only fungicide proven to extend the effective lifetime of at-risk fungicides.

‘Every £1 spent on ARIZONA® will provide a £4 return on investment’

(Based on 224 trials carried out from 2019 to 2023. Based on wheat at £200/tonne)

When to use ARIZONA®

T1 is the priority timing for the control of septoria in wheat: using ARIZONA® at this timing will provide a positive yield response and reliable return on investment. A second application at T2 will further enhance disease control and protect partner chemistries.

In higher risk situations (e.g. a susceptible variety facing high disease pressure), ARIZONA® should also be included at T0 to provide early season protection before diseases take hold.

ARIZONA® in wheat

• 1.0 - 1.5L prod/ha at T1 & T2

High risk => 3 x 1.0L prod/ha (T0, T1, T2) or 2 x 1.5L prod/ha (T1, T2). Consider including ARIZONA® at the first fungicide application in any crop.

Max. 3.0L product/crop

In barley, ARIZONA® should be included at T2, especially where ramularia control is required. ARIZONA® can also be used at T1 when it protects against rhynchosporium, or at T0 if earlier protection is required. To achieve the best control of both diseases, ARIZONA should be included at T1 and T2.

ARIZONA® in barley

• Ramularia: T2 1.0 - 1.5L/ha

• Best guidelines for ramularia and other diseases: T1 1.0 - 1.5L/ha

fb T2 1.0 - 1.5L/ha

Max. 3.0L product/crop

Powered by proven technology

ARIZONA® is formulated using ADAMA’s MSI Protech technology.

ARIZONA POWERED BY MSI Protech

What is ‘powered by MSI Protech®’?

MSI stands for the special action as a Multi-Site Inhibitor.

Protech stands for Proven Technology.

MSI Protech® is the ONLY multi-site cereal fungicide proven to prolong the effective life of single-site partner products. It’s super fine grind of active ingredients means the formulation is fully optimised for the best results.

For more information, subscribe to the ADAMA crop protection hub at: www.adama.com/uk/en/adama-hub

ARIZONA® is a registered trademark of the ADAMA group. ARIZONA® contains 500g/L (39.5% w/w) folpet. Use plant protection products safely.

Always read the label and product information before use. For further product information, including warning phrases and symbols, refer to www.adama.com/uk or call The Technical Helpline on 01635 876 622.

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK Ltd. Third Floor East, 1410 Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading RG7 4SA. Telephone 01635 860 555. UKenquiries@adama.com.

Why maize could be good arable option this spring

• Strong gross margins and benefits

• Range of marketing opportunities

• Good fit in most arable rotations

Maize could be a good choice for many growers this spring – stacking up well against more conventional crops with additional benefits from the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

"Significant reductions in nitrogen use, low-input agronomy and soil improvement opportunities are just some of the appeal and managed properly maize can bring a welcome diversity to arable rotations,” says KWS technical maize specialist Andrew Cook.

"If you're located close to a dairy farm, beef producer or anaerobic digestion plant, there could be a local market for forage maize, but there is growing interest in growing maize as a grain crop too.

"If you are growing maize for grain it is important to load things in your favour to ensure you have a crop that is going to get to harvest and that means looking at the best site, the right crop establishment method and the most appropriate varieties."

Site choice

Whether you are growing maize for forage or grain, the first objective is to choose the best site as this plays a key role in determining maize yield and quality.

"The easiest way to increase yield is to avoid sowing maize on non-per forming fields. It's a crop that favours sheltered locations with a south-fac ing aspect, which will permit earlier drilling and maintain soil tempera ture for longer in early spring."

Sheltered fields also offer high er retention of heat units and radi ation into the canopy, benefiting to tal yield potential. The recommended maximum altitude for maize is 1,000 feet (300 metres) above sea level, says Mr Cook.

"Maize favours sandy/sandy loam soils, a well aerated soil structure and no compaction. Clay soils hold water and are slow to warm up in spring al

though maize can be grown on soils with a clay content of up to 25% if ear lier drilling is used.

"Chalk is unsuitable, as it is slow to warm up in spring and can reflect sunlight. But chalk downland soils can support maize if soil depth is sufficient. Poorly aerated soils will limit root formation and can cause premature crop senescence."

Varietal selection

Once soils and field conditions have been factored in, variety selection largely revolves around heat units available, says Mr Cook.

"KWS Anastasio is a great choice for grain maize due to its high grain yield and excellent standing power. If you're in an area with a higher number of heat units available then KWS Papageno would be a sound choice, too.

"While KWS Exelon would be a good option for slightly more marginal areas, ultra-early varieties with maturity ratings of FAO 150 to 160 are not recommended for grain due to the risk of brackling, where plants break below the cob as they mature.

"You can select the best varieties with the correct maturity based on the average heat units for your location and get an idea of the predicted

Top: Maize can bring diversity to arable rotation

Above: KWS Anatasio has excellent standing power

Below: Maize favours a sheltered site, says Andrew Cook

gree of cold tolerance, they should not be drilled before soils have reached an even temperature to give the best possible establishment, says KWS maize specialist Thomas Turner.

"This is 8°C for light soils and 12°C for heavy soils for 3-4 consecutive days. If you drill earlier, you're likely to have poor germination, uneven emergence and reduced nutrient uptake germination, while drilling too late could delay harvesting, risk poor maturity and increase lodging risk.

"Optimum drilling depth depends on time of planting with this being 3-5cm for crops drilled April to early May, 5-7cm from early May onwards and 7-9cm from mid-May onwards."

Starter fertilisers generally increase yields, improve the speed of establishment and lead to earlier ma-

“Nitrogen applications once the crop is growing are not usually needed, however, particularly if full use of organic sources has been made. The crop is unlikely to require much in the way of agronomic interventions, unless you are in area where maize eye-

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Focus on crop nutrition to build root mass

• Multi-nutrient lift after wet winter

• Prolonged release kickstarts crops

• Trials show increase in root mass

Afocus on key nutrients could help to pull lethargic crops out of the cold, wet winter.

Without a strong root system to scavenge for nutrients and reach water as summer droughts take hold, no amount of fertilisers or other inputs will deliver vital growth and yield potential, says ICL agronomist Scott Garnett.

"With extensive trials showing a 35-40% increase in root mass resulting from use of the prolonged release multi-nutrient fertiliser Polysulphate, it's undoubtedly an approach practically all crops currently sitting in the ground could benefit from.

"Although many soils are still wet and cold, this will change as we ap proach the summer months. A short age of water is very likely and without a well-developed root system, plants will be under a lot of stress with lower yields and quality resulting."

Building blocks

Polysulphate's mix of 48% sulphur, 14% potassium, 17% calcium and 6% magnesium means it provides the building blocks for rapid root growth as well as addressing sulphur requirements, says Mr Garnett.

"It's also very visible in the physical root mass with markedly bulkier roots with more branching and much greater ability to utilise available water and nutrients. One more centimetre of root growth per plant touches an extra 130 tonnes of soil/ha."

Significant benefits

Polysulphate can be applied from February through to April at a recommended rate of 100 - 150kg/ha of product. As well as improved NUE and better roots, the low carbon mineral has been shown to deliver significant other benefits, Scott Garnett explains.

"It's a naturally occurring multi-nutrient sulphate fertiliser mined from under the North Sea and processed into an easy-to-apply product with excellent physical properties and performance right up to the widest spreading widths of 36.0m and more."

UK trials with Polysulphate have consistently shown yield lifts of 5 - 8% in winter wheat and as much as 33% in oilseed rape with a clear 0.5t/ha advantage over the commonly used NS products, says Mr Garnett

"Compared to NS products, it also gives growers the opportunity to separate sulphur out from their nitrogen applications. In NS products, both nitrogen and sulphur are locked together in a fixed ratio and this can be a problem.

gen which may not be desirable, especially in the current very wet soil conditions, when leaching can be an issue.

"Applying Polysulphate means you can apply the sulphur you need with the precise amount of nitrogen required, which is better for both the environment and overall production efficiency."

"Polysulphate can be applied by itself or blended with nitrogen fertiliser to provide the precise N:S ratio for an individual growing situation and to help farmers achieve 'little and often' applications."

Nutrient release

Trials by Nottingham University researchers have shown over 50% of the sulphur contained in Polysulphate is available in the first 12 days after application with the remainder released over the following 6-8 weeks.

Plants will be under a lot of stress

This matches nutrient availability precisely to crop needs through the growing cycle, which is in contrast to traditional NS products, where 100% of the sulphate is released within just 5 - 6 days after application, says Mr Garnett.

"This sudden release not only means many of the applied nutrients will never be taken up by crops, it also increases the possibility of soil nutrient loss and potential environmental problems.

"The high sulphur content of Polysulphate is important in boosting ni trogen use efficiency (NUE) and im proving the quality of crops – but the potassium, calcium and magnesium also play a key role.

"If you want to develop a good root system you need calcium, magnesium, phosphate and some trace elements and these are the main components driving mitosis and the cell growth required to build a good, strong and healthy root system.

"Phosphate is usually fairly abun dant in the soil, but adding calcium and magnesium can really kickstart root growth and this holds true across a range of crops including wheat, bar ley, oilseed rape and maize.

Mr Garnett says phosphate uptake by plants correlates with root health – and ICL has consistently seen this rise by up to 40% after Polysulphate application.

"If you want to meet the crop's sulphur requirements using NS products, for example, you're often also applying a sizeable amount of nitro

"Polysulphate also has the lowest carbon footprint of all equivalent fertilisers at just 0.034 kg CO2e which is less than 6% of the carbon footprint of nitrogen sulphur products."

Polysulphate delivers extra 30-40%root growth(below right) says Scott Garnett

Clean sweep for Crusoe milling wheat in YEN awards

Variety favoured by growers for consistent yield and quality

Three crops of Crusoe milling wheat grown by three different growers claimed the top three positions in the latest Yield Enhancement Network competition.

Breeder Limagrain said the victory was welcome recognition for the Group 1 variety which has established itself as a favourite among growers and millers due to its consistent yield and quality performance across different seasons.

First place for harvest 2023 went to Richard Budd, of Stevens Farm (Hawkhurst Ltd). Mr Budd grows 220ha of Crusoe in Kent and Sussex. The farm’s focus is on quality Group 1 and 2 wheats for local mills and export markets.

“We’ve only been growing Crusoe for three or four years,” says Mr Budd. “So far, it has served us well. It's yielded well, is relatively clean and easy to manage, stands well and has a good specific weight, protein, and Hagberg. It’s a solid, stable variety.”

Milling premiums

With milling wheat premiums touching £72/t over feed earlier this year, and predicted to stay firm for the foreseeable future given tight European supplies, Mr Budd is cautiously optimistic for the 2024 harvest, despite a challenging start to the season.

“Admittedly, I’d like an extra 5% yield, but I understand UK flour millers may be less keen on that due to the potential protein dilution. We do need some new genetics in the Group 1 sector, but at the moment, Crusoe is our default variety.”

Mr Budd recognises the importance of early nitrogen to support tillering and biomass accumulation, Tissue testing is then used to refine later applications according to crop requirements.

He has seen good results from applying two large splits of 80-90kg N/ ha when conditions allow in February – and again in late March or early April.

Disease status

Mr Budd’s nutrition strategy is supported with a robust, preventative fungicide programme, tailored to dis-

“With our direct/ strip-till system, we find that if we can keep leaves 3, 4, and even 5 and 6 relatively clean throughout the year, they are still contributing quite a lot to final yield, right up to cheesy ripe stage.

“That said, we’re not applying maximum rate fungicides all of the time; decisions are guided by what’s there at the time, and varietal choice. I like Crusoe; it is a relatively easy, clean variety, with good Septoria scores, and yellow rust is non-existent really.”

Late-season brown rust is some-

We need to be looking more at genetics

thing to watch out for in some years,trol, with a good range of chemistry available, he notes. “As an industry,

Grain protein

Norfolk Crusoe grower Chris Eglington, who won gold in the 2022 YEN Milling Wheat Quality awards, claimed silver with Crusoe for harvest 2023. He recorded the highest grain protein of 13.7% and 78.2 kg/hl for his 10.5t/ha crop.

Mr Eglington says he valued Crusoe’s performance in what was a tricky 2023 season. “Yes, it’s been around a while now, but it’s great to have a variety that we know how to manage and

Crusoe took the top three positions in the YEN milling wheat category

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First placed grower RichardBudd (left) with Chris Eglington (centre) and EdwardVipond (right)

Summary of the top three YEN Crusoe wheat samples

ing premium, applying 270-280kg N/ ha for example, you need confidence that the crop will deliver in terms of protein, and Crusoe does that.”

Protein is as much down to the variety’s genetics as how you manage it, adds Mr Vipond. Crusoe seems more consistent than other milling wheats grown on the farm, he says. “For us, even at yields of 10.5 t/ha, it will still regularly obtain 13.3-13.5% protein.”

Last season’s wet summer did pose

“

'Go-to' variety in first wheat slot

challenges for protecting quality, with milling wheats prioritised for harvesting slightly earlier than they might have been in a drier year, explains Mr Vipond.

This raised a few issues with thrashing on the combine, resulting in some unthrashed tips in the grain sample, but he insists the benefits of hitting milling specification far outweighed any drawbacks.

“There aren’t that many other com-

petitors in the Group 1 list at the moment. There are one or two coming in, but they’re yet to be proven and have got to do something special to knock Crusoe off. Crusoe suits our land and it delivers.”

Mr Vipond says flexibility is key to getting the best from any crop, particularly in terms of drilling date, seed rates, nutrition and other inputs. He generally drills Crusoe in early October to reduce BYDV risk, opting for seed rates of around 325-350 seeds/ m2

There is no fixed cultivation or drilling strategy though, instead the farm opts for whichever equipment suits conditions at the time. “Every sesson is different, so we do what is required.”

Some fields after potatoes or onions, for example, are established with a plough and combination drill, while others may receive a non-inversion deep tine (eg Sumo Quatro) before drilling with a disc or tine machine.

“Yield is still king, and if you can get decent yields of good spec milling wheat at a premium of £50-60/t, the return is still there. With the results we had from Crusoe last year, what’s not to like?”

Skyscraper delivers gold for Lincolnshire grower

Attention to detail secures impressive yields

Abumper winter wheat crop saw Lincolnshire grower Mark Stubbs scoop top prize in the ADAS Yield Enhancement Network Cereals competition.

The 16.6t/ha crop of LG Skyscraper yielded an outstanding 16.6t/ha when it was harvested last year. It was second time lucky for Mr Stubbs, who last won the competition in 2019 with a crop of KWS Siskin that yielded 16.3t/ha.

Mr Stubbs puts his success down to an attention to detail encompassing delayed drilling, widespread use of farmyard manure and a move away from ploughing. “We find that the nutrition contained in the manures kicks in early on, giving the crop a good start.”

Crop rotation

Wheat is the mainstay of the rotation for A&C Stubbs & Sons who farm 688ha across two sites on the Lincolnshire Wolds and along the east coast. The winning wheat crop was grown on heavy clay at Marsh Chapel. Other crops include oilseed rape and spring barley.

Mr Stubbs says he has always been pleased with the Skyscaper's yields, which average 10.5t/ha. Grain quality is consistently good and specific weight is a priority, with last year’s crop delivering a very acceptable spec weight of 80kg/hl.

LG Skyscraper joined the AHDB Recommended List in 2019. Since then, it has remained a firm favourite on farm for its consistent high yielding performance across seasons, strong agronomics and suitability for later drilling for black-grass control.

“

Nutrition from manure kicks in early

Attention to detail and planning before the season begins is a key part of Mr Stubbs' approach. This starts with variety choice; he grows seed crops of new varieties, so is in a good position to see what varieties do well in the colder, exposed Wold conditions, or in fields along the coast.

The 2023 YEN winning wheat crop followed an oilseed rape crop that was allowed to green-up for as long as possible acting as a catch crop, before cultivating with a tine disc cultivator and packer, followed by a shallow disc cultivator.

Drilling dates

Wheats are generally drilled around the last week of October; however, last year it was very wet, so he waited a week, drilling the LG Skyscraper on 11 November, at a rate of 250kg/ha aiming for a plant population of 275 plants/m2 in the spring.

His aim – given the blackgrass legacy – is to produce a thick, competitive crop which has immediate access to nutrients, so that it can grow away strongly.

Optimising crop nutrition is important to achieve high yields. Manures are applied to stubbles and then incorporated within six hours. This has seen soil organic matter rise from an index of 2-10 despite the highly, acidic calciferous soils.

For the YEN crop, liquid nitrogen (225N,10%S) was applied in three splits, four weeks apart, and on average received 210kgN/ha, excluding the manure. “I don’t cut corners in terms of timing but will alter prod-

YEN success

Area: 3.2 ha (8 acres)

Variety: LG Skyscraper

Yield: 16.6t/ha

Specific weight: 80 kg/hl

T0 – Zonor + Scyon

T1 – Medax Max + Silvron Xpro + Firefly 155 + Starane Hi -Load + Ally max

T2 – Revystar XE + Tubosan

T3 – Deacon + Soratel + Kendo

Farm facts

A&C Stubbs & Sons, Manor Farm, Calcethorpe

• 695ha of owned, tenanted and farm business tenancy (FBT) land

• Winter wheat, winter oilseed rape, spring barley

• Haulage business

ucts according to the weather and disease pressure at the time.”

He favours a “little and often” approach, and in-season crop monitoring to fine-tune requirements. “We soil test and use the Yara N-tester to gauge how well the plant is doing and to address any shortfalls.”

Spray programme

A standard four spray programme was used for the LG Skyscraper. “ The variety has a weaker rating for Septoria (4.9), so it is important to tackle this early which means we are not chasing disease through this season, and in doing so we have never had too much of a problem,” he says.

“Despite being slightly taller-strawed, lodging in LG Skyscraper has never been an issue even on the more fertile Wold soils, but we use PGRs as and when needed, to support the crop we have in the ground.

“As last year’s crop was grown on the March site with heavier soils, crop emergence and growth were slower, and coupled with late drilling, the crop didn’t reach a leggy stage, so a robust T1 was used which proved sufficient to regulate the crop.”

He explains that a T0 was applied but with the key aim of manipulating the plant to ensure it was strong and healthy, and a bio stimulant was applied to boost the plant’s defence mechanism to fight any initial infections.

Harvest took place on 10 August –which Mr Stubbs points out was early for a late-drilled crop. “It literally turned overnight, it wasn’t ripe when we checked it two days before, so I think we caught it just in time.”

Soil health

Soil study reveals benefits of regenerative agriculture

• Better for soil health and development

• Nutrients held longer around rootzone

• Benefits profitability and farm margins

Soil with minimal cultivation holds more nutrients and wa ter than fields which have been ploughed – benefiting crops and ul timately farm profitabilty, suggests a study.

The study conducted by research ers at University of Leeds Farm com pares soil health, crop production, greenhouse gas emissions, and profit of different farming systems across seven 12m x 40m plots.

Some plots were ploughed and pow er harrowed. Others underwent mini mal cultivation using non-inversion, shallow cultivation. Cover crops, liv ing mulches, manures, livestock inte gration and herbal leys were also as sessed.

Data was collected by state-of-theart soil stations created by Estonian agtech company Paul-Tech, which take real-time readings of nutrient avail ability, soil water levels and soil tem perature at depths of 8cm and 20cm.

Designed to shed light on the eco nomics of regenerative farming methods, each plot received three treatments of nitrogen throughout the trial. Nutrient and water availability was measured at both depths after each application.

Crop benefits

significantly smaller nutrient release at fertilisation and considerably less nutrients available to the plants at 8cm.

Project leader Ruth Wade said: “Results coming from this regenerative agriculture plot trial will provide important data on the impacts of different farming systems both on the environment but also for the farm business.”

The minimal cultivated plots recorded a significantly larger nutrient release after fertilisation and higher nutrient availability at a depth of

Soil temperature was also impacted by the cultivation method with the ploughed soil experiencing much larger temperature changes over the course of the trial.

The ploughed soil froze when air temperatures dipped below zero, whereas those sown under a minimal cultivation system maintained a much more stable temperature throughout and did not freeze.

'Fascinating results'

The study is ongoing and will look at the impacts of other regenerative tech-

“Min-till plots had better nutrient release

niques on soil health over a longer period. Paul-Tech chief executive Mikk Plakk, described the study findings as fascinating.

Mr Plakk said: “The data from our soil stations clearly shows soil nutrient availability and temperature differences between plots with different cultivation methods.

“For example, the soil in the conventional ploughed plot froze at root level and showed significant temperature differences while the minimal cultivated plots didn’t freeze and temperatures were relatively consistent in the root zone.

“Also, in the minimal cultivated plots, the soil was much more effective at holding water, which meant far more nutrients were available at 8cm than was the case in the ploughed plots.

“The findings have a significant bearing on how farmers should be treating soil. They strongly suggest cultivation methods have the potential to significantly improve soil and plant health while reducing the amount of inputs they need to apply.”

Cost savings

Paul-Tech’s soil station combines real-time proprietary sensor data with weather and satellite data to produce agronomic recommendations for farmers and growers, which are reported via an online dashboard.

Already in place on commercial farms in Scandinavia and eastern Europe, the system was launched in the UK in January. It means more informed decisions about crop inputs and irrigation, leading to better soil health, plant health, yield and cost savings.

“Getting access to real-time, high frequency data from the soil station was vital for this study and will be equally valuable for farmers,” said Mr Plakk.

He added: “This level of insight would not be available without the ability to measure water and nutrient movement throughout the soil, which our system has been specifically designed to do.”

Ruth Wade collects study on the impact of regenerative farming practices

Tough decisions lie ahead for flood-hit crops

• Extreme wet seasons leave difficult legacy

• Roots comprised by lack of oxygen

• Building early nutrition may be crucial

Growers are advised to assess soil conditions before deciding whether waterlogged crops are still viable – or fields should be left to recover for next season.

Tough questions may need to be asked when it comes to choosing between managing struggling crops already in the ground, redrilling fields altogether or putting in a cover crop to improve soil structure, say agronomists.

Exceptionally wet autumn and winter weather continues to pose serious difficulties, says Neil Watson, technical manager for Hutchinsons. While some early-sown winter crops are looking good, others have been hit hard, he says.

Crucially, when soils become waterlogged, this starves roots of oxygen, says Mr Watson. This causes them to stop functioning, preventing the movement of water or nutrients from the roots up to the top growth.

Knock-on effects

duction might be around 1,200/m2, producing 500-600 ears/m2, but in extremely wet conditions, particularly when waterlogging occurs close to emergence, tillering may be nearer half that.”

In severe situations, crops can also “cannibalise" nutrients from older leaves to support newer growth, causing early leaf senescence, says Mr Watson.

Roots often adapt to wet conditions by growing closer to the surface to facilitate gas exchange in anaerobic soils. Shallow rooting presents issues as the season progresses though, especially when conditions turn dry and crops need more scavenging ability for water and nutrients, he says.

“Without the foundations, you haven’t got the critical structure to build growth throughout the season.”

Different options

The first step is to assess the soil and crop condition in individual fields, identifying issues and crop requirements. Building early nutrition to boost root development and build biomass is crucial, and early nitrogen is one of the most important considerations.

“The first N-Min results for this year show there is less residual nitrogen in the soil than we’d normally see, primarily as a consequence of nitrate leaching, says Hutchinsons fertiliser manager Tim Kerr.

But it’s a quadruple whammy; there’s less nitrogen in the soil, less in the crop, poorer rooting, and reduced mineralisation due to the impact of waterlogging on soil microbes. We’re facing a very different scenario to previous years.”

Applying nitrogen in ammonium nitrate form is generally preferred as this is more readily available to plants than urea-based fertiliser, which must go through two chemical changes –

How waterlogging affects crops

Alters physical soil properties - e.g. reduced soil porosity and gas diffusion, leading to soil oxygen deficiency, limiting root growth and function

Consolidation of soil structure, making it harder for roots to penetrate and access nutrients

Impacts gas transfer from soil to roots

Compromises nutrient uptake

Denitrification (in saturated, anaerobic soils)reduces nitrate to nitrite which is toxic to plants and releases gases

Nutrient leaching, especially on lighter soils (particularly nitrogen, sulphur and boron)

Anaerobic conditions inhibit activity of soil microbes involved in many processes, including organic matter decomposition, mineralisation, N fixation

Shallower rooting = lodging risk and reduced nutrient uptake

Delayed or reduced tiller production

Anaerobic conditions cause mineralisation of organic sulphur to sulphides rather than sulphate

both reliant on microbial activityfor it to become plant-available.

“

You haven’t got the critical structure

“In normal conditions, plants are slower to respond to urea fertiliser, but if soils are in a less than ideal state, that process could be even slower. Inhibited urea is even slower to work, so be careful what you use.”

Soil nutrients

Early sulphur will also be important on almost every soil this year, as sulphate, like nitrate, is easily leached, Mr Kerr says. “Ideally, apply sulphur with the first nitrogen, or alongside the potash. Rates should generally be in proportion to the amount of nitrogen applied.”

Boron is another easily leachable nutrient, and testing of samples in recent years shows over 70% to be low in boron, especially on lighter land.

“Deficiency symptoms are rarely

seen, but boron plays a vital role in root and shoot development. Trials in 2020 showed a positive response from foliar boron applied at GS 30 and GS 39.”

Potassium and magnesium are other nutrients to consider. They can be easily lost from lighter soils with a low cation exchange capacity, while phosphate availability may also be lower this year, not because of leaching, but due to losses from soil runoff in heavy rain.

“In cold, wet soils, the microbes that convert exchangeable P to available P slow down, so crops can quickly exhaust the soil solution, resulting in deficiency symptoms, even where soil indices are high,” adds Mr Kerr.

“Foliar products are an option if there is sufficient leaf area, however phosphites may be a more effective option to develop rooting and improve future scavenging ability.”

Manipulating rooting

Timely application of plant growth regulators could play an important role in manipulating crops to offset some of the damage done by waterlogging or flooding, says Alice Cannon, regional technical support manager for Hutchinsons.

“The power of PGRs is not just about straw shortening; the chemistry can manipulate crops in many other ways, depending on the product choice, rates and timing.”

Tramline and small plot trials last year, for example, showed early PGR applications at T0 (GS 30-31) and T1 (GS 32) can significantly improve stem diameter and stem width, boosting the plant’s lodging resilience – something that will be particularly important in shallow-rooted crops that may be more prone to lodging as biomass develops.

The same trial also found a bene-

compromised foundation period. The potential for fertile tillers is determined by the number of leaves present at stem extension, so keeping green area index going through March is crucial to building yield.”

Care is needed with product choice and rates on backward crops, she cautions, while more forward early-sown cereals might benefit from slightly higher rates.

“Growth stage 30 will be an extremely important timing this season. It’s traditionally a disease control timing, but it’s just as important to manipulate crops at this stage to maximise their potential.”

Disease control

While it is hard to predict disease pressure during the main growing period, certain diseases are likely to be at greater risk due to prolonged wet weather and lack of significant cold temperatures, so close monitoring and early action will be vital.

Mild, wet, conditions have fa-

Key actions

Assess fields to identify issues and decide on the most appropriate management Do test digs to asses the impact of waterlogging on soils and root development

Check plant populations to determine a realistic yield potential

Tailor inputs to crop need and yield potential, considering all available options Consider re-drilling or sowing spring cover crops on worst areas with no viable crop

crop management.

“Wet soils may increase take-all spread, and mildew is likely to be a greater risk in stressed crops, perhaps more so in barley, where risk from the rain splash diseases net blotch and rynchosporium are also likely to be greater.

While more backward, later-sown wheats may face lower Septoria pressure, later drilling does usually increase rust risk, and with a lack of hard frosts to kill inoculum so far this winter, rust could be a challenge in some situations, says Mr Howard.

“Ironically, we might see some benefit where flooding has taken away the lower leaves that can carry rust or Septoria spores over winter, but that will be balanced against the damage flooding’s done to crop stress and development.”

It’s a quadruple

Early action at T0 and T1 will be crucial, with fungicide choices tailored to the specific needs of individual fields, Mr Howard says. He also notes previous trials that have shown good results from using elicitors around

How monitoring soil carbon content can boost productivity

Measuring soil carbon content is providing growers with valuable insights for farm management – while helping to generate income from the government's Sustainable Farming Incentive.

“There's so much evidence of a direct and linear relationship between soil organic matter and soil function that carbon content is rapidly becoming one of the most important management KPIs in crop production,” says NRM agronomist Allison Arden.

“It is an essential indicator of a farming business's overall viability and production potential, but there are wider implications of developing management practices that build soil carbon content too.

At farm level, improved soil carbon content is linked to a multitude of benefits, says Ms Arden. These include better soil structure, more efficient key nutrient use, improved mois-

ture retention, healthier soil biology and greater overall resilience.

“Soil carbon content is a very good starting point in itself but there are many associated areas that give additional insight into what is really happening in the soil.”

Natural assets

Many people use NRM's CarbonCheck system to evaluate the natural assets across their farm to get a handle on their existing carbon stocks and to start their own carbon capture journey, adds Ms Arden.

“Those joining the new SFI scheme also use the analysis to ensure they meet their soil action obligations and have supporting evidence for their claims.

“But the ones that benefit the most are definitely those that use the service beyond this and realise it's an invaluable tool in helping them fine-

tune their management, reduce input costs and improve crop production efficiency.

“Measuring a range of parameters associated with soil carbon content is a very effective way to monitor soil health and production potential.

“Benchmarking on-farm results to national and regional best practice then allows producers to make the most informed decisions about adopting and integrating more long term sustainable farming practices.

“CarbonCheck measures organic and active carbon as part of a comprehensive suite, as well as total carbon, inorganic carbon, carbonate classification and bulk density.”

This not only gives details on traditional information such

as organic matter, but combines information from a number of different carbon measurements, total nitrogen and the C:N ratio, explains Ms Arden.

“Active carbon, for example, is a management tool that looks at the readily available portion of soil carbon that provides the immediate food source for soil microbes that is easily digested and turned over by the soil microflora.

“Importantly it's also the precur-

sor to building humus-type organic matter which is the type that can really lock away carbon in a more permanent state.”

Soil bulk density measurement is also an important consideration, says Ms Arden. “The denser and more compacted the soil the less effective the soil microflora are able to function and process organic inputs and residues.

“The better structured and more open the soil texture, the more efficiently the biology can work and the better it can turn over and recycle key nutrients.

“Carbon to nitrogen ratio is also an increasingly important area to look at with regard to crop nutrition particularly when aiming to get the most out of every kg of nitrogen from environmental, crop production and cost perspectives.

“The proportion of organic carbon relative to nitrogen gives an indication of the right balance for soil microbes to aid the release of nutrients with the optimum C:N ratio for nitrogen release being between 10 and 12.

“So again, it's a great example of how managing and improving the carbon content of soils can have a signifi-

cant effect on cost-effective use of inputs and overall productivity.”

Soil types

Whilst there is a lot producers can do to build carbon content from a management perspective, some areas are less flexible, says Ms Arden.

“One of the key drivers behind how easily you can build soil organic content is the type of soil and in particular the clay content.

“Clay content does drive organic matter and generally speaking we know grass-based production systems on more medium to heavier soil types have the most carbon and organic matter in them.

“In arable soils in areas like East Anglia, where much of the arable land is lighter textured, organic matter can be as low as 1 - 2%. Drier soils tend to be lower in organic matter too.

“According to AHDB, using green composts as your organic fertiliser source can lead to a 25% improvement in soil carbon levels in nine years; the same improvement can be achieved from FYM in 20 years and 20 years of using livestock slurry results in just a 7% change.”

Carbon content linked to 'multitude of benefits', says Allison Arden (left)

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More farmers measure soil organic content

Almost one in five farmers now test their soil for organic matter content – with more growers recognising the importance of carbon sequestration.

Nearly 90% of farmers undertake some form of soil assessment, with 78% of those using three or more methods and 6% using six or more methods, according to a survey conducted on behalf of beef processor ABP and supermarket Asda.

Testing is usually conducted to quantify soil acidity, phosphate, potassium and magnesium levels. But more than 17% of respondents said they test for organic matter, with 8% counting earthworms and 6% measuring soil carbon.

Soil nutrients

The results suggest livestock farmers are increasingly concerned about the importance of balanced soil nutrients – and keen to understand the balance

within their soil, including soil carbon indices and its ability to mitigate cli mate change.

ABP agricultural projects manag er Liz Ford said: “Looking after soil correctly can minimise nutrient input requirements and extend the grazing season by improving the pasture’s re silience to drought and reducing flood risk.

“Earthworm populations are indic ative of soil health and can be moni tored by digging small field pits and counting the species of worms at dif ferent depths. We are pleased to see that some farmers are already doing this.”

The voluntary survey of 250 farmers sought to demonstrate their commitment to improving biodiversity. It found that the combined length of hedgerow managed on their farms stretched to more than 1,900km.

One respondent reported more than 80km of hedgerow on his farm, with

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Soil organic matter and worm numbers are increasingly important

the average farm supporting 8km of hedgerow. More than half of those surveyed had recently planted an average of 869m of hedgerow each.

Farmers were also asked to rate the importance of biodiversity to their farm using a score of one to ten, with one not important and ten very important. The average score was 7.63, with nearly 20% of farmers scoring it a 10.

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Water

Tax breaks needed to encourage water management investment

• Benefits to combat climate change

• Key proposals sent to government

• Productivity will rise, says report

Encouraging farmers to invest in water management will help combat climate change, the government has been told.

Better on-farm infrastructure and investment in technology is vital to mitigate the impact of increasingly unpredictable weather, said the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers in a submission to the Treasury ahead of this month's Spring Budget.

Nine recommendations are included in the 16-page document. They urge Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to consider a number of options to make farming more productive, efficient and able to adapt to current and future demands.

Farmers need to be able to adapt to climate change, and its resulting droughts, floods, storms and extreme heat, says the submission. Investment in reservoirs, irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems are all essential, it adds.

Water storage

It follows another winter which has seen farmland flooded for weeks on end. Flood management works, power systems to support farm operations and controlled environment storage are urgently needed, says CAAV secretary Jeremy Moody (pictured).

“We ask that a class of capital allowance be created so that critical improvements that would ordinarily be within the Structures and Buildings Allowance be treated as plant and machinery, meaning such investment can be written off in the year of expenditure.”

Other recommendations include an income tax relief to encourage letting of land and changes to inheritance tax to remove a bar to environmental uses. The paper also urges a review of cap-

ital allowances to stimulate investment in buildings.

“Our fundamental concerns are that the tax system supports farming in achieving a renewed pace of productivity improvement, and so contributes to economic growth and resilience,” says Mr Moody.

“In practice, this means enabling the most proficient farmers to have use of the land and to

support them in investing and innovating at this time of great technological advancement.”

While grant schemes are welcome, Mr Moody argues that longer-term changes to the tax structure will enable better use of private money to achieve the government's aim of greater capital investment in businesses.

'Simple changes could encourage investment'

A number of measures would encourage farming to be more productive – alongside investment in water management infrastructure, says the CAAV. Its nine recommendations include allowing partnerships and sole traders to benefit from full expensing – writing off investment in plant and machinery against profits – which companies can already do.

If not, the CAAV says the government should increase the Annual Investment Allowance in line with inflation. It has remained at 24.4% since 2019 – and limited to a maximum of £1m. It also argues that the Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) is unfit for purpose.

“Farm buildings are distinctive in the wear and tear they face, meaning they have shorter lives than found in other sectors,” said Mr Moody. “Obsolescence is also a factor with new

technologies, increasing standards and regulation, and changing equipment.”

Rather than writing agricultural buildings off over 33 years, farmers should be able to write them off over seven years, as is the case in Ireland, he said.

Investment in environmental improvement works should also qualify, including covered slurry stores and silage clamps, as should pig and poultry buildings and greenhouses, which are highly automated and can become outdated very rapidly.

“The urgent challenge of improving productivity, the need to respond and adapt to the impact of advancing climate change, and the scale of required environmental improvement are such as to warrant a new approach,” said Mr Moody.

“Clear and simple stimuli within the tax system can be powerful levers for positive change.”

Thousands of hectares of farmland have been flooded this winter

Agency acknowledges cost of flooded farmland

The Environment Agency says it supports farmers who want payment for flood water on their land – but not if the area is a natural floodplain.

Speaking at last month's NFU annual conference in Birmingham, Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said using land for water storage was a big issue – and in some locations it was the best way to protect local communities from flooding.

Storing water on farmland was often provided at great cost, acknowledged Mr Lovell – and it was understandable that farmers wanted to be paid fairly doing so, with agreements put in place to enable it to run smoothly. But he also sounded a note of caution.

Mr Lovell said: “We will support where flood storage areas are seen to be appropriate as part of a flood risk management solution. But to be clear, we can’t use public flood money for areas that are already natural floodplains.”

Financial toll

Other routes – particularly through the government's Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) could support farmers – but

the agency was unable to use government flood money for it, added Mr Lovell.

That said, Defra secretary Steve Barclay had recently asked the agency to look further at the idea – and how it could work with local people, local groups and internal drainage boards to see where the concept could be taken further forward.

Mr Lovell said: “I know many of you have experienced devastating flood and drought events, and I know it can take a huge financial and emotional toll upon you and your families – including some devastating long term mental health impacts.

“We will never forget that. This winter has been appalling. I have been around the country a fair bit, including a 1600-acre farm in Lincolnshire, entirely underwater apart from the farm and farm buildings on a little island in the middle.”

Thanking farmers for supporting local communities during flooding, Mr Lovell said the three months of 2023 were the wettest since 2000 and the third wettest since 1871. Working with farmers was a vital part of the agency's flood management work, he added.

£25m boost for flood management projects

ome 40 projects across the country will receive £25m in government funding to reduce the risk of flooding.

The money was part of the government’s plan to increase flood resilience. Defra minister Robbie Moore said natural flood management – including wetland restoration, tree planting and other measures – would help improve catchments while slowing and storing water.

Mr Moore said: “It’s vital we use nature as an ally in our work to become ready for climate change, helping to restore the natural environment and protecting homes and businesses. That’s why we’re funding the biggest-ever investment in natural flood management.”

Work will focus on soil and land management – slowing and storing surface water runoff, while also reducing soil erosion and supporting agriculture. New woodland areas and hedgerows will support wetland complexes and the creation of new habitats.

Ponds and leaky barriers across watercourses will slow and store floodwater in the upper reaches of some catchment. Vegetation management and new woodland will intercept the flow of water as it runs downhill, reducing runoff and enabling water to be stored in the soil.

The announcement comes after a range of applications were submitted to the Environment Agency after the launch of the largest-ever investment in natural flood management schemes last September.

Reducing risk

Environment Agency chair Alan Lovell said: “It’s exciting to see such appetite for Natural Flood Management, recognising its value in providing not only benefits against flood risk but also wider support for nature recovery.

“The new funding builds on the government's £15m natural flood management pilot programme which ran until 2021. The Environment Agency is managing the new £25m fund with work taking place until March 2027.”

Few farmers are compensated when land is flooded to protect local communities

Bauer introduces new E-series reel irrigators

New E-series reel irrigators from Bauer have several improved features to make them easier to operate and maintain.

The company has invested heavily over recent years to equip its Rainstar E-series with new digital technologies – including the Smart Rain remote monitoring and control app, says Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager.

“Now, attention has been turned to some aspects of the mechanical components – mainly to improve access for servicing, maintenance and setting up to further improve the operator experience.”

Side guard

The most obvious visual change is to the side guard that covers the reeldrive turbine and gearbox – but less obvious is that instead of being held in place by ten bolts, the new version has catches that when released allow

the cover to swing away.

That makes it quicker and easier to access components such as the belt that transfers drive from Bauer’s water turbine to the pulley on the chain and sprocket that slowly rotates the drum to pull in the hose and either a rain gun or boom.

Opening the new cover also reveals a larger battery to power the Ecostar 6000 controller with its 4.3in LED touch-screen, which is supplemented by membrane buttons for the most frequently used functions.

“Users can store up to 12 different irrigation programmes that define retraction speed, pre-irrigation, post-irrigation and speed zones, and then retrieve them at any time to save having to enter individual parameters for every irrigation session,” says Mr Tindall.

adjust retraction speed, check on the status of the machine and receive error messages.

Remote access via SMS on a mobile telephone enables irrigation managers to not only stop and start the

A ‘run finished’ message can be activated, and thanks to a digital input on the irrigator’s water meter, the Ecostar 6000 controller also records.

Rainstar new E series boasts some compelling new features

Drones help to redefine soil moisture monitoring

Radio waves could be used to measure soil moisture – helping farmers manage flood risk and make important decisions about irrigation.

A two-year project using drones carrying synthetic aperture radar equipment to make a high-resolution map of the earth's surface is being undertaken by experts at Cranfield University.

Led by Dan Evans, the project is assessing the accuracy and potential applications of the technology to improve the accuracy of soil moisture monitoring by obtaining detailed measurements at a field scale level.

“By mounting synthetic aperture radar onto drones, we can conduct comprehensive radar surveys of fields, providing us with detailed measurements of soil moisture.”

The project seeks to improve flood and drought risk management, helping farmers make informed irrigation decisions and plan for extreme weather events. The technology could also find applications in testing the stability of railway embankments.

Flood and drought

The project also aims to identify the effectiveness of radar-based soil moisture measure-

ments across different land use contexts, including grasslands, arable farmlands, and woodlands, says Dr Evans.

In addition to Cranfield University, the collaboration includes experts from the company Surveyar alongside other academic partners, with funding of £30,000 from the Douglas Bomford Trust.

Measuring soil moisture is often labour-intensive, time-consuming and costly. But the radar-equipped drones provide

a way of continuously and cost-effectively measuring moisture up to 40cm below ground – a critical depth for plant growth and yield.

While preliminary findings suggest that UAV-based radar is effective at assessing soil moisture, the project will investigate the impact that above-ground vegetation has on the accuracy of these moisture data across different land use contexts.

With increasingly warm summers and the threat of extreme weather events, Dr Evans said monitoring soil moisture has become crucial for optimising irrigation practices and mitigating the impact of flooding.

Measuring solid moisture using drones is cost-effective and accurate [photo: Dan Evans]

Water

Drainage partnership celebrates anniversary

• Established for more than 20 years

• Makes light work of all drainage types

• Amenity projects –not just farmland

Two of the most recognisa ble names in UK agricultur al drainage are celebrating 23 years of working together.

The relationship began when DMJ Drainage managing director Darren Howell bought his first Mastenbro ek agricultural drainage trencher in 2001. The company has since grown into a multi-million-pound business employing 150 people.

Today, DMJ Drainage operates more than 35 trenchers, excavators, tractors, dumper trucks and gravel carts. With 12 Mastenbroek machines spanning drainage trenchers, gravel carts and ploughs, no other operator owns more of the Boston-made machines.

The Mastenbroek 45/20 plow was last used at Heneage Farm, Hainton, in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Some 14km of 80mm perforated land drainage pipe were laid to a depth of 900mm with porous backfill within 300mm of the surface – much faster than an ordinary trencher.

A recent project at Market Rasen has seen DMJ install 4km of 80mm perforated land drainage pipe at a depth of 800mm at 10m apart. This was then backfilled with 20mm gravel within 100mm of the surface.

Established in the UK in 1965 to sell and service Dutch drainage trenchers, Mastenbroek began UK production in Boston in 1977. Now 47 years later, the company's machines are used worldwide to deliver agricul tural drainage installations and utili ty cabling projects.

Race course

As part of DMJ Drainage's continued investment and reinvestment philoso phy, the company recently purchased a Mastenbroek 10/12D trencher after installing drainage on the race track for the Jockey Club at Southwell race course.

“The ground conditions were not suited to our Mastenbroek 30/20, which weighs about 20 tonnes and is not as manoeuvrable as the smaller eight-tonne 10/12D," says Mr Howell. “At the time, we didn't have the orders to justify buying our own 10/12D, so we hired one.

“I was so impressed with its per formance, the minimal contact area of the tracks, and how easy it was to move around the site that I saw an op portunity and bought one of our own. Since then, we've gone from strength

As well as leading to several racecourse projects, DMJ's 10/12D has allowed it to win work in other new areas such as caravan and leisure parks. It comes with a sports field kit, allowing excavated spoil to be transferred

Above and below: DMJ's single blade Mastenbroek 45 20 plough

“The Mastenbroek 45/20 plough features an EU stage 5 Volvo 13 litre, 462hp engine, which we calculate is using 35 litres of diesel an hour, which is amazing. As well as being incredibly fuel efficient, its wearing parts are much cheaper to replace than those on

The 45/20 plough unit, with its single link with slew and tilt control, features a replaceable cutting edge and point that can reach depths of up to 1.8m with six degrees of linkage slew either side of centre and 12 degrees of

Despite using a ripper leg to cut the ground, the Mastenbroek 45/20 plough has surprised DMJ in terms of the tidiness of the spoil it produces and the high-quality finish it leaves.

“The Mastenbroek 45/20 plow lifts the ground in formation, so all the spoil goes back in formation. We used the plow for one agricultural job and were amazed to see winter wheat thriving a few months after the plow had lifted the ground.”

As well as the quality finish and running costs, DMJ operators have also enjoyed working in a large cab, which is comfortable and convenient, with two doors allowing the operator

How cover crops help to protect water quality

• Nitrate leaching reduced by up to 90%

• Good for farm business and environment

• Success depends on destruction method

Cover crops can help to reduce nitrate leaching into watercourses by up to 90%, suggests a study, with destruction by chemicals proving most effective for optimising nitrogen availability to the following crop –and for reducing weed burdens.

ADAS scientists evaluated the impact of cover crops and different destruction methods on nitrogen release on crops on two farms. The Nitrogen release from Cover Crops (NiCCs) project was funded by Affinity Water and Portsmouth Water.

Trials were undertaken over two cropping seasons on commercial farms in Hertfordshire and West Sussex with two cover mixes and a weedy stubble control. The two cover crops comprised a mix of phacelia and oil radish; and a mix of Japanese oats, buckwheat and phacelia.

After being sown and grown, the two cover crop mixes were then destroyed. A number of different destruction measures were assessed: mechanical rolling on a frost; chopping and incorporating; and destruction by chemicals.

Outcome

Results identified that cover crops reduced nitrate leaching losses by up to 90% compared to the weedy stubble control. Depending on how well the cover crops established and the species mix, soil nitrogen supply to the following spring cereal crop also increased by up to 35kgN/ha.

When it came to the subsequent spring cereal crop, yields following a cover crop were up by 0.2-1.0 t/ha when compared to yields following the weedy stubble control. On destruction, the cover crops released significantly more nitrogen than the no cover/weedy stubble.

Moving to destruction methods, chemicals were found to have more benefits than mechan-

ical methods. Nitrogen mineral release, grain nitrogen offtake, and total crop nitrogen uptake were all higher with chemical destruction.

This led to subsequent improvements in yield – but it remains marginally more cost-efficient for farmers not to grow cover crops, although this could be overcome with financial incentives that reward better water quality, improved soil health and biodiversity.

Crop performance

“Cover crops can capture significant quantities of nitrogen over winter, thereby protecting surface and ground waters,” said ADAS principal soil scientist Anne Bhogal.

“It has been great working with Affinity and Portsmouth Water on this project which has given us new insights on how cover crop destruction methods can impact the subsequent release of this nitrogen and the following crop performance.”

Portsmouth Water, which co-funded the study, said the project showed that cover crops could help improve drinking water quality and supplies. This trial provides additional information that helps toward improving cover crop management and water quality, it added.

Two water companies help farmers plant cover crops

More than 1000ha of cover crops were sown last year – thanks to a joint scheme between Anglian Water and Severn Trent.

Supporting farmers to improve and care for rivers is also a central commitment of the Get River Positive programme – so collaboration with farmers is vital to Anglian Water’s work protecting and enhancing river health, says the company.

Pledges

The scheme pledges to transform river water quality across the two regions covered by the water companies. It has already supported farmers to protect water quality through its cover crop fund, which saw 1000ha of cover crops planted across eastern England last summer.

Anglian Water catchment advisor Julie Jackson, who is also a farmer, said: “Our region is particularly vulnerable to climate change, as the driest part of the country, and yet we also have a higher than average percentage of land used for agriculture.

Affinity Water catchment manager Danny Coffey said the company was working with farmers to find sustainable solutions which worked for both crop and water production. Trial data would be used to encourage the best outcomes for crops and water quality.

“The NiCC trial has shown that cover crops are a vital measure for preventing nitrate leaching and demonstrate how farmers can potentially manage the destruction of cover crops to best utilise fixed nitrogen for subsequent crops.”

Cover crops were chopped and then shallowly incorporated

“We know the impact of climate change – alongside challenges with costs and commodity prices coming down – is already hitting farmers, and with 75% of land in our region used for agriculture, it’s hugely important that we work together to protect England’s breadbasket.

Livestock

Welcome relaxation of bluetongue control zones

• Important remain vigilant for virus

•

Reduced levels of midge activity

• Warning for warm spring weather

Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestcok producers must remain vigilant for the disease.

Temporay control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and beef farmers in Norfolk and Kent.

National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said: “Due to a current reduced level of midge activity, some restrictions on movements of live animals from the temporay control zones have now been lifted.”

But farmers still face some restrictions to reduce the risk of the spread of bluetongue, added Mr Stocker. Defra has been operating with the aim of reducing the infection pool when the midge population rises in spring.

Risk remains

“There does remain a risk from infected pregnant females, due to the fact they can give birth to infected offspring, and from entire males as they can infect females either through nat-

ural service or through artificial insemination, so these animals are still restricted from movement.”

The relaxation means than any farm in a former controls zone that is as yet untested will be placed under an individual holding restriction requiring a vet attestation that any animal being moved is not pregnant, or entire in the case of males.

These animals will require negative tests prior to being moved. Castrated males and non pregnant females will be free to move to live and to slaughter.

Mr Stocker said: “Although this update is positive news and will relieve the burden for many, we are keen to encourage farmers across the country to remain vigilant and aware of the risk of bluetongue, especially as the weather warms up into spring.

“Although the current outbreak has been isolated to parts of Kent and Norfolk it is perfectly possible that the dis-

Defra says there is no evidence that infected midges are circulating

“

There does remain a risk

ease could be far reaching across the UK as the year progresses.”

Stay informed

The National Sheep Association is continuing to work with industry to ensure the sheep sector is well informed and prepared coming into spring. Farmers are encouraged to keep abreast of developments by looking for updates on the AHDB website.

Bluetongue is carried by midges. Defra said there was currently no evidence that the virus was circulating. Colder weather and the associated decrease in temperature meant midge activity was much lower with midges not actively feeding.

“Low temperatures also mean that the virus cannot replicate in the midge, so even if a midge does feed on an infected animal, the risk of transmission to another animal is very low. This is called a low vector period.”

'Be careful when it comes to movements'

The Animal Plant and Health Agency says farmers can resume livestock movements where there is no risk of disease spreading.

“Where there is a known disease risk, or unknown risk status, APHA will contact these premises directly to restrict specific animals within the premises,” says Aled Edwards, APHA head of field delivery England.

“APHA teams will continue to work closely with farmers to ensure that keepers and

businesses are kept up to date, and that questions and concerns are addressed promptly.”

Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas. The midges are most active between April and November and not all susceptible animals show signs of the virus.

The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no clinical signs

or effects at all while for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield, while in the most severe cases it can be fatal for infected animals.

Farmers are reminded that animals imported from bluetongue affected regions must be accompanied by the relevant paperwork to clearly show they meet certain conditions designed to reduce disease risk, such as correct vaccination.

• Flagship beef show returns for 2024

• Best bloodlines and livestock classes

• New approach attracts more visitors

Beef producers from across the UK will gather at next month's Beef Expo show – the flagship event to celebrate the best of British cattle breeding.

Organised by the National Beef Association, the one-day exhibition is scheduled to coincide with Great British Beef Week – being held on 27 April at North West Auctions, at Junction 36 of the M6 motorway, near Kendal, Cumbria.

Beef Expo’s highly competitive show classes will once again showcase some of the UK’s best bloodlines. A panel of leading experts will address the most important issues facing the industry in an information-packed seminar programme.

Building success

NBA chief executive Neil Shand said he was keen to build on the success of the last Beef Expo – which was the first since the Covid pandemic and held on the other side of the country at Darlington Farmers’ Auction Mart in 2022.

Mr Shand said the 2022 event attracted a record number of visitors from across the country to the northeast. He added: “We’re confident we

have the right programme, venue and location to repeat this success in the north west.

“This is a highly productive part of the UK for suckler and beef cattle, and North West Auctions’ combination of experience, expertise, and exceptional facilities make this the ideal venue for an outstanding event.”

In a bid to attract more visitors, the event has been streamlined – to one Saturday only. Free to visitors, the event will focus on top quality cattle and the importance of sharing beef performance information.

Significant challenge

“Beef breeders and farmers are facing a very significant challenge in the transition of UK farming policy after Brexit,” said Mr Shand.

“The aim is to create a perfect platform for everybody involved in the industry to network, find out how to make the best of the grants and subsidies available, and recharge their enthusiasm and commitment.”

North West Auctions managing director David Pritchard said he recognised the importance of the event for beef producers – and was very mindful of the particular challenges faced

part of the NBA Beef Expo – will cast their eye over some of the highest quality UK cattle.

Northamptonshire’s Frank Page will judge the Native and Continental classes and the Supreme Championships. Meanwhile, Lincolnshire’s Jonathan Lyon will judge the Baby Beef classes, the Baby Championship and Young Handler classes.

The National Commercial Cattle Show will see some 120 head of cattle compete in the 10 cattle classes for steers and heifers with the overall winner taking home the Supreme Championship title.

Tremendous livestock

Mr Page farms 336ha near Elkington. The family’s cattle enterprise comprises 140 beef suckler cows, with Limousin x British Blue or British Blue x Limousin cows put to British Blue and Limousin Bulls.

“We have tremendous livestock here in the UK and I am looking forward to seeing the cream of the crop,” he said. “In terms of what I will be looking for, it will be well fleshed, stylish, correct cattle with good conformation.”

Mr Lyon farms 130ha near Bourne in Lincolnshire. The farm is home to 70 suckler cows and a flock of 140 ewes. The Limousin x and Belgium Blue x run with three pedigree Limousin and one Belgium Blue bulls.

“An animal which catches your eye when it comes into the ring, with a wide, square stance and a very good top line, I’ll be looking for good depth in the hind quarter and whether it’s a calf or a bigger animal it needs to have a good, full loin.”

by farmers.

“It is a privilege to be chosen to host it again here at our J36, Rural Auction Centre in 2024 and we are very much looking forward to working with the NBA to make it an event to remember for those who are both exhibiting and attending.”

Beef Expo will celebrate the best of British cattle breeding

Livestock | Beef & Sheep

steps to better surplus lamb growth

Rearing more surplus lambs makes economic sense, says Jessica Cooke

Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns.

Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing some third lambs and orphans off the ewe.

But with lamb prices currently trending 15% ahead of last year, rearing these surplus newborns quickly and efficiently yourself to potentially target an earlier premium market makes sound economic sense.

Feeding a good quality, proven ewe milk replacer alongside good husbandry practices will help you capitalise on the lamb’s inherent early life, pre-weaning growth potential and be able to wean plenty of excellent extra lambs as soon as possible.

When it comes to rearing surplus lambs successfully, it's important to follow five crucial steps for best results:

1 Don’t compromise with colostrum feeding

As with all newborn lambs, the first priority is to ensure every surplus lamb receives sufficient colostrum (50ml/kg liveweight per feed and a minimum of 210ml/kg liveweight within the first 24 hours). This feed provides essential nutrition, as well as the important antibodies to help newborns fight off infections.

2 Choose the optimum rearing system

Surplus lambs can be reared on milk replacer via bottle, through ad lib bucket feeding or with automatic machine feeding. The method you choose will typically depend on the number of surplus lambs you have and the facilities that you have available.

Using a bucket or machine means training lambs to suckle. Be patient. If removing a surplus lamb from the ewe, take it away at 24 hours old, then leave it for a few hours to become hungry before gently introducing it to the teat.

3 Replace ewe milk for higher growth rates

Feeding trials with ewe milk replacer at Harper Adams University College and Reaseheath College (2021) have demonstrated surplus

lamb growth rates of over 300g per day. All lambs weighed at least 10kg at weaning at 35 days of age.

Lambs reared on ewe milk replacer mixed and fed cold from about a week of age to weaning drink as much and perform as well as lambs reared on warm milk, according to additional work at Reeseheath College in 2023. This highlights the opportunity to rear extra lambs off ewes on ad lib cold milk where boiler heating capability may be non-existent or compromised.

4 Feed enough milk powder

A single lamb reared artificially to weaning (at an average of 35 days of age) will require a minimum of 9.5kg of Lamlac (equating to 47.5 litres of reconstituted ewe milk replacer).

5 Get your lamb husbandry right

Lambs reared artificially will need constant access to fresh, clean water at all times. Top quality creep feed should be readily available to lambs and be offered fresh at least once a day, with refusals being fed to older livestock.

Take care

FIntroduce clean, dry straw – preferably barley into racks. Don’t feed ad lib high quality roughage, for example hay, during milk feeding as this can depress concentrate intake and delay weaning.

For optimum rearing results, don’t keep more than 25 lambs in a pen and keep similar ages and sizes together. Lambs must also have access to a clean, dry, straw-bedded lying area which is well ventilated but draughtfree. Check your lambs at least twice a day.

Finally, maintain scrupulous hygiene protocols. For example, all feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned each day and disinfected twice weekly.

Jessica Cooke is research and development manager Volac, which manufactures Lamlac ewe milk replacer

with in-lamb ewe diets

armers are reminded to take extra care when formulating in-lamb ewe diets following reports of variable forage quality.

Results from more than 200 big bale samples provided by sheep farmers show average energy levels of 10.2 ME/kg DM, protein levels of 13% and a dry matter of 50%, says Bryn Hughes, national sheep and beef specialist at Wynnstay.

“There is a big range within the samples, with some low energy and low quality, while some are high quality. There was a lot of silage made in September which is variable, but some surprisingly good forage was made in the autumn.”

Forage analysis

Mr Hughes says ideally farmers should undertake forage analysis to understand the quality of their forage, so they can formu-

late a ration specific to their situation. If this is not possible, he advises that farmers should assume forage is 10 ME or lower.

“When formulating rations for in-lamb ewes, it’s important to consider the ewe's energy requirements depending on her size and the number of lambs she’s carrying. Once you know the value of the forage, you can make up the nutritional deficit with concentrates.

“When balancing the diet, there are several nutritional elements to consider. It is also important to look at the mineral profile of the diet, as it needs to contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and at least 125mg vitamin E as well as cobalt and selenium.

“The energy level of the cake should be at least 12.5 MJ to provide the starch and sugar required by ewes and contain a protein content of 18-19%, with at least 5% digestible undegraded protein (DUP),” he says.

Surplus lambs can still grow at 300g daily

Professional services

Simpler approach to SFI can deliver bigger benefits

• Make easy wins your priority

• Identify simple farm measures

• Be realistic about crop yields

Atainable Farming Incentive – deliver ing bigger benefits for farm businesses and for the environment, say advisers.

“While 2024 has started with the promise of numerous new SFI options to be introduced during the summer, coupled to a mixed SFI/countryside stewardship scheme, there is much to gain from making a start with the scheme as it currently stands,” says Agrii consultant Paul Pickford.

“There is little doubt that Defra has succeeded in achieving one of their main objectives for the new SFI application service which is to make it quicker and more straightforward for farmers, but it's still a daunting task for many.

“With 2027 being the last payment under the old BPS scheme, it's important producers understand as much as possible about what SFI offers and how they can make it work as effectively as possible in their business."

Focus on the easy wins

The areas and business practices producers should act on first are probably things that are already being done, suggests Mr Pickford.

“To net £6/ha and an additional payment of £97 per agreement, all you have to do is test your soil organic matter and prepare a soil management plan on the nature of your soils and the risks they might be exposed to in the future.

“Most producers will be doing this to an extent anyway as part of the Red Tractor scheme and would also have carried it out under cross-compliance. Once you have done this, you also get access to a management payment of

£20/ha for the first 50ha of your land.

“Making an assessment of your hedgerows, size, width, height etc., will pay you £5 for every 100m. You can then cut them every year, as long as you cut them a little higher, or you can do this every second or third year for a further £13/100m.”

On the same theme is the annu al payment of £1,129 available un der SFI for completing an Integrat ed Pest Management (IPM) plan, he points out.

“Most producers will be doing this anyway as part of Red Tractor. It's similar for the nutrient management plan and, whether under the NVZ rules or the farming rules for water, everybody should already have one of these and it's worth £652 under SFI.

“Between management, IPM and nutrient management plans, there's just under £2,800 on offer within the scheme and that's a good start.”

Pinpoint priority areas

If you are going to put in new corners and buffer strips you will be taking land out of production and this is where things get a little more involved, says Mr Pickford.

ly making some good money, but there will be parts of that field, whether it's a boggy corner or a shady bit under a hedge, that might only be doing 5t/ha.

“Choosing to grow a pollinator mix, wildflowers or some winter bird food on that particular piece of land could not only make a more positive contribution to the environment, it would make you more money.

“Those three options will all make a gross margin of somewhere just over £550/ha which could be considerably more than you would have earned by growing 5t/ha of wheat."

Do your homework

In many cases, growers will know exactly where their least productive areas are but in some instances this may need a bit more investigation, advises Mr Pickford.

“If the average yield of a particular field is 10 or 11t/ha, then it's obvious-

“The bad bits are obvious, but the more marginal areas will need a bit more work to identify. If an area has always produced 4 - 5t/ha that's a given. But if it produces 7t/ha in most years and a bit more in some, that's

“Some of the benefits from looking at the finer detail may only be small, but at the end of the day it is the aggregation of these improvements that will make all the difference.

“Take the case of headlands for example. It could be that you have turned on two particular headlands for many years without really appreciating the

"Looking at yield information from the last 3 - 5 years could tell you yields are down 15% win these areas, probably as a result of compaction, and a quick calculation can reveal exactly what that is costing in money terms.

“It could be that a better result can be achieved through planting some wildflowers or pollen and nectar (IPM2 or AHL1) and using that

“The last thing you want to be doing is replacing profitable cropping with game cover, for example, through a lack of imagination and information or simply time to evaluate the situation properly.”

Non-farmers snap up half of all farmland sold last year

• Farmers account for fewest purchases

• Corporate investors snap up farmland

• Lifestyle buyers and big purchases

Non-farmers purchased more than half of all farms sold on the open market last year, suggest the latest figures from land agents Strutt & Parker.

Farmers accounted for the lowest level of transactions on record during 2023 – equivalent to only 44% of open market transactions during the year when historically they have tended to be involved in 50-60% of purchases.

Strutt & Parker said the figures confirmed the significance of private and institutional investors in the agricultural land market. This included overseas investors and corporations seeking to secure land for environmental reasons, including carbon sequestration.

Larger farms

the marketplace this does not necessarily mean that the land in question is being taken out of food production.

“Many of the farms and estates continue to be productively farmed,” he said.

Non-farmer buyers – who include a mix of private and institutional investors and lifestyle buyers – accounted for 56% of sales. Because these purchasers also tend to buy larger farms, they bought a larger area of land than farmers too.

Private investors were involved in 28% of transactions, institutional investors in 13% – a rise of 10% on 2022 levels – and lifestyle buyers in 16%.

“The growing role of non-farmers has proved to be a defining feature of the farmland market in recent years,” says Matthew Sudlow, head of Strutt & Parker's farm agency. “What we have seen over the past 12 months is that farmers have understandably become more cautious.”

Factors included higher interest rates, falling support payments, cost pressures and the impact of some horrendous weather conditions. Meanwhile, investors and lifestyle buyers continued to see farmland as an attractive and safe long-term investment.”

Food production

While non-farmers are more active in

“Some of their new owners are placing more of a focus on regenerative farming techniques and improving biodiversity. Although there has been lots of media attention about land being bought for tree planting, the acreage involved in England at the moment is still tiny.

A 197-acre block of land in Suffolk, sold in September 2023 with a guide price of £2,000,000

Rising prices

This led to a slightly lower percentage of farms and estates selling at or above the guide price. That said, high prices have continued to be paid for bestin-class properties, pushing up average values, added Mr Sudlow.

The average price of arable land in England rose by 4% between 2022 and 2023, with an average price paid of £11,300/acre. Over 70% of the arable land traded in England during 2023 made more than £10,000/acre.

Context is everything when it comes to looking at trends, added Mr Sudlow. The total amount of land bought and sold each year typically represented less than 1% of the total agricultural land area, he explained.

As is usual, there was a much greater variability in pasture prices, because grassland can differ so much in terms of quality, with prices ranging from a low of £4,000/acre to a high of £16,100/acre, with an average of

“Even if the amount of land being bought by green investors is growing, it still represents a tiny percentage of the total land area. The reality is that most agricultural land continues to be in the hands of farmers despite what looks to be a significant shift in buyer types.”

The Farmland Database records the sale of all farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed land in England over 100 acres in size. It shows overall that demand was slightly weaker in 2023 with interest becoming more variable in some regions.

£8,700/acre.

At 75,500 acres, supply on the open market fell slightly in 2023. But it was the second highest total in the past five years. Once off-market sales are factored in then it is estimated that well over 100,000 acres were available, which is the highest acreage for a number of years.

Mathew Sudlow: must be seen in context

Thousands apply for Sustainable Farming Incentive

• More than 50 additional options

• 10% increase in payment rates

• Much easier application process

More than 10,000 farmers have now applied to join the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – and receive payments actions that support food production and the environment.

One-in-eight eligible farmers having submitted applications for the Defra scheme in the four months since it re-opened last September. This is on top of the 32,000 Countryside Stewardship agreements which are already in place.

tive has something on offer for every type of farm business, so it’s pleasing to see the scheme proving popular with farmers across England.

are under SFI management, says Defra

The SFI pays farmers for taking actions that support farm productivity and resilience while protecting and enhancing the environment. Defra said it had attracted applications from farmers across the country, with every type and size of farm business represented.

As of January, 174,000ha of arable land are now being managed without insecticides. A further 71,000ha of low input grassland are focused on improving sustainability, and almost 15,000km of hedgerows are under management.

It comes as Defra also announces the winners of the On-Farm Environ-

“For those who have not yet applied, I encourage you to take a look at how the scheme could work for your business so you can join the thousands of other farmers already getting paid.”

The relaunched scheme includes a simpler application process – developed by Defra following farmer feedback. There are 50 new management options for farmers to choose from and a 10% average increase in payments.

Help and advice

Farmers joining the scheme can be in Countryside Stewardship at the same time – so long as the actions they choose are compatible. Some 23 actions are already on offer with more to follow when the scheme ex-

“

It has something for everyone

Urging farmers to apply sooner rather than later, Defra said this would ensure growers could benefit from funding available now. They could then add actions to their agreements annually – or have multiple agreements – if they wanted to carry out further actions.

Sector-specific webinars will be held this March to give farmers and land managers a chance to give their feedback and learn more about SFI. Farmers can find out more about upcoming webinars and Defra regional events by visiting www.defra.gov.uk.

Defra representatives will be on stands at agricultural shows this summer with more information as it is announced. Farmers can also access free business advice through the Farming Resilience Fund, or by calling the Rural Payment Service helpline on 03000 200 301.

Key appointments for farming and environment team

Land agents and farm business advisers Bidwells has made two appointments to its agriculture and environment team.

In a senior consultancy role, Michael Muncey worked for Bayer in Europe before being appointed country manager for the company in the UK and Ireland. He will provide consultancy about enhancing farm and agricultural assets to landowners across the UK.

Matthew Page joined Bidwells as a graduate consultant after finishing a degree in agriculture at Harper Adams University. He will deliver farm management and consultancy

services, with a key interest in the sustainability of modern agriculture.

Ian Ashbridge, partner in Bidwells agriculture and environment team said: “Both Michael and Matthew’s appointments are really exciting as they will continue to strengthen the knowledge and skills within our team.

“The agricultural outlook is changing fast, as post-Brexit policy begins to be implemented and the transition away from area-based support payments takes effect. While prices for soft commodities have increased sharply, farm businesses are also seeing unprecedented cost pressure.”

Joining the team... Michael Muncey(left) and Matthew Page

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Professional services

New rights could make diversification easier

Changes to permitted development rights could benefit farmers, says Suzanne Tucker

Farmers and landowners could find it easier to convert old buildings into new homes following changes to permitted development rights.

The UK is facing a national shortage of good quality and affordable homes, so a raft of new measures have been suggested to stop unnecessary planning red tape slowing down the delivery of new properties.

One of the ways the Government is proposing to make the planning system more efficient and effective to overcome the shortfall in housing supply is by amending permitted development (PD) rights.

Some of these proposed changes apply to agricultural permitted development and, if made law, new legislation will soon allow farmers to diversify the use of buildings and deliver new housing on their land without the need for a long and arduous planning process.

More conversions

The first planned changes are to the size and number of Class Q homes – agricultural buildings converted into dwellings – which can be delivered by a farmer.

This will allow more homes to be delivered, and expand the type and location of buildings that can benefit from the right as well as extending the scope of works that can be undertaken.

Government proposals are to simplify regulations to a single maximum floorspace of 100 or 150m2 per home, while the maximum number of homes increasing from five to 10 per agricultural unit with an overall maximum floorspace changing use of 1000sqm.

This encourages farmers to deliver a greater number of smaller homes on their land, by re-using existing buildings and thereby reducing the pressure to build homes on greenfield sites, says Ms Tucker.

“It's worth noting that whatever building you would like to convert into a dwelling must be suitable for conversion. Full demolition and rebuild is not allowed.

“Permitted works for a barn conversion include things like the installation or replacement of windows and doors or adding water, drainage, gas and electricity supplies."

Rear extension changes

The proposed changes suggest that rear extensions to Class Q conversions be allowed. Previously, any increase in the size of the original agricultural building was not allowed but this could be waived in the future.

This could allow single storey extensions of up to 4m to the back of a building if the land is already hard-surfaced (for example if it’s a farmyard), with any extension falling within the overall floorspace limit.

Whatever dwellings farmers have planned, the existing agricultural building must comply with minimum space standards (a floorspace of 37sqm) before being granted permission to be developed.

The proposed new Class Q PD rights could be extended to apply to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a view to delivering more rural homes in such locations through the re-use of underused buildings.

The proposed allowance for rear extensions would not apply in these locations and World Heritage Sites are not included within the areas benefitting from this proposed expansion of the PD rights.

Changes to permitted development rights

A potential conversion must be suitable

seek to bring back into use agricultural buildings which are no longer part of an established unit.

Under the proposed changes, planning for a change of use could be granted permission, for example, for a barn which was once part of a working farm, but is no longer part of the main agricultural unit.

There are also proposed changes to the PD rights allowing changes of use of buildings from agricultural to commercial use (Class R). This includes extending the legislation to buildings currently used for forestry or equestrian use.

It would allow different uses, such as outdoor sports or fitness or the processing of raw goods which have been produced on the farm and will be sold on site. It could also allow a mix of uses and a doubling of the allowable floorspace to 1,000sqm.

Extending your business

You may want to extend or build more properties on your farm for your own agricultural use, and under the proposed changes, there could be greater flexibility to do this.

Class A of Part 6 – which permits the building or extension of agricultural buildings and excavation and engineering works on units of 5ha or more – could be amended to increase the size limit by 500 square metres.

This would allow for any new building or extension erected to include other such development within the last two years to cover up to 1,500m2 of ground area.

Class B of Part 6 (relating to smaller units of less than 5ha) could also be amended to raise the ground area limit within the rolling two year period to 1,250m2, up from 1,000m2.

Suzanne Tucker is a partner at Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler

Biodiversity Net Gain is 'opportunity for farmers'

ew rules requiring developers to replace wildlife habitats destroyed during construction projects could provide an opportunity for farmers.

After years of proposals, the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy came into effect on 12 February. It means developments of 10 or more dwellings must deliver at least 10% improvement in wildlife habitat than there was before the development took place.

David Hill, who pioneered the concept of BNG, said he welcomed the implementation of the BNG framework.Professor Hill is past president of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and chaiman of the Environment Bank.

“From now on, almost all development will be required to comply with BNG. This much-needed and transformative legislation will deliver vital investment to the natural environment, restoring ecosystems and building resilience against the effects of climate change.

“It was in 2004 that I first suggested that all development should be required to create gains for nature as a result of the development activity. I have promoted the concept of BNG for nearly 20 years, establishing Environment Bank to obtain land to put into nature.”

Describing the implementation of BNG as a game-changer, Prof Hill said it could be a big benefit for farmers. “With farming families facing innumerable challenges, the mandating of BNG means a diversified income stream for farmers.”

The model favoured by Environment Bank involves leasing land to preserve and restore natural ecosystems. Farmers and landowners retain ownership and management of the land, receiving tax-efficient annual payments of up to £60,000 per year, secured for 30 years.

The Biodiversity Units from these Habitat Banks are then raised for developers, with Environment Bank taking all liability for their delivery. This helps developers meet their BNG requirements – now mandated in law from this month – while supporting nature restoration at scale.

David Hill: pioneered concept of Biodiversity Net Gain

FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Vive la France!

French-style protests are needed for British farmers to get a better deal, says Fen Tiger

Rebellion. It's happening across Europe. Farmers are protesting against low prices, unachievable carbon targets, unfair foreign competition and rising costs.

You have to chuckle silently when French farmers complain of an uneven playing field and dwindling farm support payments. How many years have they ignored all the rules despite being the biggest beneficiary of money from Brussels? They seem to be a law unto themselves.

But the French get results. What do us British farmers do? We moan and groan and accept our fate. Our union says protest should be the last resort – doing nothing to support our stance. Rather than laugh, we should applaud our fellow French farmers and their union leaders.

Thousands of French farmers block major roads and the majority of the French popu-

“

Our incomes are shrinking

lation continue to value and support them. Here, farmers in Wales hold a demonstration at Carmarthen livestock market and so few people notice they could almost be invisible

The French union is so powerful that French prime minister Gabriel Attal feels moved to defend the farming sector calling it “our strength, our pride”. Mr Attal has already met with French farm leaders and given in to their demands.

He has paused on the new pesticide ban, reversed a price hike on tractor diesel and pledged to go no further than EU law requires when it comes to environmental restrictions. A long list of promises or grand words to placate the French farmers?

Green envy

Environmentalists are concerned. They question France's commitment to planet-friendly policies in the face of such protests. But French farmers can no longer earn a living due to cheap imports, reduced subsidies and a rise in production. Welcome to the real world!

French farmers face similar problems as farmers here in Britain. Our incomes are shrinking. Most of our farms are classed as either arable, livestock or mixed. But the French include vineyards and cheese-makers – farming is a fundamental part of their national cultural heritage.

Unlike our own NFU, the French have smaller unions but more of them. These un-

ions vary in their ambition and commitment to the cause. Taken together, though, the power of French farmers and the power of their agricultural sector should not be underestimated.

Radical change

Smaller local protests have been held here. And it's great pity that our own union lacks the power or steel to organise any similar French-style action. Weak and unable to influence government policy, its time for a radial change in our agricultural sector.

At the very least, the NFU should be taking out advertisements in local newspapers highlighting the gulf between retail food prices and farmgate returns. But in reality, much more is needed to fight farming's corner – much, much more.

With a keen focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, government policies are slowly killing our farms. Making a living from food production is difficult enough without needless meddling by politicians who see farming as part of the problem rather than a potential solution.

So we plod on accepting what is pushed upon us – and wait for the real possibility that is a change of government. It's not an ideal situation but it is one that has remained unchanged for decades. And it will stay that way unless our unions start to make real political progress.

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