News
Spending review 'must deliver for farmers'
Arable
Warning over yellow rust in resistant wheat
Farm energy
Call for clarity on anaerobic digestion
Technology Adopt grants fund farm innovation
Professional Services 'No stone unturned' in profitability review
Fen Tiger Farming is for food production
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Next month marks the conclusion of the government's long-awaited spending review – the culmination of months of wrangling over how much money the country has to spend and indeed what it should be spent on.
The review is one of those dull but important things Westminster watchers get very excited about. It will determine departmental budgets and funding for government agencies – including funding for farm support.
Industry leaders have rightly been lobbying hard for a fair deal for farming. After all, money is tight and the government has hardly covered itself in glory when it comes to recognising the vital role of food production agriculture.
Despite repeated pre-election promises to support farmers, the Labour government has quickly ditched those pledges since coming to power last summer.
First there was the decision to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million – despite previously and publicly promising it would do no such thing.
Then there was the decision to phase out the Basic Payment Scheme harder and faster – leaving family farms without a key form of support.
That was rapidly followed by the sudden and abrupt closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive – shutting off an important revenue stream for farmers producing food sustainably while looking after the environment.
It is increasingly clear that we cannot rely on government support for farming. But the public are supportive. Repeated studies show people believe farmers are vital – not just as food producers but as environmental guardians too.
Keeping the public on side and building on that public support is fundamental if farmers are to get a fairer deal from the government – and the recognition that the industry deserves.
One way of doing that is by signing up to take part in Open Farm Sunday on 8 June. It is an opportunity to showcase everything good about British food and farming. Full details are on page 4. While farming has a voice, people are more powerful and can make more of a difference – including at the ballot box. As an industry, we need to welcome the public onto our farms and hold them close to our hearts.
Johann Tasker Editor
• Fair funding needed for farming
• Details on revised SFI awaited
• Farm investment and certainty
Industry leaders are ramping up ef forts to secure a fair deal for farm ing ahead of next month’s govern ment spending review.
Funding for the Sustainable Farm ing Incentive (SFI), Environmen tal Land Management (ELMs) and a range of other government initiatives are expected to be announced follow ing the review, which is due to con clude on 11 June.
The review will set out the government’s spending plans for the next five years. It will also decide how departmental budgets should be spent – including on Defra staff, its agency employees and support schemes.
Given this is a new government under a challenging economic climate, the NFU says there is potential for significant changes to previous funding commitments and support.
made it appear as if the closure of the SFI to new applications was something it had always planned.
Stuttering roll-out
“The reality is that since its launch, the SFI has been hampered by a stuttering roll-out, with uptake only increasing significantly in the last 12 months.”
Farm
‘more important than ever’
Farm Sunday next month.
Thousands of people will visit farms on Sunday, 8 June to see how their food is produced and how farmers look after the countryside. The annual flagship is organised by the Linking the Environment and Farming charity (LEAF)
“The government could decide to take an entirely new approach from the previous government – although on farming issues Defra has made broad commitments to maintain key priorities such as ELMs.”
Having said that, surprise measures announced in the autumn budget included the faster phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme. That was followed by the abrupt closure of the SFI to new applications.
The NFU says it is continuing to lobby both the Treasury and Defra to ensure farming gets a fair deal from the spending review – and that the government recognises the importance of public investment in food security and agriculture.
Defra has made broad commitments
“The industry was very much under the impression that the scheme would continue to remain open, with Defra providing assurance that there would be minimal changes for SFI – apart from the addition of new actions later in 2025.
“The stop-start nature of these schemes does nothing to build confidence and this latest blow undermines the hard work of forward-thinking farmers and land managers who have put positive environmental outcomes at the heart of their businesses.”
LEAF education specialist Sam Wyman has trained and supported numerous farmers to host OFS events over the years. He provides reassurance that taking part is both straightforward and rewarding.
“Remember what an amazing resource your farm is when you look at it with a fresh perspective,” says Mr Wyman. “Even the simplest items and tasks – like touching some grain or holding an EID tag – can be truly eye-opening for visitors.
Mr Wyman is clear about the farmer-focused benefits of providing opportunities for curious consumers to visit local farms. “Everyone I’ve ever worked with to host an OFS event is absolutely buzzing at the end of the day.”
Recent OFS data shows that 91% of visitors are motivated to buy more British produce after attending. By giving access and sharing stories and expertise, farmers can directly reinforce the importance of supporting local farming.
Farmers can register their Open Farm Sunday event at www.farmsunday.org and access a range of freely available resources, including webinars and promotional materials to help make each event a success.
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• Region celebrates agriculture
• Battle of Britain Spitfire flypast
• Goal to get young into farming
Asummer season of regional agricultural shows gets under way with a vengeance this month – highlighting the best of East Anglia's food and farming industries to an eager public.
In the south of the region, the South Suffolk Show takes place on Sunday, 11 May, at Ampton pointto-point racecourse, just off the A134 near Ingham, Bury St. Edmunds. Weather permitting, it will include an RAF Spitfire Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast at 1:30pm, as well as the Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team.
The following week will see the 186th Hadleigh Show take place on Saturday, 17 May. Held in the parkland setting of Holbecks Park, on the edge of Hadleigh, it will include all the regular main ring highlights, music and a family friendly layout.
Something for everyone
Hadleigh Show secretary Tory Lugsden says: “With four rings of activities going on throughout the day there should be something for everyone.
“For 2025, the Grand Ring will feature Bolddog FMX Stunt Team as our main attraction, with equine classes, machinery displays, the Dog and Duck Show – and our spectacular Grand Parade showcasing all of our brilliant winners.”
The Presidents Ring will host equine competitions, with Mountain and Moorland, Working Hunters and Sidesaddle classes competing. They will be followed by Simbo's Gundogs showing how they work and the Suffolk Young Farmers display.
The following day sees the Essex Young Farmers County Show on Sunday, 18 May, near Chelmsford (see panel). It will be followed later in the
Young Farmers across Essex are pulling out all the stops for their annual country show this month.
This year's event – the biggest and most important in the young farmers' calendar – takes place on Sunday, 18 May at Boyton Hall, Roxwell, near Chelmsford.
volunteers
“There’s something for everyone
The Essex Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs says the show is shaping up to be better than ever, says. Volunteers aged 16-26 from across the county will set up the many attractions on offer duringthe week prior to the show. Gates will open to the public at 9:30am, beginning a day of entertainment for all ages.
The livestock area will be filled with a variety of animals including
month by the Suffolk Show, which takes place on 28-29 May at Trinity Park, Ipswich.
This year's Suffolk Show promises to be the county's largest two-day visitor experience – highlighting the importance of food and farming to the regional economy, coupled with being a great day out for families.
Livestock have long been a key part of the Hadleigh Show [Photo credit: Bill Hiskett]
The two-day spectacular will include a special focus on the humble potato, with Frontier Agriculture and Suffolk County Council helping to showcase the field to fork story of the crop in a special display aimed at
rare breeds, cattle, sheep and pigs. Attractions include tractors and steam engines – and the annual Essex Young Farmer’s Tug of War final.
Other attractions
Aimed at all ages, entry to the show is free for those under 15. Children have the opportunity to get up close to livestock. For slightly older kids, there will also be fair ground rides. Pop-up shops will include a number of country clothing outlets.
Run by Essex Young Farmer members, the bar will be open throughout the day. Food stands will range from hog roasts to sweet treats including ice cream, strawberries and doughnuts.
For tickets, call 01245 360442 or visit www.essexyoungfarmers.com
The Farm4Future area will offer an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It aims to change perceptions of what working in food and farming and allied industries looks like – and could look like – in the future.
In the north of the region, the Royal Norfolk Show takes place on 25-26 June. This year, show president Paul Hoveson is on a mission to attract more youngsters into the industry as their career of choice.
Later this season sees the return of two popular one-day shows. The Wayland Show takes place at Watton on Sunday, 3 August. The Aylsham Show takes place on its traditional August Bank Holiday date (25 August).
• Signs of disease at an early stage
• Growers advised to keep eye out
• Send samples away to be tested
Growers should remain vigilant after signs of yellow rust in winter wheat varieties classed as resistant to the disease.
Unusual early observations of yellow rust on several winter wheat varieties in some Recommended Lists (RL) trials mean farmers will need to monitor crops more closely this season rather than relying on disease ratings.
Trial site inspections in the north of England last month found signs of the foliar disease on almost all wheat varieties classified as resistant at the young plant stage in the latest Recommended List – including some widely grown varieties.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board said there were also the “first hints of something unusual” starting to happen in other regions too. And it called on growers to have any suspicious samples properly analysed.
The yellow rust pathogen population is highly diverse – so new strains of the disease are not unusual. But these early observations suggest there may be a significant new strain or strains that has not been seen before in the UK pathogen population.
Some varieties historically classified as susceptible at the young plant stage are currently relatively clean at the impacted trial sites. This suggests a potential pathogen population shift that may have displaced some other yellow rust strains.
Varieties impacted by yellow rust at the young plant stage are more likely to require treatment with fungicides
The next phase of the UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) project got underway last month.
The survey supports breeding for durable resistance to yellow rust and brown rust in winter wheat – because the diversity and adaptability of these pathogen populations is relatively high compared to other foliar cereal diseases.
Brown rust was particularly interesting last year due to its relatively early appearance. This illustrates how rust pressures can swing between years and change rapidly within seasons, say researchers.
To monitor UK rust populations effectively, UKCPVS is asking growers to send in samples from infected leaves taken from geographically diverse areas and wheat varieties. Anyone can submit a sample – in a paper envelope – via the to UKCPVS Freepost service.
This year, the UKCPVS team is prioritising the analysis of samples from wheat varieties which are normally resistant to yellow rust but still showing unusual levels of disease in the field and in trial sites.
that have good rust activity during the T0–T2 fungicide period -– even if they have a high adult plant disease resistance rating.
AHDB recommended list trials manager Mark Bollebakker said: “The trials in question were at about growth stage 30 at the time of inspection, so adult plant resistance had not kicked in.
“When it does, from stem extension onwards, these varieties may outgrow initial infection. However, it is difficult to predict what will happen. We have sent samples for testing to give us a better understanding of what we are seeing.”
It is hard to predict what will happen “
Plants are showing signs of yellow rust at any early stage
Farmers and agronomists should inspect all varieties before final spray decisions and not rely on the RL ratings until we know more, said Mr Bollebakker. Inspectors were assessing the situation – with further updates issued as soon as possible.
David King, of Syngenta, said: “It’s very much a case of being vigilant rather than panicking. However, in parts of the country, a lot of wheat wasn’t planted until November, and some earlier-drilled wheat struggled in poorer seedbeds.
“Both of these scenarios render crops more vulnerable to yellow rust.”
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• High performing premium sector wheat
• Group 1 variety has excellent agronomics
• Superb combination of yield and protein
Ahigh protein wheat is catching the interest of growers and millers alike, with a yield of 98% of controls on the latest Recommended List.
With a milling specification protein content of 13.2%, KWS Vibe has the most comprehensive agronomic package of all the key Group 1 players, says Olivia Bacon, the breeder's technical manager for conventional crops.
"KWS Vibe is unusual,” she says. “Many are now believing it is the new 'protein' banker for the UK.”
The variety achieved Group 1 performance in its first and second national list trials in 2022 and 2023 –and in the Recommended List stage in 2024 – three contrasting seasons.
Characterised by excellent grain quality, including an Hagberg Falling Number of 283 and a specific weight of 79.1kg/hl, Vibe consistently delivered higher protein at 13.2% than the control in each of the three years.
It exhibits good gluten quality, loaf volumes and overall baking performance. This means is brings genuinely improved performance to a sector that has had few new additions in recent years, says Ms Bacon.
growers to be able to hit required protein specifications, says Joe Brennan, of UK Flour Millers.
Homegrown milling quality wheat is key to food security, so the UK flour milling industry needs a productive, profitable domestic farming sector which can meet quality requirements year after year, says Mr Brennan.
“Wheat flour is an ingredient in 33% of food products sold in supermarkets and accounts for 20% of the nation’s food energy intake. UK flour milling businesses use five million tonnes of wheat each year to produce four million tonnes of flour.
“Last season was extremely challenging for farmers and followed several difficult years. We are seeing this feed into the UK milling industry and our projected use of homegrown wheat for 2024/25 will be under 70%.
“This represents the lowest proportion of homegrown wheat in the UK milling sector for over 20 years – quite different to a typical year when we use at least 80% homegrown wheat.”
Another issue with Group 1s is a decline in the ability of farmers to achieve the required specifications. This has been linked to unfavourable weather in recent seasons – and exceptionally high costs for inputs such as nitrogen fertiliser.
Data from the AHDB Cereal Quality Survey shows that just 20% of Group 1 wheat last harvest met the milling specification of 13% protein, 250HFN and 76kg/hl. This was down from 48% in 2018 although up from just 13% in 2023.
“Group 1 wheats are the backbone of UK bread making flour. These are the varieties that we can rely on season after season to produce sustained, high level of consistent milling and baking performance.
“Strong gluten quality is a trait that millers are looking for increasing-
Homegrown milling wheat is important for UK food security
Below left: Olivia Bacon says Vibe brings improved performance
ly in Group 1s because of the UK’s targets for reducing salt in sliced bread. Salt enhances the strength of the protein and gluten in the flour, so if you reduce salt you need to match it with an increase in gluten strength.
“In trials by millers KWS Vibe exhibited very consistent, high quality, with high protein, high specific weight and consistent breadmaking performance, season after season, which is what defines a Group 1, as opposed to a Group 2, variety.”
“
KWS Vibe has excellent grain quality
In baking tests at the Allied Technical Centre, KWS Vibe has performed exceptionally well with a soft, white crumb, large loaf volume, excellent loaf height and good layering performance in pastries, says Ms Bacon.
“KWS Vibe will appeal to milling wheat growers who want a variety which combines high yield with high protein.
“Across the rotation KWS Vibe delivers excellent performance, both as a first wheat at 98% of control and as a second cereal at 97%, which is important because 60% of milling wheats are sown in the second cereal position.
“In the early and late sown slots, the variety achieved 98% and 99% of control respectively, 98% on both light and heavy soils.”
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Environmental risks from pesticides must be reduced by 10% in the next five years, says the government.
The UK National Action Plan on Pesticides says farmers must ensure pesticide use is sustainable – protecting the environment and human health while boostig food production for the long-term future.
The plan pledges support for farmers, growers and land managers who voluntarily embrace alternative measures – including nature-friendly farming techniques. But it is unclear how this will be achieved.
Pesticide resistance, climate change, and invasive species pose significant challenges to our food security, says the government plan. The goal is to reduce the potential harm from pesticides by 10% by 2030, while continuing to control pests and pesticide resistance effectively. Rather than a simple 10% reduction in pesticide usage, the plan focuses on a 10% reduction in potential environmental harm by measuring the impact of pesticides across 20 key indicators.
Clear targets and measures to monitor pesticide usage
Encourage uptake of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Strengthen compliance and promote good practice
[Source: Defra]
Defra says a nature friendly approach – including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – is better for everyone. It wants healthier ecosystems where vital pollinators, such as bees, can flourish. This willboost crop health and food production, it adds.
The pesticide plan is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change. Defra said: “It is clear food security is national security. [That] is why we are supporting farmers to spend less on pesticides in the future while boosting productivity.”
Environment minister Emma Hardy said: “The government is restoring our natural world as part of our commitment to protect the environment while supporting productivity and economic growth.”
Ms Hardy added: “We have banned bee killing pesticides in England and today we’re going further to support farmers and growers to adopt sustainable practices.”
The NFU said the action plan was long overdue. But it said it was still unclear how the government would support an increased focus on IPM and compliance without impacting the competitiveness of farmers.
NFU deputy president David Exwood said there was a surprising lack of detail and commitment to ensure farmers and growers would still have the crop solutions they needed to produce food.
“While the government rightly focuses on public health and the environment, it is critically important this is balanced with the need to grow affordable British food.”
Mr Exwood: “The UK currently has some of the most stringent pesticide regulations in the world which control any potential impact or risks from their use.”
Farmers were committed to demonstrating they were taking a responsible approach to using plant protection products, said Mr Exwood. The industry had already increased sprayer operator training, equipment testing and pesticide stewardship.
Mr Exwood added: “It would have been good to see the plan mark the progress we’ve made. The focus on IPM aligns with the NFU’s own plant health strategy, which puts IPM at the heart of crop protection activity.
“While the government rightly focuses on public health and the environment, it’s critically important this is balanced with the need to grow affordable British food and increase productivity.
“For this, farmers and growers need continued support for IPM uptake and access to more effective tools to protect crops from pests, weeds and disease, and to ensure they can run thriving, profitable businesses.”
• One of driest starts to Spring since 1836
• Pay extra attention to crop management
• More rain needed for yield potential
Norfolk grower Michael Wilton started irrigating cereals to protect yield potential following a dry March with only 13mm of rain.
Mr Wilton manages the Stody Estate’s acreage in north Norfolk alongside 600ha of contract farmland. Crops look well but with little rain and 80kg of nitrogen to be washed into the soil’s profile, irrigation quickly became his number one priority.
“It’s the biggest challenge we’ve got at the moment,” he says.
“Though we will be making case-bycase decisions, spring barley and those winter wheat crops with the highest potential will be the top priorities. We also have onions, potatoes and sugar beet in the ground.”
Southern England recorded just 16% of its average expected rainfall during March, according to provisional Met Office statistics. Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire saw their top three driest Marches since 1836.
Desperately dry
Local BASF agronomy manager Hugo Pryce said: “It’s desperately dry in the east and there’s little rain in the forecast. Crops are starting to lose tillers, and with them, yield potential.”
The Stody Estate produces winter wheat for the seed market. This
All have good resistance scores against yellow rust – which may ex plain why Mr Wilton has not seen any tell-tale pustules in his crops. Septo ria is present but wasn't active during dry conditions during April.
“We’re quite clean but we still apply a strong fungicide when wheat gets to the right growth stage,” says Mr Wilton. Strong genetics and no visible yellow rust mean a focus on T1 rather than T0 applications, he adds.
“My view – which doesn’t change from season to season – is that T1 is a very important building block for the rest of programme and needs to be robust.”
“I’m looking at Inatreq (fenpicoxamid) plus RevyPro on those crops with the highest potential. RevyPro with its two actives, is a very attractive mix partner – while the Revysol rate is a little lower, there’s some prothioconazole in the formulation.”
BASF's RevyPro contains 50 g/l Revysol and 100 g/l prothioconazole and has strong efficacy on a broad range of diseases such as Septoria, yellow rust and brown rust, and good activity on eyespot.
“The season can quickly turn,” says Mr Pryce. “If you don’t establish a solid foundation, you can end up chasing disease – a battle you’re likely to lose. But, if you start with a strong T1, and dis-
chemistry like fenpicoxamid which ap plies stronger selection pressure and is at a higher risk of resistance development,” adds Mr Pryce.
With the irrigators in the field, Mr Wilton says he wanted to turn a ‘dry season’ into a ‘wet season’ and needed to ensure his fungicides reflected the impact on disease pressure.
“A few years ago, we were involved in a trial and saw a tenfold increase in the amount of Septoria genetic material present in the irrigated winter wheat,” he explains.
Mr Pryce explains why: “Irrigation will create ‘rain splash’ and spread the Septoria up the plants – but with a robust T1, Michael has the increased pressure covered.”
Mr Wilton says the near-average start to this season might have been a saving grace. “We’re able to manage the biomass we’ve got, he says.
“Had crops come out of the winter, large and forward this spring, we would now be struggling a bit with available moisture and nitrogen uptake I'm not disappointed with where we've ended up, but the need for rain is more critical.”
Advice for potato store managers will be available at a special event in Lincolnshire this month.
Strategic Potato Storage Day is an industry event dedicated to knowledge and innovation in potato storage. Organised by Potato Storage Insight, it will bring together potato growers, store managers, researchers and technology providers.
The event will be held on 21 May at Fleet Lodge Farm, Holbeach. It will discuss developments in sprout suppression technologies, energy management and storage efficiency.
Attendees will gain first-hand insights into field trial results, cutting-edge control systems and practical strategies for optimising potato storage conditions while reducing waste and costs.
The 2025 edition will feature live demonstrations, expert talks and networking op-
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Using biostimulants to encourage deeper roots could help crops fend off the threat of drought and heat stress, says an agronomist.
Agronomist Mike Stoker, from biostimulant specialist Orion FT says “Plants that accumulate more silicon have been shown to grow longer roots. In periods of drought this gives silicon treated plants a significant advantage.”
“This is especially true for leafy plants like brassicas, and research published by Reading University shows plant mortality of a kale crop being halved through the use of silicon biostimulants.”
Rainfall in some counties was just 16% of the average expected amoung during March, according to Met Office figures. The highest March temperature of 21.3C also suggests that plants will be experiencing heat stress.
Photosynthetic efficiency helps de-
termine how plants manage drought and heat stress. In trials, spinach crops treated with silicon had a higher chlorophyll content and improved photosynthetic efficiency in temperatures of 42C for 24 hours.
“Silicon applications under drought conditions maintain plant nutrient balance and improve the uptake of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese.
“This makes silicon applications a viable option to improve plant water status and maintain plant water balance under drought stress conditions.”
Some cereal crops will be threatened by the potential drought conditions faced this year. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board suggests 10% of wheat yield is lost annual due to insufficient soil moisture.
As a result, crops can frequently fail when water supply does not keep ing critical stages of yield formation.
“Cereal crops can benefit from an application of silicon in spring to help root development when the crop needs water the most,” says Mr Stoker. Silicon added to an existing tank mix can help crops during dry weather.
Growers are being urged to watch out for willowherb and take steps to tackle the weed in cereal crops this spring.
Willowherb has become a more prevalent issue in recent years – possibly due to the shift towards minimal tillage or no-till methods. But failure to address the issue could result in costly yield losses at harvest.
“These practices help soil structure, but they also provide an environment where certain weeds – including willowherb – can thrive,” says Mathew Hutchings, senior commercial technical manager at FMC.
Lack of deep soil cultivations allows perennial weeds like willowherb to spread and establish roots deep in the soil, says Mr Hutchings.
Managing willowherb
“Changes to crop rotation patterns may have also caused the spike in willowherb being identified by agronomists. The lack of options for control in some crops, especially those that are less competitive, may allow wil-
lowherb to spread and become more prevalent.”
The waxy coating on willowherb leaves acts as a natural barrier that can prevent some herbicides from being absorbed effectively by the plant, says Mr Hutchings. This is particularly true when glyphosate is applied to the surface of the leaves.
The waxy layer can repel the herbicide, reducing its ability to penetrate the plant tissues. But a sulfonylurea herbicide will tackle the weed by quickly slowing down the rate of growth, before they become competitive.
“The most effective way of tackling willowherb, and other broadleaf weeds this spring, will be to use sulfonylurea herbicides (SU) with the active ingredients metsulfuron and tribenuron,” says Mr Hutchings.
SUs have been a key component of the arable toolbox for 40 years and to this day they continue to prove themselves on-farm, he adds.
They include products such as Ally and Max SX, with an enhanced spectrum of weed control.
• How powerful pods improve harvestability
• DSV continues investment in new breeding
• Improved phoma and clubroot protection
Growers are being encouraged to look again at oilseed rape and continue giving it a place in their rotations.
While few farmers can shrug off the challenge fending off cabbage stem flea beetle since the neonicotinoid ban, oilseed rape is still worth considering, says Sarah Hawthorne, of plant breeding company DSV.
"Oilseed rape is a crop many producers have grown up with and understand plus there is still a huge demand for it in the UK and a well-established infrastructure built around its marketing and processing," she says.
"With each year that goes by we're building up knowledge around the issues of establishment in difficult years and this, combined with new varieties, will only increase the crop's viability in the future."
‘Real opportunity’
Ms Hawthorne says rape is a break crop many struggle to find an alternative for – providing an opportunity to control diseases and pests while using a different set of herbicides against weed problems.
DSV bases its breeding on hybridisation. This allows the company to de velop stronger varieties, more able to thrive in the current challenging con ditions, than is possible with conven tional breeding.
“Our trials have shown DSV hy brids consistently produce 15% more root mass than conventional varieties and not only does this help anchor plants, it gives them much greater re sistance to abiotic stress and leads to higher GAI and improved photosyn thetic potential.
"Other potential benefits include better yields, more stable oil con tents, a wider range of drilling dates and the opportunity to use reduced seed rates."
Genetic resistance
New genetic resistances to two of the UK's most serious and costly diseases affecting oilseed rape have also been developed recently by DSV, adds Ms Hawthorne.
"Our Phoma Blocker trait, featur ing a resistance mechanism for pho ma stem canker completely new to Europe, is already featured in the va rieties Cognac and Dompteur."
It also features in other varie ties currently going through the UK testing process, with the enhanced clubroot resistance CRE1 (Clubroot Resistance Enhanced 1) now in the va riety Cromputer CR.
DSV Phoma Blocker adds a much-required additional layer of se curity for the future by the addition of LepR1 or RlmS to the widely used Rlm7 resistance, says Ms Hawthone.
"While LepR1 by itself has been shown to have the best resistance to the most common phoma strains in field trials across Europe, we believe it is most effective used in conjunction with other disease resistance traits.
"DSV now uniquely has varieties featuring all three different phoma resistance mechanisms - Rlm7, RlmS and now LepR1 - that can be rotated in the field to minimise major breakdown of any one type of resistance.
"In recent years, DSV's clubroot protection has also played an important role in keeping spread of the disease in check and also protecting yields
Oilseed rape still in huge demand in UK
Below: Sarah Hawthorne: building knowledge
CRE1 now adds a broader protection against more pathotypes – and new genetics have also been developed by DSV to improve harvest performance by building on traditional pod shatter characteristics.
"Our latest RL addition DSV Dolphin is the first of a new generation of hybrid varieties specifically developed to combine a key set of genetic traits to protect them against adverse weather conditions later in the season.
"Pod shatter genetics, contained in several DSV oilseed rape varieties and others on the RL, have done much to highlight the issue of harvest seed
"It is, however, now widely understood that 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 variety."
With this in mind, DSV breeders have been working on three key pod characteristics around the concept of 'Powerful Pods' which contribute significantly to reduced seed losses in adverse conditions, she explains.
"These are greater flexibility of the pod structure, improved function of the pod valve margins and greater space around individual seeds.
"All of these developments add to the future viability of oilseed rape and allow growers to have greater faith in the crop and its ability to deliver high margins."
ANTLER performed exceptionally in APHA variety list testing in the past 3 tough years. In 2024, extensive farm trials recorded consistent and exceptional yields leading it to be added to the very top of the BBRO Recommended List for 2026 sowing.
With lower bolting and higher sugar content than the market leader BTS1915, it offers better performance with lower risks.
Combine this with excellent seed quality, establishment, a good disease package and the opportunity to buy our proprietary priming and pellet plus a wider range of seed treatments, ANTLER really is the new Monarch of the Fen.
All seed is now sold directly from SESVANDERHAVE, or our partner AF Group.
DTheUK'sFlagshipEvent rivingKnowledge& FInnovationinArable arming
Experience the ultimate event for the UK arable industry at Cereals.
Explore live demonstrations and dedicated zones for agronomy, technology, machinery, business, education, regenerative farming practices and SFI updates – all designed to help you grow your business andyour crops.
Connect with over 450 leading suppliers showcasing the latest innovations, products, and expert advice. From seeds to sprayers, crop varieties to cutting-edge equipment, and fertiliser to finance, Cereals offers a complete one-stop solution.
4Don’tmissthisunmissableopportunitytostayaheadinfarming! 20+ exhibitors|200+ livedemonstrations|600+ cropplots|60+ speakers|17,000+ visitors
• Knowledge and expertise on hand
• Regenerative farming is extra feature
• More focus on next generation farmers
Ahost of new features will greet visitors to this year's two-day Cereals event, which takes place on 11-12 June in Lincolnshire.
Thousands of farmers and exhibitors are due to attend the flagship arable show, with the 52-ha site showcasing the latest agronomy, crop varieties and technology at Heath Farm, near Leadenham.
New to 2025, and leading the regenerative agriculture conversation, the BASE-UK Regen Conference area – themed ‘Robust farming in a changing climate' will focus on ways growers can make their businesses more resilient and sustainable.
“Every year we learn more about what Cereals visitors want,” says event director Ali McEntyre. “This year’s line-up reflects all that feedback – we are absolutely committed to making the event even better every year.”
A series of seminars and open-floor Q&A sessions will be shaped by the experiences of some of the UK's leading regenerative farming and advisory experts – exploring
how regen ag can fit and affect farm businesses of today and tomorrow.
The long-standing and popular Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena will benefit from a new format for 2025 – providing more opportunity to demonstrators and visitors alike to dig into the detail of cutting-edge spraying machinery and technologies.
Building on resilience and the future of the arable sector, a new Young Farmers Spotlight will welcome the next generation with a series of talks focused on key innovations that will shape the future and influence careers and progression.
Fresh talent will also be found in the agronomy zone where budding agronomists will be put through their paces in the new Ceres Rural Crop Challenge. Teams of six students will go head-to-head in growing and managing a winter wheat crop.
Always a popular area, the Cereals’ agronomy zone will bring together over 600 individual crop plots from 25 leading exhibitors. It will include a range of crops, agronomy simulations, agri-environment options and crop-focused innovation.
A host of winter wheats and two- and sixrow hybrid barleys will be on display as part of the Ceres Rural winter wheat and barley feature – displaying the latest varieties from the AHDB Recommended List.
This opportunity extends to all the zone exhibitors' individual crop plots, where leading recommended list varieties and exciting candidates can be seen side-by-side, with experts on-hand to guide and advise.
When: 11-12 JUNE 2025
Where: Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire LN5 0QE
Cost: £15 (pre-booked); £20 (on the gate)
Details: www.cerealsevent.co.uk
Visitors should follow directional signs – not sat-navs – when near the site. Signs will route you into the site more quickly and without additional delay.
The 20m-long NIAB Soil Hole will also return, giving a unique insight into cultivation effects and crop growth below ground. So too will the NAAC Drainage area, combining technical expertise with a practical approach to land management.
Showcasing the latest machinery and technologies, a series of cultivation and drilling demonstrations will highlight precision equipment and innovation in land preparation and crop establishment.
Working demonstrations by the likes of Agriweld, Merlo, and TWB Engineering. Robotic and automation demonstrations will include machines from AgXeed and Autonomous Agri Solutions, with drone technology also in action.
The KWS Seed to Shelf Stage agenda will provide two days of dynamic panels and Q&A sessions – including farm management advice and debate around the key topics that are shaping the future of farming.
• Popular farm hosts event again
• Sharing challenges and success
• Work together for better change
Arable farming has seen huge changes in the 17 years since the Cereals event was last held at Heath Farm in Lincolnshire.
The 445ha arable operation run by host farmer Andrew Ward is located near the village of Leadenham, almost halfway between Newark and Sleaford on the A17. It previously hosted Cereals in 2004 and 2008.
Roy Ward Farms has been an arable enterprise since Mr Ward’s father took on the Heath Farm tenancy in 1958. These days, it includes cover crops, agri-environment projects and its own YouTube channel with 19.7k subscribers.
Mr Ward says he enjoys taking on challenges head on. Being unafraid to experiment – and the first farmer to grow a baked bean crop from British seed – is what makes him a solid Cereals host farmer.
Highs and lows
“No farmer can farm perfectly, we all experience some real highs and some real lows – and I don’t mind sharing both,” he adds.
The farm’s heavy, medium and light soils – comprising clay, silt and sand – have in the past supported a wheat-heavy rotation. But blackgrass
forced Mr Ward to undertake drastic action in 2013 to recover yields and profits.
All land-rogued extensively and glyphosate used where necessary, plus:
RED Heavy land – heavy burden
Treated as red ground, no wheat grown, only competitive spring barley
AMBER Medium land – medium to moderate burden
Four-year rotation of autumn-harvested sugar beet, spring barley (if burden high) or winter wheat (if burden manageable), oats and winter wheat
GREEN Light land – minimal or manageable burden
Four-year rotation of winter-harvested sugar beet, spring barley, oats and winter wheat
Hitting the problem hard, he sprayed off some 60.7ha with glyphosate for three or four years, rogueing the worst land and implementing a traffic light system to get on top of the problem (see panel).
Delaying wheat drilling until the third week of October and growing spring barley on the worst land has helped gain ground against blackgrass. The rotation once again includes continuous wheat, on heavy land – with good yields too.
“We follow the same cropping on the medium land as we did under the traffic light system, minus the spring barley, and taking advantage of the yield benefit to the wheat following the sugar beet,” says Mr Ward.
“In some fields the rotation will have three wheat crops following the sugar beet. On light land we have removed the oats and grow two barley crops.
“We still hand-rogue and we will target treat with herbicide. However, we are now using 34% less herbicide and we target all our inputs.”
The farm hasn’t been ploughed since 2003. Instead, Mr Ward uses a combination of Simba machinery and modifications to maximise soil health and achieve optimal establishment
across a range of crops, soils and conditions.
A 6m flower margin is maintained in every field to support pollinators and beneficial insects. Mr Ward also grows winter bird feed plots throughout the farm, with feeders for songbirds and gamebirds – and a large pond area.
More recently, he has introduced the Sustainable Farming Incentive’s legume mix option into his sugar beet rotation, and he is also currently running a nitrogen efficiency trial as an Innovative Farmers demonstration farm.
“I’m looking forward to hosting Cereals once again,” says Mr Ward.
“We’ll all express our disgust at current affairs and share the day-today gripes, but there will also be plenty of talk that invigorates and excites us – it's amazing how coming together can really be the change we need.”
When: 11-12 JUNE 2025?
Where: Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire LN5 0QE
Cost: £15 (pre-booked); £20 (on the gate)
Details: www.cerealsevent.co.uk
Visitors should follow directional signs – not sat-navs – when near the site. Signs will route you into the site more quickly and without additional delay.
• Latest crops varieties and genetics
• Work as partners with supply chain
• Insight and advice on productivity
Sharing knowledge to find solutions will be the theme of this year’s seminar programme at the Cereals event.
Market volatility, farm support and changing legislation will all be among the topics discussed on the Seed to Shelf stage – a series of farmer-focused seminars to equip arable businesses with the information needed to thrive in uncertain times.
Sponsored by KWS, the Seed to Shelf stage dives deep into the arable supply chain – from policies and finance to seed development and crop choices.
Across two days, visitors will gain practical insight into ways they can
boost productivity, improve margins and tap into market opportunities –all while reducing their environmental impact.
“Farmers are facing tighter margins, rising input costs, and more complex sustainability expectations than ever,” says KWS marketing manager Andy McGrath.
“Seed to Shelf is about helping growers make informed decisions that deliver value throughout the entire chain – from genetics to grain specifications, and beyond.”
KWS will showcase its latest genetics – like new Group 1 wheat variety KWS Vibe – and how it meets grower and processor needs, says Mr McGrath.
“Our focus is not just on yield but also traits like disease resistance and grain quality that reduce input reliance and deliver better returns. It’s about practical innovation that works in the field and adds value all the way to the end product.
“As part of our new Productivity2 initiative we are also looking at how yield and quality improvements from genetics, combined with more efficient use of inputs through key traits like disease resistance, can improve productivity and margins for growers.
Extending this thinking into the stages of food and drink production can help reduce the carbon footprint of products, says Mr McGrath.
“In some cases – we have also been able to improve efficiency in the following process, such as greater alcohol extraction.
The seminar programme will run across both days at Cereals
“We believe passionately that onthe-ground farming must integrate fully with the wider food supply chain industry and it is precisely for this reason that we are so proud to be the main sponsor of the Seed to Shelf initiative at Cereals.”
Looking to some of the opportunities in the arable sector, a session sponsored by the UK Agri-Tech Centre will delve into some of the latest innovations the centre has supported, led by head of sustainability Harry Langford.
The theme of emerging technologies will be addressed by former Defra secretary George Eustice. He will examine the promise and potential of precision breeding in a session sponsored by the British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN).
“George was the Defra minister when the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill went through,” says BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens.
“He has a really good insight into what ministers were trying to achieve with the legislation and why it is an opportunity for the UK.
“We will be exploring that, as well as the science behind precision-bred organisms.”
Another key interest for Mr Eustice is biopesticides, which will also be touched on in the discussions.
“Biostimulants and bio-pesticides offer an awful lot of opportunity to UK growers, and we’ve seen benefits in trials,” says Mr Allen-Stevens.
“But we need more data from commercial farms, which we’re unable to do with the current legislation.
“George is championing a change in the law on bio-pesticides, in a similar way to how precision-bred organisms are being treated, which sounds like a really good idea and something I’m keen to explore in this discussion.”
Other sessions include advice on diversifying your farm business, sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages, as well as a panel discussion with the Women in Food and Farming Network, says event director Alli McEntyre.
“With uncertainty over future land use, trade deals, and food policy, there’s never been a more important time for farmers.”
Advice from experts on ways to navigate financial uncertainty will be on hand at this year’s Cereals event.
As the turbulent outlook continues, more farm businesses are finding themselves presented with a complex scenario. The arable sector in particular faces a cash flow challenge in the run-up to harvest.
But what unites all sectors is the increased financial pressure, including fluctuating exchange rates and substantial tax bills – creating a perfect storm of economic uncertainty.
Critical factors shaping the future of British farming will be discussed by Jeremy Moody at the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). He will be speaking at the Seed to Shelf mainstage, sponsored by KWS.
Mr Moody will deliver a special seminar, titled Land Use, Tax and Business, at 10am on both days of Ceereals – aiming to help growers better understand the situation and navigate the headwinds they face.
Faster transition
“The transition away from traditional agricultural subsidies is accelerating, with both Defra and the Treasury signalling that farmers must increasingly rely on their own resources,” explains Mr Moody.
“The Sustainable Farming In-
cal factor in farmers' financial plan ning, however, the recent closure of SFI applications caught many farm ers by surprise, with uncertainty sur rounding future schemes.”
Ministers are suggesting a poten tial shift towards focusing the SFI on less productive land and environmen tal initiatives, particularly in protect ed landscapes like national parks.
Working on the basis of a 10-15year outlook, Mr Moody says farmers should consider several factors:
• Generational succession: Plan for the next generation, considering the viability of the current business model.
• Business objectives: Identify opportunities to improve overall business performance, enterprise efficiency and profitability.
Farmers should also be exploring innovative farming technologies and seeking expert advice on tax and inheritance planning.
Generational planning can often be challenging for farming families and rural business owners. Michelmores solicitors are aiming to get the conversation started in a young farmers-focused panel session at the event.
• Climate resilience: Develop strategies to adapt to changing environmental conditions and potential agricultural challenges.
Long-term planning is crucial for farmers looking to secure their financial future – especially after the tax changes in the autumn Budget, now coming into effect, Mr Moody adds.
Measures may include diversifying income streams and investing in sus-
Plan ahead for success, says Jeremy Moody
Charles Frost of Michelmores, headline sponsor of the Young Farmers Programme, says farming families must consider the impact of the proposed changes to inheritance tax on their succession plans and broader financial strategies.
Until October 2024, the legislation encouraged landowners to hold on to their farms. But Mr Frost says the new rules –which are due to come into effect in April 2026 – will require a change of approach in many cases.
“The landscape looks set to change completely. There’s now a much greater case for handing assets on during your lifetime and at an earlier stage.”
“The landscape looks to change completely
The proposed changes have forced farming families to think carefully about their succession plans and to have those conversations now, adds Mr Frost.
“We are helping many families to navigate complex discussions about tax and the transfer of assets to the next generation while ensuring that older generations retain sufficient resources to provide for their own needs.
Seminar sessions will get to grips with the big issues
“Facilitating open family discussions hopefully results in a clear framework, with future expectations aligned, which benefits the farming business and all those involved in it.”
Young farmers can play a crucial role in this by initiating ideas about succession and bringing their fresh ideas for the future to the table – an area which he’ll be focusing on at the event.
“By bringing all family members to the table, the exercise ensures everyone understands the plan and feels confident about their role.
“While there is uncertainty, there remain great opportunities, and the next generation of farmers will want to feel confident about their place on the family farm to commit their future to it and navigate the many changes the sector currently faces.
“We hope that the panel session can be interactive and would encourage the next generation of farmers to come to the Young Farmer tent armed with questions and ready to share their own thoughts.”
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Experts will discuss top tips to balance innovative farming practices which improve productivity with the need to look after the environment.
Soils and environmental stewardship will both be discussed by the regenerative farming network BASEUK. An important starting point for anyone looking to make changes to their system is looking at the health of their soils.
“If you haven’t already, begin making some records to get a baseline of your starting point,” says the network’s Rebecca Goodwin. “This includes pH, soil organic matter levels and nutrient status.
“All these factors together can have a significant impact on productivity levels. Also, talk to other farmers who have already started on the regen ‘journey’ as they will have made mistakes that you can avoid.”
The farmer-led BASE UK network
is set to discuss key soil and agri-environment topics as part of its Regen Conference, sponsored by Tees Law, at this year’s Cereals event.
A good attendance is expected at these events, with sessions focusing on these topics include enterprise stack-
Sustainable farming is attracting lots of interest
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With over 5km of walkways between exhibitors, a day at Cereals means you’ll spend at least one hour walking the site – and that’s without distractions.
Add in time for catching up with friends, suppliers and eating lunch – and a six-hour visit will disappear faster than a free coffee. Planning your day to get the most out of it is essential – just like planning ahead for your farm. In today’s climate, that means focusing on what you can control, rather than worrying about what you can't.
bers is more important than ever, says Emily Padfield, senior agricultural expert at Yagro.
“Having an accurate understanding of your farm numbers is essential — not just for benchmarking performance and protecting your bottom line, but also for managing risk.”
“Setting realistic budgets, tracking in-season costs and making properly informed, data-led decisions is the surest route forward.”
ing – whether it is sensible to diversify and robust soils for robust farms.
“Without our soil there is very little to farm, so this is where we need to look to ensure that improvements can be made, and sustainability can be achieved,” explains Ms Goodwin.
of varietal decisions, there may be gaps in your decision-making — and missed opportunities to tighten margins.
Treating each field as its own profit centre, and maximising returns on every input and investment through detailed analysis, must now be standard practice.
Fortunately, there are tools that can handle this workload for you, without adding hours to your day, says Emily.
“It’s about having access to the right data at the right time, so you can make the right decision for your business.
Take back control
With volatility in inputs and outputs, and ongoing upheaval at the policy level, much about farming today feels outside your control. Gone are the days when weather was the only unpredictable factor impacting your operation.
It’s harder than ever to make calculated investments or future-proof your farm with confidence. That’s why knowing your num-
Profitability today demands keen attention to detail and a flexible approach. Monitoring costs at crop, variety and field level gives you granular insights, says Emily –and small, incremental changes can drive big results.
If you’re unable to pinpoint field-level performance or the impact
“Presenting that data clearly is what Yagro specialises in — giving you confidence in your decision-making and helping you control what’s controllable.”
The old adage “what gets measured gets managed” still rings true – but new challenges call for new tools. Often, the solutions already exist within your farm data.
At Cereals, Emily will be hosting the BASIS Trail on Yagro Stand 1040, where the team will demonstrate how digital tools and data analysis can help manage risk, drive efficiency and optimise production.
Emily Padfield: A realistic budget is the best way forward
This will include a free crop margins calculator, touchscreen demonstrations of Yagro tools, free barista-made coffee and the chance to win a 20-litre can opener.
A day at Cereals only contains so many hours. Make them count.
Plant breeder RAGT returns to Cereals for another year with its new soft feed RGT Hexton providing the focus for its stand.
The Recommended List topping second wheat performance at 108% is sure to draw the eye of farmers looking for varieties to fill this slot, says Ed Stanford, cereals product manager for RAGT UK.
“RGT Hexton has an excellent agronomic package, with market potential for export and distilling,” explains Mr Stanford. “It performs well in any situation but stands out as a second wheat and in the north.
it stands head and shoulders above the next best variety, he adds.
“Coupled with its dramatically improved septoria resistance compared to long-established popular varieties, Scotland could experience a significant changeover in varieties this season.”
RAGT will also demonstrate the value of the barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance pioneered in its wheat varieties. Genetics can help farmers reduce – or in most cases eliminate – insecticide usage wheat crops, says Mr Stanford.
Mr Stanford says the seed trade in northern England and Scotland is preparing for strong demand for RGT Hexton this summer. With its RL yield for the north at 111%,
“For 2025, we are comparing BYDV-resistant varieties like the newly recommended RGT Goldfinch against the RL controls in plots inoculated with BYDV-carrying aphids. When it strikes, the effects of BYDV can be devastating.”
RAGT is exhibiting on stand 1108 at Cereals 2025
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Harvester Parts Ltd are a family run business growing arable crops, potatoes, sugarbeet and roses in Cambridgeshire. In 2023 an opportunity arose to become sellers of combine harvester spares.
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Anyone growing sugar beet in the world today will be familiar with varieties from SesVanderHave and Hilleshog.
Year after year, sugar beet remains a significant and reliable break crop delivering increased yields despite increasingly extreme climate events.
“Last year, British Sugar and NFU Sugar announced ground breaking changes that empower growers to buy seed directly from breeder,” says SesVanderHave UK director Ian Munnery
With many growers seeking advice on variety selection and ordering seed directly, Cereals is an ideal opportunity to meet and discuss sugar beet.
“The event is less than three miles from our Lincolnshire offices, so our attendance is a no-brainer," says Mr Munnery.
“We will be located on Stand 239, our Sugar Beet zone, near the NFU stand and next door to British Sugar’s own stand; so you will be well informed ahead of your 2026 crop decisions, including varieties.”
Here you’ll not only be able to meet the full UK team but also many breeding and research experts from SesVanderHave, Belgium; and Hilleshog, Sweden; as SesVanderHave UK is now UK marketing agent for the Hilleshog genetics.
We will showcase our full portfolio of tried and tested varieties that many growers will be familiar with, such as Antler, Aslan, Gadwall, Hoopoe (BCN), Osprey (AYPR), Magpie, Wren, Adder and Tawny.
significant and reliable break crop with top varieties, says Ian Munnery (below)
als; where we are not only working with leading growers to better evaluate varieties under commercial conditions across the whole UK,” says Mr Munnery.
Experts from SesVanderHave will also be on hand to share lessons on how to maximise yields and minimise risks. The lessons learnt include seed and nitrogen rates, sowing dates and seed treatments.
Reducing nitrogen rates is a major topic going forward for breeders given the potential to not only negatively affect sugar content and processability if in excess, but also to increase your bottom line.
You can also gain an insight into some of our candidates within current BBRO trials, including Grouse and Snipe.
Hilleshog genetics return to the UK market. While Hoopoe has demonstrated excellent performance against beet cyst nematode, Osprey remains the only BBRO Recommended variety for use in the presence of AYPR rhizomania. If you don’t need BCN or CERC (as claimed by the breeder) Gadwall is the third highest classical rhizomania tolerant variety - so there will be plenty of choice.
Antler truly is groundbreaking –the new Monarch of the Fen – sitting alongside BTS1915 at the very top of the BBRO 2026 Recommended List, but with higher sugar content and lower bolting. No doubt, it will be the variety of growers’ choice for 2026 sowing.
As part of the BASIS trail, we will be explaining the need for vigilance against Rubbery Tap Root disease and Syndrome Basse Richesse, which are growing threats across Europe.
With a further 10 candidates in trials pending BBRO Recommended List approval for 2026 and an additional 48 in APHA Variety List trials, SesVanderHave has a formidable pipeline of new genetics, traits and treatments to help growers maximise and protect their yields.
Our new high yielding variety Aslan sees
“We will also be showcasing some lessons learnt from Club SV 2024 tri-
• Income sources increasingly important
• Helps make core business sustainable
• Generate revenue from marginal land
Options to generate valuable additional income from alternative land uses will be discussed at Cereals.
Alternatives to cereal cropping can benefit farm businesses in many multiple ways – helping to boost profits and improve the environment.
Organisers say Cereals will have plenty of practical advice on offer this year – including from some key farmers.
Possibilities range from wetland crops (paludiculture) and peat restoration to habitat creation and agroforestry, helping farmers to diversify their income streams and adapt to evolving challenges in land management techniques.
Paludiculture is a system of farming with a high water table. It involves cultivating crops on wet or rewetted peatlands, aiming to preserve peat soils and maintain carbon storage while producing biomass.
Cereals will feature an extensive catalogue of exhibitors showcasing some of these cutting-edge practices in alternative land use. Visitors will be see how different approaches are evolving, with lots of opportunities for knowledge sharing.
Agroforestry is?the deliberate integration of trees and shrubs into farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits. Experts from Soil Association Exchange will delve into this topic on their stand at this year’s event.
Soil Association Exchange spokesman William Leabeater said: “With increasing financial support for woodland creation and management, many farmers are considering tree planting as a viable land use change.”
Mr Leabeater says this trend is particularly noticeable in upland regions, where woodland creation enhances biodiversity, mitigates flooding, and offers long-term revenue opportunities.”
Alternative land uses have been encouraged by the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). But many farmers are now exploring alternative land uses to generate new income streams after the scheme was closed to new applciations by the government.
“When considering land use changes, it’s essential to prioritise what adds the most value and resilience to your business,” says Mr Leabeater.
“It’s an emerging market
“Focus on decisions that strengthen and diversify your operation and then explore how available subsidies or financial support can complement these choices — rather than letting subsidies dictate your direction.”
Markets for biodiversity net gain (BNG) and carbon credits have developed rapidly in recent years, enabling farmers to be paid for
More farmers are integrating agroforestry within their arable enterprises
specific habitat management – although be prepared for the longhaul.
“We have people identifying land for BNG, and it is an emerging market,” says Edward Hutley, partner at consultants Ceres Rural. “But these are long-term arrangements of 30 years, so do carry risk.”
Angus Collet, director at the BNG partnership, says there has been a recent uplift in activity around BNG, with an increase in the amount of registered habitat banks that are already on the Defra register.
“It shows that landowners see BNG as an opportunity to diversify and are willing to enter into a longer-term scheme than they are used to,” says Mr Collet.
Carbon trading has mostly developed through privately-funded businesses, some of which are looking at short-term management practices like cover cropping and incorporating straw into the soil to boost organic matter, says Mr Hutley.
“Every farm requires an element of balance in its portfolio like stocks and shares traders have – short-term, long-term, highrisk, and low-risk.
You need to have enough skin in the game that there’s a financial incentive to get it right but not so much that it will be crippling if you get it wrong.”
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Changes could help more farmers recognise the benefits of slurry-based anaerobic digestion systems, a conference was told.
Fundamental changes in policy, planning and funding are urgently required to encourage wider adoption of the technology, said the event, which looked at the future for on-farm anaerobic digestion and methane capture.
Hosted by Askham Bryan College, York, the event brought together around 100 farmers, policy-makers, funders and industry to discuss the opportunities for smaller-scale energy generation using on-farm slurry.
It highlighted success stories of farms that are currently using the technology, including Askham Bryan’s own college farm.
tilisers, as well as renewable energy.
In contrast to larger AD plants, small-scale on-farm anaerobic digestion (SOFAD) plants are solely fed by slurry from the animals on a farm, with no additional feedstocks.
An estimated 90 million tonnes of livestock manure is annually available in the UK, but only 3% is currently processed by AD – falling far behind other European countries.
Although UK funders are willing to back smaller-scale anaerobic digestors, the lack of support and awareness at government level is stalling progress and imposing paperwork that is not scale appropriate.
NFCC principal consultant Lucy Hopwood said: “We have heard this week how SOFAD addresses so many areas such as methane capture, clean air and displacement of fossil-fuel fer-
“But there was frustration in the room about the multiple issues faced when trying to scale this technology. Legal, scoping and development costs are often inordinate in relation to the risks.”
up for farmers without financial support, they will hold off if they are unsure whether this investment aligns with the policy priorities which may dictate what support is available in the future, so we need clarity to enable them to move forward.
Funders, planners and insurers follow criteria that is designed for much larger scale facilities, said Ms Hopwood. Small AD plants were being built in less than a week, but one taking 18 months to get through planning, even when no objections.
“From a funding perspective, AD technology has not been included in any of the recent Defra productivity or slurry grants and we are also unclear as to what the future policy priorities are.
While the systems can stack
Better information needed for decision-makers
Lack of clear and information is holding back farmers from investing in anaerobic digestion, conference delegates heard.
This was holding back early stage research and decision making, both for farmers and the wider community. The NNFCC is working with the industry and local and national Government, hoping to address this issue.
Gary Hague (pictured right), from Biolectric, which helped coordinate the conference, said: “All the farmers at the summit who have installed smallscale AD plants declared that the technology is a
‘no-brainer’ for their business and they would do it again.
"We need to give confidence to the wider farming community to adopt this technology and, in turn, create a more circular farming system that builds on-farm resilience and supports the net zero agenda.
"It was fantastic to hear from North Yorkshire Combined Authority, who supported the Askham Bryan College AD plant, about their ambitions in this area and we hope other local authorities will follow their lead.”
Wider recognition of the benefits and acknowledgement of their value, with tax breaks and carbon credits for this technology would also make investment more attractive, as would a planning and permit system that fully recognises the differences between small-scale and large-scale AD.
“It seems to be a topic that falls through the gaps between different government teams although we are hopeful that the new Circular Economy Taskforce, who were in at-
tendance this week, might change this.”
Support for anaerobic digestion could help ensure energy security – and meet the UK’s net zero ambitions, says an industry body.
The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) says it has written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves – urging her to support the sector and its potential to produce clean, sustainable and secure energy.
The letter from ADBA chairman and former secretary of state Chris Huhne and ADBA chief executive Charlotte Morton OBE, supported by nearly 100 ADBA members and industry representatives.
£1bn investment
It suggests more than £1 billion of inwards infrastructure investment may be available if the government makes positive policy decisions that help the biogas sector.
Anaerobic Digestion currently produces more than 13TWh of biogas used to produce renewable electricity and over 7TWh of renewable gas. This is expected to reach a combined total of at least 30TWh by 2030.
Achieving those expectations will signif icantly contribute to the UK’s clean power objectives – and boost the rural economy.
Energy from anaerobic digestion – using feedstocks such as slurry, food waste and en ergy crops – is often generated in rural are as, supporting small businesses, farms, and communities across the country.
Additionally, it plays a crucial role in de carbonising wastewater treatment, food re cycling, and the UK’s world-renowned food and drink manufacturing sector, says the letter.
“The sector is poised for rapid growth but requires positive action from your govern ment to realise this potential,” it adds. “At least £1bn of investment is waiting to be un locked.”
Global investors as well as British busi nesses are poised to invest in the sector if the government makes the right decisions and the Treasury provides further support to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero”, says the letter.
If that happens, “the AD sector will ex-
er, and more secure energy for the future. However, it requires action from you and your government to reach its full potential.”
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• Farmer-led funding now available
• Support for projects big and small
• Goal to support farm productivity
Grants are now available for farmers who want to improve their productivity and increase their business resilience.
The ADOPT £20.6m fund supports the introduction of innovative technologies aimed at improving productivity, resilience, and sustainability. It includes options for farmers to test innovative solutions on their farms.
Variable rate irrigation systems and health monitors for livestock are just two of the innovations that could be funded new government grants.
Defra says it wants to support a wide range of projects and products which will help more farmers. As well as the ADOPT fund, it is also launching two further competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP).
From 5 May, FIP will make available £12.5m to support collaborative research into ways to reduce on-farm emissions, helping farms to become more sustainable and climate-resilient.
A further £12.5m competition will fund R&D using precision-bred crops to improve yield, reduce chemical inputs and enhance disease resistance. This builds on the new opportunities to develop precision-bred gene-edited cr0ps.
FIP is Defra’s flagship innovation programme. Delivered by Innovate UK, it forms part of the government’s wider commitment to food production and security, farm productivity and nature.
Together, ADOPT and the two FIP funds are worth a combined total of £45.6m. They will support multiple projects across the research and development (R&D) lifecycle, from early-stage concepts to on-farm trials.
Known in full as the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies Fund, ADOPT provides collaborative farmer-led, innovation grants to farmers and farm businesses testing new technology and practices on their farm.
The farmer-led fund opened on 28 April, following government guidance published earlier last month. Two types of grants are available – a larger full grant and a smaller facilitator support grant.
Full ADOPT grants are available for on-farm trials and demonstration projects to improve adoption of new ideas or solutions in the agricultural sector. These projects must have total costs of between £50,000 and £100,000.
Smaller ADOPT facilitator support grants will pay £2,500 for a farmer, grower or forester based to engage the services of an external project facilitator to support with submissions for a full grant.
Defra farm minister Daniel Zeichner said the funding would help to strengthen the country’s food security, increase farmers’ profits and protect nature as part of the government’s “plan for change”.
“I’m delighted to see money get-
ting out the door to British farmers,” said Mr Zeichner. “This £45m will support them with technology to boost food production, profits and the rural economy.”
The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) is one of the ADOPT programme’s approved project facilitators. It is ready to encourage farmers to explore the opportunities following the opening of the fund to applications.
"The long-awaited ADOPT Fund puts farmers in the driving seat of innovation, enabling them to harness the new technologies or innovations they believe could bring productivity gains," said BOFIN’s Tom Allen-Stevens.
"We want to make sure all farmers are aware of the opportunities this fund creates, which is why we are hosting this webinar. I encourage anyone interested to register to learn more and start developing their ideas.”
Mr Allen-Stevens said BOFIN’s role as facilitators would primarily be to help farmers apply for grants. Then, for those that are successful, it would ensure farmers could focus on what matters.
“This will include running trials that boost productivity and sustainability for their own businesses and the wider industry – while we handle the paperwork, partnerships and project management."
For more information, please visit www.bofin.org.uk/adopt
Technology & Precision Farming
• Advice to help mitigate extreme weather
• How to future-proof your farm business
• New diseases and old pathogens return
Innovative ways to overcome extreme weather will be shared this month at an event in Norfolk.
Organised by Agri-TechE, the Farming in a Warming, Wetter World conference takes place on 14 May at Norwich Research Park. It will include expert advice to support climate change adaptation and mitigation. Increasingly frequent and unpredictable weather events during recent seasons have prompted more farmers to explore ways to future-proof their businesses against climate change.
age throughout the rotation as much as possible.
“Climate change is real – we are in big trouble when it comes to food production worldwide and people need to understand the real dangers that are going to be forced upon us. But as land managers we can do something about that.”
Mr Cargill, who will be chairing part of the event, says his one of his biggest concerns is access to climate-resistant varieties. “We are growing varieties that have been around for decades, and I have major concerns about that,” he says.
“This changing pathogen landscape makes it increasingly difficult to manage disease. It is particularly challenging where old diseases re-emerge, and the agricultural practices we once relied on as controls are long forgotten.”
“All the varieties we grow from wheat, potatoes, peas and oilseed rape are only being grown for yield and disease resistance. There is nothing being pushed for drought or flood tolerance, or these emerging disease pathogens.”
Milder and wetter seasons are creating significant challenges to crop management, with new diseases coming to light – and some older diseases re-emerging. These will be discussed during a session chaired by Diane Saunders.
Prof Saunders is a leading plant scientist at the John Innes Centre’s session. “Climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable, with extreme weather prevents having a direct impact on shifting pathogen distribution,” she says.
Going forward, Prof Saunders believes there will be a significant shift in pathogen behaviour, with more extreme weather events moving inoculum into areas where it had not previously been seen.
She says: “This is a real challenge, particularly with a push from the EU to reduce fungicide use by 50% by 2030, which is also reflected in the UK. However, genetics can help fill this gap and provide us with new opportunities for disease control.”
In her session, Prof Saunders will discuss which diseases are of particular focus for researchers and how previously untapped resources that are now available in genetics can provide greater resilience in our crops.
From single machines through to complete turnkey installations, Haith has unrivalled experience and expertise in designing and installing vegetable handling solutions.
“The recent step change in wheat research presents many new and exciting opportunities to enhance breeding approaches and utilise ever-expanding genomic resources,” she explains.
Modern breeding has narrowed the genetic background of everything we grow, so we’re missing a lot of the original diversity that was once present, adds Prof Saunders.
“This untapped diversity presents us with great opportunities to develop more resilient varieties.”
Centrum, Norwich Research Park NR4 7UG 14 May 2025
Cost: £65 (excl.
Earlier autumn drilling is likely to undergo a resurgence due to the changing climate, says an agronomist.
Arable farmers have been advised for years to delay drilling to mitigate weed and some disease issues. But more commonplace wetter autumns mean more growers are bringing forward drilling dates, says Agrii agronomist Todd Jex (pictured).
“The last two years have rendered heavier and lowerlying ground virtually unfarmable because we could not get winter crops in as we had planned, or they have gone in such bad conditions they have not survived winter.
Drilling in early September can mitigate wet autumn conditions. But it isn’t without its challenges. These can include more grassweeds, higher levels of Septoria and other diseases in cereal crops.
In his talk, Mr Jex will explore how longer periods of very wet or very dry weather affect crop management – including establishment timings and crop choice – and how they can be improved by direct drilling and improving soil organic matter.
He will also address the challenges associated with regenerative farming practices, with earlier drilling potentially putting more pressure on herbicides, and turning away from one of the best tools to manage such grassweeds –rotational ploughing.
1pm Arrival, coffee and networking
1.30pm Welcome from Agri-TechE
1.35pm Opportunities and challenges for agriculture in a warming, wetter world
1.50pm Genetic solutions for climate change resilience
2.05pm The agronomist perspective: Is earlier autumn drilling the answer, and what does a changing climate mean for arable cropping?
2.20pm Predicting the Unpredictable. The Science of Weather Forecasting – What can
2.35pm Climate risk management – how can we build resilience in the agricultural industry?
2.50pm Networking and refreshments
3.20pm Research Digest – a farmer-chaired “fireside chat” with researchers
4.30pm Event Close
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Farmers need more support to harness the benefits offered by agri-technology and innovation, says a report.
While six in ten farmers plan to adopt technological innovations, they are not being provided with the support needed, despite its potential to improve productivity and bottom lines, says the study by Barclays bank.
The report highlights key barriers slowing the adoption of such transformative technologies. Financial challenges coupled with perceived lack of government support are among the primary obstacles.
Almost half (45%) of farmers surveyed cited an unclear return on investment and extensive upfront costs (41%) as key financial barriers, followed by a lack of knowledge on how best to use the technologies (24%).
Agritech is worth an estimated £13bn to the UK economy. Against a challenging political backdrop, farmers felt there was more that the government could do which would help them adopt new technology.This included clarity around long-term government policies (71%), more support and guidance on sustainable farming practices (48%) and overall support for and promotion of UK farming (48%).
The report draws on insights and interviews with farmers and agritech companies. It highlights the risk the UK could face in falling behind other countries if it can’t get the supporting supply chain and ecosystem aligned.
One company executive said: “What I’m seeing in continental Europe is a real joined up ap-
proach from farmer to manufacturer, universities are involved. I don’t see that in the UK – in fact, I’ve seen the reverse.”
‘Critical industry’
Barclays is calling on the government to address the barriers faced by farmers – and spearhead the development and adoption of what it describes as the UK’s critical gri-tech industry.
The bank wants the government to develop and communicate a clear national strategy for the agricultural transition to a more sustainable farming sector, clearly setting out the role agritech can play.
It says the government should provide broad financial support for both agritech development and adoption, including guarantees and deploying targeted support via the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank.
Barclays also wants the now-combined UK Agritech Centre to bring together stakeholders from across the sector to enable better collaboration – as well as developing a dedicated agritech skills programme.
Barclays managing director for business banking Abdul Qureshi said: “Agritech will transform the UK’s farming landscape. From drones and artificial intelligence to robotics, Agritech is supercharging an industry that feeds us all.
Mr Qureshi added: “We recognise it will take a collective effort to create the right enabling environment but, if we get this right, Agritech can help our farmers play a meaningful role in both protecting and driving forward one of Britain’s most vital sectors.”
Experts in agri-robotics at Lincoln University have won a major award for reducing food waste.
The Lincoln Agri-Robotics team were announced as winners of the Best Research Project (Impact) at the UKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub 2025 AI & Robotics Research Awards, held at The Royal Society in London last night (12 March 2025).
The research and innovation of Lincoln Agri-Robotics has already led to major steps forward in agriculture such as the reduction of food waste, the easing of labour shortages and the shaping of national policy relating to the use of automation in agri-food.
Elizabeth Sklar, director of the Lincoln Institute for Agrifood Technology said: “At Lincoln Agri-Robotics we focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of agri-food and technology.
“It is especially meaningful for us to be recognised by the AI & robotics community, which has traditionally focused on application areas such as medical robotics and autonomous vehicles.
“This award highlights rising attention on agri-food as a critical challenge for society and the many opportunities where intelligent technologies can help address key issues.”
Farm input applications are becoming more precise and efficient
Scientists have developed an accurate method for using satellite imagery to test nitrogen concentrations in wheat.
Hyperspectral satellite crop analysis has successfully used to test nitrogen concentrations in thousands of wheat samples in the field. The samples were measured by agri-tech start-up Messium and verified by Eurofins Agro Testing.
It is the first time the nitrogen concentration of wheat has been measured in this way, and, to prove our concept, we partnered with Eurofins to validate our solution on a global scale,” said Messium’s Spencer Terry.
Results from the hyperspectral satellite analysis were compared
to conventional near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) laboratory tests. There was “demonstrated parity” between the methods, said Mr Terry.
“Test results are confirming our expectations, helping validate our technology and refining our machine learning model. We are confident that we’re on track to reach a 90% accuracy level compared to lab tests, accelerating our commercial readiness,”
Measurements from the tissue samples have been integrated into Messium's database, allowing its machine learning model to validate satellite insights against the high-fidelity tissue sample measurements.
“With every comparison our system learns more about how the nitrogen concentration and bio-
mass of a sample relate to the sat ellite imagery, which is helping it to learn, explained Mr Terry.
Benchmark
“Test results from Eurofins are key for the final step in our re search and development process, which is validation at scale, fol lowing this we will no longer need to benchmark our results with those of a laboratory.”
Using the nitrogen concen tration and biomass figures the images can be used to ascertain the health of a wheat crop – and to calculate how much nitrogen has been used, and may be need ed, to optimise the crop.
“Our technology provides a precise way to measure crop nitrogen levels and requirements to help farmers apply the right
The technology measures crop nitrogen levels accurately, say researchers
amount, in the right places, at the right time,” said Mr Terry. Eurofins’ Shane Brewer has been managing the project and processing the thousands of
tests. Tests could be run on any crop using a Dumas nitrogen analyser to test the nitrogen concentration of the sample, he said. “These results represent a
very positive outcome for this new technology and validate its accuracy as an alternative way to measure crops in the future,” he says.
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Agrovista has announced the promotion of Graeme Barrett to Na tional Precision Services and Rural Consultancy Manager.
Graeme managed Agrovista’s Precision services and spear headed the creation and intro duction of Insight, Agrovista’s digital platform for agronomy data, precision mapping tools and farm data management solutions.
Insight also houses the com pany’s new software for soil and nutrient management plans that account for a large share of Agrovista’s Rural Consultancy business, so Graeme’s move to manage both divisions is seen as a natural fit.
Day-to-day operations of the Precision department will be managed by Rich Dulake, who has been promoted to Precision
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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.
A new silage preservative has been launched to meet the demands of multi-cut grass systems – and ease the pressure on growers.
MultiMax is a preservative-based additive which has been formulated to wipe out spoilage bacteria which can be prevalent in silage harvested in the tight weather windows which are often a feature of multi-cut grass.
Both soil contamination and slurry residues can be a concern when silage is cut against the clock. This is especially so with pressure to achieve more cuts and to maximise the energy, digestibility and quantity of conserved grass.
Limitations on wilting can also be a feature of multicut grass so the product has been formulated to preserve forages whose dry matter may be lower than desirable, running from the low 20s to a maximum of 35%.
This also makes the product particularly suitable for diverse grass leys, whose variability of species may lead to uneven wilting and patches within the swath which remain at a somewhat lower dry matter than the average.
Almost nine out of 10 sheep flocks have been subjected to a dog attack within the last 12 months, suggests a survey.
An ongoing failure of UK dog owners to recognise the threat their pet animals pose to farm livestock continues to devastate flocks across the country, says the National Sheep Association (NSA).
The findings were published to coincide with the NSA’s annual Sheep Worrying by Dogs Awareness Week. Many dog owners refuse to accept their pets are capable of attacking sheep – and let them run free.
Some 87% of farmers responding to the survey said they had experienced a dog attack on their sheep in the last 12 months. The cause was mostly identified as the simple refusal of dog owners to keep their pet on a lead in the countryside.
NSA project manager Nicola Noble said: “Dog owners often assume their beloved pet could not be capable of causing harm to other animals, yet it is an instinctive response of a dog to chase, and for some, attack prey animals such as sheep.
“Barking, chasing and physical attacks can all have devastating effects on sheep, especially at this time of the year when so many sheep in the fields are heavily pregnant or have young, vulnerable lambs at foot.”
Released last month the 2025 survey results include some sobering statistics. Despite continued work by the NSA and other organisations, dogs are being allowed off leads near sheep – with deadly and distressing consequences.
Farmers responding to the survey reported an average of four sheep deaths per year due to sheep worrying by dogs. This does not take into account additional losses from lamb deaths when miscarried by ewes due to stress from attacks.
As well as sheep deaths, extreme injuries will often cause long term pain and suffering for animals and financial loss to farmers with increased vet bills and a reduced number of stock available to sell.
A high proportion (80%) of survey re-
spondents also reported a negative experience when approaching dog owners to ask for their dog to be put on a lead with just under half receiving verbal and, in some cases, even physical abuse.
Dogs straying from homes and gardens is also identified as a frequent cause of attacks on sheep. Some 43% of survey respondents found evidence of a sheep worrying incident rather than the attack being witnessed in person.
This could indicate straying dogs to be the cause, or a failure of dog owners to confess attacks happening. Such cases make it difficult for farmers to pursue compensation, adding to their frustration and financial losses.
Over half the respondents also reported that attacks happened in private fields with no footpaths also suggesting straying dogs or a failure of dog owners to respect private farmland.
Almost half of respondents said they didn’t pursue compensation, feeling helpless when cases were reported to the police. Despite this, the NSA urges farmers to report all cases to raise awareness of the issue.
Growers trying multi-species leys for the first time this spring are advised to use the most appropriate establishment method.
Agronomists report a significant uptake in multi-species leys driven by the Sustainable Farming Incentive. But inexperienced growers could struggle – and see establishment backfire, says Jim Juby, of Horizon Seeds.
"Establishing herbal and multi-species leys is fundamentally different from grassland reseeding and it is important that people appreciate this if they want to get the best out of them,” says Mr Juby.
"Herbal and multi-species leys are far less likely to respond well to a low soil temperature. a soil temperature of 6oC recorded five days consecutively, which is usually achieved in mid to late April, is more than adequate for grass to grow away quickly.
Warmer soil
"This is, however, too cold for these more vulnerable and slower growing forage spe cies with the herb and legumes in the ley re quiring a warmer soil to establish well.
"The legumes contained in multispecies leys mixes are particularly susceptible and these are a key element of the crops as they provide the protein content that makes them so beneficial to cows and livestock.
"If these do not grow away quickly when sown, they will simply be overwhelmed by grasses and potentially weeds, and their con tribution will be negligible.
"It is far better to wait until May when soil temperatures have been 8-10oC for five consecutive days than go earlier for the sake of it."
Heavier soils that hold onto water are likely to be the most problematic, he points out. "You might be able to go earlier in light er soils that are more free draining, but the
recommendations regarding soil temperature remain.
"The last thing you want is weak, open leys that can simply not get going and quickly succumb to weed pressure and more vigorously growing plants in the mix."
Spring tips
Sowing in late spring and into summer is far preferable than autumn drilling. "It takes multi-species leys six weeks to establish themselves and to grow away, so you are unlikely to get the right conditions if you drill after 1 September.
"Soil moisture can be a problem as the summer develops, but there is far less risk of this being an issue than there is of too cold a temperature and day length post Autumn.
"A good herbal ley will, however, be capable of surviving and succeeding in both drought and waterlogged conditions where pure grass leys may suffer.
“They have generally high nutrient val-
ue with second cut silage, in particular, capable of containing very high protein levels plus there are numerous animal health benefits associated with them too, including athelmintic properties of the species included in the leys."
It’s a good idea to plan drilling around weed flushes, says Mr Juby. Every farm has its own unique weed growth pattern so making sowing arrangements around these is always a good idea.
“Generally speaking, herbal leys require a very fine seedbed. As the seed size is so small, it is important to have as fine a tilth as possible for good soil to seed contact.
“Good seedbed preparation will aid moisture retention with double rolling dramatically improving this as well as helping with the all-important seed to soil contact.
“Undersowing herbal and multispecies leys under Spring cereal crops for wholecrop can also be carried out successfully if you’re in a position to do this.”
While establishment and time of sowing are key elements of weed control, post emergence treatment can be very tricky with multi species leys, he points out.
“Weeds can be controlled by grazing hard and spot spraying or using a weed wiper for taller weeds, but spot spraying needs to be done very carefully as many of the species are very susceptible to sprays and drift can cause a lot of damage.
“The best advice is to leave the ley for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before taking a light graze to encourage tillering. Topping and mowing can also be carried out to control weed flushes.
“The ley will vary in make-up as the season evolves and strict grazing control and management is key in maintaining the quality as well as allowing for a good recovery."
t:
james.lambert@tnpltd.com Jim Lambert 07810 447285
deborah.je r ies@tnpltd.com Deborah Je r ies 07909 724028
Dairy farmers planning slurry applications immediately after grassland cuts should consider whether it provides all the grass nutrients required.
More farmers are making better use of slurry through accurate application and detailed analysis to measure its nutrient content. Refining this approach using detailed analysis, can increase slurry value still further, maximising homegrown forage.
Slurry analysis isn’t as high in potash (K) as some producers might think, says Tom Wells, agronomist at Origin Soil Nutrition, who advises number of
grass nutrition.
“In many cases, it doesn’t pro vide enough potash to support and maintain current production. This can leave offtake shortfalls between the nutrient value of the slurry ap plied and the recommended applica tion rates to grassland following si lage cuts.”
The Potash Development Association (PDA) say that 40% of grassland soils have below target potassium levels, which should be a concern for growers given potash’s role in the nutri-
The importance of linking nutrition requirements to soil analysis following cuts will help grow good quality forage. Without this data, farmers and agronomists across the Midlands don’t have the right information for nutrient recommendations.
“As we know, grass is the cheapest form of feed, and we are advising farmers that have a budget in mind for grassland nutrition to let us tailor requirements based on slurry and soil analysis to maximise fertiliser inputs.
“We are formulating after-cut grades that match offtakes for potassium and account for slurry inputs, while providing the soil with other vital nutrients based on deficiencies.”
Farmers only applying bagged or liquid
grassland will be required to support offtake following each cut and avoid deficiencies. Many dairy farms rely on slurry as
tion in plants and will support contin ued growth and resistance in drought conditions. It will also help crops to make better use of nitrogen (N), the main nutrient required for increasing yield.
Large quantities of potassium are removed with each cut and, without replacing these offtakes, subsequent deficiencies will impact the efficacy of other nutrients. Farmers taking silage cuts should be aware of the crop requirements.
well. Refining this provides the animal with a more rounded and nutritionally balanced feed source.”
PDA guidelines for a silage crop at 25% DM suggest that 6kg of potash per tonne of fresh weight will be removed so a 47t/ha crop will remove 300kg K20/ha.
Furthermore, AHDB’s nutrient management guide RB209 advises that a soil with a potassium index of 2+ requires a total potassium input of 60kg/ha each, following first and second cut.
This is reduced to 40kg/ha each for third and fourth cuts – a total of 200kg/ha over the season. Ganular nutrition will be required to support offtake requirements as the slurry nutrient analysis he’s seen this year won’t be sufficient.
“The potassium content in slurry alone is unlikely to meet the offtakes for index 2+, and the crop demand for K is much higher at lower indexes, for example, an index 1 soil requires 360
Depending on slurry nutrient values, applying 2,000 gal/ha could provide 20kg/ha of potassium to the soil, which is lower than the offtake requirement above and will leave the crop deficient,” says Tom.
He emphasised that we can only manage what we measure, so getting slurry analysed will enable a FACTS advisor to prescribe a nutrient management programme in accordance with the nutrient value of slurry.
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Introducing the Special Edition Tri-Wing
Ihave become increasingly interested in why people do – or don’t do – certain things, writes Nerys Wright. Why, for example, do some people embrace change while others struggle?
I recently read a book called ‘Switch – How to Change Things When Change is Hard.’ it was a fascinating read. It is not a farming book – but it made me reflect on the ways I communicate during meetings and with farmers
I wrote down some key messages from the book that really hit home:
• In the absence of a dire threat, people will keep doing what they’ve always done.
• Incentives to change behaviour don’t work.
• Knowledge isn’t enough to motivate change. Motivation
comes from confidence.
• We need to believe we can change and understand why it is necessary.
• What looks like resistance is often a lack of clarity.
A good example is parasite control. Despite shifting recommendations over the last 20 years, many farmers struggle to adopt more sustainable practices. Why? Probably because there isn’t so much information on implementing change.
We also re moving away from the straightforward message of ‘worm your lambs every three weeks’ to more complex and variable approaches, making it clear why change is challenging.
A good example is faecal egg counting (FECs). When I started my career 20 years ago, FECs were just becoming a useful farm management tool. But many people still don’t do it – choosing to use other methods instead.
Yet FECs can be beneficial.
parasite control programmes?
If you search for ‘benefits of egg counting,’ you will find plenty of data supporting its effectiveness. However, many start doing counts and then stop, while some have never started at all.
If you’re thinking, “I need to look at my parasite control programme, FECs might be a good place to start” please get in touch with your sheep vet, SQP, or advisor. They’d be happy to help.
Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.
Tim Frost from Savills discusses how farmers can plan for the future
Changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief for inheritance tax are set to apply from April 2026
It’s essential that steps are taken now to plan ahead and that rural businesses find time to carry out a methodical review, assess their current position and establish how to move forward
With that in mind, here’s some key advice:
1. Work out what you own.
Think about assets in personal ownership those held by a farming partnership or trading company, and which are leased or rented Identify those that are already transferred to the next generation, and which are still owned by the most senior generation
Are there assets you own but don’t farm? For example, areas of woodland land used for sporting purposes or amenity land? List any interests that are income generating such as telecoms masts, access rights, renewable energy, or buildings that are let out
Identify all machinery owned and – if relevant – the livestock Are there any renewables such as turbines or biomass boilers that add value?
Don’t forget – establish liabilities and if relevant, assess any debt associated with the business This will be offset against the overall value Note down any cash, pension pots, stocks/shares or other liquid assets
2 What is the value?
Where possible put some numbers against what assets are worth Use a professional valuer if needed
3. How will the business look in 10 years?
It’s important to have open and honest conversations with family members about who is going to take over the farming business, and when
What are the expectations and requirements of the next generation? Do views align? Discuss what property you need to live in and how much income you need for retirement
4. Classify your assets.
Which assets are core to the business and which are not essential? Is there potential to dispose of some assets and initiate an early transfer to other family members? Are there assets which carry a large amount of capital gain, that are not trading or don’t qualify for any relief?
5 Take advice
Professional fees are worth the investment Whether it’s your lawyer, accountant, financial advisor or agent, a collaborative approach
and
• Goal to make farming more viable
• Six months to find Defra answers
• No ‘silver bullet’ to boost incomes
Former NFU president Minette Batters has pledged to leave no stone unturned after being appointed to lead a Defra review of farm profitability.
Announced last month, the sixmonth review will see Baroness Batters provide recommendations on farm profitability to Defra secretary Steve Reed and farm minister Daniel Zeichner.
Listening to farmers and growers will be at the heart of the former farm leader’s work, says Defra. It will cover all land areas and sectors of the industry, as well as engaging with other government departments whose work impacts farmers.
Baroness Batters has been asked to provide short, medium and long term recommendations – and propose actions for the government and industry to support farming profitability as part of this government’s New Deal for Farmers.
Rural economy
She said: “I will leave no stone unturned in trying to find solutions to boost farm profitability. But we should
We should be under no illusions “
be under no illusions how difficult this work will be.
“There will not be one ‘silver bullet’ to fire but I’m hopeful this review can make a difference to a sector that pro duces the nation’s food, underpins the rural economy and delivers so much for the environment.”
This work will be supported by the newly formed Profitability Unit with in Defra. The aim is to help ensure the farming sector is more viable, self-sus taining and competitive in the longterm.
Baroness Batters said: “I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommenda tions to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.”
The review will also help the develop ment of the food strategy, farming roadmap and the Land Use Frame work, and build on other work such as the review of Defra’s regulatory landscape led by Dan Corry.
Mr Reed has made improving farm profitability a key goal during his time as Defra secretary. He said: “Back ing British farmers is the backbone of all work to support rural econom ic growth and boost Britain’s food se curity.
The Farming Profitability Review will examine:
• how farmers can reduce barriers to profitability, increase profit and manage their own risk to improve financial resilience, such as through embracing innovation, improving productivity, increasing market access and using risk management tools
• how the supply chain can support farm profitability such as through greater transparency, cooperation and ensuring a fairer distribution of risks, rewards and responsibilities
• whether there are other ancillary activities that farmers can undertake to support profitability and wider economic growth
“We have taken strong action to protect the future of the sector with the New Deal for Farmers. But we must go further and faster as part of our Plan for Change to put money into the pockets of farmers and drive growth.”
Mr Reed said Baroness Batters’ experience as a farm leader made her uniquely placed to provide recommendations on tackling the deep-rooted problems holding the sector back and support farmers’ long-term profits.
The appointment is one of a number of actions the government says it is taking to improve the profitability of farmers, including through fair com-
petition both up and down the supply chain.
It is also easing planning reforms to make it quicker for farmers to build the buildings they need on their farms, helping farmer diversify income streams and make additional money from renewable energy by accelerating connections to the grid.
Defra says it is focused on supporting farmers, rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security. It is developing a 25-year farming roadmap to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come.
Farmland prices remain broadly stable – despite the challenges facing the sector, suggest the latest figures from Strutt & Parker.
The farmland market in England remains active, with early indications suggesting the prices achieved in the first quarter of 2025 are broadly in line with late 2024, said Sam Holt, the land agent’s head of estates and farm agency.
“There has been a slight shift in the market, with sentiment inevitably being influenced by factors such as the inheritance tax changes, pause in the Sustainable Farming Incentive and pressure on farming incomes.
Buyers are becoming more selective, says Sam Holt
“However, while this is having some influence on supply and demand,
the impact is not dramatic and prices have been holding firm.”
Buyers remain active – but are more selective, said Mr Holt. Location remains key, with demand stronger for commercial farms on better soils.
sion are facing more scrutiny due to high building costs and policy changes such as the Renters' Rights Bill.”
Only 24 farms were publicly marketed in the first three months of 2025, compared with 32 in the last quarter of 2024, says Strutt & Parker. But with relatively few transactions completed, it remains too early to report average prices.
The market is slower in more re-
That said, values remain broadly in line with late last year. Data collected so far for 2025 points to arable land selling in the range of £8,300 to £13,500/acre, with pasture between £5,000 and £9,400/acre.
sets currently are high-quality
“The most sought-after astates which can generate addi-
tional revenue streams without
Mr Holt says he expects supply to continue to rise, although not enough to significantly alter the balance between supply and demand. High prices will continue to be achievable for the right farm in the right place.
“In contrast, properties with large residential portfolios or redundant buildings
“While buyers are becoming more selective, there remains an appreciation of land as a tangible asset – a sentiment that could strengthen further amid ongoing economic turbulence and uncertainty around global tariffs.”
Farming families still have time to act before new tax rules kick Toby Tallon.
October 2024 will each have a £1m allowance, but after this date the allowance is shared between trusts created by the same settlor.
you should consider putting as sets into new trusts, adding more to existing trusts or taking out of trusts.
consultation document in Feb ruary, we now have a clearer pic ture of how the rules are intend ed to work.
and BPR (agricultural and business property relief) at the autumn Budget last year, it threw farms and family businesses into turmoil.
APR and BPR play a vital role in helping families pass farms and businesses from generation to generation, preventing their break-up to pay inheritance tax bills and helping ensure continuity.
What are the changes?
Currently, 100% inheritance tax relief is available on qualifying agricultural and business property, allowing it to pass on without families having to pay inheritance tax. From 6 April 2026, the rules are changing.
The new rules means the first £1m can be passed free of inheritance tax. But any excess will receive only 50% inheritance tax relief, resulting in an effective inheritance tax charge of 20% (or a 3% charge every 10 years for discretionary trusts).
The £1 million allowance also includes lifetime gifts where there is a death within seven years – including gifts made on or after 30 October 2024 where there is a death on or after 6 April 2026 –and it cannot be transferred between spouses on first death.
Trusts established before 30
With NFU estimates suggesting that 75% of commercial farms are above the £1 million threshold, changes to APR and BPR clearly have profound and far-reaching consequences for many.
Under the new rules, families must now radically rethink their approach – or potentially face damaging consequences. But don’t panic. Yes, this is a huge tax change but there is still time to take action.
The following five steps will help you achieve this.
1 Consider the ‘do nothing’ option
If you take no action before 5 April 2026, what would the impact be? You can model this and see. Maybe you can afford it, maybe it won’t derail your plans. Firsts, you’ll need to consider how you’ll fund the tax bill.
This could, for example, be from dividends, partnership profits, the sale of capital assets or from insurance you have in place. You don’t need to pay in one go; in many cases it can be over 10 annual instalments with no interest. Trusts are a fantastic vehicle for governance and protection so make sure to review whether
suggests that gifts into trust made before 30 October 2024 still benefit from the current rules and so qualify for uncapped 100% relief even if the donor dies within 7 years after 5 April 2026.
October 2024 but before 6 April 2026, 100% relief is potential ly available on BPR/APR qual ifying assets, but only provided the donor survives the gift by 7 years.
Trusts set up before 30 October 2024 will move to the new rules on the first 10-year anniversary after April 2026. This means distributions before then will still get full relief and there may be more time for assets to be distributed without eating into the £1m allowance.
Potentially the £1m allowance could be used every seven years to set up / add to existing trusts. Although care should be taken not to fall foul of “anti-fragmentation” rules.
2 Review or consider trusts 3 Married? Make sure to use
As a married couple, you both get a £1 million allowance, giving a combined £2 million allowance across APR and BPR. This allowance isn’t transferable so if you don’t use it, you will lose it. Take care because most wills leave everything to a spouse on first death, which means one of you will forego your allowance. When the second spouse dies, more of the estate is likely to be above the £1m limit, leading to a bigger tax bill.”
4 Can you make lifetime gifts of qualifying assets?
The UK has a very generous gifting regime – although there has been talk recently of this potentially becoming tougher. Those in a position to make gifts of qualifying assets during their lifetime can take advantage of the seven-year rule.
Under this rule, your gift is free from inheritance tax if you survive for seven years after making it. Bear in mind, if you think you’ve left it too late, that inheritance tax does start to taper after three years.
There are several other allowances for making smaller inheritance-tax free gifts and if you have excess income after covering your normal expenses, you can make regular gifts from this without incurring inheritance tax.
Where Capital Gains Tax would be triggered by a gift, you may be able to “hold over” the gain if the asset qualifies as a business asset, or if the gift is made into trust. Care should be taken here as there is a lot of detail in these rules.
Beware ‘gifts with reservation of benefits’ rules
This is a technical term for some anti-avoidance legislation. It broadly means if you give something away but continue to benefit from it, the gift won’t leave your estate and won’t reduce your inheritance tax bill.
A general example could be a valuable painting – you can’t give it to your children but keep it hanging on your wall so you can continue enjoying it.
In the context of a farm, care is required where you are considering a gift of part of a farm partnership – you’ll need to get the profit sharing ratios right to avoid these rules biting. Toby Tallon is a tax partner at professional services group S&W.
With less than a year to go before the changes come into effect, it is important to know where you are in the process and where you need to get to.
There’s a lot you can get on with right away, even without full clarity. Start now with an exploration stage, what is your ‘do nothing’ IHT exposure, how can you improve the APR/BPR position of your business or farm, and make sure your will is up to date.
Also, review your business housekeeping, make sure legal documents and accounts are up to date (land titles, partnership/ shareholder agreements etc)those things you know you need to do or plan to do but haven’t
You’re going to need these for any planning execution so get them sorted now while you
The second thing you can do is start planning and having those family meetings.
You’ll need to think about what's important to you – who gets what, when and how, what holding structure is right for your family, how much control and protection do you want to retain.
Consider wider financial planning too such as how much do you need for retirement, what can you afford to give away now, how best to make use of your pension, and consider life insurance.”
Once you have done all the planning, you’ve had all the family meetings, the final stage is executing those plans. This could be making outright gifts, settling assets into trusts or removing them, and updating wills. The new rules are not yet final and so the message here is get your ducks in a row and be ready to hit go when the rules become final. Don’t leave the planning to the last minute.”
The farmland market is holding steady in the face of mounting sector pressures, suggests the latest Knight Frank Farmland Index.
Despite wider challenges across the agricultural sector and ongoing policy uncertainty, values have remained largely stable, underlining the market’s resilience, says Will Matthews, the land agent’s head of farms and estates.
The index suggests the average price of bare agricultural land fell just 1% during the first quarter of 2025 to £9,072/acre. This follows a similar drop in the final quarter of 2024, bringing the annual change to just -1.9%.
“While farmer protests and policy reform have dominated headlines, the farmland market itself has experienced a fairly uneventful start to the year,” says Mr Matthews. “Values have remained steady.”
Relatively few new properties have been put up for sale so far in 2025. Just over 8,000 acres have been publicly launched during the first quarter – a drop of 11% compared with the same period last year.
While there has been speculation that chang es to inheritance could affect land values, Mr Matthews says the market has not yet responded with any significant increase in supply or signs of downward price pressure.
“Prospective buyers seem relatively sanguine about the reforms, and we completed a number of successful transactions in March,” he explains.
“Farmland continues to trade at near-record prices, and while deals may have proceeded re gardless, the arrival of spring sunshine has cer tainly lifted spirits and helped bring renewed momentum to the market.”
“A large block of land in the Midlands, for ex ample, sold for around £13,000/acre to a pro gressive farming business, with most other sales breaking the £10,000/acre barrier.”
Mr Matthews points to more immediate con cerns, including big drops in Basic Payments and uncertainty surrounding the government’s en vironmental payment schemes following the clo sure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
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Politicians seem to think the countryside is for anything but food production, says Fen Tiger
The Labour government’s attack on farmers is often assumed to be a class war being waged against wicked wealthy landowners – and I think I know why.
This belief persists despite the fact most working farmers rack up long hours producing food for the country and many of us make a loss doing so.
Yet at the same time the government still seems to want to stop us doing our job.
Rapid change
It seems the government would prefer farms are used to produce fuel or energy than food. Plans to make the UK fossil-fuel free by 2035 mean the British countryside is changing rapidly – with a rush to cover it in solar panels.
The countryside has become a battlefield “
It is a message time and time again repeated by this government to make us a clean energy superpower. In other words, farming as we know it today is dirty – which is why the chancellor is pushing ahead with a carbon tax on products such as fertiliser from 2027. I have nothing against solar panels – but in the right places and at the right scale. The solar farms being constructed now are bigger and bigger.
These solar monstrosities are covering the landscape and mean we are producing less food. Yet the population is growing and people will not eat less food anyway.
So it just means more food will have to be imported from countries that have lower food standards – undercutting hard-working growers and livestock producers here.
income
With such unfair competition, it’s no wonder that some landowners are taking the easier route and turning their land over to renewable energy – de-risking their businesses and taking a guaranteed area-based payment for years to come.
losing a farm was not like losing a business because it cannot come back. But solar farms are not temporary structures.
It is estimated to take 2000 acres of solar panels to produce enough power for 50,000 homes. That’s a far bigger area than one nuclear power station – a controversial form of power which is not being pushed by the government because it does not have “renewable” label.
Locally, the countryside has become a battlefield with local councils listening to local people and turning down largescale solar farms – only to lose out on appeal or because the government overturns the local council’s decision.
When Keir Starmer addressed the NFU conference back in 2023, he told delegates he understood farming – and emphasised that
Historically, landowners have been unwilling or reluctant to grant a lease for renewable development simply because the land is deemed to have been potentially transferred out of an agricultural holding and therefore losing out on any inheritance tax reliefs.
But with changes now to inheritance tax, farmers are looking at these alternative forms of income to secure loss of income. Labour would of course support this move – especially as they seem to want lots more houses built outside agreed building lines.
It may appear on the surface that the alternative use of land would be welcome for all farmers. But with an ever-increasing population to feed, it will have to be produced on less land leaving us more reliant again on food imports.
Farms are not necessarily things of beauty but the idea of turning large areas over to ugly grey structures does not fit in with local people’s ideas of the countryside.
It is certainly Labour’s idea. I wonder why we taken in by pre-election promises to protect farms and food security?
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