Richard Hellyer Farm Manager on a 700ha heavy clay farm at Hatley St George, Bedfordshire
We purchased the Triton 6m drill in 2021 to replace heavy cultivations and reduce labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to maximise our winter wheat acreage and drop spring drilled crops from the rotation. The Triton drill has exceeded our expectations with a dramatic reduction in costs and with wheats averaging 11tha which is higher than we were getting from our previous heavy cultivation and plough system. It is true to say that the Triton will drill clay effectively in virtually any conditions and gives the confidence to drill wheat later to reduce black grass.
labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to drop spring drilled crops from the rotation. The Triton drill has exceeded our expectations with a dramatic reduction in costs and with wheats averaging 11tha which is higher than we were getting from our previous heavy cultivation and plough system. It is true to say that the Triton will drill clay effectively in any conditions and gives the confidence to drill wheat later to reduce black grass.
Twin hold roll pin blade removal system and backward leaning air borne upper blade for trash lift and ease of trash flow
Twin hold roll pin blade removal system and backward leaning air borne upper blade for trash lift and ease of trash flow
Seed depth tail 40mm deep holding the seed at correct depth and placing seed on either side of seed terrace
Seed depth tail 40mm deep holding the seed at correct depth and placing seed on either side of seed terrace
at correct depth and placing seed on either side of seed terrace
Next Generation Patented Drilling Blades
Next Generation Patented Drilling Blades
direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields consistently achieving higher yields from the land. The Triton is the only all weather seed drill on the market that gives the flexibility
claiming all weather capabilities – don't
Triton launched its unique deep soil engagement direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. Six years later we are consistently achieving higher yields from the Triton than from ploughed trials on our own land. The Triton is the only all weather seed drill on the market that gives the flexibility to grow maximum profit autumn sown crops whilst reducing blackgrass from late drilling. A number of other manufacturers are now claiming all weather capabilities – don't be caught out, get a demo against a Triton.
Triton launched its unique deep soil engagement direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. Six years later we are consistently achieving higher yields from the Triton than from ploughed trials on our own land. The Triton is the only all weather seed drill on the market that gives the flexibility to grow maximum profit autumn sown crops whilst reducing blackgrass from late drilling. A number of other manufacturers are now claiming all weather capabilities – don't be caught out, get a demo against a Triton.
Downward facing upper blade does not hook grass weed seed up from below stale seed bed and field surface
Downward facing upper blade does not hook grass weed seed up from below stale seed bed and field surface
Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance
Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance
SOIL SURFACE
SOIL SURFACE
Drilling at 40mm depth
Drilling at 40mm depth
Downward facing upper blade holds field surface in place minimising soil eruption in the stale seed bed
Downward facing upper blade holds field surface in place minimising soil eruption in the stale seed bed
14cm deep lower blade takes blade deep below ground for air drainage and rooting
14cm deep lower blade takes blade deep below ground for air drainage and rooting
Triton North & Scotland: 07712 831718 (Steve) (S.T. Gowan Agri)
Triton UK: 01223 891888 (East Anglia & Midlands)
Triton North & Scotland: 07712 831718 (Steve) (S.T. Gowan Agri)
Abington Farm Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire CB21 6AX
labour and fuel costs. The Triton has allowed us to drop spring crops Triton drill exceeded with a in costs and with wheats 11tha which higher than were getting from our heavy cultivation and It true to the will drill clay effectively in any conditions and gives confidence to wheat later to black Abington Farm Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire CB21 6AX www.tritonseeddrills.com
Abington Farm Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire CB21 6AX www.tritonseeddrills.com
Midland Farmer
EDITORIAL
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OPINION Johann Tasker
New government must rebuild trust
Promises made and promises broken. That was largely the hallmark of the last government when it came to farming. Time and again British farmers and growers were promised a better and brighter future by the Conservative administration. But the Tory government under successive Prime Ministers did little to deliver on those pledges.
Shameful legacy
Midland Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the Midlands (Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) or companies supplying goods and services to the sector. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares.
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Take just a few: the promise to maintain the budget for farming at current levels after the UK left the European Union. Broken. The promise that British farmers wouldn’t be undercut by food imports produced using methods that would be illegal in this country. Broken. And the promise that trade with the European Union would be as seamless now as it was before Brexit. Broken again.
Little wonder then that support drained away among farmers for the Conservatives in the two years running up to the General Election.
Those promises are in the past. Made by politicians no longer in power. But their consequences will be felt for years to come – not just on farms across the country but by everyone who depends on British farmers.
We have said before that farmers face huge challenges as they strive to produce high quality food and drink at an affordable price for consumers while delivering for the environment.
Looking forward
The new government has a duty to put right the wrongs of the previous administration. It should start by recognising the importance of food security and by encouraging food production –not at all costs, but in a way that is sustainable for farmers, consumers and the planet. And that means financially, not just environmentally. The new government must also avoid the temptation to use agriculture as a cash cow. That means increasing the budget for agriculture, not just maintaining it. It also means avoiding unfairly milking the industry for tax.
Agriculture has much to offer – not just in terms of food production. Politicians would be wise to remember that it also supports jobs, maintains the landscape and is key when it comes to mitigating climate change.
Johann Tasker Editor
Open Farm Sunday puts farming in the spotlight
More than 225 farms opened their gates to the public last month to celebrate the best of British agriculture.
The industry’s 18th annual Open Farm Sunday on 9 June saw events take place across East Anglia. Organised by the Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) charity since, the day put farming centre stage.
OFS manager Annabel Shackleton thanked everyone who opened their gates to show visitors the incredible story behind the journey British food takes from field to fork.
“It has been a truly tremendous celebration of the hard work that farming’s guardians of the earth do day in day out to farm sustainably in harmony with nature. The feedback we’ve received has been phenomenal.”
Media coverage included local and regional radio stations, highlighting the work farmers and encouraged visitors to discover the farming stories on their doorstep.”
is so important to our industry and in contributing to the wider education of local communities”
Huge support
An overwhelming majority (94%) of think growers and livestock producers are important – but only 12% are wellinformed about what farmers do for the countryside, according to a LEAFcommissioned study.
“Our survey findings demonstrate why an event like Open Farm Sunday
It showed people have a healthy appetite to learn more about what farmers do for the environment and food production, added Ms Shackleton.
“The most powerful voices to share their knowledge and experiences are those of farmers themselves.”
Next year’s Open Farm Sunday will be on 8 June 2025. For full details, visit www.farmsunday.org
Trials give fresh hope for sustainable wheat yields
Silicon can boost crop nutrient uptake
Better wheat yields could achieved by using biostimulants to reduce reliance on fertiliser and agrochemicals, suggests a trial.
Carried out by plant breeder KWS and biostimulants specialist Orion Future Technologies, researchers who treated wheat with silicon found that the crop was better at taking up essential nutrients.
These included iron, manganese, copper and zinc as well as silicon, said Orion agronomist Mike Stoker. “This makes the plant stronger and better
form of bioavailable liquid Sirius. The wheat varieties were KWS Dawsum, Extase, Palladium, Ultimatum and Zyatt.
Biostimulants
help make the plant stronger’ “
Silicon at T2 helped reduce lodging and enhance drought tolerance
In scavenging for the added available silicon, Mr Stoker said the wheat naturally encountered and took up increased levels of other beneficial nutrients – as well as downregulating the uptake of substances like aluminium and sodium.
The variety KWQS Ultimatum had the highest accumulation of iron and showed the highest yield increase –a boost of 16%. Sirius was applied at 0.25 litres/ha and at 0.5 litres/ha to see if a higher dose would provide better results.
Improvements
“Interestingly, most varieties responded similarly to both doses, showing that just a small increase in silicon uptake can provide considerable yield improvements,” said Mr Stoker, probably due to the way Sirius mixes in the tank.
“We often find lower doses remain efficacious because bioavailable silicon breaks apart in water, so using less provides the molecules more capacity to separate.
“It is also important to add that silicon does not have a detrimental effect on any other products being used, including fertilisers and plant protection products.
The most consistent improvements in the uptake of nutrients measured was found with the variety KWS
Uptake of boron, copper, manganese, zinc and iron all increased when Extase was treated with Sirius. Once absorbed, silicon was deposited within and between the cells of the plant which increased dry matter levels, and had a positive effect on yield.”
Iron deficiency is exacerbated by waterlogged soils like those seen in this growing season. Mr Stoker says that this can seriously diminish yield and the final nutritional quality of crops, particularly in alkaline soils.
He further suggests that manganese deficiency has been identified as the most widespread trace element problem in UK arable crops and is also commonly associated with persistently wet soils.
“As manganese is linked with both disease resistance pathways and winter hardiness, an autumn application of Sirius lends itself to stronger cereal crop performance the following spring.
“The trials have shown that applications at T2 will provide benefits such as reduced lodging, enhanced drought tolerance and better nutrient flow into the forming grains.”
Courgettes show benefits from silicon too
Applying silicon to courgettes almost doubled the weight of the fruit – and helped strengthen the plant against powdery mildew.
The link between plant health, fruit weight and silicon uptake was identified by a postgraduate student undertaking a glasshouse study at Hertfordshire University. The trial used 40ml of silicon biostimulant Sirius at a concentration of 0.2%.
Research supervisor Avice Hall said: “The findings are very encouraging for any grower looking to boost plant health and courgette weight while mitigating the effect of powdery mildew.”
Silicon was applied to the soil on a weekly basis for eight weeks. It was compared to a control sample given deionised water in the same volume
as the treated plants received silicon to ensure both received the same amount of water.
“The average weight of courgettes treated with Sirius was 180g which, compared to the control at 95g, shows that the addition of silicon almost doubled the weight of the fruit,” says Dr Hall.
The study also charted the effect of powdery mildew on the plants. By leaf counting, the study identified that, in almost all of the eight weeks, the silicon enhanced plants had fewer infected leaves.
The addition of silicon also helped the treated plants produce more courgettes and, by week four, the average number of the fruits was almost six, compared with four fruits produced by the untreated plants in the same time.
Mike Stoker: higher yields
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Nurture green leaf development Key to stop disease taking hold
High disease pressure could restrict yield potential in late sown pulse crops racing through growth stages to recover from the wet spring.
Many which were slow to establish are now playing catchup. But increasingly high disease risks threaten to restrict green leaf area development and harvest yield, says Syngenta technical manager Simon Jackson.
“Rust is currently the major risk in spring beans,” says Mr Jackson. “Growers should target an effective treatment at first pod set, to stop disease getting es tablished.”
Experience of spring beans in similar conditions last season highlighted the benefit of a twospray strategy, with a follow up in mid-July to ensure sustained rust control and protect green leaf to complete pod fill.
Rapid growth
“Although late sown beans are growing rapidly – where grow ers might consider a one spray strategy may suffice – extending the growing season with robust disease control will help them to
achieve their yield potential.”
Bean crop prices have remained consistently buoyant, compared to other combinable crops, that warrants investment to maximise yields.
If cool, wet conditions persist, growers should consider an initial application of Elatus Era to target rust and chocolate spot if cool. This could be followed with an Amistar application in to help maintain healthy green leaf through pod fill.
“With the fast-growing crop,
er including Vixeran biofertiliser with the initial fungicide application.”
“As an additional readily available nitrogen supply that will support crop development and maintain the green leaf biomass, Vixeran has proven especially useful in promoting bean crop growth.”
Pea performance
Mr Jackson highlights good results from Elatus Era treatment on combining peas. This season’s wet spring weather has been especially favourable
pea staining.
Syngenta field trials in combining peas last year reinforced the importance of the early flowering (T1) timing for disease control.
The research in Yorkshire showed Elatus Era was by far the most effective T1 treatment for powdery mildew control, giving 84% reduction in infection, compared to untreated, while at the same timing Signum gave just 36% reduction.
“Elatus Era can be applied from growth stage 51 in pulses, right through to 20% of pods having reached full size (GS 72). That makes it highly flexible for protection of fast-growing pea crops,” says Mr Jackson.
Growers can make a single application of Elatus Era at a rate of up to 0.66 l/ha in field peas and beans. Syngenta biofertiliser trials have also shown effective results from Nuello iN endophyte seed treatment in peas.
It showed improvements in both rooting and crop growth.
“Supporting development of this season’s rapid crop growth with endophyte nutrient capture, will give peas the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
LG
CARAVELLE WINTER BARLEY
• Highest yielding 2-row winter barley on the 24/25 RL
• Robust disease resistance package
• Excellent specific weight
New hard wheat varieties bring security for growers
• Sector remains important as ever
• Mix of strong agronomics and yield
• More varieties under development
Hard feed wheats are set to feature heavily again in autumn cropping plans – as growers look to bounce back from a rain-hit season.
Winter wheat remains the highest gross margin crop on most arable farms, with yield still seen as king for maximising returns. And hard varieties already account for more than half of the UK wheat market.
But achieving high yields when faced with more extreme and unpredictable weather will require varieties with strong agronomics and proven, consistent, performance across multiple seasons.
Genetic gains
“Farmers are increasingly looking for security on-farm,” says Ron Granger, arable technical manager for Limagrain UK. “You need a variety that delivers the right agronomics, as well as high yield.”
Limagrain has a range of new hard wheat varieties coming through its UK breeding programme. Launched two
You need a variety that delivers “
years ago, they include LG Typhoon, newcomer LG Beowulf and 2024 recommended list candidate variety LG Rebellion.
Specific weight
LG Typhoon is rated 9 for yellow rust resistance and 7.2 for Septoria. It also has orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) resistance, good specific weight and a slow, prostrate growth habit that suits both early sowing and wide-row direct drilling.
Typhoon joined the recommended list in 2022 with a range of beneficial agronomic traits. “These characteristics have seen it deliver excellent consistency across different seasons and regions.”
The variety’s suitability for early drilling could be particularly pertinent this autumn, given the likely desire by growers to avoid a repeat of last year, when many drilling plans were halted by heavy rain during October onwards.
Strong parentage
Newcomer LG Beowulf takes genetic gains a stage further. Building on its strong Costello x Gleam parentage, it delivers a range of desirable agronomic characteristics that make it the highest yielding variety on the recommended list.
With proven performance across a range of situations, soil types and regions, LG Beowulf is rated 9 for yellow rust and 6.7 for Septoria. It has
New hard wheats from Limagrain
LG Typhoon
Agronomic characteristics for securing consistent yield performance over multiple seasons and regions on farm
LG Beowulf, the highest yielding variety on the recommended list
Prostrate growth with high tillering capacity suits early drilling, direct-drill regen situations
Excellent disease resistance (especially Septoria and yellow rust) - high untreated yield, OWBM resistance
+2 maturity versus Skyfall
Good specific weight
LG Beowulf
The highest yielding variety, offering high yield potential in all regions, including the North
Wide drilling window and suitability for a range of situations (1st vs 2nd wheat), and differing soil types
Excellent disease profile (especially yellow rust and Septoria), OWBM resistance, and tall, stiff straw
Similar maturity to LG Typhoon
Excellent grain quality, combining a high Hagberg and specific weight
LG Rebellion (Candidate 2024)
High yield potential combined with the desirable agronomic characteristics of KWS Extase
Agronomics suit the main October and later drilling dates on farm. Very high untreated yield (97) reflects strong all-round disease profile
Excellent disease resistance profile - similar to KWS Extase, plus Pch1 eyespot resistance
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stiff straw, strong tillering, OWBM resistance and good grain quality, particularly specific weight.
The variety has also inherited Gleam’s robustness and ability to be sown into a wide range of drilling dates and still deliver on yield, says Mr Granger.
Candidate variety LG Rebellion capitalises on its KWS Extase parentage to give high untreated yields. It too has a strong disease resistance, notably against yellow rust and septoria, with the additional genetics of Pch1 eyespot resistance.
LG Rebellion is also earlier maturing than KWS Extase. Unusually for a hard Group 4 variety, it has export potential thanks to its excellent grain quality.
Different boxes
“It ticks many different boxes and gives growers the option of going for something that’s a bit different to other hard feed wheats on the market,” says Mr Granger.
Meanwhile, more varieties are in the pipeline. They include two hard wheats in national list trials which could progress as candidates as soon as 2025 – the result of several years of development, says plant breeder Phil Tailby.
“When the UK market started shifting towards hard wheats several years ago, it took a few years for breeding programmes to adapt and new hard wheat varieties to come through,” says Mr Tailby.
“But, by using powerful breeding tools, such as marker-assisted and genomic selection, we have been able to increase selection intensity, improve selection accuracy, and reduce the time needed to develop the next generation.
“This ultimately drives faster varietal improvements, delivering the traits that growers want and need in modern wheat varieties.”
Market still important for UK growers
Group 4 hard wheats are expected to remain a key market sector for UK growers, says David Brown, of farmer-owned cooperative Openfield.
While many hard Group 4 wheats go into livestock feed, a potential milling premium is sometimes available. This is typically worth £2-5/t over the feed price for crops of sufficient quality to be blended with other high-protein varieties.
Milling demand and specifications for hard wheats vary season-by-season. Users typically require 10.7% protein, 180 Hagberg and 74kg/ hl specific weight. But in some seasons these thresholds can fall as low as 10.2%, 130 and 74 kg/hl.
“Milling demand and hard wheat specifications are usually made in September, once millers know the quality profile for EU and UK crops,” says Mr Brown.
The UK is currently trading at import parity for full-spec Group 1 milling wheat, he adds. “If millers continue to import, we could see more opportunity for UK hard wheat going into the grist.”
Much will depend on the size and quality of crops in the UK and elsewhere, which at the time of
writing, remains uncertain given the challenging weather across much of Europe, explains Mr Brown.
“With a reduced wheat area in the ground for this harvest – estimated at around 1.4 million ha - a much lower UK crop is widely anticipated, although estimates vary as to how much it will be down.
“The crop in the ground to be harvested in August 2024 could be between 9 and 11 million tonnes, which is comparable with 2020. To put this into context, crop 2022 was 15.5 million tonnes and crop 2023 is circa 14 million tonnes.”
Potentially, that could help support markets. But with a lower crop, the UK will be more reliant on imports, which is therefore likely to cap domestic prices. In any case, the UK will continue to follow global markets.
“These did move slightly higher during May, but all eyes remain fixed on the new crop and how that will be impacted by the weather around the world, and other events – such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
LG Typhoon has some key attributes – and excellent consistency, which will appear to growers
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Arable Could Bamford redefine the UK soft wheat sector?
High-yielding soft wheat Bamford is generating some serious attention as one of the newest varieties on the recommended list. The Group 3 variety from Elsoms has proved to one of the most fascinating additions to this year’s winter wheat line-up, with its very high treated and untreated yield figures. We asked four seed experts for their opinion.
Kate
Armstrong Seed manager, Cefetra
Bamford was the standout variety in last year’s trials. It was miles ahead of other Group 3s and actually outperformed most Group 4 feeds.
There’s no doubt it has been at the top of many to-see lists for growers this year. It offers the joint highest yield with the opportunity for a premium.
There’s no such thing as a perfect variety, so the fact it doesn’t have orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) resistance isn’t a major negative for me, so long as growers are fully aware. Many popular varieties don’t have OWBM resistance either so it’s not a barrier to success.
Most wheat growers I talk to spread their risk, so pairing a non-OWBM resistant variety with one that has resistance is a sensible strategy.
The only potential negative is the stigma among growers towards Group 3s in recent years caused by historically lower yielding varieties.
But if growers focus on the strong agronomics and marketability, it has a tremendous future.
Duncan Durno Arable technical manager, Openfield
With a yield on par with the highest yielding Group 4 wheats, Bamford is an excellent option for any feed wheat grower – and it would be wrong to pigeonhole it simply as a Group 3 wheat.
Bamford also brings much needed improved agronomics to the soft wheat sector.
Its high untreated yield is re-enforced by a 6.7 score for septoria and it offers good lodging resistance, both of which were lacking in some of the older varieties.
Good grain quality, including the highest specific weight of any soft wheat, also gives growers some comfort in difficult harvests.
But for me, it’s the good marketability with potential premiums without compromising either yield or agronomics that makes Bamford a stand-out variety.
Gthe water until Bamford’s arrival. For me, the variety has redefined the landscape for soft wheats to the extent that I no longer think that using Group 3 or Group 4 is the right terminology anymore.
There was always a premium for Group 3s over soft 4s – that doesn’t exist anymore. And soft 4’s generally had a yield advantage over soft 3s – and that doesn’t exist anymore either.
So, in my head, there is now only milling wheat, high- or low-quality soft wheat and hard feed wheat. Bamford is the catalyst that has blown apart the traditional definitions of what a soft wheat should be – it’s a vigorous, showy, big biomass variety.
Last year, across 15 different regional Agrii trials, Bamford was the overall highest yielding wheat in both our treated and untreated categories
Given that 2023 was a bad Septoria year, I think those results reflect well on its score
Tis very timely, if a little overdue. It’s the best Group 3 soft wheat since the halcyon days of Consort and Riband in the 1990s – and arguably the best winter wheat on the current recommended list.
Its strong disease profile, backed by a very high untreated yield, is an eyeopener. Aas the industry moves towards less reliance on agrochemical inputs, Bamford’s agronomic credentials look strong enough to deal with that sea change.
It’s the equal highest yielding winter wheat variety in the UK, it offers you multiple market opportunities to achieve a premium and comes with fewer risks and question marks than many other varieties on the current recommended list
On export opportunities, it’s a bit too early to confirm if Bamford is what the European
Emma, Hinkley Leicestershire
Potato Days UK event to be held in September
Tickets are now available for a new potato industry event –due to be held on 4-5 Septem ber at Nocton, near Lincoln.
Called Potato Days UK, the two day event in the one of the country’s major potato growing regions will be hosted by Dyson Farming and organised by DLG – the company behind some of the world’s major agricultural shows, including Agritechnica.
Demonstration crop
It will include an extensive outdoor exhibitor zone, marquee space and a 12ha demonstration crop, including machinery courtesy of Grimme.
Trial plots have been planted and visitors will see new technologies in weed reduction, crop protection and inputs, different varieties and innovative irrigation systems.
Ghow director Lars Huf said “These live crop trials give visitors the opportunity experience potato growing and agronomy up close.
including Germany. Now the event is coming to the UK.
“Our trial plot exhibitors will be on hand to show you what’s going on and explain how their technologies, services and new approaches are helping the world of the potato grower advance and evolve sustainably and efficiently.”
Although new to the UK, Potato Days is part of a well-established Potato Europe family of events. They mix trade stands with crop plots, talks and discussions with machinery demonstrations – so there promises much to entertain visitors.
“Potato Days UK is an event that will support farmers, growers and the wider value chain to succeed, through sustainable potato production to meet the increasing demands on the sector.”
“Our aim is to create the essential platform for industry professionals to meet, share knowledge and see the latest machinery and technology.”
For full details and to secure a ticket, visit www.potato-days.uk
Potato Days take place in a number of European countries,
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Oilseeds special
Rape still viable – but keep costs under control
• Fluctuating margins for oilseed rape
• High fertiliser prices are major factor
• Identify areas to make improvement
Benchmarking performance and keeping an eye on input costs will be key for profitable oilseed rape production during the coming season.
Big swings in rape prices, increasing input costs and variable yields mean net margins for oilseed rape have fluctuated considerably over the last five years, says the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
But AHDB analysis indicates that despite the challenges, financially rape still represents a reasonable break crop compared to the legume fallow or herbal ley actions under the Sustainable Farming Incentive, depending on farm system and rotation.
Strong market prices were the main driver of higher net margins in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 cropping years. But in other recent seasons, margins have been tight or even negative, with growers losing on average £100/ha.
Yields 12% below the five-year
average contributed to low margins in 2019/20, according to AHDB Farmbench data from more than 200 growers. But Defra figures suggest an even bigger yield drop of 22%.
This suggests net margins might have fluctuated even more for some farmers, says AHDB senior analyst Helen Plant. Increasing costs also played a role among growers who lost money in 2022/23.
Fertiliser prices
“By far the biggest factor affecting the variable costs has been rising fertiliser prices,” says Ms Plant. Fertiliser made up 64% of the total variable costs in 2022/23, according to the Farmbench figures.
and rental equivalent on owned land –all saw notable increases in 2022/23, rising by 15% , says Ms Plant.
Better decisions
“Previously they have typically been less than 50% of the total, with the remainder made up of crop protection costs, seed costs, and other variable costs.” Spot fertiliser prices have since eased but remain higher than before Russia invaded Ukraine.
“
Still a reasonable break crop
“Against this cost backdrop, knowing your full cost of production is more important than ever for evaluating net margins. It may also help make decisions about schemes, such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).”
“Analysing your business and knowing what it costs to grow each crop in your rotation can also help when marketing your crop. It is difficult to know what a ‘good sale price’ is without knowing the true cost of production.”
Farmbench helps growers identify their strengths and weaknesses by comparing variable and overhead costs to other similar businesses. Cost reduction strategies can then be targeted to the areas with the greatest potential for improvement.
It could identify whether a grower has most to gain from reviewing their fertiliser application strategy, for example, or by using a contractor to undertake fieldwork.
For Farmbench details, visit https://ahdb.org.uk/farmbench
How digital water trap helps growers tackle flea beetle
• Remote monitoring of oilseed rape
• Continuously updated information
• Pest pressure set direct to growers
An innovative digital support tool means growers can now remotely monitor the migra tion of key oilseed rape pests.
Launched at Cereals 2024, MagicTrap from Bayer is a fully automated, nex- generation digital yellow water trap. It provides farmers and agronomists with continuously updated information on pest pressure. The trap autonomously detects, categorises and quantifies a range of insects. It can distinguish between pests and beneficials, ensuring growers never miss a pest migration.
Available initially for oilseed rape, Magic Trap accurately detects cabbage stem flea beetle, weevil and pollen beetle. Traps have been in commercial use in Germany for the
on traps without having to visit the field was seen as particularly useful in our trialling, with 83% of users saying they checked trap data daily.”
More than half the users also found Magic Trap useful in supporting their decision-making. This included decisions around timing of drilling and insecticide applications, recognising use of insecticides is a last resort in an
Independent agronomist and CCC
Agronomy technical director Peter Cowlrick trialled a Magic Trap with one of his clients in Hampshire last autumn. He was pleased with the
“You can’t be on every farm every day,” he says. “Trying to assess the migration patterns of something
It provides images twice a day “
Latest survey data
Combined with physical inspection for foliar damage, the remote monitoring supported a decision to apply an insecticide at the four-leaf stage.
Subsequent flea beetle larvae numbers in the treated crop were low, at 2-3/plant and didn’t impact crop growth, whereas larval infestation numbers were noticeably higher in unsprayed fields on the farm.
Most recent data from underlines the value growers see in having an automatic record of autumn flea beetle levels in their oilseed rape crops, with 87% of respondents regarding this information as valuable and almost half considering it ‘very valuable’.
Now in its fifth year, the study has amassed a wealth of data from some 900 growers and pin 93,500ha of winter oilseed rape.
PhomaBlocker rape varieties showcased
Plant breeder DSV showcased its latest PhomaBlocker and Powerful Pods oilseed rape varieties at last month’s Cereals event.
containing PhomaBlocker are now in AHDB candidate trials with potential recommended listings at the end of 2024.”
Enhanced harvest protection is also under the DSV spotlight with its latest RL addition DSV Dolphin the first of a new generation of hybrid OSR varieties combining specific traits to protect against adverse conditions later in the season, she adds.
“Pod shatter genetics, contained in several DSV oilseed rape varieties and others on the recommended list, have done much to highlight the issue of harvest seed shed.
Different characteristics
“But it is widely understood how a variety performs during its growth and at harvest is the function of many different characteristics rather than just a single gene or property of a
“DSV breeders have identified three key pod characteristics which when combined form the basis of our Powerful Pods technology. These are
DSV Dolphin scores well for seed retention
Left: The first PhomaBlocker varities are in AHDB candidate trials, says Ms Hawthorne
greater flexibility of the pod structure, improved function of the pod valve margins and greater space around individual seeds.
In DSV’s own random impact tests, where pods from different varieties are bombarded with steel ball bearings in controlled conditions, DSV Dolphin achieved one of the best scores for seed retention, says Ms Hawthorne.
“Results from an AHDB analysis have also shown little difference in the performance of DSV Dolphin with regard to seed loss compared to many popular pod shatter varieties.”
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Highly recommended for all regions of the UK, this topperforming conventional variety boasts the highest yield. Featuring large pods and abundant seeds, it ranks as the No.1 choice. Developed in Britain specifically for British farmers, its superior yield, vigour, and establishment surpass even that of Campus.
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Oilseeds special
Why resistance is ‘only way’ to combat verticillium
Anew disease rating on the latest recommended list for oilseed rape aims to help growers choose varieties resistant to verticillium.
This year is the first time verticillium resistance ratings have been included in the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board list. Top conventional oilseed rape variety Pinnacle is rated as having intermediate resistance to the disease.
“Varieties with higher ratings have been assessed for a longer period of years, hence more data has been available,” says Pinnacle breeder Mike Pickford.
“I would fully expect Pinnacle to rise up to the moderately resistant rating in the future.
Verticillium tends to be sporadic but has hotspots such as Cambridgeshire and East Anglia, says Mr Pickford. But it has been reported in the rape growing areas of Lincolnshire and Herefordshire too.
Disease symptoms
Verticillium was first found in England in 2007 when it was called verticillium wilt. Last year, the disease was renamed verticillium stripe to fit more accurately with symptoms when they are seen in the crop.
Initial symptoms include premature ripening which gets more obvious as the crop matures. Verticillium affects the whole of the plant architecture, showing as yellow or brown discolouration on the stem surface.
Peeling back the epidermis of infected stems will reveal grey vertical stripes through the stem tissue. This is the infection found in the xylem or water conducting parts of the stem.
As the crop senesces, these grey vertical stripes will form tiny black dots called
microsclerotia. They can be seen using a hand lens, and will return verticillium back into the soil.”
In extreme conditions verticillium stripe can cause up to 34% yield reduction, says Neil Groom, general manager for Grainseeds. Being a soil-borne disease, it will be building up in the soil each year.”
No treatment
There is no chemical treatment available, says Mr Groom. “Plant pathologists say that the only way to minimise this disease is to extend your rotations or grow varieties with known resistance.” Because the microsclerotia can survive in the soil for 10 years, the rotation needs to
Off-patent herbicide now for linseed
Anew herbicide has been approved for post-emergence broadleaf weed control in linseed.
Laya which contains 200g/kg metsulfuron-methyl is a sulfonyl urea herbicide by off-patent manufacturers Life Scientific. It is a reverse engineered formulation of Ally SX.
Life Scientific specialises in bringing off-patent crop protection products to market with the goal of providing customers with more options to meet their plant protection needs. The approval for Laya in linseed reflects the success of the approach.
A niche crop, only about 21,000ha of linseed are grown annually in the UK. The largest buyer is believed to be Premium Crops, which says it remains popular with growers questioning the viability of oilseed rape due to cabbage stem flea beetle.
Premium Crops agronomist Hannah Foxall said: “The broad weed spectrum offered by metsulfuron-methyl is important for ease of harvest and cleaning up fields for the following crop.”
She added: “This approval is welcome news for linseed growers looking to control broad leaved weeds post-emergence, as since the loss of
Bromoxynil there are restricted herbicide choices.”
Higher yields
Linseed is mostly a spring-sown crop, although winter varieties are
Newly approved
Laya is available to growers through distribution partners ProCam and Hutchinsons. Life Scientific UK manager Ruth Stanley said the best control is gained by applying it in good growing conditions.
Stalwart oilseeds trader to retire
Commodity trading manager
Owen Cligg is to retire after 15 years at farmer-owned cooperative United Oilseeds
During his time with the company, Mr Cligg has overseen the trading of some 7.5m tonnes of combinable crops – including peas, beans, linseed, oats and rye – as well as oilseed rape.
After joining United Oilseeds in 2009, he was instrumental in shaping and advancing the cooperative’s trading network and crafting its business strategy in a way that benefits its farmer members.
Working for growers
Mr Cligg said: “It’s been an honour and pleasure to serve farmers across the UK for the past 15 years on behalf of United Oilseeds. Naturally, it will feel a little strange leaving work after so many years, but there’s plenty on
my to-do list.”
He added: “I’m hoping to get more involved in local history, which has been a passion of mine for a while –and I’m particularly looking forward to enjoying the delights of South America with my Chilean wife.”
United Oilseeds managing director James Warner said: “Owen’s departure leaves a noticeable void in our team. His immense contributions to our cooperative extend far beyond his expertise in trading.
“We will sorely miss his witty personality and unique sense of humour, which have left an indelible mark on all who have had the pleasure of working with him. We all wish Owen a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
manager. An experienced trader, he worked for Cargill before cofounding the biofuels brokerage Sun Commodities.
Nick Hobson, who joined United Oilseeds this spring, is stepping into the role of commodity trading
Mr Hobson sold the business in 2014. He has since split his time between his consultancy and raising his young family.
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Farm safety & security
Plea to keep safe on farm this harvest
Campaign calls for turning point
Farmers are being urged to help keep staff and children safe this harvest – making it a turning point for improving agriculture’s appalling accident record.
The call comes ahead of this year’s Farm Safety Week (22-26 July), which will highlight ways of staying safe on UK farms. Organised by the Farm Safety Foundation – or Yellow Wellies charity – it works to improve the physical and mental health of the next generation of farmers.
Farming makes up just 1% of the UK’s working population – but accounts for 16% of all workplace deaths. There are, on average, a further 23,000 reported cases every year of long-term ill health or serious injury within farming.
Busy period
Harvest and the busy period into autumn are peak times for farm accidents. Many involve large machines driven and operated by inexperienced temporary farm workers and students on summer placements.
More than 120 industry representatives discussed the importance of farm safety and mental well-being during a recent 10th anniversary Farm Safety Foundation conference hosted by Yellow Wellies at Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire
Yellow Wellies manager Stephanie Berkeley said: “There couldn’t have been a better way for us to celebrate
> One in 20 farm fatalities are children, says the Health and Safety Executive
10 years of challenging and changing behaviours to risk-taking and poor mental health in our sector.”
Bringing together 120 people from across the UK and Ireland to and debate topics that people would have shied away from ten years ago showed that behaviours and attitudes to safety and well-being were starting to change.
“The fact that there are initiatives that are working – and the fact that government, the farming unions, retailers and key farming organisations are willing to
“We need to call out bad practice
Some 95% of farmers under the age of 40 agree that poor mental health is one of the biggest hidden dangers facing the industry today – with 90% agreeing there is a direct link between mental health and farm safety.
Child safety
The conference
Children account for 5% of all farm fatalities – including while playing in farmyards or falling from moving tractors. Farming advocate Joe Stanley described the fatality as a shocking mark on our industry’s conscience.
Mr Stanley added: “We need to be calling out incidences of bad practice when we see them. We have to make it socially unacceptable to be doing what are clearly dangerous practices.”
Chairman of Yellow Wellies trustees James Chapman used the conference to call on attendees to make the day a turning point. He emphasised the need to explore the way forward.
Defra farm minister Mark Spencer, who also attended the event, said: “There is no doubt that farming is often not an easy job with long hours in remote rural areas and I am pleased to see the growing awareness in recent years of farming mental health.”
Farm safety & security
Police training day to tackle farm theft
Police officers took part in a farm and construction equipment training day hosted by the rural insurer NFU Mutual last month.
Held at NFU Mutual’s head office in Tiddington, Warwickshire, the event was hosted by the National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team (NCATT), partially funded by NFU Mutual and CESAR – and supported by specialist security companies.
The event was organised by the Combined Industries Theft Solutions forum (CITS), an organisation dedicated to reducing the effects of crime on farming communities and the construction industry.
Rising cost
The cost of rural theft increased by 22% last year as organised criminal gangs targeted farm machinery and GPS components – rising to an estimated £49.5m, up from £40.5m the previous year.
The training day sought to provide full-time police officers, special officers and staff involved in rural crime detection and prevention with opportunities to learn about the latest crime trends and security measures.
Rural crime experts included NFU Mutual vehicle crime specialist Kirsty Hyslop and detective sergeant Chris Piggott, from the NCATT. They spoke about the latest techniques to protect farm machinery and bring criminals to justice.
A showcase of security systems being developed to protect farm equipment included a practical demonstration of Cesar’s machinery marking systems. Other participants includ-
ed Hitachi, Clancy and Murphy. Ms Hyslop said: “Rural crime is not only costly but highly disruptive and distressing for farmers and their families. We need to keep up-to-date on the latest trends and security systems to keep these determined criminals at bay.”
Figures
NFU Mutual is expected to publish the latest farm theft figures next month.
Focus on safety for ForFarmers
The importance of safe working practices for people in agriculture was highlighted by international feed company ForFarmers – thanks to the Yellow Wellies charity.
The need to uphold farm safety and promote good mental health was included in a series of ForFarmers workshops offered to colleagues across the country, in conjunction with Yellow Wellies.
Machinery, livestock, working at height and workplace transport all pose significant risks in agriculture. And 92% of farmers under 40 say mental health and wellbeing is one of the biggest hidden problems in the industry.
ForFarmers managing director Mark Cole said: “We and our customers work in an industry full of risk. A lot of our customers work alone and can be very isolated so we also take mental health very seriously for both customers and employees.”
Some 12,000 on-farm accidents are reported every year. Many more go unreported alongside an estimated 11,000 associated health issues. Time pressures at busy times such as harvest and silaging are often among the causes.
> Mark Cole: Taking farm safety seriously
chairman Ian Elliott
holding this event to help police forces tackle the organised criminal gangs that are making theft a huge problem for farmers.
CITS works with police, crimefighting organisations and machinery manufacturers including Clancy’s, Hitachi and Leica to provide officers with the knowledge and detection techniques to combat rural crime.
Marking machinery makes it easier to locate when stolen
CITS
said: “We’re
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•
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Hundreds
Farm safety & security
Farmers are being urged to remain vigilant this summer
‘Alarm’ as gang of thieves targets farm GPS kit Discount available on premiums
Three men have been released on bail after being arrested in connection with the theft of farm GPS kits.
Lincolnshire Police said it recorded 16 incidents of GPS theft from farms in Louth, Spalding, Boston, Grantham and Lincoln. The thefts took place between February and March this year.
The men were arrested in connection with some of the thefts as part of a national effort in April. The damage caused, as well as the amount lost to the theft of the equipment, is believed to amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
GPS equipment and their components have become one of the most targeted pieces of farm equipment because of their high value and portability. They can be used across the world and stolen items are often exported.
PC James Knychala of the Rural Crime Action Team said: “When a farmer loses this kit, it not only causes an insurance claim for loss of the kit, but also impacts them as they cannot run their business in the manner they are used to.
NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “This new wave of GPS theft is incredibly alarming, especially as farmers start gearing up for the busy harvest period.
“It is also worrying to hear that thieves are targeting farms who have previously had GPS
stolen, especially when considering the financial and emotional impact these crimes have already had on those farmers.
Ms Binns added: “We’re urging farmers to take all possible steps to protect their GPS equipment, such as removing them from tractors, combines and other machines where safe to do so and lock them somewhere securely when not in use.
How do I protect GPS systems?
World events and the cost-of-living crisis mean farmers have increasingly found themselves targeted by thieves, says NFU Mutual.
The war in Ukraine has opened up an illicit market for stolen goods and vehicles – both keenly sought after by organised and opportunist criminals, says the rural insurer. This is having a dire effect on farmers’ wellbeing, many of whom are already facing significant challenges.
To help farmers actively protect your vehicles and to limit the effects of theft on their business, NFU Mutual offers savings on insurance premiums when an approved security device is fitted to an agricultural vehicle.
This includes agricultural vehicles fitted with a Thatcham approved Cat 1, Cat 2, S.5 tracking system or S.7 location system. Savings are also available for vehicles registered with the CESAR scheme and where a proprietary branded mechanical device is fitted.
NFU Mutual says it is important to disclose all security features fitted on vehicles, as insurance premium savings are available for manufacturer’s fitted devices and aftermarket retro-fitted deterrents.
Activate PIN security on GPS kit if available
Use your own unique PIN number
Mark your postcode on the unit’s case
Keep tractors and combines out of sight
Remove GPS kit whenever possible
Store GPS kit securely when not in use.
Record serial numbers and photograph kit
Check serial numbers of second-hand kit
[source: Lincolnshire Police]
CESAR SCHEME: an effective theft deterrent for ATVs and quads in the farming community
This year has seen a sharp rise in rural crime, with the cost of such incidents increasing by over 40% in the first quarter. Quad and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) thefts have been particularly common exacerbating the £2.2 million lost last year. Factors like the ongoing manufacturing delays due to COVID-19 have increased the demand for new and second-hand farm machinery. As waiting lists grow and market values soar, quads and ATVs have become prime targets for thieves due to their high value, portability, and accessible resale market both in the UK and abroad.
To address the rising problem of equipment theft, the UK introduced the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act in 2023, effective January 20, 2024. This law requires that agricultural equipment have anti-theft devices and unique identifiers and that sellers keep detailed transaction records. The Act aims to protect the farming community from this growing threat by deterring theft and making it harder to resell stolen equipment.
The security landscape for ATVs and construction equipment has taken a significant step forward with Datatag’s latest innovations in the CESAR Security Scheme, developed in partnership with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). By leveraging Datatag’s state-of-
the-art security marking technologies, CESAR ATV offers an almost impenetrable identification layer that deters theft and aids recovery. Endorsed by manufacturers, the Agricultural Engineers Association and the National Farmers Union (NFU), CESAR is recognised as a formidable deterrent among criminals.
The recent upgrade in the system of the ‘Ultra Tag’ RFID transponder represents a significant advancement in security technology. Its robust design makes it immune to interrogation and compromise, effectively countering attempts at theft and tampering. The chip’s enhanced reading distance, a significant improvement when used with a Datatag scanner, ensures superior equipment identification and monitoring.
Complementing the ‘Ultra Tag’ is the introduction of RAPID, a sophisticated web-based application that culminates a year of dedicated development. This platform integrates data from approximately 645,000 construction and agricultural machines into a single, easily accessible database. RAPID’s reach is extensive, enabling potentially all 142,000 police officers in the UK and countless others globally to access detailed equipment data using a standard issue smartphone.
RAPID provides a secure amalgamation
of police, manufacturer, and insurance data. Law enforcement officers can quickly ascertain a machine’s status by entering part of a vehicle identification number (VIN) or related identifiers, a feature crucial for the rapid identification and recovery of stolen machinery.
The CESAR scheme’s benefits extend beyond theft deterrence. It requires no annual fees and is supported by a 24/7 UK Secure Contact Centre. Almost 650,000 machines are protected by CESAR, and its presence can lead to lower insurance premiums. The CESAR database also enables quick police access, facilitating instant identification of stolen equipment. Backed by the Plant Theft Action Group and supported by the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, CESAR is the first and currently only industry-wide official scheme.
The unveiling of RAPID (Registered Assets Police Information Database) and the introduction of advanced ‘Ultra Tag’ RFID transponders are set to revolutionise the way construction and agricultural machinery are protected globally. These innovations are integrated into the already successful CESAR scheme, strengthening its position as a critical tool in safeguarding ATVs and construction equipment and extending its protective reach on a global scale.
Farm safety & security
Farmers take on coast road for charity
Agroup of 14 farmers set off to drive 4,690 miles in a JCB Fastrac tractor run around Britain’s coast for charity.
Sticking as close to the coastline as possible, the challenge sought to raise awareness of the issue of poor mental wellbeing in the UK’s farming sector, while supporting the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign.
Cleethorpes to show
The brainchild of friends Taron Lee and James Caswell, the tractor run set out from Cleethorpes seafront on 10 June before culminating at the two-day Lincolnshire Show on 19 June.
The marathon drive was dedicated to the memory of Alec Newlove, who died by suicide earlier this year. Taron said: He was an amazing lad, and it seems right that we complete this challenge in his memory.”
Taron Lee and James Casswell with the JCB Fastrac
Livestock Welcome relief from early first cut silage
• Grass quality better than expected
• Analysis shows promising samples
• Plan ahead to secure winter stocks
Early first cut silage results are analysing well – which should provide some welcome relief following a challenging winter and spring.
At 11.2MJ/kg, average metabolisable energy (ME) levels appear similar to last year. At 31.5%, so too do average dry matter levels. But the ration of lactic acid to volatile fatty acid appears improved at 3.8 –double last year’s value.
“Despite a very challenging spring with generally lower grass growth rates and grass quality, early first cut grass samples are very promising, which should mean cows will milk well,” says Robin Hawkey, nutritionist for Mole Valley Feed Solutions.
The analysis is based on a small number of farms located mostly in south-west England. But Dr Hawkey says the results nevertheless offer a valuable early snapshot of forage availability ahead of winter.
Results may well change as the season progresses – and the picture
will also vary depending on where farms are located and when they cut silage. Even so the figures still look promising.
“This highlights a better type of fermentation in the clamp, which means silage will keep well,” explains Dr Hawkey. “Lactic acid is also a better form of energy in the rumen which will help support milk production.”
Lactic acid could put pressure on the rumen. But slightly higher Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) levels may encourage rumen health. This may work in farmers’ favour, reducing the need for straw, which is in low supply and high cost.
Surprisingly good
Results offer a valuable early snapshot of forage availability
At 15%, crude protein levels are also surprisingly good considering many farmers had difficulty applying nitrogen due to the wet spring and sodden fields. Some producers didn’t apply nitrogen at all.
All producers should assess the quantity and quality of their first cut
Early first cut samples are promising “
says Dr Hawkey. This will determine whether the focus is on quantity or quality for subsequent cuts.
“Many farmers were forced to open maize clamps early last autumn to support milk production. If a forage audit shows stocks are tight and you have cereals on farm, it might be worth whole cropping rather than combining to bridge the starch gap.”
“Every farm will be in a different situation. What’s important is knowing what you’ve got and making a plan accordingly.”
Better profits from grass-based livestock
Livestock farmers seeking better profits from grass-based systems are being encouraged to join an innovative programme for the Shropshire Hills.
Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes is a programme from Pasture for Life that deploys ‘peer-to-peer learning’ to help farmers boost profits while delivering environmental benefits through grazing.
Free mentoring
Livestock farmers from within the Shropshire Hills and the adjoining area can access
free mentoring and attend events aimed at helping them exchange knowledge and develop their skills.
Louise Anderson, who manages the Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes project, said: “We have a packed agenda between now and the autumn. There are also opportunities to learn with nearby farmers in the Wye Valley and the Malvern Hills.”
Event topics include soil health, genetics, resilience, financial forecasting and profitable, high nature value farming. There are newsletters, webinars and a re-
source hub with factsheets and films on Pasture for Life’s You Tube channel.
Ms Anderson said: “Farmers who took part in the first phase of the programme have reported mental health benefits, having cut costs, improved the health of their livestock and soil, and boosted business resilience.
“Mentoring often gives farmers the confidence to make changes to their systems and adopt more regenerative practices. In some cases, farmers are both mentees and mentors as everyone has different areas of expertise and knowledge to pass on.”
Farm future-proofs business with water company support
A Shropshire mixed farmer is making his business more profitable and environmentally sustainable with grant funding from a water company.
Amechanical engineer by training, Simon Deacon now farms 240ha near Lutterworth after spending much of his career as a computer software consultant. Today, his goal is to improve the family farm business while harnessing the power of nature.
Making the most of grant funding for on-farm projects that prioritise nature has been a ‘no-brainer’ – most notably through the Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS), he says.
On farm projects part-funded by STEPS include wetland creation, rainwater harvesting, GPS technology and a high-spec weather station – helping to boost investment in the farm’s infrastructure and technology.
“
Minimising wastage to help manage costs
year, working closely with local Severn Trent agricultural adviser Marion Perrett-Pearson to access options focused on improving water quality.
“We’ve got watercourses running through the farm, feeding into a nearby reservoir, and I believe as a farmer and custodian of the land I have a duty to help keep our rivers clean and healthy,” says Mr Deacon.
“The STEPS initiatives have also made us think more carefully about what we’re using on-farm to minimise wastage and help manage costs.”
Water management investments
One of the most recent STEPS options installed at Top Barn Farm is the rainwater harvesting system, Mr Deacon explains. “We’ve had a 10,000 litre
tap water, with a lower concentration of dissolved minerals, so we need to use less water conditioner when spraying. The softer water also improves spray-
Managing the farm’s wetlands is central
How to optimise genetics for better beef production
Suckler beef farmers aiming for more sustainable systems are being advised to prioritise genetic traits that have the biggest influence on productivity.
“With beef under increasing pressure to be more sustainable and profitable, it’s never been more important to review the suitability of herd genetics,” says Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society chief executive Robert Gilchrist (below).
“Incorporating native genetics, such as Aberdeen-Angus, has been shown to deliver key traits aligned with sustainable production, offering potentially significant efficiency, economic, and environmental gains.”
Native bred dams can deliver a 21-32% increase in gross margins compared to continental beef breeds, according to a Building Better Beef report compiled by ADAS last year.
This is primarily driven by the reduction in feed requirements, especially concentrates, due to their ability to maintain condition and thrive off grass, says the document.
The report was commissioned by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, HDB, Hybu Cig Cymru, Quality Meat Scotland and AgriSearch to help suckler producers unlock greater productivity, profitability and sustainability.
“Native breeds are very well suited to systems designed to make the most of grass and forage. We know these systems can offer higher margin potential as well as support reduced carbon footprints,” says Mr Gilchrist.
Cow mature weight is also an important influencing factor. Native bred cows are proportionally much more efficient than their continental counterparts which are typically larger in frame, says Mr Gilchrist.
“Around half of the total dietary energy expenditure
in suckler beef production is used by the suckler cow for maintenance; by selecting for smaller cows, this can be reduced without any detriment to productive output.”
Calving ease is also an important trait to prioritise. “Calving ease is one of the most important factors when it comes to sustainable production; you need to have a live calf on the ground and the cow must get back in calve within the critical three-month window.
“Assisted calvings reduce the likelihood of meeting these key parameters, with research showing that calving difficulty at first calving will decrease lifetime calf production by 30%.”
The Building Better Beef report indicates that native breeds have on average 8% lower calf birth weights compared to continental breeds, which results in a reduced risk of calving difficulty.
Calving interval
With the new suckler cow support payments in Northern Ireland and Scotland including calving interval as part of the measures, farmers are being increasingly incentivised to prioritise calving ease.
“Renowned for a shorter gestation and easy calving attributes, Aberdeen-Angus dams are well placed to help suckler farmers achieve tighter calving periods and improved lifetime performance,” says Mr Gilchrist.
Research on calving intervals in Scotland before the new suckler cow support scheme, found that 5% more Aberdeen-Angus dams achieve a 370-day calving interval compared to continental dams, reinforcing the merits of native cows.
“Ultimately, you need to pair genetics with your system and goals, but if you’re not already utilising Aberdeen-Angus genetics, now is a good time to consider the value the breed may offer to your business.”
Wool price stable despite smaller clip
Wool returns this year are similar to 2023 with most grades up only very slightly and a lower wool clip reducing returns.
British Wool chairman Jim Robertson said: “Prices strengthened in the autumn but have weakened again over the last two months with Mountain wool types struggling all season.”
British Wool auction prices for the season are on a par with New Zealand. The organisation handled 2500 tonnes less wool in 2023 primarily due to lighter fleeces –with a typical farmer delivering 10% less wool than in 2022.
‘Oil-based fibres’
The decline in wool volumes reduced returns by some 7p/kg, says Mr Robertson. If we had handled the same weight as the previous year, many grades would have been up 20p per fleece.
Mr Robertson says: “The rise of oil-based fibres over recent decades has driven down the value of wool. The world is however now starting to wake up to the environmental damage these fibres cause – and the sustainability of wool.”
New income streams were making a growing contribution towards payments. The traceability scheme generated £150,000, while grading for the Isle of Man and other initiatives had also boosted returns.
“More brands are specifying British wool,” says Mr Robertson, who says British Wool remains committed to creating long-term value for producers. Sheep farmers can be a stronger force by supporting British Wool together, he adds.
“We understand the recent wool prices have been disappointing. But with the initiatives we have in place, from traceability to our consumer marketing and our licensing scheme, we truly believe the long-term outlook is encouraging.
Calving ease is an important trait to prioritise
FOCUS ON DIVERSIFICATION
Changes to planning rules make it easier to diversify
• Permitted development extended
• Opportunity for older buildings
• Benefits homes and local economy
Farmers will be able to convert their unused buildings into new homes and shops thanks to new planning laws.
The major changes give farmers across England greater freedom to diversify and grow their business, says the government – without having to spend time and money submitting a planning application.
Growers and livestock producers will be able to convert agricultural buildings and land into new businesses, such as outdoor sports facilities, larger farm shops and farm training centres, as well as housing. Changes to permitted development rights were announced shortly ahead of the general election following a government consultation. The goal is to deliver more homes for rural communities remove unnecessary barriers to development.
Housing and planning minister Lee Rowley said: “Farmers are the lifeblood of communities, and these changes give them the freedom to grow their businesses, and plan for their futures.”
Top priority
Defra farm minister Mark Spencer
The changes make it easier to convert disused farm buildings
Below: Mark Spencer: ‘listening to farmers’
“Farmers are the lifeblood of communities
future development of our rural areas. Helping farmers secure their businesses and get on with the important job of producing food is our top priority.”
The changes extend permitted development rights so farmers can diversify and convert agricultural buildings to commercial uses – as well as up to 10 homes – without needing to submit a planning application.
The changes
Changes include doubling the amount of floorspace that can change from agricultural to ‘flexible commercial use’ from 500m2 to 1000m2
The size of new buildings or extensions that can be built on farms over 5ha has inceased from 1000m2 to 1500m2. For smaller farms, the size of such developments has increased from 1000m2 to 1250m2
The changes double the number of homes that can be delivered through the conversion of agricultural buildings from five to ten.
To protect nationally important archaeological sites , Defra as removed the ability for extensions to be built and new buildings erected in the nearby vicinity.
The government said the changes were subject to space and natural light conditions to ensure homes are suitable. It said the changes would turbocharge rural housing development, with just 5000 homes delivered on farming land since April 2014.
‘Not far enough’
Country Land and Business Association deputy president Gavin Lane said the changes to permitted development rights were but did not go far enough to stimulate rural growth.
“We welcome the news that farmers and landowners will now be able to convert agricultural buildings into a higher number of dwellings, and of a greater size, and that buildings can be more flexibly re-used for other commercial uses.”
But he added: “It is bitterly disappointing to see Class Q permitted development rights won’t be expanded to National Parks and Landscapes. [This] would enable much needed development and help stimulate growth in the rural economy.”
• NFU reaction: see overleaf
Two major coastal estates on market
Two Suffolk estates – including 2800 acres of arable and grazed farmland – are being offered for sale close to coastal Southwold.
The Blyford Estate is listed with a guide price of £25m, with the nearby Chediston Estate being marketed at £11.6m. Both properties are being jointly marketed by land agents Clarke & Simpson and Savills.
Farming agreements
Land is mainly arable and partly irrigated, with much of it managed under existing Contract Farming Agreements, along with a mix of highly attractive woodland, marsh land and grazing meadows bordering the river Blyth.
The farmland is complemented by
extensive residential property port folio and range of properties provide an extra source of income.
Both estates benefit from attrac tive principal dwellings, with two at Blyford – Blyford Hall and Water mill Farmhouse and one at Chediston–Chediston Grange. In total there are 12 residential dwellings – nine at Bly ford and three at Chediston,
Clarke & Simpson partner Oliver Holloway said: “The sale of the two es tates offer a unique and exciting op portunity to acquire a sizeable land holding, which would benefit a future inheritance planning and investment strategy.
White straw rotation
The Chediston Estate is being marketed at £11.6m.
ard, predominantly on a white straw rotation. Land is primarily Grade 3 with soils of the Beccles 1 series, a fine loam over clay.
The Chediston estate is ring-fenced. The contractor has farmed the land
Below: The Blyford Estate has a guide price of £25m.
“
It’s
a sizeable land holding
The Blyford estate comprises a variety of soil types – mainly a mix of Newport 4 and Beccles 1 series – including productive light root-crop growing land and fuller bodied commercial arable land through to low-lying wetlands.
In addition, there are grazing licences over grassland and marsh areas. Both properties are likely to generate regional, national and even international interest – appealing to estate buyers who are looking to expand or relocate and also investors.
Savills director and property agent Will Hargreaves said: “To have two estates of this size in such a desirable location and available at the same time is incredibly rare.”
Planning permission: change is essential, says NFU
Changes to planning laws announced before the general election mean farmers greater freedom to grow and diversify their businesses says the NFU.
The changes follow a government consultation which proposed a massive expansion to permitted development rights in England – creating what the union describes as “essential opportunities” for farmers.
The NFU submitted a response in favour of the proposals. NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “It’s encouraging to see that nearly all of our suggestions from last year’s consultation were included in the announcement.”
Key requests which have come into force included expanding and extending the size of buildings that can be erected with per-
mitted development – and expanding the changes of use within buildings on farms.
The changes mean farmers will be able to convert farm buildings and land into business opportunities. This includes outdoor sports facilities, larger farm shops and farm training centres, as well as housing – without the need for a planning application.
Ms Hallos said the law change would greatly support the modernisation, expansion and diversification of farms across the country. But she said it was disappointing that livestock buildings remained excluded.
Income streams
She added: “These changes are essential opportunities for farmers who wish to diversify their business, allowing them alternative
streams of income and the ability to further support their local rural economy.
It was good that Class Q rights were being expanded, enabling farmers to convert agricultural buildings into homes. This would provide more rural housing – although it was a shame these would not be extended to protected landscapes.
Previous restrictions under Class Q meant that no more than five barns could be converted into homes. This has now increased to ten and the total combined areas of these homes has been increased to 1,000sqm.
Ms Hallos said: “These areas are often the hardest for new housing to be developed on and opening up this option for farmers could significantly benefit their local communities.”
British farmers could benefit from corporate investment to support sustainable agricul ture – so long as it is done correctly. The untapped opportunities afford ed to farmers from environmental, so cial and governance (ESG) investment were discussed at a special event held at the Judge Business School in Cam bridge.
Organised by the Lloyds Banking Group, the “Finance in the Field” de bate saw experts from the finance, farming and research sectors discuss how sustainable finance can drive pos itive change in agriculture.
Lloyds eastern region ambassador
Tom Martin said: “The major priorities ESG investors are concerned with are environmental issues linked to carbon emissions, biodiversity, and land/ water management. This presents an opportunity for UK farmers.”
Bridging the gap
Mr Martin added: “ESG investment can often seem far removed from farmers' day-to-day realities. Our role is to advocate for farmers in this transition and make ESG tangible from
their perspective, not just in institutional terms.
“We want to bridge the gap, framing ESG not as taking land out of food production, but rather as enhancing productivity, food production, and profitability.”
Practical examples of ESG investment shared by Lloyds Banking Group included supporting the Soil Association Exchange (SAX) programme to help farmers transition to more sustainable systems.
The panel included Helen Avery,
[photo credit: Adam Smyth Photography]
director of nature programmes at the Green Finance Institute; and Calum Murray, head of agriculture and food at Innovate UK, the government agency which funds investment in innova-
The ESG market is relatively new for agriculture – and the concept is unregulated. The lack of clear and trustworthy information about options for farmers and big companies is also proving to be a barrier to in-
Lloyds agriculture sustainability director Ben Makowiecki said: “For ESG investment to be practical, the approach needs to be tailored to suit different farm business models, this is where Lloyds is working to expand
“
We want to bridge the gap
Investment options include our Clean Growth Financing Initiative, which offers fee-free lending for farm businesses to implement sustainable practices that reduce their environmental impact, explained Mr Makowiecki.
“This programme provides on-farm consultancy for 1,000 customers to help farmers access funding mechanisms for introducing sustainable practices, addressing six key areas including carbon, soil health and biodiversity.”
How communities can support local farmers
Arural insurance broker is calling on residents in the east of England to step up their support for local farmers.
Vince Kelly, of Lycetts, issued her appeal during Mental Health Awareness Week.
“Farming is not just a business, it’s a way of life that demands resilience in the face of the myriad of evolving challenges,” he said.
“But even the most mentally resilient can struggle under the weight of financial and economic uncertainty.
“It’s important that residents support the local agricultural sector to help keep their rural communities alive.”
To generate extra income, more than two-thirds (69%) of eastern region farmers have diversified – starting public facing businesses ranging from farm shops, cafes
and glamping sites to B&Bs, wedding venues and petting farms.
“Minor changes in shopping habits can make a big difference,” said Mr Kelly.
“From buying local farm produce to help ensure farmers have a steady income to patronising local restaurants that champion local fare.”
Residents could help support newly diversified farm ventures in other ways too – including by promoting them to friends, family, colleagues and on their social media channels, said Mr Kelly.
Every individual can contribute to this cause,” he added. “Whether it’s choosing to buy local, spreading the word about rural enterprises or supporting mental health initiatives, your actions can make a profound difference.”
Vince Kelly: supporting farmers
Big companies want to invest in sustainable agriculture, says Tom Martin.
FINAL SAY Clodhopper
Going green not what it seems
The
quest to reach Net Zero raises more perplexing questions than it answers,
says Clodhopper
Has the world finally lost its marbles? It certainly seems so to me.
With farmers under constant pressure to be environmentally friendly – and this very small island of ours told to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – we are now told that burping cows are to blame for climate change. Some scientists apparently claim that
to challenge but are we really going down such a bizarre route to control greenhouse gas emissions?
There are not many dairy or beef producers in my neck of the woods – but I have not heard of any local farmers rushing to their local kitchen suppliers or hardweare store to buy a load of teaspoons.
Once again it brings into question the green credentials of some products. Especially
Is anaerobic digestion really profitable? Is it really good for the environment? After all, few people in recent years have seen a drop in their monthly energy bill. Energy seems to be all-expensive, no matter how it is produced.
You can hardly blame people for the growing suspicion that renewable energy is merely a tick-box exercise by the government so politicians can trumpet their green credentials and boast that the UK is well on the way to Net Zero.
Without government subsidy the whole process remains non profitable. Look at how many tractors and lorries are burning red or white diesel – and the miles they travel to drill and harvest energy crops.
Waste products
Are these emissions properly taken into account when it comes to electricity production? And what about the waste products? Does digestate really contain
