ew industries are so dependent on the weather as farming. Not even tourism is so much at the mercy of the elements.
If harvest is the end of the farming calendar, then this summer marks the culmination of yet another challenging season – although the weather has been different again this year.
With combine harvesters rolling into barley crops during the last week of June, it is likely to be another memorable summer – but not necessarily for all the right reasons.
Hot weather and sunshine have been coupled with lack of rain during the crucial grain-fill period – with crops dying off before being able to meet their full potential.
A positive attitude certainly doesn’t mean our optimism is misplaced – and it can be infectious. As an industry, we have a big job on our hands at the moment to get our message across – and there is no time better than harvest when farming is at its most visible to the wider public.
Last month saw one of the most successful Open Farm Sunday events ever, w ith an estimated 200,000 people visiting a nearby farm to see how food is produced and learn more about how farmers look after the countryside.
Harvest message
Midland Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the Midlands (Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) or companies supplying goods and services to the sector. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares.
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Drought yields indeed and an unwanted example of growers doing everything right for months on end only to be thwarted by matters out of our hands at the last moment.
Positive mood
Despite all of this – and the raft of other challenges facing the industry – the mood has been positive at many farming events in the run-up to harvest.
Perhaps it is genuine optimism for a better future. Perhaps it is a steely determination to see the bad times through until better times ahead. Perhaps it is a mixture of both.
The NFU’s #YourHarvest campaign is an opportunity to continue that public dialogue via social media at a time when many of us are confined to the tractor or combine cab.
Growers are being asked to share photos and videos as harvest progresses – showing farmers feeding the nation. MPs are being invited to visit farms too – to see harvest for themselves.
As we continue to battle against inheritance tax and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, winning hearts and minds is vital. Now, that would be a harvest worth celebrating.
Johann Tasker Editor
At long last: Farming included in government’s industrial strategy
• Potential for agricultural growth
• Year after Labour election victory
• Hot issues of IHT and SFI remain
The government has received rare praise from farm leaders after including agriculture in its industrial growth strategy.
The strategy forms a central pillar of the Labour government’s mission to grow the economy – with the food and drink sector already worth £146bn and supporting jobs for more than four million people.
The NFU and other farming organisations lobbied the government to include agriculture in the strategy – arguing that food and drink is a key way to help boost the national economy.
Delivery
NFU deputy president David Exwood said farming had the potential to be a key growth driver – with investment.
“Since winning the election a year ago, the government has repeatedly said it wants to deliver growth.
“As the backbone of the food and drink industry – the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – farming is in a great position to contribute to this. The UK agriculture sector is world
“That’s why we have been pushing hard for it to be included in the industrial strategy. We already have proposals within our own blueprints for growth to support the government’s goals and intend to feed these in as part of next steps.”
Recognition of agriculture’s potential follows a tumultuous year for UK farmers – including the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive and the imposition of inheritance tax on farm assets over £1m.
Significant
of farming in the industrial strategy is significant nonetheless.
Mr Exwood said: “This focus on agri-tech should help farming businesses become more productive, sustainable and resilient.
“Ultimately deliver even more for the British people and the government’s growth ambition.”
Those issues have not gone away –and the NFU says it will continue to hold the government’s feet to the fire. But the inclusion
Having agri-tech and precision breeding technology as areas of focus within the growth sector plan meant there should be greater opportunities for farmers and growers to contribute to the government’s growth agenda, said Mr Exwood. It could also increase the sector’s ability to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost productivity and drive investment in sustainable food, fibre and energy production, he added.
crease
David Exwood: Farming is the backbone of the food and drink industry
Promise with a note of caution, says agri-tech expert
Being included in the growth plan is good for agriculture – but agri-tech expert Belinda Clarke of AgriTechE has voiced a note of caution.
“It is of course fantastic to see the government’s recognition of the impact that agri-tech has had to date – and recognition of its future potential.”
Its inclusion in the industrial strategy is the result of many months of work by unsung heroes behind the scenes, putting forward the business case for agri-tech’s place amongst other key sectors.
Change needed
“This is a huge opportunity – but things have to change,” says Dr Clarke. There is much success to celebrate, but there is also some fatigue and even disillusionment over certain initiatives in the UK
agri-tech community that haven’t delivered on original ambitions, she adds.
Displacement of existing commercial entities by mis-aligned public funding has also been a risk, warns Dr Clarke. Change is needed and the strategy is an opportunity to do things differently, reflecting a “new world order” and building on past success.
The ultimate aim – for agri-tech at least – is to achieve a sector turnover of at least £20 billion by 2035, suggests Dr Clarke. This is an increase from –£13 bn achieved back in 2023.
“Success will be achieved by companies spending more on R&D, increasing their productivity, scaling and exporting. When it comes to government success, the metrics are everything. Let’s give them something to count on.”
We were blessed with good weather and the ground staff were very helpful.
We have recently been back to Cheltenham Racecourse, one of our favourite places to work.
We had several different sections to work on, but the final tally installed was 250 metres of new 100mm mains, 550 metres of 80mm split between new drains and extensions to previously installed 80mm drains. We also installed 15,500 metres of gravel bands.
It’s not everyday you can say a job was fun to do . . . . . .Oh! If only every job was like this . . . Connected to existing mains
Cinemas and Young Farmers launch Big Cheese-Off
Shropshire Young Farmers and independent cinemas in the county have launched a weekend of rural-themed films from 11-13 July. Representatives from Shropshire Independent Cinema gathered at Shrewsbury Auction Centre to launch the Big Cheese Off – a highlight of Films for Farmers and events at The Rural Remix.
Farmers’ friend
Films for Farmers is the first cinema initiative for farmers in the UK, offering a free ticket for a “farmer’s friend” at one of three Shropshire cinemas, as a way of bringing people together and
is about community,” said Wem Cinema curator Rose Horner, herself a farmer’s daughter. “I know how isolating life can be for farmers.”
The Rural Remix tractor set off from Ludlow Picture House to Shrewsbury’s livestock mart, carrying awardwinning local Appleby cheeses. It was met by cinema projectionists Mike Wilde and Chris Hine and young farmer Millie Preece.
Off,” said Ms Preece. “I like a cheese with a good depth of flavour and a lasting taste in the mouth. I think my own St Bartie’s would give any French Brie a run for their money.”
Ms. Preece added: “The pressure of dealing with the weather, uncertainty, fluid markets and rising costs is daunting. But there are so many elements of farming life that give you the drive to try and make it work.”
BRED IN BRITAIN FOR UK FARMERS
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projectionists and Young Farmers at Shrewsbury auction centre
[Photo credit: Joe Noble Photography]
Arable
‘Get farming message across this harvest’
Growers are being urged to highlight the role farmers play as food producers – by harnessing the power of social media and inviting MPs onto farms this harvest.
Huge challenges have been imposed by the Labour government which came to power one year ago this month, says the NFU – including inheritance tax and the sudden closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Stronger future
But rather than focusing on these negatives, the NFU says the aim should be to showcase the work arable farmers do at harvest time on social media – and invite MPs onto farms to see it for themselves.
NFU combinable crops board chairman Jamie Burrows said: “Being an arable farmer is such a fantastic job, particularly at this time of year when we get to jump in our combine harvesters to bring home the harvest.
“The Your Harvest campaign is an opportunity to showcase what we do in producing the food, fuel and fibre that keeps the nation going as well as thanking you for your support and continuing to back British farming.”
Growers are being asked to share behind-thescenes insights into the harvest process on social media. This should include the expertise and perseverance required to harvest viable crops in testing conditions, said Mr Burrows.
The #YourHarvest social media campaign content reached more than seven million members of the public last year – helping too raise awareness of the crucial role played by farmers in delivering sustainable food.
“This year, we are going to continue to champion the voices and efforts of farmers and engage the public with the stories behind the food they enjoy every day,” said Mr Burrows.
Authentic stories
“The combinable crops board is determined to keep shining a light on their hard work, sharing authentic stories that connect the public to the origins of their daily meals and the broader agricultural landscape.”
The NFU says hosting an on-farm visits is one of the best ways to get across specific local issues with MPs, as well as informing them about the broader problems impacting farmers up and down the country.”
Former MP takes Red Tractor role
The Red Tractor farm assurance scheme has appointed farmer and former MP Julian Sturdy to chair its combinable crops and sugar beet sector board.
Mr Sturdy brings more than three decades of hands-on experience as an arable farmer, managing a 300ha. Red Tractor said he offered a fresh perspective and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The former Conservative MP, who represented the York Outer constituency from 2010 to 2024, said: “As a grower myself, I understand first-hand the challenges our sector faces, from evolving market demands to the need for robust, trusted assurance standards.”
‘Fundamental reset’
It’s been a rocky few years for Red Tractor, with an independent review recommending a “fundamental reset” for the assurance scheme to regain the confidence of growers – many of whom believe its costs far outweigh any benefits.
Red Tractor says the combinable crops and sugar beet sector board plays a vital role in representing the interests of UK growers, processors and retailers while maintaining the integrity of standards across the supply chain.
Pledging to ensure farmers’ voices are heard and drive positive change, Mr Sturdy said: “Together, we can continue to uphold the high standards that underpin Red Tractor and deliver value for British farmers and consumers.”
New trials focus on blackgrass control
Drilling options evaluated
Delayed drilling to give the best options for blackgrass control or simply because of challeng ing autumn conditions could be hav ing a bigger effect on crop establish ment and subsequent plant health than many growers realise.
Fieldscale trials are exploring the benefits of a ploughing reset in direct drill systems and also the use of cultivations to force an early flush of weeds. They are being carried out by Agrii near Brackley, Northamptonshire.
are much further behind. So, you have cleaner crops but ones that are under pressure from day one.”
“It all came about when we were walking some spring bean crops a few years ago,” says Agrii agronomist Jamie Lyttle, who is carrying out the trials with Agrii area business manager Greg Taylor.
“We were very concerned about the level of black grass germination taking place and why this was occurring following the adoption of a new drill.”
Mr Taylor says this was very much happening against the backdrop of the last three to four years’ weather and its effect on cultivations and drilling.
Drilling strategy
“Before we would always have said growers should be prioritising delayed drilling. Now we believe a more flexible mindset is required.
“We seem to be increasingly coming out of the winter with late drilled crops that are very much under stress and really not in a position to grow well the following spring and are increasing susceptible to disease and pest attack.
“We’ve looked at drilling dates ranging from 15 September to 22 November and can see the earlier drilling plots are especially clean where we have carried out a ploughing reset but without this they quickly get out of control with blackgrass.
“As we move into the later drilling timings, we see crops getting cleaner, even when direct drilled, but they
“
A more flexible mindset is required
Mr Taylor says the trials have also been looking at the practicalities and benefits of forcing a flush of blackgrass earlier in the autumn in a direct drill scenario where they would naturally come too late if left alone.
“The idea is that if you can get an earlier flush, get it out of the way quicker, you can then move on to getting a successful, earlier drilled crop but with less blackgrass problems resulting.
“What we have found is that if you can get that flush, you can then go drilling with minimum disturbance.
Blackgrass remains a huge challenge on many farms
“We’re not doing true direct drilling at that point because we’ve already been through with some sort of cultivation, even though it could have been incredibly light.
“But we have effectively used the
flush to then be able to use the direct drill as a minimum disturbance tool at the point of drilling and some of those plots were incredibly successful in having the least amount of blackgrass.”
Significant insights
The trials are going to provide significant insight and knowledge around keeping blackgrass under control without reducing the ability of the crop to thrive subsequently, he believes.
“That’s an incredibly important aim for all Agrii customers. We’ve hit the reset button in some cases and done a lot of ploughing, but there’s only so many times you can do that before you start bringing up last year’s blackgrass. It’s all about that zero seed return policy.
“So, we have to look at all the options and put the points of the sequence together as best we can and see how we can manage the processes to best effect.
“Should we change the system but keep the same drill? Do we need to invest in a drill that could costs a hundred thousand pounds or do we stick with what we already have?”
The first trial last year focused on four drills, but things have grown significantly since then.
“We’ve now gone to eight drills, six different cultivation techniques, three drill timings and three separate seed rates and we’re starting to see some truly thought-provoking results. It’s going to be really interestingwhen we process all the data.”
High-yield hybrid barley launched
Anew high-yielding hybrid winter feed barley variety is being launched to UK growers for autumn drilling.
Described as robust, resilient and reliable, SY Quantock, marks the next generation in yield from Syngenta’s established Hyvido hybrid barley breeding programme, explains Mark Shaw, the company’s hybrid barley portfolio manager.
As well as a barn-busting UK treated yield of 109% of control varieties on the AHDB winter barley Recommended List for 202526, SY Quantock has a very high grain specific weight of 70.4kg/hl, says Mr Shaw.
We see it as a new contender to the current popular high output hybrid barley SY Kingsbarn,” he adds.
Underlining the resilience of SY Quantock, Mr Shaw says it also offers an outstanding untreated yield on the AHDB winter barley RL – of 93% of the treated controls. This correlates with its good all-round disease resistance, he says, with ratings of
7 against Rhynchosporium and mildew on the 1-9 scale, and 6 against net blotch and brown rust.
“Reliability-wise, SY Quantock has also delivered high yields across a range of UK geographies, soil types and seasons, with the figures showing it has yielded consistently well over the last three seasons on the Recommended List.
“It also brings other appealing agronomic characteristics, including good lodging resistance and early maturity.”
Considerations
These are important considerations for a reliable harvest, says Mr Shaw. “One or two days’ earlier harvesting, for example, can make a big difference if the weather closes in. And Hyvido barley offers other benefits.”
With its hybrid vigour, Mr Shaw says Hyvido has also been scientifically proven to provide strong suppression of black-grass, ryegrass and certain brome species.
SY Quantock preforms well across a range of conditions, says Mark Shaw
Crop competition is an increasingly important part of integrated and sustainable grass weed management in arable rotations.
Hybrid vigour also produces vigorous rooting, associated with improved nutrient uptake. Other research shows Hyvido to have enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.
This is another important part of farming sustainably. For an end user, as well as harvesting as mature grain and straw, the high biomass also sees it grown for wholecrop for use in anaerobic digesters.
“SY Quantock looks the obvious choice for growers looking for a new Hyvido hybrid as a successor to SY Kingsbarn.”
New milling wheat and oilseed rape at Cereals 2025
Ahigh quality bread-making wheat and the highest yielding oilseed rape on the 2025 candidate list were previewed by DSV UK at Cereals 2025.
DSV Arlington is a high specification milling wheat currently on the 2025 candidate list for potential RL listing this year. Meanwhile, highyielding DSV Dompteur is the second to feature the breeder’s innovative ‘phoma blocker’ technology.
“DSV Arlington has shown excellent field performance and grain quality in National List trials and has received a great reception from growers and millers across the UK,” explains DSV UK wheat breeder Matt Kerton.
“For a while now we have been investing in our bread-making pipeline and have been focusing on rigorous testing as well as a genomic prediction programme.
Paying dividends
“This initiative is now paying dividends and we are all really pleased with the output. DSV Arlington is a direct result of our increased efforts and has a lot to offer growers and the milling industry.”
With a high specific weight of 79.3 kg/hl, HFN of 297 and a protein con tent of 13.5% combined with a treat ed yield 101% of controls, Arlington hits all the marks required for a topnotch baking variety, says Dr Kerton.
The baking performance is support ed by a strong agronomic package in cluding a rare mix of Pch1 for eyespot resistance and Sm1 resistance to or ange blossom midge.
“We have also noticed that DSV Ar lington has a low winter requirement, opening up the drilling window when autumn conditions are not conducive to sowing. The variety’s short, stiff stems also give flexibility for growers
looking to drill early.
“A 7.1 for septoria and a 9 for yellow rust resistance add to its appeal and contribute to an untreated yield of 92% which demonstrates its overall strength and resilience in light of the increasingly variable growing conditions growers now face.
“All in all, we think it is going make an ideal choice for growers seeking an alternative to the established crop of milling varieties and is definitely a variety to watch.”
High output
DSV UK country manager Alex Doering says the company has been moving forward with its portfolio of high output oilseed rape, too.
“DSV Dompteur is currently the highest-yielding variety on the 2025 winter oilseed rape candidate list and has performed exceptionally well across a range of trial sites and conditions,” he points out.
“Following DSV Cognac, DSV Dompteur is the second variety to feature our new phoma blocker trait combining two complex phoma resistance genes, RLMS and RLM7, to provide plants with added protection against
Great reception for Arlington, says Matt Kerton
“
It’s going to make it an ideal choice
Cognac gets new phoma blocker trait, says Alex Doering
folio, Dompteur features strong turnip yellow virus (TuYV) protection and also has pod shatter resistance for added harvest protection, says Dr Doering.
“With a gross output of 111% of controls for the UK rising to 112% in the North and an oil content of 46.3%, DSV Dompteur scores an 8 for light leaf spot resistance and has scored well in verticillium wilt trials across Europe.
Excellent vigour
“The variety has strong autumn growth and excellent spring vigour which helps it recover from potential late attacks by various pests, including pigeons. It is relatively early flowering, but not so early as to risk damage from early frosts.”
Candidate listed DSV Cognac also carries the new phoma-blocker trait, but this time by combining LepR1 and RLM7 genes to provide the integrated resistance, adds Dr Doering.
“Think of it as where previously the phoma resistance mechanism worked with one lock and one key, now the disease has to break through two locks and two keys to succeed.
“Like all DSV’s current varieties DSV Cognac has TuYV protection, good tolerance to verticillium wilt and an excellent score for resistance to light leaf spot (LLS) combined with a yield of 107% and an oil content of 46.6%.
“Trials have confirmed its superior spring vigour alongside strong autumn growth providing additional defence to flea beetles while strong, robust pods with added pod shatter protection add to its appeal.”
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finalists will each give a presentation at Groundswell, outlining their ide-
“For anyone thinking about coming to either the Groundswell session
or the farm walks, I would say go for it, it’s an invaluable way to hear honest perspectives and learn from other farmers’ experiences.”
Short-listed farmers
Paul Baker (Wishay Farm, Devon)
Jonathan Hodgson (Great Newsome Farm, East Yorks)
John Joseph (Trecorras Farm, Herefordshire)
Andrew Mahon (Bromborough Estate, Northants)
Will Oliver (AH Oliver & Son, Leics)
Robert Whittal (Square Farm, Monmouthshire)
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Milder autumns and winters are giving potato volunteers a helping hand. Two experts offer the latest advice for keeping on top of them.
From black dot to late blight and potato cyst nematode, potato volunteers add significant pest and disease pressure to fields.
And with unharvested tubers able to remain viable in the soil for several years, controlling them should be a focus point across the whole rotation, advises Nick Winmill, principal agronomist at Potato Agronomy & Technology.
While developments in technology – such as spot spraying with glyphosate – have offered advantages in control, attention to detail is key to good field hygiene, says Mr Winmill.
“Looking at desiccation, make sure you have got good stolon detachment at harvest, so you’re not pulling tubers through the harvester webs and leaving them
of 70-80% since the loss of chlorpropham (CIPC).
“However, much of its success is down to the operator and the conditions it is applied to,” says Mr Winmill. Humidity after application is perhaps the number one key to success, he adds.
“I have had some really good results from Fazor MH – even last season when we were uncertain about the weather and whether we could maximise its uptake. But we were selling King Edwards out of the store in January without additional sprout suppressant.
“Ideally, you want a minimum humidity of 75%. Look at applying it in the early evening with a high water volume of at least 400 litres/ha, so you have the whole of the night to allow for the MH to slowly dry on the
Good field hygiene is vital, says agronomist Nick Winmill
“It’s all about extending the latent time of the material in liquid form being able to dry slowly on the leaf to maximise uptake into the plant.”
Herbicide timings
Other important factors influencing Fazor MH translocation include application timing and method, the health of the crop and weather conditions, says Geoff Hailstone, UPL potato crop lead for the UK and Ireland.
He has been working alongside potato consultant Mark Stalham to establish updated guidance for the product to maximise its value.
“There is a lot to get right for the best Fazor MH uptake in tubers,” says Mr Hailstone.
“When we had that dry season in 2022, there were so many factors growers couldn’t fully adhere to that some did not bother applying it, and that was a bit of a disaster because it made sprout control in store really difficult.”
Considerations
“The first thing to consider is application timing. The marketable tubers need to be 25mm across or bigger because that is when cell division is complete. This means you won’t be restricting tuber size.”
Fazor MH should be applied 3-5 weeks ahead of desiccation, depending on the variety and growth stage. This is more commonly now 4-5 weeks rather than 3-4 weeks because the crop will then be more vigorous.
“It t will be translocating
Healthier soil starts with pH
down to the tubers more effectively than if you leave it right up to three weeks. You don’t want the haulm to be senescing – you want to get Fazor MH on before that when the canopy is nice and green and still healthy.”
Extra care should be taken, particularly with determinate varieties, because they can die off quickly. Regular inspections are therefore needed to ensure it’s not left too late, adds Geoff. Crops should also be well hydrated.
Water stress
“Low to moderate water stress is okay, but not anything worse than that. If it’s a fully irrigated crop with good moisture levels, you can delay the application until 3-4 weeks before harvest,” he says.
“If it’s unirrigated or stressed, then you need to go a bit earlier, more like the 4-5 week mark. A stressed crop won’t translocate Fazor MH so well, and stomata will close up.”
Fazor MH can also help with preventing secondary growth in crops that have experienced stress from hot, dry periods. This can lead to plants producing a lot of deformed tubers, which affects crop quality.
“This includes loss of starch and glassy tubers. You get more reducing sugars produced, affecting fry colour. If you apply Fazor 2-3 days after a stress period has finished, that’s when it can have this useful additional benefit.”
Continued overleaf
The correct pH builds your soil’s fertility:
• Improved nutrient use efficiency
• Creates the ideal conditions for soil microbes to thrive
• Calcium enhances soil structure and root development
Speak to our expert team about LimeX
Customer service 0800 090 2376
Potato cyst nematode on tubers
Arable
Continued from previous page
Fazor should be applied at 5 kg/ha for potatoes, with a high water volume of 400-500 litres/ ha, and a slow forward speed. It’s all about keeping the product on the surface of the leaf as long as possible.
“You don’t want a small wa-
fect uptake. It should also not be used with adjuvants because some can cause leaf runoff when used with high water volumes.
“You only apply Fazor MH once, so it makes sense to focus on getting that right. In addition to higher humidity, daytime temperatures should be below 26 °C,
Top tips for achieving best results
Apply Fazor MH to a green and healthy crop 3-5 weeks before desiccation
Timing window for determinate varieties is about seven days shorter than in indeterminate varieties
Tubers should be 25mm across or bigger
Apply during early evening when humidity is highest, ideally above 75%
Do not apply when it is over 26 °C
There is a lot to get right to protect crops, says Geoff Hailstone.
Do not apply when rain is forecast or irrigation is planned within 24 hours
Use high water volumes of 400-500 litres/ha and low forward speeds
Do not apply to dehydrated or stressed crops
Do not tank mix with other products
“We used to think it took a long time for MH to accumulate in tubers, but in actual fact, the maximum amount is reached in tubers after about seven days.”
Growers should aim to achieve a benchmark of 12 parts per million of Fazor MH in tubers to achieve good sprout control.
“The maximum residue level is 60 ppm, so this figure is a good
Fazor MH accumulates less in smaller tubers, so if a farm has a lot of tubers below 40mm in size,
Mr Hailstone suggests grading them out before going into the store to reduce the need for early fogging to accommodate smaller sprouting tubers.
“Generally, the smallest tubers may have four times less Fazor MH uptake than the big ones. Although it’s good to have 10-12 ppm, even if you get 5-6 ppm that can still give you 50-60% control of sprouting.
“It’s still really useful in a season when conditions aren’t ideal,” concludes Mr Hailstone.
Oilseed Rape
Confidence renewed for oilseed rape
• Lower pressure from flea beetle
• Still a valuable arable break crop
• Goal to increase area of UK rape
The 2025 oilseed rape season is approaching with renewed confidence after encouraging results from a cabbage stem flea beetle initiative.
The project, which assessed flea beetle stem larvae levels in spring 2025, shows a significant decline in pest pressure compared to previous seasons. Other survey results have shown similar findings.
Led by NIAB and funded by United Oilseeds, Agrii, and Hutchinsons, the flea beetle initiative follows autumn water trap monitoring which had already indicated a lower number of adult beetles across the UK.
Over 170 plant samples were collected from a wide geographical spread, Initial results suggest much lower larvae numbers than recent years – and a stark improvement on figures seen in 2022.
Encouraging results
While isolated farms showed slightly
were identified. Overall, the results provide strong reassurance for growers planning rape crops later this year.
“These findings are very encouraging,” said NIAB spokesperson Colin Peters (below left).
“They reflect the lower adult counts seen last autumn and suggest that growers should feel positive about prospects for rape establishment in 2025. While attention to detail in crop management remains crucial, this data gives a welcome boost.”
The project reinforces the value of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) –including field positioning, immediate post-harvest cultivation of previous rape stubble, good seedbed preparation, flexible drilling timing and companion crops.
Sample sites will continue to be monitored throughout the 2025-26 season, providing growers with further valuable insights to support strong, sustainable oilseed rape crops.
Growers are being encouraged to plan ahead now, taking advantage of the current low flea beetle pressure and applying best agronomic practice to secure the best possible results.
Ten top tips to help growers establish rape successfully were unveiled at last month’s Cereals campaign by the industry-led OSR Reboot campaign, which is being spearheaded by United Oilseeds and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
The campaign brings together breeders and scientists to further understanding about the best way to control flea beetle. It aims to increase the
amount of UK-grown rape, which has halved during the past decade.
“The UK is relying on imported oilseeds to crush, threatening our food security and lowering our food standards so improving the prospects of growing oilseed rape on farm is important,” says Neil Groom of plant breeders Grainseed.
“Our first goal is to improve the establishment of rape crops and then to build plant size so that they can cope with any larval load in the spring.”
Top 10 tips for combating flea beetle
1. Ditch the date
Sow early or late – but never by the calendar
2. Chase perfection at establishment
Moisture, seed-to-soil contact and vigour are everything
3. Keep your distance
Avoid planting near last year’s oilseed rape – every metre helps
4. Improve larval tolerance
Fewer, bigger plants can beat flea beetle and breed less pressure
5. Chuck the muck
Organic manures can disrupt beetle attack – timing is key
6. Park the pyrethroids
Resistance is real – sprays can do more harm than good
7. Create companions
Companions like buckwheat, vetch and clover can shield and strengthen
8. Brassica buddies
Use sacrificial strips or volunteers to lure beetles away
9. Stir it up post-harvest
Light cultivations can suppress beetle populations
10. Unlock hidden gems
From stubbles to silica, priming to predators – stack your tactics
Source: United Oilseeds
Oilseed Rape
Optimism for oilseed rape in latest survey results
• Lower pressure from flea beetle
• Better outlook towards harvest
Cabbage stem flea beetle pressure is at its lowest level for six years, suggests the latest survey of oilseed rape growers.
Well over half of rape growers report little or no autumn challenge from the pest, according to the 2024/25 Bayer Dekalb survey. The finding is coupled with high average establishment scores for the crop.
The benchmarking survey tracks over150 oilseed rape growers across the country. This year’s results point to a cautious optimism for oilseed rape crop prospects amid a welcome decline in flea beetle pressure.
Growing season
Coupled with last autumn’s favourable crop establishment conditions, fewer problems with CSFB mean that more oilseed rape crops – 85% compared to 73% in 2023/24 - are being taken through to harvest this season (see graph).
Crop condition going into flowering was also better this season than in recent seasons. On average, growers scored their crops at 6.8 out of 10 – the best condition going into flowering for the past three years.
“Almost three-quarters of growers who responded to the survey expect their crops to yield better [this summer] than they did last year,” says Bayer technical manager Ellie Borthwick-North.
Variety performance
The survey findings also point to the performance advantage of mainstream double-zero hybrid varieties over pure lines, with better establishment, lower cabbage stem flea beetle larval levels and slightly higher early spring green area indices (GAI).
“Their performance advantage was particularly marked when pressures from the pest were more than marginal and from later plantings,” adds Ms Borthwick-North.
While close to one-third of the growers responding to the survey intend to reduce their rape plantings for
Growers expect their crops to yield better
Proportion of crops taken to harvest
harvest 2026, 26% plan to maintain their current oilseed rape crop area and a further 37% plan to increase their rape area in the coming season.
“This is the highest level of growers planning to at least maintain their current oilseed rape area in the past three years,” says Ms Borthwick-North.
Season ahead
Rapeseed price, soil moisture and yields this harvest are among the main factors likely to influence decisions on the area of oilseed rape drilled this autumn.
Below: Growers expect better yields this summer, says Ellie BorthwickNorth.
“Clearly also governing the decision-making of many is the apparent CSFB risk – whether assessed by levels of adults visible this summer, adult damage last autumn or larval damage
this spring.”
Given the critical importance of flea beetle to crop performance, it is not surprising the survey findings reveal that most growers monitor the pest in the autumn, more than a quarter using some form of yellow trap.
These include the popular MagicTrap digital yellow water traps launched by Bayer at Cereals 2024. The traps were also being demonstrated to visitors at last month’s Cereals event in Lincolnshire.
“While challenges remain, wellgrown oilseed rape continues to be the best break ahead of winter wheat.
Findings from this season’s Bayer Dekalb survey reveal that we are beginning to see a more positive outlook for the crop.”
Source: Dekalb National OSR Benchmarking Studies 2020 - 2025 Bayer, June 2025
Direct-to-farm sugar beet seed sales unveiled
• Full access to the latest genetics
• Wider choice of seed treatments
• Provisional seed orders welcome
Plans by sugar beet breeder SESVanderHave to sell seed direct to farmers for 2026 drilling were welcomed by growers at last month’s Cereals event.
The move by the global sugar beet breeder follows changes made to the British Sugar Seed agreement, first announced in 2024. SESVanderHave says it gives growers access to the latest genetics with a wider range of seed treatments.
Growers visiting the SESVanderHave stand at Cereals were keen to learn more about the benefits of buying direct. It will include a wider choice of pelleting and seed treatments for farmers.
Positive response
“We were overwhelmed by the positive response to our offer, as well as many positive comments about our varieties, our seed quality and the support we provide to growers who have grown our varieties,” said SESVanderHave UK director Ian Munnery.
The decision gives growers who buy direct access to all SESVanderHave varieties, says Mr Munnery. “We received many comments on how well the seed we sold direct for 2025 sowing had performed in the testing conditions of the very dry spring.”
SESVanderHave sugar beet includes longestablished varieties such as Magpie and Wren, as well as the newest top performing varieties on the Recommended List – Antler, Gadwall, Hoopoe and Hilleshög’s Aslan.
For growers with confirmed AYPR rhizomania, SesVanderHave has Osprey – still the only BBRO Recommended Variety for AYPR. Those with NERT (Beet Cyst Nematode) challenges can choose Hoopoe or the new promising variety Pintail.
Top germination
Pintail is one of five new varieties – the others being Possum, Partridge, Grouse and Snipe – which have been added to the offer for sowing next season. Seed will be from harvest 2025 to ensure top germination.
The five new candidate varieties have now passed National Listing with the Animal and Plant Health Agency. They have been added to British Sugar’s approved list for sowing.
At the time of writing, this means SESVanderHave has all five of the top five candidates for BBRO Recommendation that can be sold for 2026 sowing, giving growers early access to the best and most innovative genetics available.
Growers who exercised their right to buy Antler, Aslan, Hoopoe and Gadwall, which were all new in 2025, have reported successful experiences.
These were the top four candidates for Recommendation by BBRO in December 2024 and were added to the 2026 BBRO Recommended List when it was released in March this year.
“We were overwhelmed by the positive response
Managing risk
Commercial terms for the sale of seed have been set to minimise growers’ risk.
“We have taken the decision to book seed provisionally,” says Mr Munnery.
“Growers will be allowed to confirm or cancel their orders, once British Sugar and NFU Sugar agree the contract price. This allows growers to book seed as soon as possible to take advantage of our attractive offer whilst stocks last.
“With the 2025 seed harvest already under way and our factories scheduled to process that seed in January 2026, by reserving your seed now you can be confident you’re in the best position to get the variety you want as well as the seed treatments you require in good time to maximise your revenue for the 2026 crop.”
Seed processing
This goes go beyond the existing minimum standards of the British Sugar specification, says Mr Munnery. The expansion of the varieties on offer to UK growers looks set to increase further for 2027 sowing, he adds.
“Breeding progress goes in cycles, and currently SESVanderHave and Hilleshög are in the ascent; with 30 more varieties bred by SESVanderHave and Hilleshög as year three candidates scheduled to enter BBRO’s 2026 trials.
“This gives growers even more options for 2027 sowing with a range of exciting new traits and seed treatments, in turn providing more choice and market competition for the UK sugar industry,” says Mr Munnery.
Growers wishing to reserve sugar beet seed for 2026 sowing can phone SESVanderHave on 01522 442000, or visit the company’s online shop at https://eshop.sesvanderhave.com/uk/
In addition, as a result of the changes in the UK Seed account model for British Sugar, SESVanderHave now manages all the seed processing in-house. This will enable to company to offer specifications for germination and monogermity.
Ian Munnery: Access to all varieties
Resilient varieties help turn tide against flea beetle
• Traits help growers fight back
• Good overall disease package
• Think differently for success
Anew hybrid oilseed rape variety with resilience to cabbage stem flea beetle promises a big step forward in helping growers successfully grow the crop.
LG Avenger is the culmination of almost a decade of work by breeders Limagrain Field Seeds. It is the first to be commercially available in the UK with the LG CSFB Resilience characteristic.
nitrogen efficiency trait.
“Limagrain has been at the forefront of oilseed rape breeding for the past decade,” says Mr Granger. “We remain fully committed to the crop, despite the reduction in the UK area witnessed over that time.”
Challenges around flea beetle control have been a big factor in the declining area of oilseed rape, which has fallen by around 500,000ha from its peak
Newly recommended variety with a strong resistance package and that all important pod shatter trait
“LG Avenger is the result of our new methods of breeding oil seed rape varieties, which consid er all limiting factors for crop de velopment, including the threat from flea beetle,” says Limagrain oilseed rape product manager Florentina Petrescu.
CSFB Resilience on the 2025/26 AHDB Recommended List, alongside many other valuable characteristics, including high yield, pod shatter resistance, high oil content and a very good disease package.”
latest trait to help improve rape yields, says Limagrain arable technical manager Ron Grang er. Other features include TuYV and pod shatter resistance, scle rotinia tolerance and the N-Flex
Below: A range of methods can combat flea beetle, says Florentina
to 2.7 t/ha, although in Scotland, where flea beetle is not yet a major issue, yields have risen, reflecting varietal improvements.
Success stories
“There are success stories where growers are trying new things, and going forward, there needs to be a change to the traditional practices to make rape succeed.
Resilient oilseed rape
Resilient oilseed rape varieties share a number of characteristics. These include:
Strong autumn growth to help crops escape early “shot holing” damage caused by adult flea beetles feeding on cotyledons and first leaves
Rapid stem elongation in the spring to improve the plant’s resilience to damage caused by larvae mining into petioles and stems
A capacity in some varieties to limit the number of larvae that develop within the stems – the exact reasons for this are still being identified
Reduced flea beetle larvae damage severity, such as fewer stunted, bushy plants.
of an effective integrated pest management strategy on farm”.
Resilient varieties feature a series of characteristics that make them better adapted to escaping damage during two crucial periods in the autumn and spring, so it is not just about a single genetic trait, she says.
Reducing the severity of flea beetle damage has a direct benefit on final yield, Mrs Petrescu adds. Research by the Agriculture and Hoirticulture Development Board suggests one addi-
ARABLE GUIDE 2025
Scan
Above: Resilient varieties such as LG Avenger are another weapon against flea beetle
Petrescu
Scientists identify resistance mechanism in phoma stem canker
Amajor crop disease may become harder to control because fungal pathogens are less susceptible to widely used fungicides.
Genetic changes in fungal pathogen populations are reducing the effectiveness of azole fungicides – used by farmers for decades when tackling phoma stem canker, say scientists at Rothamsted Research.
Research published in the journal Pest Management Science, confirms that scientists have found decreased azole sensitivity for the first time worldwide in Phoma pathogen Plenodomus biglobosus.
Reduced sensitivity in western European populations of P. lingam to azole fungicides was first reported last year. Taken together, the findings raise pressing questions about the sustainability of current disease management strategies.
Unlike in P. lingam, the azole sensitivity shifts in P. biglobosus were linked to a single mutation within the CYP51 (the target of azole fungicides) gene. This represents the first report of target site resistance to azole fungicides in a Phoma pathogen.
Continued from previous page
tional larvae per plant can cost 50-70kg/ha in lost yield.
Feeding damage by adults and larvae has other implications, such as increasing the entry points for disease, uneven flowering and variable pod maturity. Varieties with LG CSFB Resilience also include characteristics like pod shatter resistance, and a strong disease profile to help mitigate these risks, she says.
Independent backing
Flea beetle is a major issue in many other European countries, including France, where CSFB resilience has been a characteristic on the French Recommended List for the past six years.
Independent data from the French equivalent of AHDB (Terres Inovia) puts LG Avenger as one of the highest rated varieties for resilience on this list.
“The mutation found in P. biglo bosus is linked to a 7-fold decrease in sensitivity to the azoles tested. On its own, this is unlikely to contribute to Phoma disease control failure, but it is a worrying step in the wrong direc tion” said research leader Kevin King.
“Ongoing evolution of the patho gens may in future lead to azole re sistance in the field and subsequent disease control failures.”
As oilseed rape remains a vital crop for food and biofuel production in the UK and beyond, the emergence of such fungicide resistance could have serious food and energy security implications.
Phoma stem canker can devastate yields unless controlled effectively
To date the new mutation has been confirmed in Polish and UK populations of P. biglobosus, and could, in part, help explain recent findings of the strain becoming an increasingly important Phoma stem canker pathogen in Europe.
Distribution
Further surveys are now required to monitor the distribution and extent of the new mutation in European P. biglobosus populations and whether such mutations may also now be
“It’s a worrying step in the wrong direction
IPM key to successful establishment
Resilient varieties are a welcome addition in the battle against cabbage stem flea beetle. But there is no silver bullet and they should be used as a part of an integrated pest management approach.
Adult flea beetles emerge from rape stubbles for up to six months after harvest, peaking in midSeptember. Risk is often higher in crops grown close to a previous OSR crop, although work is ongoing to identify how far adult beetles can fly.
Cultivation of the previous oilseed rape stubble straight after harvest has shown to significantly reduce the number of adults emerging from the soil through the autumn, says Limagrain.
Growers should choose varieties with flea beetle resilience and consider regional performance. They should also consider a companion crop – such as buckwheat, berseem clover – to help disguise emerging rape plants from flea beetle.
This supports three years of Limagrain Europe assessments, where LG Avenger outperformed the sensitive control variety and came close to
emerging in P. lingam.
Additional research is also needed into strategies to slow selection for resistance caused by extensive use of azoles.
“Research into integrated pest management strategies — including crop rotation, resistant cultivars, and reduced reliance on fungicides — will also be important to safeguard future yields,” said report co-author Jon West.
The work was a collaborative project between Rothamsted Research and the Polish Institute of Genetics. Work at Rothamsted was supported by the Growing Health and Resilient Farming Futures Institute Strategic Programmes.
Good seed-to-soil contact and soil moisture retention are key to rapid establishment. This means drilling by conditions, not calendar date. Seedbeds should be consolidated. Avoid cultivations that may dry the soil out too much before drilling.
Consider all ways to boost establishment, such as placing nutrition close to seed. Weather forecasting is key to determining drilling conditions and flea beetles should be monitored to assess risk.
Keep records of drilling dates, weather conditions, pest numbers and harvest yields. They will be helpful in future years when deciding where and when to grow oilseed rape to best effect.
Likewise, evaluate the effectiveness of management practices. Use insecticides only where necessary once thresholds are met – and recognise that widespread resistance means pyrethroids may have little impact on flea beetle numbers.
the most resilient control, LG Aviron.
“Oilseed rape ticks so many boxes as a break crop, both in terms of gross margin, inputs,
equipment required, workloads, and agronomy. But in order to grow oilseed rape successfully, growers may need to think differently about how they do it.”
Farm Safety & Security
Cost of farm theft falls as countryside unites
• Organised gangs targeting farmers
• Positive action brings good results
• Still work to stem serious offences
Farm theft has fallen by 16.5% following co-ordinated action against organised and serious crime in the countryside, new figures from NFU Mutual reveal.
Theft of agricultural machinery, equipment and vehicles cost the UK an estimated £44.1m in 2024, down from £52.8m the previous year, according to the latest annual report from the rural insurer.
Total claims cost for agricultural vehicle thefts fell 35% to an estimated £7m last year, with global positioning system (GPS) units experiencing the largest cost decline, down 71% to £1.2m following their spike in 2023.
Prime targets
Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained top targets for thieves, despite falling 16% to an es-
“
United, we can confront rural crime
becoming increasingly organised, serious and persistent in nature. “Sadly, we saw that trend continue in 2024,” she added.
United approach
There was some good news though. “Although we must stay alert, it’s encouraging to see that the estimated UK cost of rural crime dropped 17% to £44.1m as we continue to collaborate with industry and law enforcement to tackle this urgent issue.”
within the unit until at least 2027/28 to tackle this upsetting crime.
“United, we can confront rural crime with strength,” said Ms Binns.
“Co-ordinated efforts from insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police, industry and law makers are crucial in delivering a unified response to the rural crime challenge posed by organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.”
Dedicated team
For over 20 years NFU Mutual has campaigned on the scourge of rural crime, and the far-reaching impact it has on affected communities, and is proud to be a major funder of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU).
Working hand-in-hand with the crime unit, NFU Mutual operates a dedicated team which shares claims data and insight, helps to identify areas at risk and finds theft patterns to assist recoveries.
This kind of collaboration saw the National Construction and Agri Theft Team, which sits under the NRCU, seize £4.4m worth of stolen agricultural vehicles and machinery in 2024, said Ms Binns.
To help farmers and rural communities protect their livelihoods from the threat posed by organised crime, NFU Mutual had invested over £400,000 in rural crime fighting initiatives during 2024.
Rural crimefighting schemes are having an impact, says NFU Mutual [Photo: Eddie Jordan Photos / Shutterstock.com]
Sun safety for workers Top tips for employers
Hot harvest weather is prompting warnings to stay safe on the farm
Farmers are being reminded to ensure the safety of harvest workers this summer – especially those outdoors in hot temperatures.
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of everyone on their worksite – including employees, contractors and other people who could be impacted by their work.
Employers should prepare for harvest by conducting a risk assessment – especially ahead of hot weather – to consider whether employees can work safely. This includes temporary workers and students.
“Consider the predicted temperatures, workload and schedule for each day as well as the age and vulnerability of your workers,” says Gavin Scarr Hall, health and safety director at human resources advisers Peninsula.
“Once the risks have been identified, employers should take necessary precautions to limit them as much as possible. As well as having a legal obligation to do so, it’s in employers’ best interests.
“Heat related illnesses and injuries can result in long-term absences when not managed effectively, leading to loss of productivity, missed deadlines and higher levels of employee turnover.”
Here are a few ways employers and staff can protect themselves in the sun:
Keep covered
It can be tempting to remove excess articles of clothing to try and beat the heat. However, extra layers of protective clothing are a
Although usually mild, sunburn does carry risk. If skin starts to blister, fills with fluid, or the person gets a fever, then seek medical attention immediately.
To avoid dehydration, make sure employees have plenty of cool water and you remind them to keep drinking before, during and after work.
Farm workers can be particularly vulnerable during those hot, dusty and frequently long days of harvest. Use sun protection, stay hydrated and take regular breaks to mitigate the risks.
Caffeinated and fizzy drinks can also cause dehydration, so should not be relied on as the only source of sustenance. Encourage staff to drink water as much as possible.
Reschedule work
Ideally, workers should avoid direct sunlight, though this can be unavoidable when working outdoors. If you’re not able to provide shade, then try to adjust working hours to cooler times or cloudy days.
Checking the UV index each day can help ensure that you have adequate protective measures in place. If the index is very high on certain days, then you know that your staff will need to take particular care.
Take a break
Where it isn’t possible to reschedule the work entirely, frequent rest breaks can help minimise the risk of heat-related illness, particularly heat stroke.
Heat stroke occurs when core body tem-
perature approaches 41°C, affecting the nervous system and the body’s ability to regulate temperature. In some cases, heat stroke carries a risk of death from cardiac or respiratory arrest.
It can also lead to liver failure, so must always be treated as an emergency. Frequent breaks in the shade or cooler areas will allow the body to cool down, minimising the risk of dangerously high internal temperatures.
Check skin regularly
Encourage employees to check their skin regularly for any new unusual moles or spots. Moles or freckles that seem to be changing in size, shape or colour could be an early indication of skin cancer.
There are many online services that can help with tracking skin changes or abnormalities. These can often be downloaded directly to an employee’s devices, providing an extra level of security.
However, anyone who notices any of these changes should see their GP or occupational health services immediately.
Farm Safety & Security
Road safety charity backs farm trailer scheme
Aroad safety charity has announced a partnership with the Tilly Your Trailer campaign to improve the safety of agricultural trailers on UK roads.
TyreSafe said it wanted to reach all road user groups, particularly those operating in rural and agricultural settings, where the risks associated with unsafe tyres and trailer maintenance are heightened.
Farm trailers often travel long distances on public roads – but trailer maintenance standards can vary widely. This partnership aims to bridge the safety gap by promoting proper trailer maintenance and tyre safety within the farming community.
Important step
Road safety experts say the increase presence of farm vehicles on rural roads poses risks not only to agricultural workers but also to other road us-
ers, including cyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists.
TyreSafe chairman Stuart Lovatt said: “Our partnership with Tilly Your Trailer marks an important step in ensuring that all road users – including those in rural and agricultural environments – prioritise tyre safety.”
Tilly Your Trailer is a nationally recognised inspection scheme, founded by Jane Gurney following the tragic loss of her son Harry Christian-Allan, in a trailer-related incident which could have been prevented with proper trailer maintenance.
Annual inspection
The initiative provides a structured annual inspection process to ensure that agricultural trailers meet roadworthiness standards. TyreSafe aims to improve awareness and accessibility to vital safety checks within the agricultural community.
Farm safety doesn’t stop at the field’s edge
The Tilly scheme sees certified technicians conduct an 18-point check, covering crucial components such as lights, tyres, brakes, drawbars, and chassis. Trailers that pass the inspection receive a Tilly Pass certificate, displayed as proof of compliance.
This initiative will work to embed best practices in tyre maintenance, emphasising the importance of regular checks to prevent incidents caused by tyre failures and mechanical defects.
Shared responsibility
Tilly Your Trailer founder Jane Gurney said: “Farm safety doesn’t stop at the field’s edge. Many agricultural trailers travel on public roads, and ensuring they are roadworthy is a responsibility we all share.”
Working with TyreSafe would expand the reach of the initiative, promoting safer roads for farmers and the wider public. TyreSafe and Tilly Your Trailer also provide training and best practice guidance on trailer safety. For more details about Tilly Your Trailer and how to obtain a Tilly Pass, visit www.tillypass.co.uk. To learn more about TyreSafe, visit www.tyresafe.org.
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Safe, durable, and sufficiently flexible this plastic cubicle keeps animals comfortable and cow beds clean. The hybrid design features steel brackets, while the cubicle loop itself is totally plastic, ensuring high welfare and one space per cow.
Livestock
All-time-high for UK cattle prices
Beef farmers wanting to capitalise on record-high store prices are being advised to creep feed cattle to get them to market sooner.
Store cattle prices have been at all time high recently – and producers with spring calving suckler herds have been looking to get the most for their stock once suckled calf sales commence.
“Given the buoyancy of the beef trade in recent months, suckler producers are looking to get calves on to creep earlier than normal,” says Alister Davies, UK beef and sheep commercial manager for ForFarmers.
Prices are being supported by a shortage of beef. UK beef production increased by 2% to 75,900 tonnes in May, according to Defra.
But this increase is still 4% less than May 2024 and demand continues to outstrip supply.
The Livestock Auctioneers Association reports some store cattle selling for up to £2840, with commercial cattle selling to 558p/kg – unprecedented levels for an industry going through some tough times.
The financial benefit of creep feeding is clear to see, says Mr Davies.
“The cost of creep compared to the cost of liveweight was for many years, pound for pound, but now it pays to feed these animals.
“If calves are eating 2kg of creep every day, worth £1.20 daily, while
EHow to capitalise on store cattle trade
when they are most efficient.”
The purpose of creep feeding is to make more of the animal’s favourable conversion rate at an early age, while calves get used to hard feed, helping with the transition to weaning.
“By feeding calves in this way, animals can get to market sooner, and the money in the bank more quickly,” says Mr Davies.
Specialist diet
“Supplementary feeding with a specialist diet for growing and creep feeding systems will encourage frame de-
Get calves to market sooner, says Alister Davies, above
It pays to feed these animals
Chaos in wake of Defra's blue tongue rule
ntries for pedigree livestock sales are being withdrawn following Defra’s decision to declare a blue tongue zone across England.
Cross-border trading from Ireland has become more challenging, says James Little, of Harrison & Hetherington. While stock can still come over, it’s certainly not straightforward, he says.
New restrictions are going to severely restrict trade, says Mr Little. “With the lo-
gistical hurdles and health regulations in place, it’s effectively a one-way ticket, and this situation has already impacted our pedigree business.”
For those vendors who are vaccinating against blue tongue, Mr Little says H&H are consulting with our customers to understand what stock they will consider and what health conditions they require.
The challenge could be a taste of things to come. Incoming EID regulations for cattle,
velopment, maximise rumen health
“Feed up to 4kg/head/day or 1kg/100kg liveweight in growing cattle or ad-lib in calf creep feeding systems. We recommend a nut such as Prime Rearer 16 + Levucell SC Titan.”
When animals are introduced to a rearer diet, it should be a gradual process over seven days with a source of fibre and access to water.
Mr Davies says: “Opt for a high energy and starch nut which is balanced in sugar and fibre to promote growth and good rumen health. The 16% protein encourages muscle growth and frame development.”
scheduled for implementation in 2027, will see England use a low-frequency tagging system, while Scotland is pushing ahead with high-frequency tags.
“These two systems are not compatible, and there is no evidence of joined up thinking between the two nations on this issue,” explains Mr Little.
Just like with blue tongue, the lack of coordination is creating real headaches for farmers and markets alike.
How to increase forage resilience
•
Keep surplus stocks for winter
• Factor in risks to be shockproof
• Ensure feed strategy is timely
Forage should be top of the list for livestock farmers wanting to build resilience to insulate against shocks caused by climate change.
A dry spring and record-breaking June heat have again focused attention on the need for livestock systems to cope with extreme weather. Temperatures hit 33°C on 12 June – amid an ongoing challenge to grass production this season.
Farmers should prioritise robustness in their systems by matching stocking rates to production capacity and building buffers into winter forage budgets, says Mary McEvoy, technical director for grass specialists Germinal.
“We are more likely to experience summer droughts and wetter, milder autumns and winters. Homegrown protein will become increasingly important. It’s essential we factor these
risks into our planning to help farms cope with the unexpected.”
Requirements
Based on a grassland utilisation of 85%, a dairy cow requires 5 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year of grass and silage – on top of concentrates, says Dr McEvoy.
“Therefore, a farm producing 10.5t dry matter/ha can sustainably carry 1.7 cows/ha. To increase stocking rates to 2.1 cows/ha, the farm must produce over 14t DM/ha to meet demand and avoid excessive reliance on external inputs.”
Increasing stocking rates places a greater dependence on artificial nitrogen unless legumes are incorporated into grassland to fix nitrogen naturally, says Dr McEvoy, who also stresses the importance of timely winter feed planning.
A two-month surplus will help
Control docks to get best from silage
Dry spring sees docks thrive
Dock populations are thriving this summer following the driest spring in over a century –and reducing silage palatability unless controlled.
Deep rooting ability allows docks to reach moisture – outcompeting grass in a way which can significantly reduce silage quality and nutrient value, says Dave Gurney, field technical manager for Corteva Agriscience.
“Effective dock management strategy is essential to maintain the productivity, palatability, and feed value of silage crops and of course to stop an existing presence getting worse each year.”
A 10% infestation of docks will lead
to a 10% reduction in grass dry matter yield, says Mr Gurney – a direct correlation which will affect productivity and the bottom line in terms of enterprise profitability.
How
to assess
A simple way to assess dock population is to count the number of docks in an area of 5m x 7m. If there are 10 plants, then the population is 10%, and so on. It’s a good idea to check five positions across a field in a W-shape and take the average result.
Spraying a selective herbicide with good translocation properties to ensure effective root kill is a recommended course of action, but it is impor-
buffer against unpredictable weather. “Winter feed budgets must be calculated after second cut. If there’s a deficit, you still have time to plan for a third cut. The later you leave it, the fewer options you’ll have to address shortages.”
Red clover and multi-species Dr McEvoy encourages farmers to utilise clover to maximise homegrown forage production and reduce emissions to help lessen the effects of climate change. Growing red clover with grass can help lower nitrogen require-
Winter feed budgets should be calculated after second cut silage
Right: Homegrown protein is increasingly important, says Mary McEvoy
Species to improve grass resilience
Timothy
• Very persistent
• Grows at lower soil temperatures than perennial ryegrass
• Suited to wetter conditions
• Performs poorly in dry conditions.
Cocksfoot
• Tolerant of wet and dry conditions
• Requires tight grazing to maintain quality
Dock plants are best controlled when they are actively growing
Right: Spraying between silage cuts is ideal, says Dave Gurney
• Older leaves become unpalatable due to silica hairs
• Can inhibit the growth of other species such as clover via root exudates.
ments while producing high-quality forage, she says.
Research suggests red clover and grass can yield up to 15t DM/ha without fertiliser. But performance varies significantly by variety with AberClaret outperforming the lowest-yielding red clover variety by almost 4t DM/ha.
To enhance resilience, Dr McEvoy also recommended sowing white clover or multi-species leys on part of the grazing platform.
Trials at Germinal Horizon in Wiltshire revealed a grass-white clover mix
tant to understand the best practice guidelines which will help achieve optimal effects.
“The timing of herbicide application is crucial,” says Mr Gurney.
“You want to see active growth and have docks which are ideally dinner plate size or less. If docks are hammered by dock beetle, ravaged by ramularia discase or have started to produce a flowering stem then control is less than what it should be.”
Little foliage
Drier weather so far has caused docks to produce very little foliage and even the smallest of plants are going into the seed production growth stage, which will greatly reduce the amount of chemical translocated into the plant roots.
“A spray between silage cuts is an ideal application time. Following rain across most of the country, docks are re-emerging after cutting.”
With a typical cutting interval of around five weeks, a fast-acting herbicide is needed. It takes around three
Festulolium
• Fescue and ryegrass hybrid
• AberNiche (Meadow fescue x Italian ryegrass): high yield and quality; lasts 3-4 years.
• AberRoot (on the RCGL): Atlas fescue x perennial ryegrass with deep roots for drought resilience. Yielded 13.5t DM/ha/ year on average (Germinal Horizon trials 2021-23).
AberLasting (DoubleRoot) clover
• World’s first hybrid white clover (white x Caucasian clover cross)
• Features underground rhizomes
• Highly drought, cold (-30C) and grazing-tolerant.
or a six-species mix (two herbs, two legumes, and grasses) both significantly outperformed grass-only and more complex multispecies mixes.
Different species
Perennial ryegrass yielded 8.9t of dry matter per hectare on average over the four years. The addition of clover improved this to 11t DM/ha, while using a multi-species and herb mix produced 11.1t DM/ha, on average.
“The incorporation of different species contributes to growth at different stages of the year. Perennial
Plantain
• Deep ball root scavenges moisture
• Complements grass
• High DM production
• Shown to improve lamb weaning weights by 10-34%
Chicory
• Deep taproot
• Drought tolerant
• Thrives in dry periods
• Contains anthelmintic properties.
[Source: Germinal]
ryegrass does well in the spring but slows down in challenging conditions compared to other species.”
Germinal sales manager William Fleming suggests farmers should have 20% of the grazing platform sown to multispecies leys with the rest made up of clover and perennial ryegrass. Mr Fleming offered guidance on selecting resilient species.
“While multispecies swards can be more difficult to manage, around 20% offers a good buffer when maintaining high-quality grass and clover swards on the rest of the platform.”
weeks for docks to grow to a suitable stage. This then leaves just two weeks for the chemical to be applied and for it to translocate to the roots of the docks. Typically, silage fields contain straight grass, without clover, so new fast-acting selective herbicide, ProGrass will resonate. It has been launched this year and comes with a short cutting interval of just seven days, making it ideal for use between silage cuts.
Undesirable weeds
“ProGrass offers excellent translocation properties, works quickly and, apart from controlling docks, also tackles other undesirable weeds such as buttercups, dandelions and nettles.
“ProClova XL is another new selective herbicide for this year, and is clover-safe. If white or red clover are present then this is your best option. It has an impressive weed spectrum which includes docks, buttercups, dandelions, hogweed and cow parsley.”
ProClova XL is not as fast acting as ProGrass and requires a 21-day cutting interval following spraying. It favours warmer conditions where target weeds show active growth prior to seed heads being produced, says Mr Gurney.
“We have written Best Practice Guides for ProGrass and ProClova XL. These give guidance on how to achieve the best level of weed control.
“These are available via the Corteva website, and also via a new QR code on the product labels too.”
Why smart testing beats blanket dosing
Irecently travelled the country and noticed growing interest in a parasite called Haemonchus contortus, or Barber’s Pole worm, writes Nerys Wright.
I’ve encountered it before in the south and east, recent queries have come from the Midlands and the north of England – suggesting it may be spreading
It’s easy to feel alarmed when you hear phrases like “it’s a new worm” or “it kills adult ewes.” But it’s important to keep things in perspective and view it as any other parasite.
Yes, outbreaks of haemonchosis (the disease caused by the parasite) can be serious, but it’s important to understand what we’re dealing with, treat only affected animals, and confirm that treatment has worked.
This blood-suck-
ing roundworm lives in the sheep’s stomach and behaves differently from more familiar gut worms.
It typically doesn’t cause diarrhoea but can lead to anaemia, bottle jaw, weight loss, and, in severe cases, sudden death.
Warmer winters and dry springs may be helping it survive and spread, although the exact reasons are still unclear.
Crucially, the presence of Haemonchus eggs in a faecal egg count (FEC) doesn’t always mean disease is present.
That’s why accurate diagnosis is essential. Start with an FEC, then confirm with species identification using the peanut agglutinin (PNA) staining test via your vet, which shows the proportion of eggs that are Haemonchus.
FAMACHA scoring – checking the colour of the lower eyelid from red to white – is a useful on-farm tool for spotting anaemia. If a sheep dies suddenly, a post-mortem can con-
Key actions
Test before treating
Identify the parasite you’re dealing with Avoid blanket treatments and choose products carefully
Quarantine and test new stock
For more details, visit www.scops.org.uk
firm infection. Any treatment should be based on test results and your farm’s history of product use.
Finally, don’t assume resistance patterns in other worms apply. And remember Haemonchus has different resistance mechanisms. Always consult your vet, adviser or SQP for guidance.
Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.
How good management keeps disease at bay
Asharp rise in antibiotic usage on Danish pig farms highlights the importance of disease management following the 2022 zinc oxide ban, say researchers.
Due to be published in the July issue of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, the study by the National Food Institute tracked antimicrobial use (AMU) across Danish pig units in the months after zinc oxide was withdrawn.
It found that AMU in weaners increased by 17% on farms that had previously used zinc oxide and even farms that hadn’t used it saw a 19% rise –suggesting wider challenges linked to increased post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and pathogen pressure.
The study covered 45-70% of all Danish weaner pig farms annually, and up to 94% of finishing units. As well as piglet welfare, PWD has knockon effect on growth rates, feed efficiency, and ultimately the economics of pig production.
Some farms reported big issues with piglet health. But others experienced little to no disruption – pointing to the importance of factors such as hygiene, housing, feeding and weaning management.
‘Sticking plaster’
Northern Europe livestock area manager Nigel Bennet, at biosecurity and hygiene specialists Roam Technology, says the impact of the zinc oxide ban is now being felt across many parts of Europe, including the UK.
“Zinc oxide almost acted like a sticky plaster – masking deeper is-
The impact is now being felt “
sues in piglet health. Now that it’s gone, underlying problems such as post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) are surfacing, and they’re proving difficult to manage,” he explains.
“What we’re finding is that controlling it now requires a much more holistic strategy. Hygiene is absolutely central to that – from farrowing accommodation right through to weaning accommodation.”
Farms that moved pigs between
sites after weaning saw AMU in finishers increase by 29% on average. Where pigs were transferred between farms owned by different producers, antibiotic use in weaners rose by around 10%.
“Some units will be operating tight all-in/all-out protocols, while others may not. That inconsistency allows disease to creep in—and that’s where proper cleaning, disinfection, and pathogen reduction become vital tools.”
Interestingly, the study also found that farms with larger numbers of weaners tended to have lower AMU – likely due to greater investment in structured production flows and biosecurity infrastructure.
Partnership to strengthen poultry resilience
Rural insurer NFU Mutual has partnered with biosecurity experts Livetec Systems to help poultry producers better prepare disease outbreaks.
It follows a challenging winter of avian influenza outbreaks which saw flocks compulsorily housed. Government chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss has warned that poultry keepers must learn to live with the disease.
Data analysts at Livetec provide producers with accurate, farm-specific costings for cleaning and disinfection – crucial information that supports both proactive disease planning and accurate insurance cover. These insights help producers reduce downtime, return to production faster and
limit the financial impact of an avian flu outbreak, says Adam Williams, NFU Mutual’s animal disease portfolio manager.
“As one of the only insurers still offering avian flu cover in the UK, it’s vital we support poultry producers with the most up-todate, actionable data to manage the financial risks of disease outbreaks,” he says.
Better planning
Commissioned by NFU Mutual, Livetec’s report draws on its operational data from handling recent avian flu outbreaks on UK farms, evolving legislation and input from the government’s Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA).
It details the cost of C&D and assump-
tions across a range of poultry production systems – enabling producers to better plan, meet regulatory requirements, and avoid unnecessary delays during recovery, explains Mr Williams.
“As biosecurity specialists, Livetec’s expertise is invaluable,” he says.
“Their input not only equips our agents with tools better inform producers, but also improves how we assess risk, calculate premiums, and ensure adequate protection.”
While the poultry sector benefits from strong biosecurity measures, highly pathogenic strains of avian flu remain a persistent threat. The partnership aims to support the sector’s ability to respond effectively and stay resilient.
Zinc oxide was like a sticking plaster, says Nigel Bennet (left) with farmer
Families urged to talk before tax changes
• Plan sooner rather than later
• Help on hand for best options
• Business structure important
Communication, compromise and common sense will be crucial in family discussions to safeguard farming businesses ahead of tax changes, say experts.
Michael Horton, of the rural management team at land agent Savills, issued a plea for farming families to talk to one another at a recent seminar in Suffolk, held in partnership with law firm Mills and Reeve.
Professional services “
His comments follow the government’s insistence that it will press ahead with plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farming assets worth more than £1 million. The proposal is
lief (APR) and business property re lief (BPR.
Mr Horton, who specialises in tax and generational planning, said: “To date, the government is maintaining its position on these changes and it’s important steps are taken now to wards planning for future liabilities.
“For the last seven months or so, the telephone has been very busy – and estate and tax planning has been at the top of the agenda.
“We are seeing several clients a week to discuss this very topical is sue which is often prompting a wid er discussion around how the farming business is structured and how succes sion plans are implemented.
This makes tax planning vital for farming families previously unaffected by inheritance tax.
Solicitors Katrina Hopkins and Lauren Parker from Mills and Reeve outlined key considerations for individuals and businesses, including personal allowances and setting up trusts
“There’s a definite need for communication, compromise and common sense as families agree how to structure their future ownership.”
Eligible assets
Currently, APR and BPR offer 100% relief on qualifying assets. But from 6
It’s important steps are taken now
The government was unmoved
Ms Parker, a partner in the private client team at Mills and Reeve, special-
Based in the firm’s Norwich office, she said it was important not to leave
“Conversations need to be had sooner rather than later as there is a window of opportunity to undertake succession planning with the benefit of 100% re-
“Family-owned businesses should set aside time to carry out a methodical review to ascertain the potential inheritance tax liability that would arise on the death of a business owner, and the impact this could have on the business’ viability.
“What assets does the business own? Have APR and BPR been maximised? Is it affordable for assets to be transferred to the next generation? Are there ‘non-core’ assets that could
Michael Horton: make time to plan ahead of changes to inheritance tax.
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Labour shortages and tech reshape farming
Rapid technological change and ongoing labour challenges are reshaping the future of the UK’s agriculture and horticulture sectors, says a report.
As automation and digitalisation accelerate, the nature of jobs is evolving, shifting demand towards higher-skilled, specialist roles and reducing reliance on low-skilled and seasonal labour, says the study.
The report was published by the Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH).
It commissioned Warwick University to look at ways upskilling the workforce can help ensure the farming sector’s continued success and resilience.
TIAH’s head of partnerships and policy Tess Howe said: “This research makes clear that the future of farming depends on our ability to adapt—by investing in people as much as in technology.
“Upskilling is not just a necessity, but an opportunity to attract new talent and secure the UK’s food security for generations.”
After years of decline, job numbers in agriculture and horticulture are expected to increase, particularly in specialist and consultancy roles, says the review.
Automation will reduce repetitive tasks, but new roles will require expertise in data handling, technology management, and environmental sciences. These include areas such as artificial intelligence.
While there is strong interest in innova-
tion, adoption is slowed by financial constraints and a lack of understanding of new technologies.
The report emphasises the importance of
Driving transformation
Autonomous robots and automated equipment
Biological control and precision breeding
Carbon and green technologies
Remote sensing and monitoring systems
Big data and analytics
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
Source: TIAH
in knowledge exchange, and the development of new learning systems, including mentoring and online communities.
Free HR advice for Fram Farmers members
Free human resources advice is now available for Fram Farmers members through the farmerowned cooperative’s official provider Real Success.
For a limited time, members can check their HR set-up is legal, and everything is in place with a free consultation. Fram Farmers members who would like extra support will receive a discount for all Real Success services.
“We have already supported members with a range of support and advice
Services available
Employment law compliance
Employee and contractor tax status
Contracts and staff handbooks
Managing employee challenges
Recruitment support
Training and development
– from dealing with employment contracts to redundancy situations and simple HR diagnostic calls,” says Real Success managing director Paul Harris.
Good feedback
Feedback has been good so far. “We were searching for a company that provides HR services and were recommended Real Success from one of our members,” explains Sarah Snell, head of HR and marketing communications at Fram Farmers.
tailed knowledge of the agricultural sector and their work with farmers in all people-related matters.”
Real Success is Karen Halton at Halton Farms in Cheshire. “With my background in legal recruitment, I quickly realised that traditional HR solutions just don’t fit our industry,” says Mrs Halton. Describing Real Success as a game-changer, she adds: “Their expert
advice on employment law, recruitment and staff management is invaluable, allowing farmers to focus on growing their business and supporting their team.”
Open Farm Sunday cultivates better public understanding
• Big increase in farms taking part
• 200,000 people visit local farms
• Good for getting message across
More than 270 farms hosted Open Farm Sunday visits this year – a 20% increase on 2024, say organisers.
The nation’s flagship annual event celebrating British farming is seen as a key way to promote a better public understanding of food production and the work done by growers and livestock producers to look after the counteryside.
Power to engage
As many as 200,000 people visited a farm on Sunday, 8 June, said Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton, illustrating the power of the farming community to engage, educate, and inspire the public.
“Open Farm Sunday not only
celebrates the UK’s farming heritage, it also develops greater connections between people and where their food comes from,” says Mrs Shackleton.
“Hundreds of events across the UK have showcased how farmers are working in harmony with nature and encouraged open discussions that address vital issues, including climate change, sustainability, food security and youth engagement.”
New research from LEAF reveals a strong appetite among young people to learn more about the sector with 46% of youngsters saying they would consider a career in farming.
While only 20% people currently see farming as essential to tackling climate change, this highlights an exciting opportu-
and align farming’s role with the values Gen Z cares about most.
Building trust
The event’s far-reaching influence and impact continues to help build trust in British food and farming, championing sustainability and regenerative
public with the realities of food production.
“The LEAF team is blown away by what’s been achieved this year. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who hosted or volunteered, successfully delivering Open Farm Sunday in 2025,” adds Mrs Shackleton.
“As Open Farm Sunday looks to the future, this year’s success serves as a reminder of the event’s power to transform public perceptions and strengthen the connection between people, their food, and the farmers who produce it.”
Ms Shackleton said she wanted to thank Open Farm Sunday’s sponsors, all the farmers, volunteers and wider industry supporters who helped host events across Britain, as well as the hundreds of thousands of visitors who attended.
Next year’s Open Farm Sunday takes place on 7 June 2026.
Pictures: Farms across the country welcomed visitors through their gates
FINAL SAY Clodhopper
Future of family farms under threat
Without
government support, family farms will be driven out
of existence, says Clodhopper
One attack by Rachel Reeves was more than enough. But the Chancellor and the Labour government seem hell bent on destroying family farms.
The Chancellor has repeatedly pulled the rug of financial support from farmers – halting capital grants, closing the Sustainable Farming Incentive and now all but phasing out direct payments completed.
The Environmental Land Management (ELMs) scheme was designed to replace basic payments – rewarding farmers for sustainable food production while delivering environmental goods and services.
The powers that be argue that food production has too often been at the expense of biodiversity – so ELMs was brought in to redress the balance. It’s all about public money for public goods.
ELMs is meant to be worth about £2.5 billion a year to farmers – set up after Brexit to effectively replace the money growers and livestock producers once received from the Euro-
We produce much more than food “
pean Union’s Common Agricultural Policy. This government claims it is investing £5 billion in farming over the next two years. But it says after that time support will focus on smaller farms. What that actually means is anyone’s guess because details have yet to emerge.
Flagship scheme
It doesn’t bode well. This March, the government halted new applications to its flagship ELMs scheme – the Sustainable Farming Incentive – with immediate effect, robbing farmers of the opportunity to replace lost income.
After the threat of a legal challenge, farms that had started an application but not finished it were given six weeks to submit it. But even this was subject to restrictions which included a cap of £9,300 per year per application. With the dreadful family farm tax, the faster phase-out of the basic payment and poorly thought-through trade deals, it’s no wonder that farming is suffering from a desperate lack of certainty and confidence in this government.
I don’t think any farming family feels valued and appreciated for the service they provide. Without financial support there is a significant risk that thousands of family farms will see their futures thrown into doubt.
Feeding the nation
If British farmers find themselves unable to put food on to British plates, then food will have to be imported – often from other countries with lower environmental and animal welfare standards than our own.
At one time, it was certainly true that most arable farms have been making a profit – but these profits have been heavily reliant on the basic payment. And few of those farms are making any profit at all at the moment.
One or two very few lucky large farms in this area have claim to be self-sufficient. But look closely and it’s evident that income from food production is supplemented with income from gravel extraction or building development.
Without support – in any form – family farms will struggle to survive, let along thrive. As a minority, farmers are easy targets for the government. But we provide much more than food for people to eat. It’s about time those in power realised.
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