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Energy is becoming one of the defining challenges for UK agriculture. Rising electricity prices, increasing pressure to decarbonise and growing on-farm energy demand are forcing farming businesses to rethink how they generate and manage power. For many farms, renewable energy is no longer simply a sustainability initiative, it is becoming a practical strategy for improving resilience, reducing long-term costs and supporting future growth.
Modern farms depend heavily on reliable electricity supplies to maintain productivity and protect supply chains. Grain drying, cold storage, irrigation systems, packhouses and livestock facilities all require consistent energy. As agricultural operations modernise further, electricity demand is expected to increase through the adoption of automated handling systems, refrigeration, electric vehicles and future machinery electrification.
At the same time, grid instability and connection delays are creating additional challenges for rural businesses that rely on uninterrupted power. This has accelerated interest in on-site renewable energy generation and storage solutions that can reduce dependence on the grid while improving operational security.
RenEnergy UK Ltd supports farming businesses through tailored Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solutions designed specifically for agricultural operations. By generating and storing electricity on-site, farms can improve energy resilience, gain greater control over operational costs and support long-term sustainability goals.
RenEnergy’s combines roof-mounted and ground-mounted Solar PV systems, solar vehicle ports with EV charging infrastructure and battery storage technologies to create integrated renewable energy solutions. Systems are tailored around each farm’s infrastructure, operational requirements and future ambitions.
Flexible financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), alongside consultancy and post-installation asset management support, help ensure projects continue delivering value over the long term.
One of the major advantages of Solar PV within agriculture is the ability to maximise existing infrastructure. Buildings such as grain stores, livestock sheds and packing facilities can be transformed into energygenerating assets without disrupting productivity. RenEnergy works closely with customers during installation to minimise disruption and ensure projects align with seasonal workloads and daily farm operations.
Farmers attending Cereals 2026 will have the opportunity to explore how renewable technologies can support their own operations by visiting RenEnergy UK Ltd on Stand 232. The team will showcase its Solar PV Vehicle Port and discuss how Solar PV, EV charging infrastructure and battery storage technologies can be integrated into modern farming operations.
As farming businesses continue balancing economic pressures with environmental responsibilities, renewable energy is increasingly proving to be a commercially viable route to building stronger, more resilient and future-ready agricultural operations. Through tailored solutions and proven expertise, RenEnergy continues to help farms across the UK take greater control of their energy future.
Wednesday 10th June, 10.30am & Thursday 11th June, 2.30pm Seed to Shelf Stage sponsored by KWS
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Once again, Britain’s farmers are being asked to do more with less.
Just weeks before harvest, growers and livestock producers have seen a triple wwhammy of rising input costs, political uncertainty and mounting public scrutiny.
Fertiliser prices are surging because of the Iran war. Contractors are increasing charges as diesel costs climb. At the same time, farmers face another bruising row over glyphosate use just as combines prepare to roll.
Individually, none of these pressures is new. Together, they point to something more worrying: a farming industry being pulled in too many directions at once.
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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The Andersons Centre says agricultural inflation reached 8.4 per cent in April while farmgate prices have fallen 5.8 per cent year-onyear. That is not trivial. It represents a serious margin squeeze affecting businesses already operating on tight returns.
Livestock producers are particularly exposed. Milk prices are lower. Pig prices are down. Even beef producers, buoyed by recent strong values, are seeing prices ease back.
Meanwhile, contractors are warning that fuel volatility linked to the Iran conflict is forcing up machinery and labour charges. Some operations are seeing price hikes of 15 per cent.
The concern is not simply profitability. It is whether it is possible to invest in machinery, soils and environmental improvements while margins continue to tighten.
Against that backdrop comes the increasingly polarised debate over glyphosate. Campaigners raise legitimate consumer concerns about chemical residues in food. But growers rightly point out that losing pre-harvest glyphosate would increase costs, delay harvests and undermine domestic oilseed rape production. Both sides have arguments worth hearing. But the real danger is expecting farmers to absorb yet another shock while remaining profitable enough to survive.
In deciding the future of glyphosate, policymakers must remain grounded in evidence, practicality and food security – not slogans.
Johann Tasker Editor
• Crash risk climbs sharply
• Holiday traffic adds pressure
• Drivers urged stay patient
Road safety campaigners are warning of a “perfect storm” this summer with accidents involving agricultural vehicles expected to rise sharply.
NFU Mutual data shows collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties are 56 per cent more likely between May and September than during the rest of the year.
The figures reflect the busiest time of the farming year – including silaging and harvest – and the higher number of tractors, trailers and wide machinery on rural roads at a time when tourists are travelling to holiday destinations.
The rural insurer recorded an average of 391 collisions a month involving agricultural vehicles during the harvest period last year, compared with 251 a month during January to April and October to December.
NFU Mutual rural road safety specialist Andrew Chalk said rural roads continue to unsettle many drivers. Its survey found 35 per cent of motorists feel uncomfortable navigating agricultural vehicles on country lanes.
Mr Chalk said: “The fact that harvesting needs to be done in good weather creates a perfect storm when it comes to road safety, with the summer seeing farmers and holidaymakers and day trippers
rush to make the most of the sun.
“NFU Mutual claims data has consistently shown that this causes a spike in the number of collisions between agricultural vehicles and other road users, and so it’s vital that everybody does what they can to keep our rural roads safe this summer.”
Driver concerns
Some 23 per cent of motorists have been involved in a collision on a rural road, reveals the survey. Meanwhile 26 per cent of new drivers feel unprepared to drive on countryside roads after passing their test.
Almost 10,000 people lost their lives on rural roads in the decade to 2024, according to official statistics. Contributory factors include unfamiliarity with country lanes, driving too fast and poor visibility.
Motorists are urged to stay behind slowmoving machinery unless the way is clear and there are no field entrances nearby. Farmers and contractors are encouraged to pull over where possible to let traffic pass.
Mr Chalk said: “Agricultural machinery is larger, wider and slower than other vehicles, which can tempt road users to overtake, but it’s vital to overtake only when safe.”
He added: “Motorists and cyclists should remember they are likely driving only a few miles or to the next field opening, so be patient, give agricultural vehicles room to turn and don’t drive too closely to them.”
For our harvest preview, see pages 35-44.
Rising fuel and fertiliser costs linked to the Iran conflict are creating a widening farm profitability squeeze, say consultants.
Agricultural input inflation –known as agflation – reached 8.4% in April, far outpacing consumer inflation and food prices, according to the latest analysis from The Andersons Centre.
At the same time, agricultural output prices have fallen 5.8% year-onyear, leaving many farm businesses facing sharply reduced margins. The figures suggest a growing “cost of farming crisis,” says Andersons consultant Michael Haverty.
The pressure is being driven largely by disruption to global energy and fertiliser markets following tensions in the Middle East. Around 20% of global oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside roughly 30% of global urea supply.
That has pushed UK farmgate urea fertiliser prices to £650-£700/t, with ammonium nitrate values also climbing due to higher gas costs. The rise is impacting profitability for the 2027 harvest as well as for this year.
Livestock producers face some of the greatest pressure. Milk prices are about 25% lower than a year ago, while pig prices have fallen 12%. Beef prices are down by about 10%, although they remain historically strong following record highs.
Arable growers have seen some recent improvement in cereal markets, with UK wheat prices rising about 12% year-on-year amid global supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict.
Rising energy costs continue to feed through into machinery, fuel and electricity prices, with disruption expected to continue for some time.
Farm businesses will need increasingly detailed budgeting and cost analysis to manage volatility and purchasing decisions over the coming year, says Mr Haverty.
This allows us a trench just wide enough to work in.
We are having to connect up any drains we find along the way as well as dodge the existing telemetry and irrigation pipes!
Once the pipe has been laid it is backfilled with 3-6mm aggregate to within a mean 150mm of surface level to allow for a 100mm layer of topsoil before the turf is replaced.
We are currently carrying out some “emergency works” at our favourite Racecourse, Cheltenham.
Currently we are replacing the very old and broken clay main with a new 300mm and 225mm plastic main. The works would be simple if we could just race through with a 360, plonk in a pipe and backfill. This job needs a little more finesse as we have to remove the turf first and reinstate it at the end of every day.
To help with this we built our own 600mm wide turf cutter and turf lifter.
• Regenerative movement gathers pace
• Soil health drives business decisions
• Markets reshape agri-food strategy
Farmers, landowners and food businesses will gather in Hertfordshire for the return of the Groundswell regenerative agriculture festival next month.
The two-day event, which takes place on 1-2 July at Lannock Farm near Hitchin, has become one of the UK’s most influential forums for farming and land management.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s two-day showcase comes amid growing pressure on the industry to cut costs, improve soil health and adapt to changing environmental policy.
What began as a specialist gathering focused on soil health and direct drilling has evolved into a broader event. The festival now attracts livestock and arable farmers, environmental groups, scientists, retailers and agri-tech businesses.
Organisers say Groundswell provides a forum for “farmers, growers and anyone interested in agroecolog-
ical systems to learn about producing food and fibre while regenerating the soil and land”.
The event is hosted by the Cherry family on their Hertfordshire farm and combines conference sessions with field demonstrations, machinery displays and practical workshops.
More than 10,500 people attended in 2025, say organisers, with a similar number expected this year. Some 350 organisations are due to exhibit or demonstrate at the event.
The programme for 2026 will include talks, panel discussions and infield demonstrations covering regenerative systems, no-till farming, cover crops, livestock integration and agritech innovation.
Groundswell has increasingly become a meeting point for commercial discussions around natural capital, environmental markets and the economics of lower-input farming systems.
Groundswell 2026 will take place on 1-2 July at Lannock Farm, near Hitchen, Hertfordshire, about an hour north of London.
The event opens from 7am until midnight on both days, with camping available from the evening of 30 June. Organisers provide shuttle buses from Stevenage station and expect thousands of visitors to attend.
This year’s programme is expected to include technical workshops, machinery demonstrations, livestock discussions and policy debates focused on regenerative farming systems.
Sessions will cover topics including soil health, cover crops, agroforestry, grazing systems, water management and agri-tech. Demonstration stands, trial plots and livestock displays are also planned.
The event has become known for blending practical farming content with broader environmental and commercial discussions.
Exhibitors will include machinery manufacturers, environmental businesses, advisers and farming organisations.
Groundswell maintains its ‘by farmers for farmers’ ethos
Industry organisations are already announcing appearances. The Country Land and Business Association says it will host roundtables and discussions featuring speakers including Ben
That reflects wider pressure on farm businesses as support payments continue to change and input costs remain volatile. This year’s event will come hot on the heels of relaunched Sustainable Farming Incentive.
The event’s informal structure has helped distinguish it from more traditional agricultural shows. Many visitors camp on-site and the programme extends into evening networking events centred around the Earthworm Arms bar.
The festival also retains a practical focus. Organisers emphasise in-field demonstrations and “safaris” around the farm alongside the conference programme. Speakers and sessions for 2026 are being finalised.
Previous years have featured farmers, policymakers, researchers and environmental campaigners discussing issues ranging from soil carbon to water quality and farm profitability.
Groundswell says the event remains focused on knowledge exchange and practical decision-making for working farms. This includes the goal of supporting soil-focused, productive farming practices and regenerative agricultural systems.
More than 350 exhibitors and hundreds of speakers will attend Groundswell next month – as the two-day festival hosts its most expansive programme yet.
Farmers, scientists, food businesses and environmental campaigners will gather at Lannock Farm near Hitchin to debate regenerative agriculture, soil health and sustainable food production.
Groundswell has become one of UK agriculture’s most influential forums for discussion – and this year’s programme reflects how those discussions have moved beyond niche farming circles into mainstream business and policy conversations.
Sessions will span arable production, livestock systems, carbon markets, biodiversity, food branding and agricultural finance.
Among the headline names is Andy Cato, the musician-turned-farmer and co-founder of Wildfarmed, who will discuss regenerative supply chains and consumer demand for lower-impact food production.
Transition movement
Food systems expert Professor Tim Benton is also due to appear. Other speakers include transition movement pioneer Rob Hopkins and Tom Macmillan, of the Centre for Agricultural Research Impact.
The speaker line-up highlights how regenerative farming is increasingly intersecting with politics, finance and environmental regulation.
Senior figures from the Country Land and Business Association will host discussions examining land use policy, environmental delivery
schemes and private-sector invest ment in natural capital.
Other sessions include talks featur ing environmentalist Ben Goldsmith and ecologist John Lawton, alongside politicians and land managers debat ing future countryside policy.
Alistair Carmichael, chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, is expected to address concerns about agricultural support schemes and regulatory bur dens facing farmers.
The event comes as many farms face tighter margins following weaker commodity prices and continuing uncertainty over environmental payments. Technical sessions remain central to the programme despite Groundswell’s rapid growth.
programme includes hundreds of speakers
17th June 2026
practical farm management, including cover cropping, direct drilling, mob grazing, biological inputs and integrated livestock systems.
Farmers will also hear from businesses developing alternative supply chains and food brands linked to regenerative farming methods.
Organisers say the aim is to combine practical field-scale learning with wider strategic discussions about the future economics of agriculture.
Groundswell’s growth mirrors wider changes across the food and farming sector as retailers, processors and investors place greater emphasis on environmental performance throughout supply chains.
Now celebrating its 10th year, the festival has evolved from a small gathering of direct-drill farmers into a major industry event attracting corporates, policymakers and institutional investors alongside growers and agronomists.
Alongside the main conference programme, visitors will attend machinery demonstrations, crop walks, livestock discussions and workshops exploring biodiversity, water management and natural capital markets.
Organisers describe the festival as “a forum for farmers, growers and anyone interested in agroecological systems to learn about producing food and fibre while regenerating the soil and land”.
Celebrity chef Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall will headline two long-table dining events at this year’s Groundswell Festival 2026 as organisers seek to strengthen links between farming, food production and consumers.
The feasts, hosted in the restored Lannock Barn at Lannock Farm on 30 June and 1 July, will showcase produce from a range of regenerative and artisan food businesses, including River Cottage, Hodmedod’s and the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm.
The five-course menu has been curated by Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall alongside River Cottage fire chef James Whetlor. It will feature Shorthorn beef and local eggs produced at Lannock Farm.
Tickets cost £125 a head and include welcome drinks from Sapling Spirits, Coates & Seely and Fielden Whisky, alongside Tillingham wines served during the meal. The idea is to combine farm-to-table food with informative conversation.
Weaving Machinery to show farmers the benefits of each drill type in varying soil types.
Moving to a reduced or no-till age system on a farm with varying soil types is a chal lenge familiar to many farmers. What works in one field could be an abject fail ure in another. Similarly, what drill system do you go for?
A tine drill will give greater flex ibility in suboptimal conditions, by shattering and mineralising the soil around the seed, reducing the risk of localised compaction. In contrast, a disc drill causes less disturbance and better manages trash and weed control.
When the farm you are transition ing to no-till surrounds the Weaving Machinery factory, then those chal lenges become opportunities to show case the capabilities of the brand’s flag ship drills: the Sabre Tine and GD.
That is one of the reasons why Simon Weaving, sales director at Weaving Ma chinery, decided to bring the farm back under their management two years ago, following years of rental agreements, much of it for veg production as well as Italian rye grass for an AD plant.
Utilising low disturbance farming principles, Simon is astonished by the progress in restoring the farm’s grade one and grade two soils. As well as testing Weaving’s equipment in different situations, he wants to see their farm’s soil restored.
“Much of the land has grown onions, leeks, pumpkins, and other veg crops for the last 15 years. There has been a lot of soil movement, which has com-
Simon (above) is delighted with the rooting from using the Sabre Tine (top).
Below: "You would think from the accuracy of the plant stand in the row that it is drilled with a disc drill," says Simon.
tivated with one of our Raptor cultivators, partly to manage the trash from the preceding spring oat crop. We also needed to create a tilth to remediate soil compaction, particularly in the areas used for biogas cropping while the farm was rented out. We would’ve used an LD low-disturbance subsoiler, but it was too dry at depth,” explains Simon.
He decided to use a Sabre Tine drill across the whole area in the autumn, primarily to save time and costs on what would otherwise have required an additional cultivation pass if the GD disc drill had been used, due to lumpy
The tilth created directly in the seed row by the Sabre Tine meant the drill could go straight in, followed by rolling. “Looking at the field, you would think from the accuracy of the plant stand in the row that it is drilled with
“That’s the big selling point of the Sabre Tine. It’s a more rigid tine than other tine drills, which means there’s very little movement in the ground, and you get better seed placement.
“We are tremendously excited about having access to the new offices and showroom,” says Simon. Farmers are always fascinated to see how we make our equipment, and now we have a facility to host and entertain farmers and agronomists too.”
Weaving Machinery is exhibiting at Groundswell this year. If you are a farmer and wish to visit the Worcestershire site first-hand, can contact Weaving Machinery at info@weaving-machinery.com to arrange a tour.
“We also use a rubber exhaust, which diffuses 50% of the air, so the seed free-falls as it funnels into the slot,” explains Simon.
As well as improving the soil, they are also significantly investing in the farm's infrastructure to get the most out of it as a facility for demonstrating Weaving’s machinery and drills.
A gravel track is being built to ring the farm and provide access for open days, which Simon plans to begin once Weaving’s new showroom opens.
Jonathan Powell, Virgin Money Midlands Agricultural Director
At this year’s Royal Three Counties Show, Jonathan Powell, Midlands Agricultural Director at Virgin Money, will join a panel of farmers and rural professionals in a session exploring the growing importance of collaboration in agriculture. They will share insights on the financial drivers behind collaborative farming models, the challenges businesses face, and the implications for future investment and lending.
Here, Jonathan outlines why collaboration is becoming an increasingly important strategic consideration for UK farming businesses.
“Farming is facing increasing volatility in commodity prices, inflation in input costs, and rising machinery expenses. This combination of pressures is introducing greater levels of risk into individual farm businesses.
If strategic decisions are to be based on facts rather than ‘best guess’, an intimate understanding of each farm’s gross margins, cost of production and fixed cost profile is essential. Once a business fully understands how it performs in both challenging and profitable years, more informed decisions can be made.
When it comes to machinery investment, it’s no longer just about affordability. We are already seeing hire purchase agreements structured with higher balloon payments and longer repayment terms to improve cash flow. However, holding highvalue assets such as a £250,000 tractor or a £500,000 combine on the balance sheet also has implications for Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief,
particularly following the recent budget changes.
As a result, alternatives such as leasing, short-term hire and machinery rings are increasingly being considered as ways to access modern equipment without outright ownership.
However, even well-managed individual businesses may struggle to fully mitigate the global risks now facing UK agriculture.
One consequence of this which we are seeing amongst our customers is closer collaboration, particularly around machinery use. Although modern equipment continues to increase in both size and cost, which delivers efficiencies when operated by skilled individuals, it also requires significant capital investment. It is the sheer expense of machinery that is driving behavioural change.
A common concern is that collaboration works well in favourable conditions, such as dry harvest years, but this becomes more challenging in difficult seasons, when timing is critical and someone risks being last in the queue. One way to address this is through deeper collaboration that extends beyond shared costs to shared outputs and income. By pooling income across a combined land area (or stock numbers), no single business bears the full impact of adverse timing.
This level of collaboration can deliver scale and allow for a more efficient, rationalised machinery fleet. However, it requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to work closely with other businesses. This of course will not suit everyone.
Business structures may need to evolve, for example through the
creation of a trading company that undertakes operations and generates income, before distributing profits to individual members. This in turn requires financiers to understand the borrowing needs of these entities and provide practical, tailored solutions.
Five farms in Northamptonshire provide a great example of how collaboration can benefit businesses. Together, they jointly manage 1,750 acres, with individual holdings ranging from 200 to 550 acres. As a result, the number of tractors used at harvest has reduced from 15 to 6, and labour requirements have fallen from 17 people to 8. These efficiencies would not have been achievable if each business had continued to operate independently.
The need to adapt and better understand business performance has been highlighted by the recent Farming Profitability Review. One key finding was that the top 25% of farming businesses generate the majority of their income from agricultural output, rather than subsidies or diversified activities. This focus on efficient production and capital management puts those businesses in a stronger position.
It is also important to recognise that around 50% of farming businesses earn less than the median UK household income of £36,700 per year.
Collaboration is no longer something that ‘might work’ or ‘works for others’. Increasingly, it is becoming a strategic consideration for all farming businesses. Rising costs, the need for efficiency at scale, and tighter cash flows mean that collaboration should now form part of forward-thinking farm business planning.”
We are operating in an increasingly fragmented global trade environment showing no signs of easing; every input purchase a farmer makes is affected, and we seem to be operating in a just-in-time economy, where availability and price are often unknowns.
The Hutchinson’s Gross Margin Guide for 2027 offers farmers a practical framework for making smarter cropping decisions. Carrie Marshall, Hutchinsons farm business consultant covering East Midlands, explores why flexibility and a firm grip on cost of production matter more than ever.
Each crop requires its own sensitivity analysis, with a contingency plan in place for sudden shifts in fertiliser prices, fuel costs, or spray availability. Understanding the fertiliser yield response curve is also keyrecognising where diminishing returns begin and what that means for your margins.
Central to The Guide is a firm understanding of cost of production per tonne – something too many growers still approach too loosely. When considering forward sales for harvest 2027, it is essential to know what your strike price needs to be to ensure profitability.
Both milling wheat and oilseed rape warrant caution, due to their substantial outlay before potential is realised. For oilseed rape, growers should consider produce-of-area contracts over fixed tonnage commitments. These contracts tie obligations to a specific acreage rather than physical quantity, protecting the grower where yield variability is high.
Organic manures are often undervalued, yet with synthetic fertiliser prices still elevated, it’s more
important than ever to carry out accurate nutrient analysis — especially for potassium and phosphate. Likewise, the choice to bale or chop straw should never be made in isolation; the nutrient removal associated with straw must be weighed against the potential value of sales.
Achieving genuinely profitable break crops remains a challenge for many arable growers, particularly those without access to an anaerobic digestion plant or suitable land for potatoes and vegetables.
While peas and beans are less affected by fertiliser price volatility, their variable performance and relatively modest gross margins often dampen enthusiasm. In some cases, spring beans can deliver slightly stronger returns than their winter counterpart, but they also carry significantly greater weatherrelated risk.
Increasingly, Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options compare favourably to traditional break crops. Despite reduction in payment rates for some under the reformed 2026 offer, many SFI actions remain more financially attractive in the current climate. However, SFI is not a one-year fix but a three-year commitment, so these options must also fit into future crop rotation planning.
Two new winter wheat varieties give growers more opportunities to achieve higher yields amid an increasingly unpredictable climate and market conditions
LG Defiance and LG Challenger are both Group 4 hard wheats from Limagrain Field Seeds. The breeder says they have shown consistently high yield potential across different regions, seasons, soil types and rotational positions.
“LG Defiance has the highest untreated yield on the 2026/27 AHDB Recommended List (95%), which is very rare for a hard feed wheat,” says Limagrain arable technical manager Ron Granger.”
Good pedigree
“LG Challenger is third-best untreated yield on the list, illustrating the strength of genetics underpinning both varieties. Both contain good pedigrees, but the key is what we as breeders can get out of that parent material to deliver on-farm.”
Both varieties offer good agronomic characteristics to deliver strong returns, says Mr Granger. They are close to the best in terms of UK treated yield – at 109 for LG Defiance and 107 for LG Challenger, he adds.
LG Defiance pairs this with disease scores for yellow rust (rated 8) and a 6 rating for septoria, while LG Challenger is rated 7 and 6 respectively.
“With the changes to Yr15 resistance we’ve seen, selecting a variety with better yellow rust resistance, supported by an appropriate fungicide programme, is becoming an increasing priority,” notes Mr Granger.
“Although everyone is talking about yellow rust, we can’t forget that septoria is still the biggest yield-robber on most farms.”
Selecting good genetics to reduce risk and build resilience across the rotation is crucial amid rising costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and evolving disease pressures, says Frontier nation-
al technical manager Kirsty Richards.
“Yield is a big attraction of LG Defi ance and LG Challenger, but it cannot be at any cost. Remember that 80% of crop potential is harnessed by putting the right variety in the right place, at the right time, for your situation.”
Risk management
Dr Richards says its agronomic char acteristics make LG Defiance a good choice for later drilling or second wheat situations, while LG Challeng er’s growth habit and straw strength better suit earlier sowing.
Mr Granger agrees, but adds that both varieties have shown excellent yield potential when sown during the main October drilling window. “LG Defiance is a taller variety that will require a good split PGR programme, he explains.
“Limagrain trials show that it responds well to PGRs and the reduced height has no impact on final yield potential, similar to varieties such as LG Skyscraper and LG Redwald.”
A further characteristic that builds resilience and helps meet market requirements under tough conditions is the excellent grain quality of both varieties, particularly their high specific weights at 77 kg/hl and 78.6 kg/hl respectively, notes Dr Richards.
Staffordshire farmer Rob Atkin is growing a small area of LG Defiance this season to test whether the varie-
Septoria is still the biggest yieldrobber
ty suits his farm, and so far he says it is the “cleanest and best looking crop on the farm”.
“In the past, we grew a lot of KWS Extase and Gleam, so when we saw these were in the parentage of LG Defiance, we thought it made sense to give it a try. We like to trial new varieties every year to see what works. So far, LG Defiance looks really good, but the real proof will come at harvest.”.”
Yield is a big consideration, but Mr Atkin says robustness to diseases like septoria and yellow rust is perhaps more important. “I want a variety that’s robust enough to stay clean and potentially give us the opportunity to reduce input costs while still maximising yield.”
While recent rises in fuel and fertiliser prices may prompt some growers to consider cutting inputs, ADAS senior crop research scientist Christina Baxter says productivity should remain the focus – yield is still ‘king’.
Analysis of results from more than 1,200 Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) wheat crops between 2013 and 2022 shows a “very convincing” relationship between gross margin and yield, dispelling any suggestion that high yields cost more to produce.
Rob Atkin is hosting an open day on 22 June for growers to see the varieties he is growing this season. For details, visit bit.ly/robatkin
Atkin FARMS, Staffordshire
What3Words: ///blip.stripped.landlady
Britain’s top-selling winter variety is gaining ground with growers
Don’t miss your chance to discuss the best varieties to suit your needs
ON-FARM DEMOS register IN ADVANCE to secure your place
Mon 22 June POINTS lgseeds.co.uk
Bamford has become Britain’s best-selling winter wheat – less than three years after joining the AHDB Recommended List.
The achievement marks the first time since Robigus in 2005 that a Group 3 soft wheat has taken the top spot.
Bamford accounted for more than 14 per cent of commercial seed sales for 2025, according to Hutchinsons – against what is described as a competitive line-up of other varieties.
The speed of Bamford’s rise in a market long dominated by hard Group 4 feed wheats reflects a wider shift as farmers look for varieties capable of combining strong feed yields with access to premium distilling, export and biscuit markets.
For merchants and processors, Bamford also arrives at a time when supply chains are seeking more consistent quality wheat with stronger sustainability credentials and broader market flexibility.
Bamford’s appeal lies in its ability to deliver across multiple fronts, says Hutchinsons national seed manager David Bouch. The variety has performed consistently since it burst onto the scene, he adds.
“With three end markets and a yield still rivalling the best hard Group 4 feed wheats, it’s not hard to understand why Bamford has been on a continuous upward curve,” says Mr Bouch.
“For any variety to become a market leader it, has to perform consistently well from Day One –and Bamford has done that since I first observed it in 2022.”
That consistency has proved important during a volatile period for UK arable growers. The past three seasons have included two exceptionally dry years – and one dominated by relentless rainfall.
Disease management remains critical but many growers have handled the risk effectively. Even last season’s concerns over weak-
ening yellow rust resistance in some wheats failed to significant ly dent confidence.
“Bamford was judged as being safer than many other popular varieties. I didn’t see much yellow rust in the crops I inspected last year, and, as of late April, I’m not hearing anything of significance on its yellow rust levels this season either.”
“It’s a variety on an upward curve
The variety still has untapped potential if weather conditions improve, says Mr Bouch. “Have we seen the best of Bamford yet in terms of its yield performances? Based on a broad assessment of the last three seasons, I’m tempted to say no.”
Mr Bouch says Bamford has already proven itself across differing soil types and growing regions. And while competition from newer varieties will intensify, he expects it to remain the dominant Group 3 soft wheat for the foreseeable future.
“On treated yield, it competes favourably against other popular Group 4 feed varieties – and, importantly, it possesses both a higher untreated yield and far superior end market potential than all of them.”
Suffolk farmer and machinery manufacturer Jeff Claydon
farms some 380ha near Wickhambrook, in what is a “very dry part” of the county. He began growing Bamford after seeing the variety in Elsoms trial plots during 2023.
The business moved away from oilseed rape following cabbage stem flea beetle pressure and changes linked to the Sustainable Farming Incentive. It now operates a simplified rotation centred on spring oats and winter wheat.
“Beyond low annual rainfall, heavy land and long term issues from our historically narrow wheat / rape rotation, our most significant opponent has always been blackgrass,” says Mr Claydon.
Improvements in drilling sys-
ered average yields of 9t/ha.
Mr Claydon says grain quality and competitiveness remain Bamford’s key strengths. “In the first season we grew it, there were no rejections from any of the homes it went to - everything made specification.”
Although Bamford has a solid disease package, Mr Claydon says its stand-out traits are its competitiveness and grain quality. The current crop looks “strong and exceptionally clean” after inter-row hoeing and a four-spray fungicide programme.
“We’ve always used a 4-spray fungicide program – applying both a T0 and T1, with a ‘safety-first’ approach to controlling both rust and, more importantly, septoria.”
Like Mr Bouch, Mr Claydon believes the variety’s best yields may still lie ahead.
“Hopefully this season we’ll receive a bit more rain through late spring and summer and see an 11-12t/ha yield that I believe the variety fully merits.”
Farmacy agronomist Tom Smith advises six growers cultivating almost 500ha of Bamford across Essex and Suffolk. The variety’s popularity reflects a combination of agronomic performance and market opportunity, he says.
“With many of Jeff’s fields carrying blackgrass, good seed-
bed preparation with use of glyphosate based products such as Azural followed by tactical use of Avadex post-drilling is key to ensuring winter wheat crops get away well.”
Mr Smith says Mr Claydon’s system combines direct drilling, rotational planning and inten sive fungicide protection to re duce risk.”
“He’s also a forward-thinking, risk-adverse arable farmer who has successfully utilised the benefits of direct drilling and a four-spray fungicide program for many years now.”
That management philosophy aligns closely with Bamford’s characteristics, he says.
“I can see the link with his choice of Bamford in terms of its high yield potential, wide marketability, high specific weight and consistent grain quality.”
Mr Smith believes Bamford’s rise has helped rebal-
become overly focused on hard feed wheats.
“There’s a strong argument that Bamford’s rapid market growth as a soft wheat has definitely helped to rebalance a grain market that had become very hard wheat centric.”
Frontier Agriculture technical manager Kirsty Richards says Bamford arrived at the right moment for the soft
wheat sector. The Group 3 category had “completely stagnated” before Bamford’s arrival.
“The offer of distilling, soft biscuit and export giving growers multiple opportunities to achieve a premium with the fall back of also being a high yielding feed wheat ensured Bamford’s success.”
The variety quickly gained support from Frontier Agriculture and Pladis, owner of McVitie’s and other biscuit brands. It did so through the Back to Farm programme, which focuses on soil health and supply chains.
By harvest 2025, the programme supplied 36,000t of grain to Pladis — enough to produce 50m packets of biscuits. Bamford now forms a central part of the wheat tonnage supplied into the scheme.
We’ve not seen the best of it yet “
“With continued interest in high-quality Soft wheat from partners such as Pladis, and, provided that Bamford continues to deliver on yield, disease resistance and grain quality, it certainly has the right credentials for market longevity.””
Bamford’s rapid rise signals a broader change in the economics of UK wheat production. For processors and grain buyers, the appeal lies in supply consistency and grain quality.
For growers squeezed by volatile weather, rising input costs and tighter margins, varieties capable of securing multiple premium opportunities are becoming increasingly attractive.
Whether Bamford retains its position as Britain’s top-selling winter wheat remains uncertain as new candidates emerge. But after only two commercial seasons, few in the trade believe its growth story has yet run its course.
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Switching to hybrid rye as an alternative to wheat this autumn could improve cropping security, says a plant breeder.
Decent margins and market demand from anaerobic digestion plants has sparked renewed interest in hybrid rye for the coming season, says KWS seed specialist and product manager Rory Hannam.
Once viewed as a niche crop, hybrid rye is rapidly growing in popularity, says Mr Hannam – especially as second and third wheat margins are squeezed by high input costs, lower commodity prices and increasingly variable yields.
“There is a guaranteed market provided by anaerobic digestion,” he explains. “There are 438 of a total of 640 plants in the UK currently running on feedstocks derived from 40,000ha of hybrid rye crops.
“Most plant operators offer staged payments; 30 per cent at drilling in September or October, 30 per cent in March or April, and 40 per cent on intake. Mr Hannam says this benefitsbenefit farmers in terms of cashflow.
From an arable perspective, hybrid rye fits well with the direction of UK agricul-
ture, with specific advantages over other cereals. That’s because the crop can outperform wheat as a second or third cereal.
“Its wide drilling window from early to mid-September to early-November also spreads the autumn workload, and if wholecropped in June, it also provides an opportunity to get on top of grassweeds and provide early entry for oilseed rape.
“It’s extensive, deep-rooting habits make it one of the most drought-tolerant crops available, requiring much less water than wheat.
“At negligible risk from take-all, septoria, eyespot and barley yellow dwarf virus, hybrid rye also has excellent resistance to yellow rust, which is becoming a bigger concern in other cereals.”
Another crop benefit is its lower nitrogen and fungicide input requirement, at 100kgN/ ha less than second or third wheat.
“Grain yields of 10-13t/ha are common, with higher straw yields providing a useful additional income for livestock farmers.
Established varieties KWS Serafino and KWS Tayo were joined on the 2026/27 AHDB Descriptive List by KWS Emphor,
KWS’s highest yielding variety, for grain or wholecrop.
“KWS Emphor features strong brown rust resistance and excellent drought tolerance and was the highest yielding variety on the AHDB Descriptive List in the dry harvest of 2025,” says Mr Hannam.
Hybrid rye is a well-suited to wheat growers who are seeking more security this autumn, he adds.
It has consistent yield potential, attractive economic credentials, excellent weather resilience and secure end markets.
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Anew DNA-based soil test designed to detect fusarium basal rot before planting has been launched commercially for UK onion growers.
Developed by the University of Warwick’s Crop Centre in partnership with ADAS, the test identifies the soil-borne pathogen which causes the fusarium – offering a potential tool to reduce losses from one of the sector’s most costly diseases.
Fusarium basal rot is estimated to cost the UK onion industry about £10m annually. Researchers say the test could help growers make earlier decisions about field selection and planting risk at a time when there are no effective treatments.
John Clarkson, professor of plant pathologist at Warwick University, said historical detection methods had limited growers’ ability to manage the disease effectively.
“Through a process of enrichment
and DNA extraction, we are now able to confirm how prevalent the patho gen is in a given soil sample.”
The test was developed under the two-year Innovate UK and Defra-fund ed FUSED project and is now available commercially through ADAS. Results are typically returned within 15 days.
Ben Maddison, managing director of ADAS Biotechnology, said: “The re sults come with a traffic light system to indicate how serious the risk to crop may be and the damage it could do, al lowing growers to plan their planting accordingly.”
Ben Collins, chairman of the Brit ish Onion Producers’ Association, said the disease had intensified across the sector over the past 15 years.
“We’re pleased this new soil test will help growers make informed de cisions on cropping prior to planting and in turn help reduce the financial impact caused by this soil borne dis ease,” he said.
Conventional WOSR 2026
Highly recommended for all regions of the UK, this top-performing 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.
ommended for all regions of the UK, this top-performing 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.
ommended for all regions of the UK, this top-performing 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.
• Growers warn over higher costs
• Campaigners cite health fears
• Ministers face renewal decision
Farmers and environmental campaigners have clashed over the future of pre-harvest glyphosate – and whether it should be used on crops for human consumption
Commonly used as pre-harvest desiccant on cereals and oilseed rape crops, glyphosate has been found to be safe by multiple regulatory reports. But some scientific studies have suggested possible links between glyphosate use and cancer.
The Soil Association has called for action on glyphosate residues found in breakfast foods and cereals. In a report published last month, the charity said: “No one wants a chemical linked to cancer in their breakfast.”
Farmer-owned cooperative United Oilseeds responded by releasing data from 767 growers across Great Britain arguing that a ban on pre-harvest use would have economic and environmental consequences.
The clash comes ahead of a consultation by the Health and Safety Executive which will take place later this year before a government decision due by the end of 2026 on whether glypho-
‘Prioritise
Aby
Some 76 per cent of growers say they rely on glyphosate to desiccate oilseed rape before harvest.
Two-thirds of rape growers say they would suffer greater crop losses without glyphosate losses – reducing domestic production and increasing reliance on imported food produced to lower standards.
sate approval should be renewed.
The Soil Association says that glyphosate has become embedded in intensive food production. It argues that farming policy should reduce dependence on chemical inputs and accelerate alternative approaches to weed control and crop management.
It points to a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015. But other regulators – including the HSE – say glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer
Colin McGregor, a Scottish farmer and director at United Oilseeds, said: “If pre-harvest glyphosate is removed and harvests are pushed later, the whole system starts to break down.”
Mr McGregor added: “It means higher costs, more fuel use, more drying, and ultimately higher food prices. In some areas, it could make crops like oilseed rape unviable.”
Farmers also argue removing glyphosate could increase ploughing and cultivation, potentially undermining gains in soil health and carbon reduction linked to reduced tillage systems.
ccess to fuel may need to be prioritised to avoid crops rotting in fields this summer.
“Reviews of the oil market by sector experts point to a tipping point in supplies in early June, with critically low global levels by the end of May and stocks exhausted by the end of June,” says Jeremy Mood, of the Central Association of Agricultural Valueers.
Domestic wheat and barley production could be severely curtailed if fuel prices re-
main high due to the Iran war, says the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. Some growers may opt not to plant crops at all, it warns.
Red diesel costs have soared from 65ppl, at one point to almost 140ppl, with nitrogen fertiliser up 53% on last year. Harvest 2026 is predicted to lose an average of £56/ acre, rising to a loss of £139/acre for harvest 2027.
“Across a 500-acre farm that equates to losses of £28,000 and £69,500, respective-
ly,” says Mr Moody.
“The cumulative losses point to a significant strain on cash flow and credit, limiting farmers’ ability to plant even where they are minded to do so.”
The impact of the war could warrant official intervention under the 2020 Agriculture Act 2020, adds Mr Moody.
“The situation should be under close review by the UK Government’s Market Monitoring Group, and appropriate options identified.”
• Faster cooling cuts pest risk
• Hygiene drives grain quality
• Storage demand is growing
Timely pre-harvest preparation is paying off for large-scale grain store operators who en force strict hygiene and treatment protocols.
Colin and Sarah Godwin own and run Keysley Store – a full-service grain and commodity storage and drying facility. Harvest preparation starts as soon as the previous crop leaves the store, which handles grain from over 100 farms.
The Godwins bought Keysley Farm in 1990. Good hygiene and biosecurity measures keep pest pressure under con trol throughout the season right across the site, near Warminster in Wiltshire.
The couple have invested heavily in their infrastructure, adding four large grain stores and increasing capacity from 6,500 tonnes to a state-of-theart facility capable of storing 44,750 tonnes of grain and animal feed.
Originally, they stored a range of crops. But the past 10 years have seen feed wheat stored predominantly on behalf of Frontier Agriculture on an annual contract.
“The relationship with Frontier has worked well,” says Mr Godwin. “They move grain into store during the harvest period and thereafter for farmers with short-term storage, out-taking grain as needed – usually May to July.”
The storage and drying facility runs alongside a wider 300ha arable enter prise and wedding venue in the farm’s former stable yard. Demand for stor age has expanded steadily over the years with proximity to the A303 eas ing deliveries and collections.
“Farmers receive a full service with an 80 tonne per hour Perry grain dry er, Perry elevators and conveyor sys tem capable of moving 120 tonnes per hour and an optical colour sorter to further condition grain and remove ergot,” says Mr Godwin.
“The machine uses cameras to dis tinguish between light and dark grains
Four large grain stores
Total capacity 44,750t
80t per hour grain dryer
120t/hr elevator & conveyor
Grain cooling system
On-site laboratory
Public weighbridge
Colour sorter available
to remove ergot from grain using airoperated jets, expelling the contaminated grains as they pass through the machine.”
With a vast capacity for grain, preparing and cleaning the stores is a largescale operation for Mr Godwin. “My priority is to thoroughly empty the
Key customers include Frontier Agriculture
sprayer and a scissor lift to reach the roof space.
“After application, the store is left for the recommended 48 hours and once dry, it remains active for two months after application and works by killing the pests when they come into contact with the surface,” he explains.
Lorries are sampled on the weighbridge. Samples are then sieved and monitored for any pest activity. Moisture and temperature control are also vital, as grain can leave the dryer at 2530°C, creating warm conditions where pests can thrive.
“It’s a priority to get the grain below 15 degrees as quickly as possible to avoid pest activity. We use a vertical pedestal cooling system, then continue cooling until the grain reaches an optimum of 5 degrees.”
Common grain pests like weevils and saw tooth beetles can reproduce in temperatures of around 12 degrees, making constant monitoring vital. Instore temperatures are recorded weekly and tracked across the store.”
Probes help confirm the cooling system is working effectively. Good hygiene, rapid temperature reduction and pre-harvest treatments all help manage low-level pest activity that can be difficult to detect.
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Organic and low-input farmers have a new option for tackling insect pressure in grain stores ahead of harvest following the launch of a plant-based insecticide.
Approved for use in organic systems, Organ-X Pro is designed to control pests including flies, midges, ants, cockroaches and stored product insects such as beetles, grain weevils and red mites.
The treatment offers farmers another tool to help protect stored crops and maintain hygiene standards, says Roger Simpson, managing director at manufacturer and pest control specialists Lodi UK
“With this product, we’re now covering all bases, offering a complete solution for pest management across grain storage while supporting lowinput and organic farming practices,” he says.
“Organ-X Pro is designed for flexibility, with multiple application methods to suit a variety of farming environments, including use as a surface spray, pressure spray, or thermal and cold fogging.”
For surface and pressure spraying, which are aimed at controlling crawling insects such as red mites and litter beetles, Mr Simpson says Organ-X Pro should be diluted to 8% with water.
“I’d advise spraying 50ml of the diluted solution per square metre in infested areas, such as walls, door jambs, and cracks where pests typically settle. The treated area should be ventilated during treatment and for up to two hours afterwards.”
The product can also be applied through thermal and cold fogging systems to tackle flies and other flying insects in enclosed storage areas.
“For fogging, which is especially effective for controlling flies and other flying insects, the product should be
diluted to 20% with water and applied to indoor spaces at a rate of 200ml per 1,000m?.”
Mr Simpson adds: “When fogging, grain should be removed from the treated space, and surfaces should be covered to avoid contamination. The room should be left to act for four hours, followed by thorough ventilation before re-entry.”
Organ-X Pro is produced using a natural extract from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and is approved for up to 11 applications a year. Approval makes it particularly relevant for businesses seeking pest control options compatible with organic standards.
“We’re proud to offer such a versatile product that gives farmers a flexible option for managing insect pressure in empty grain stores and other farm environments, where organic-approved products are required,” says Mr Simpson.
Kidi says the treatment can be used across a range of farm environments where insect pressure threatens crop quality, storage standards and operational hygiene – including in the runup to harvest.
An estate farm has invested in a fully automated grain drying and handling system to replace its ageing post-harvest infrastructure.
Farm manager Mark Heritage says his 1960s grain set-up could no longer cope with the scale and speed of modern harvest operations after bringing farmland back in-hand in 2022.
Limited storage and lack of a grain dryer at Titch Hill Farm prompted the overhaul amid growing pressure as arable output expanded on the Sompting Estate near Worthing, West Sussex.
The investment reflects a wider trend across UK agriculture as farms modernise post-harvest systems to improve efficiency, reduce labour demands and increase flexibility during increasingly unpredictable harvest conditions.
“We were losing valuable harvesting time waiting for moisture to drop,” says Mr Heritage. “With more arable, we had outgrown the old system.”
Titch Hill Farm comprises 360ha of downland, including 190ha of arable crops such as winter wheat, win-
ter barley, spring barley and oilseed rape alongside herbal leys.
The previous storage system forced the business to move grain quickly to create space for incoming crops. If grain exceeded target moisture levels, harvesting had to stop.
Ahead of harvest 2024, the farm constructed a new grain store before installing a larger intake and drying system to handle increased throughput with minimal manual input.
Mr Heritage first came across grain handling experts McArthur BDC after watching a YouTube video featuring contractor and farming influencer Olly Harrison discussing his Mecmar dryer.
Further discussions convinced him the company could deliver a broader operational solution rather than simply supply equipment. This included an integrated post-harvest system tailored to the site layout and expected crop volumes.
“The McArthur BDC team understood exactly what I was trying to achieve. When the plans came through, they matched what I had in
mind,” says Mr Heritage.
At the centre of the installation is a D20t automatic electric mobile grain dryer from Mecmar, linked to a Skandia 40tph trench intake conveyor system. The design balances intake speed, drying capacity and discharge flow to avoid bottlenecks.
Installing the largest suitable drier within the available footprint was only part of the challenge. Intake capacity also had to feed the drier consistently without overwhelming storage infrastructure.
Reducing labour requirements during harvest was a major objective. The Mecmar drier operates through a touchscreen control system with remote monitoring capability via mobile devices or desktop computers.
“My partner Natalie works alongside me, and I wanted to be able to help remotely if needed – even if I was driving the combine,” says Mr Heritage. “Being able to monitor and control the drier from my iPad was a massive plus.”
Grain tipped into the trench intake is automatically conveyed into the drying system. Sensors regulate intake flow, burner activation and drying cycles, while built-in aspirators remove dust and chaff.
The new system includes a Skandia trench intake and Mecmar dryer
“We were losing valuable harvesting time
Once the crop reaches target temperature, the system moves into cooling mode before integrated moisture sensors verify final grain moisture levels. Grain is then either discharged into store or retained for outloading.
The control system also records operational performance data, including fuel consumption, drying times and moisture trends. That information allows the farm to review harvest efficiency and assess long-term operating performance.
Given the farm’s coastal location near Worthing, corrosion resistance was another factor behind the investment decision. The Mecmar’s galvanised construction offers protection against salt-laden air and long-term weather exposure.
McArthur BDC completed installation and commissioning ahead of harvest. Mr Heritage says he couldn’t have been happier. “Throughout the project, communication was excellent and the install team worked to a very high standard.”
The new system now allows the business to harvest crops, dry grain and manage storage independently of immediate haulage or marketing pressures, he adds.
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Sugar beet growers are being urged to prepare for a prolonged aphid control campaign as virus yellows pressure builds across eastern England.
Many crops are likely to require a three-spray aphicide programme this season after warm spring conditions encouraged early pest activity, says the latest bulletin from the British Beet Research Organisation (BBRO).
Peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae remain the dominant species detected in monitoring traps, increasing the threat of virus transmission as temperatures rise, says the BBRO.
The warning comes as growers contend with patchy crop emergence, flea beetle damage and dry conditions that have complicated weed control decisions across the beet-growing region.
Crops are particularly vulnerable to infection between the four and six true leaf stage. The recommends a sequence of acetamiprid, flupyradifurone and flonicamid products to help manage insecticide resistance.
“Crops must be checked regularly as sugar beet is more susceptible to VY infection between 4-6 true leaves – if at threshold do not delay treatment,” says the bulletin.
The organisation also repeated warnings against using pyrethroid-based insecticides because they
“do not control our target aphids but will harm beneficial predatory insect populations”.
Growers are reporting widespread flea beetle and thrips damage, with some crops showing shot-holing and stunted growth. The dry, hot spring has favoured beet moth activity, particularly around the A14 and A11 corridor with clear hotspots emerging.
Weed control programmes have become more difficult because of uneven crop growth and hardening weeds. The BBRO is advising growers to pay closer attention to nozzle choice and adjuvant use where weeds remain small.
The bulletin says another dry spring had exposed differences in cultivation strategy across the region. Land ploughed late had dried out quickly, while autumn-cultivated fields had generally performed better.
Growers are review establishment performance ahead of next season and continue monitoring pest pressure through the BBRO’s CropWatch and AphidWatch services.
The organisation also reminded growers to prioritise on-farm hygiene measures, including removing spoil heaps and root remnants, to reduce local disease and pest sources.
Farmers face mounting pest and establishment pressures after another dry spring triggered uneven crop growth and rising aphid activity, the British Beet Research Organisation has warned.
Many crops are expected to require three aphicide sprays this season as virus yellows risk increases. With the likelihood of infection increasing as temperatures recover, growers are advised to inspect crops regularly
The dry conditions have also complicated weed control. Mixed crop maturity within fields and tougher, waxier weeds are making post-emergence decisions harder, particularly where growers are balancing adjuvant use and nozzle choice.
The BBRO says establishment differences were becoming clear across the region. Fields cultivated in autumn had generally performed better than land ploughed late, which dried out quickly during the spring.
Patchy crop emergence is visible across much of the beet-growing region after prolonged dry weather. Autumn-ploughed land has generally retained moisture better, with some crops struggling to establish evenly on late-ploughed fields.
The findings could influence cultivation decisions ahead of next season as growers seek to improve crop resilience against increasingly erratic spring weather over a number
Farmers to use this year’s conditions to assess which establishment systems had performed best on their own farms.
“Check what has worked on your own land in order
cultivations for next year,” says the
Robotic weed control systems could help sugar beet grow ers address labour shortag es, rising costs and tighter pesticide regulation.
The technology will be a major focus of SugarBeet Expo 2026, an open-air exhibition launched by the German Ag ricultural Society (DLG), which aims to showcase ways improve the long-term viability of growing sugar beet.
It comes as growers face mounting pressure from declining crop protec tion options and rising labour costs, particularly in organic production sys tems where hand weeding remains ex pensive and difficult to source.
The SugarBeet Expo event takes place near Hanover on 9-10 Septem ber. Organisers say field robotics could become one of the most commercially significant developments in sugar beet cultivation over the next decade.
The exhibition will run alongside PotatoEurope. It will focus exclusively on sugar beet production, combining machinery demonstrations, technical workshops and field trials under working conditions.
Weed control has emerged as one of the sector’s biggest challenges as approved herbicide options continue to decline across Europe.
At the same time, growers are battling increasing disease pressure from threats including the SBR/Stolbur complex and cercospora.
The economics of weed management have shifted sharply in recent years.
The AI-based system can operate across more than 100 different crops. Researchers reported weed control exceeding 90 per cent while maintaining low losses. The trials also demonstrated a substantial reduction in manual weeding hours in organic systems. The findings underline how rapidly robotics is moving from experimental technology towards commercial field application. Sugar beet remains one of Europe’s highest-value arable crops, but production costs have risen steadily in recent years.
Input inflation, volatile energy markets and restrictions on crop protection chemistry have intensified pressure on margins. For many growers, mechanised weed control is increasingly viewed as both a cost-saving tool and a risk-management strategy.
SugarBeet Expo is a new international trade fair dedicated exclusively to professional sugar beet production.
The two-day open-air event will run alongside PotatoEurope at Rittergut Gestorf near Hanover, Germany, on 9-10 September. It will focus on practical farming technology, digitalisation and sustainability across the sugar beet sector.
Organised by the German Agricultural Society (DLG), the event will bring together growers, contractors, researchers and agri-tech companies. Visitors will see machinery demonstrations, technical presentations and cropping systems.
“
Sugar beet economics have shifted sharply
Topics will include robotics, precision farming, soil health, crop protection and climate adaptation strategies. Organisers say the exhibition has been designed as a platform for innovation and investment decisions within the beet sector.
The exhibition is in one of Germany’s main sugar beet growing regions and already hosts the established PotatoEurope event. Many exhibitors are expected to serve both sectors because of the close links between potato and sugar beet rotations.
Wilfried Wolf, project manager for both exhibitions, said the aim was to create “two independent specialist worlds that benefit from each other.”
The DLG believes practical demonstrations will be critical to accelerating adoption.
Like PotatoEurope, SugarBeet Expo will operate as a field-based exhibition rather than a conventional indoor trade show. Manufacturers from the seed, machinery, crop protection and digital technology sectors will demonstrate working equipment
Organisers say the format is designed to allow growers to assess systems in realistic commercial scenarios rather than through static displays.
Wilfried Wolf, project manager for both SugarBeet Expo and PotatoEurope, said the events had been designed to complement one another rather than compete. “With SugarBeet Expo, we are creating a platform that consciously focuses on proximity rather than competition,” he said.
“In arable farming, potatoes and sugar beets are strategic cropping partners on many farms – and this is exactly how we understand our exhibition concept: two independent specialist worlds that benefit from each other through targeted interfaces.”
The event reflects wider investment across European agriculture in automation and precision technology as growers attempt to maintain productivity while reducing labour dependence and input use.
For full details about the forthcoming SugarBeet Expo event, please, visit www.sugarbeet-expo.de/en
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As growers and advisors consider the Recommended List of Sugar Beet Varieties for 2027 (RL), the increased choice of genetic and seed prime and pellet options will be immediately apparent.
In addition to the list of familiar and new variety names there are a number of varieties available with the breeder’s own prime and pellet and with the Germains Seed Technology option.
What is also significant is that tolerance traits are now available with yield levels comparable to the highest yielding varieties; where the RL yield ‘lsd’ (least significant difference) of 4.4% should not be overlooked.
When selecting a variety for the following season, the risk of beet cyst nematode (BCN) can be more readily predicted on land that is known or suspected to have this pest problem, whereas predicting the risk of virus yellows (VY) and other foliar diseases is imprecise.
For example, the Rothamsted Research model in March predicted a 62% incidence of VY at the end of August for Bury, Cantley and Wissington in the absence of control, and 49% for Newark – these numbers were revised by the BBRO in early April with the proportion of crops which could be infected with VY is also estimated to have increased by around 15% in the North and 10% in the East.
The risk to yield from VY can be reduced by selecting RAGT’s ST Tweed which is the highest yielding virus yellows tolerant variety on the RL at 99.0% and is suitable for early sowing. ST Tweed has average sugar content with very low total impurities and shows low susceptibility to all three of the major foliar diseases. It will be offered again at a highly competitive price for this added virus yellows yield protection, representing low-cost insurance when making seed selection choices later this summer/autumn.
In the 2024 BBRO ‘Goliath’ virus yellows trial, ST Tweed retained c.95% of its uninoculated yield when exposed to 100%
beet mild yellows virus infection and 88% when exposed to 100% beet chlorosis virus infection. Following a decade of intense tolerance breeding we can now offer this trait cost effectively to growers.
If the selection criteria focus is total yield, ST Rotterdam is RAGT’s newest variety for the UK market that is already proven in other European countries in BCN and SBR affected regions. With an RL adjusted yield of 101.5% compared to the control in combination with our ‘3Dplus’ prime and pellet, this puts it up with the very highest yielding varieties. Furthermore, it offers above average sugar content, very low total impurities and good foliar disease scores. However, it is not suitable for early sowing.
Where BCN tolerance is a priority, Button is a proven choice for growers yielding 98.5% of control in the absence of nematodes. It is suitable for early sowing, offering above average sugar content with low total impurity. Furthermore, in 2025 Button gave its best performance in the 2025 RL trials that reflected its resilience under dry, stressed conditions – it is dependable when you need it most.
Like Button, the performance of Morgan in 2025 was its best yet and showed resilience to perform very well under dry, stressed conditions – it remains a reliable and dependable choice. At 99.1% of control for adjusted yield with average sugar content and low impurities it is a competitive and reliable variety with excellent establishment. Morgan is not suitable for early sowing.
With the Strube business now an integral part of RAGT, we are unique in the range of more than 40 rotational species offered and our sugar beet expertise remains a core pillar within our diverse business; so if you need a BCN hatch crop, such as oil radish or white mustard think RAGT, or if is a cereal or oilseed variety again, think RAGT! Our sugar beet portfolio for the UK combines varieties that are well proven and additionally newer varieties that bring virus yellow tolerance or yield progression to broaden choice for growers.
Breeding progress and genetic improvement continues to drive yield in conjunction with tolerance traits. This continuous genetic improvement is part of the total seed package we offer.
Our reputation for the highest sugar beet seed quality reflects focus at every preparation step from multiplication, grading, polishing and our ‘3Dplus’ prime and pellet combination.
The RL list is available on the BBRO website, showing the comparative performance of breeder genetic in combination with the prime and pellet options.
Growers selecting ‘3Dplus’ will experience reliable and dependable performance that is offered with highly competitive pricing, delivering excellent value on farm.
Choose RAGT with confidence for 2027.
British Sugar and its grower base are facing mounting pressure after Associated British Foods warned there is “no evidence yet of a recovery” in the European sugar market next year.
The group said its sugar division fell to a £27m adjusted operating loss in the first half of 2026 as lower European prices hit margins and export sales weakened. The downturn has sharpened concerns across the UK beet sector after a smaller domestic crop and renewed warnings over market oversupply.
ABF said UK sugar production for the 2025-26 campaign was about one million tonnes, down on the previous year because of an intended reduction in acreage. Lower negotiated beet prices partly offset the impact of falling sugar prices.
The results underline growing pressure on the UK sugar industry as growers contend with volatile returns, rising production costs and difficult growing conditions.
The financial pressure comes as UK beet growers battle a difficult spring. The British Beet Research Organisation has warned of heightened virus yellows risk, patchy emergence and growing pest pressure following prolonged dry weather.
BBRO said many crops may require a three-spray aphicide programme this season and urged growers not to delay treatment once thresholds are reached.
Reports of flea beetle, thrips and beet moth activity are also increasing across eastern England.
Despite the weaker market, ABF said it continued to manage costs and expected the wider group to improve performance in the second half of the year.
For UK beet growers, however, the outlook remains uncertain as low European prices continue to weigh on profitability and planting decisions for future campaigns.
ABF said sugar sales fell 9pc in the first half while the division moved from an £8m adjusted operating profit last year into loss. The company blamed “low European sugar prices” and higher production costs.
George Weston, chief executive of ABF, said: “In sugar, the results were below our expectations and given the current market conditions, we are more cautious on the outlook.”
an sugar market was likely to remain oversupplied into 2027.
limited visibility of the size and quali ty of the 2026/27 beet crop in Europe, but early indications are that the Euro pean sugar market will remain in sur plus in 2027,” ABF said.
ment, including a lack of visible inflec tion point in European sugar prices, there is no evidence yet of a recovery in our Sugar business in 2027.”
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Choose species carefully to avoid potential weed burden, AD growers warned
Growers are being urged to consider under-sowing maize with grass – and reap the benefits of better soil health.
Retention of important nutrients, reduced topsoil loss and improved harvestability are just some of the benefits – but timing and species selection are crucial, says David Linton, commercial manager for grass seed breeder Barenbrug.
“We all recognise that maize is a highrisk crop for soil health - and a cover crop like grass is probably the single best move a grower can make to reduce that risk. Yet it remains something of a niche undertaking.”.
Water quality is potentially the biggest win, says Mr Linton. Grass will help retain recognised ‘problem’ nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrates, which water companies regard as potential pollutants along with excess sediment.
“Retaining those nutrients in the soil makes them available for the following crop. Trials have shown how under-sowing maize provides a greater reduction in nitrate leaching than autumn-established cover crops after maize.”
Some growers remain reluctant to undersow maize crops with grass because of the perceived impact on yield or quality. But Mr Linton sasys trials have proved that undersowing has no significant effect on yield, metabolisable energy or starch content.
He attributes this concern to inappropriate species selection for under-sowing. “There’s been a tendency to recommend Italian ryegrass, but that can be absolutely the
wrong choice, particularly if sown too ear ly,” he warns.
“It’s one of the fastest-growing grasses; that’s why farmers like it. But those same attributes – rapid germination and swift es tablishment – present a competition prob lem for maize, particularly during the first six weeks post-emergence.
“There’s also the consideration, especially where arable farms have added maize to the rotation – for example for AD – that IRG is a weed species. You want to avoid purposely in troducing what may become a weed burden.”
Mr Linton has a two-fold suggestion: let the maize establish first without grass and avoid the ‘Italian mistake’ by sowing alter native varieties when the maize has reached 6-8 leaves.
Branched rooting
“There’s further benefit from a species like tall fescue because of its deeper, branched rooting system. This provides a much bigger boost to soil structure and health post-har vest, as well as being able to soak up nutri ents from a greater volume of soil.”
What’s more, fescue’s branched rooting also improves the soil’s bearing capacity –essentially allowing the soil to take a great er load without damage, a worthy consider ation if conditions turn wet before or during harvest.
Barenbrug has developed a ‘maize-friendly’ green cover option, utilising tall fescue genetics. It has been selected for a combination of traits – including those that favour fast germination. This gets the seedling out of the soil quickly,” says Mr Linton.
David Linton: Two-fold suggestion
Below: Reap the benefits of better soil health
mendation for Proterra Maize is to wait until the maize has reached the 6-8 leaf stage, then sow at 12kg/ha with an inter-row drill.
Mr Linton says: “Proterra Maize is a better option than Italian ryegrass, especially in an arable rotation. “This is a cover crop that won’t rob the maize of sunlight, moisture or nutrients,” he adds.
Brown has revised his cropping strategy – and reduced his input costs
A Northamptonshire beef unit has reduced ration costs using Harbro’s Super Bruiser service
ANorthamptonshire beef and arable farmer has halved his feed costs by switching to home-grown cereals.
Harry Brown, who farms 1,700 acres at Potcote Farm, near Towcester, said rising production costs and weak grain markets pushed him to rethink his feeding strategy.
Instead of selling more oats and barley into depressed commodity markets, the farm now feeds much of the grain to weaned calves using a mobile bruising and mixing service supplied by Harbro.
Reduced exposure
The move to Harbro’s Super Bruiser service has reduced ration costs by as much as 50 per cent compared with bought-in feed, while maintaining cattle performance.
“We run 200 Salers here and bull them with a Hereford to calve in the spring, with the resultant calves sold as yearlings,” said Mr Brown.
“In the past, we would have fed the weaned calves on silage and a standard beef nut, but with oats and barley proving difficult to sell, we’ve been using our own cereals to make a home-grown feed, which is when Harbro’s Super Bruiser service is used.”
Other farmers are also reducing exposure to volatile input prices and weak commodity
demand. Feed us one of the largest costs in beef production, particularly during winter.
Mr Brown said lower cereal prices had strengthened the economics of feeding grain on farm rather than selling it.
“It can work out up to 50% cheaper depending on the value of the feeds used at the time, compared to an equivalent bought-in ration,” he said.
Oat prices have been particularly weak over the past year. Mr Brown said values had slipped to about £130/t, compared with more typical prices of £160-£170/t.
The farm grows wheat, barley and spring beans across predominantly arable land. Historically, much of the crop was sold into milling and distilling markets. But weaker demand for some cereals has altered that balance.
“It all depends on the value of the individual feeds you have on farm as to how much you can save,” said Mr Brown.
The Harbro machine bruises and mixes cereals on farm. Mr Brown said the system was significantly faster and more efficient than conventional on-farm mixing equipment.
“We have mixed our own rations before, but when the Harbro machine comes into
bruise, it is so much more efficient, when it can bruise/mix 30-40 tonnes an hour.”
The business adjusts rations depending on cattle age and production stage. Young calves receive a ration based mainly on oats and beans, with molasses added to improve palatability. Barley inclusion increases after weaning.
“We don’t creep feed the calves until the end of July/beginning of August, depending on grass availability,” Mr Brown said.
“At this stage, we mix a feed made up of mostly oats and beans with molasses added for palatability. Once the calves are weaned, we increase the percentage of barley in the ration and provide ad-lib grass silage taken from two cuts per year.”
The farm previously relied on grass silage, maize and purchased beef nuts during the winter months. Mr Brown said cattle had performed equally well on the revised system.
“We have fed the calves grass silage and maize alongside a beef nut over the winter in the past, but we have found that they do just as well and they’re just as healthy when they’re fed a home-grown ration.”
The approach also gives the business greater flexibility when feed markets move sharply.
“Super bruising is a very efficient way of utilising the arable crops you have on farm, compared to a traditional mixing/bruising machine,” Mr Brown said.
“We use it to mix our beans, barley and oats, but you don’t have to use those three crops. It can be used on cereals with a boughtin protein, or whatever is of good value at the time.”
The machine only needs to visit the farm every four or five weeks during autumn and winter because of its throughput.
“We’ve relied on Harbro’s Super Bruiser for a couple of years now, and I would have to say the machine is extremely efficient. It goes at a phenomenal speed and therefore is only needed every four or five weeks during the autumn and winter months.”
The shift comes as livestock producers face continued pressure on margins from high input costs and uncertain farmgate returns.
Mr Brown said controlling costs had become increasingly important because farmers had little influence over the prices they received for their produce.
Since changing the feeding system, cattle performance has remained stable while overall production costs have fallen sharply.
For the business, the biggest gain has not been higher output but improved resilience.
With volatility across both arable and livestock markets, feeding more home-grown grain has allowed the farm to extract greater value from crops already in the rotation while reducing reliance on purchased feed, explained Mr Brown.
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Weaning should not be driven by the calendar – but by what the flock is telling us through lamb performance, ewe body condition and grazing availability, writes Nerys Wright.
Many flocks may wean at a similar point each year, but the right timing can shift depending on the season, grass supply and how ewes and lambs are performing. A timely weaning decision can support the current lamb crop while also influencing next season’s scanning results.
At the time of writing, we were experiencing a colder spell, although conditions were still dry. If it turns out like last year, with dry weather and short grass, the temptation can be to delay weaning and keep lambs on the ewes for longer.
However, that can be a false economy. By around 12 weeks of age, very little of the lamb’s nu-
trition is still coming from the ewe’s milk, and under tighter grazing conditions the ewe and lamb are effectively competing for the same feed.
As a guide, ewes should be weaned at a body condition score of 2.5, giving them time to gain around one condition score before tupping. If ewes need to regain condition before tupping, the sooner they are weaned and managed separately, the better their chance of reaching target condition at the right time.
The impact of ewe condition at weaning was a key finding of my PhD, but it is also some-
thing we have seen repeatedly in practice. Weaning gives ewes the opportunity to stop milking, recover body reserves and be better prepared for the next breeding cycle.
It also allows lambs to be managed separately according to weight, growth rate and finishing potential. Most recently, I have seen this again through a project I am working on, where the benefits of timely weaning and better management are being documented.
If you’d like to know more about this project – and see some of the results as they happen, visit the Weston Farm YouTube channel. You can find the channel by searching for Farmweston on YouTube.
Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.
• Middle East conflict sees costs rise
• Contractors add diesel surcharge
• Inflation pushes farm rates higher
Farm contracting charges for in dividual operations have risen by up to 15 per cent following cost increases caused by the Iran war.
Results from the latest survey by the National Association of Agricul tural Contractors (NAAC) show that prices have generally risen a few per cent higher than 2025 – but some are much higher than others and expect ed to rise further.
Prices published last month were based on red diesel at 70p per litre and do not include AdBlue. But ongoing in stability in the Middle East has seen prices rise much higher, prompting the NAAC to suggest contractors should add a fuel surcharge.
rises from zero to 15 per cent.
Transparent costs ensure both parties benefit
“The professional service provided by a contractor remained a high priority, said Ms Hewitt, ensuring landowners and other farming customers could be confident their assets were protected, whether that is cropping, livestock, soil or the environment.
“This comes at a price, and 2026 rates have generally increased to take account of inflation and employment costs. Transparent, well-calculated costs on both sides will help maintain strong partnerships and ensure both parties benefit.”
Prices rose last year by an average of about 5.7 per cent – caused by increases in national insurance and other costs. The variation was similarly wide then too, ranging from 2-12 per cent for individual operations.
The NAAC survey is intended as a guide only, based on responses from
its members. Actual charges may vary considerably, said Ms Hewitt. They would depend on region, soil type, distance travelled, size of contract, type of equipment used and the amount of product applied.
Contractors may also have separate arrangements with individual customers regarding fuel. This can include, for example, a separate fuel surcharge, or fuel provided on-farm by the landowner or farmer.
Rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging farmers and rural homeowners to ensure fuel tanks are secure amid theft concern sparked by soaring oil prices.
Past incidents have seen fuel thieves fit out panel vans with containers and a pump who then scour the countryside looking for farm fuel tanks, parked vehicles and home heating oil tanks to empty and sell on the contents.
NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “Thieves steal whatever they can get their hands on and sell on for a profit, and high diesel and heating oil prices often trigger an increase in thefts from farm fuel tanks.
“Fuel theft is a crime which often leaves a trail of destruction as thieves frequently smash valves and even drill into tanks to get the oil out. This can lead to pollution as any remaining oil seeps into the ground.”
Police have pledged a tougher crackdown on hare coursing gangs after mounting pressure from farmers facing repeated attacks and intimidation.
A package of measures announced by the force includes faster emergency responses, specialist officer training, drone deployment and plans to seize all dogs used in hare coursing incidents.
It follows a sharp rise in offences linked to organised criminal gangs operating on farmland. The NFU said the measures marked an important step for farmers struggling with escalating costs linked to criminal damage.
The announcement came during a meet ing hosted by farmer Matthew Register, who has suffered more than 200 hare coursing in cidents in eight months, alongside assaults and more than £30,000 of destroyed crops.
Rural pressure
“It was so valuable for me to speak directly to the chief constable about what I’ve been through,” he said.
“The NFU has done some excellent work with Essex Police to get to this stage. This will take time but if these actions come to fruition, we could see real change for the better.”
The meeting was led by NFU vice-president Robyn Munt and attended by chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington; police, fire and crime commissioner Roger Hirst; and local NFU county leaders.
ent Advisory Group to improve accountability and intelligence-sharing with farming communities, said chief constable Harrington.
Mr Register, who farms near Great Dunmow, in Essex, said he had been locked in a grain store to prevent him calling police, pinned against a tree, targeted with catapults and knocked from his bicycle.
Ms Munt said: “I was shocked to hear about the nightmare Matthew, and other Essex farmers have experienced with hare coursing gangs. Farmers can feel like sitting ducks and our rural communities need better protection.”
Essex Police said emergency calls reporting hare coursing would now be treated with the same urgency as robberies in progress.
The force also pledged to ensure specialist units and off-road vehicles were available during peak hare coursing periods. Officers will receive additional training on rural crime
“I am grateful to the farming community for their openness and support. There is a huge amount of willingness to work together to tackle this issue and ensure our farming communities feel safer.”
The NFU says hare coursing is increasingly associated with organised crime, including theft, money laundering, drugs and violent assault.
Police also plan to create a Rural Independ-
The renewed focus on enforcement comes as new Sentencing Council guidelines aim to ensure courts better recognise the impact of hare coursing on farming businesses and rural communities.
Thousands of farmers, food producers and rural businesses will descend on Edinburgh next month as the Royal Highland Show returns for its 2026 event.
Organisers expect strong visitor numbers for the four-day show at Ingliston, which has become one of the UK’s biggest agricultural events and a key date in the farming calendar.
The show, which runs from 18-21
been staged since the 19th century. It remains Scotland’s largest annual ag ricultural event.
Livestock judging will again form the centrepiece of the show, with cat tle, sheep, horses, goats and poul try classes attracting breeders from across Britain. Heavy horse turn outs and showjumping competitions are also expected to draw large crowds.
Trade stands will feature machin ery manufacturers, agricultural sup pliers and rural businesses, reflecting continued investment interest despite pressure on farm incomes and ongoing policy uncertainty facing the sector.
Scottish food and drink produc ers will also have a strong presence, with demonstration kitchens, tasting events and retail stands forming a ma
The event has increasingly broad ened beyond its agricultural roots, attracting families, tourists and consumers alongside farmers and industry professionals. But its commercial importance to the rural economy
The show remains Scotland’s largest annual agricultural event
Located close to Edinburgh air-
port, the showground and the fourday show itself have become a major destination for agricultural networking, product launches and business development.
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With more bank closures sweeping the country, I find I am increasingly frustrated at how hard it is to resolve even the simplest issue with my account.
I’ve banked with the same bank for more than 50 years. They no longer want to see me in person. In fact, I find it difficult to visit a branch at all. The answer, apparently, is to move everything to a “banking hub”.
These hubs are shared spaces on high streets that provide face-to-face banking services. Customers from most major banks can access basic facilities including deposits and cash withdrawals.
More importantly, representatives from individual banks are meant to attend on specific days to provide specialist advice.
That is the theory.
Locked out
Having been locked out of my business account because a card reader stopped working, I visited not one but two separate banking hubs. My banking representative, I was informed, only attended on Fridays.
An assistant – probably barely out of nappies – told me she did not recognise the card reader and that they did not deal with such things there. If I wanted help sooner, I could travel 18 miles to another hub where I could get help on Monday.
So, 18 miles and a few days later, I joined a queue of four people who had all been waiting for more than two hours despite having appointments. Eventually, I gave up and rang
the 0345 business banking number.
I was told that my card reader had stopped working and that I needed to order a new one online. The irony, of course, was that I could not log on to online banking because the card reader was defective.
After being cut off and calling back, I finally managed to explain this to another adviser, who agreed to order a replacement. Delivery time: 10 working days.
This experience says much about the state of modern banking. Specialist agricultural managers have all but disappeared. High street branches continue to close. Decisionmaking has become centralised, remote and impersonal.
Where once there was a local manager who understood farming, rural business and seasonal cashflow, there is now a call centre, a 0345 number and a series of checkpoints before you can speak to someone who often has little understanding of either agriculture or business.
Yet these same banks continue to post enormous profits.
My particular bank reported a 2025 pretax profit approaching £7bn last year – up 12% on the previous year. Total income increased by 8%, despite the group setting aside around £968m for potential motor finance complaints.
The chief executive received bumper pay package in 2025, up by more than £1m on the previous year. Not bad for a bank that claims it cannot afford to maintain a meaningful presence on the high street.
From an agricultural perspective, extending or securing new borrowing facilities is increasingly difficult. Farmers require longterm relationships with people who understand the industry, not generic customer service scripts.
Farm businesses need lenders who understand the realities of the sector: harvest cycles, cereal and root crop production, volatile commodity prices and increasingly uncertain support payments.
Gone are the days when a December government payment reliably arrived in the farm account. The replacement schemes do not provide the same certainty or scale of income. That makes access to flexible finance more important than ever.
Banks need to understand this. They need to structure lending around the realities of farming rather than forcing agriculture into systems designed for urban businesses and monthly salaries.
No surprise that more and more farmers are turning to specialist lenders who work with farmers rather than treating growers and livestock producers as an inconvenience.
Banks are crucial to every sector of the economy. Without their support and understanding, businesses decline. Rural businesses are no different.
As I write this, I have now been informed that my business banking charges will rise again from July. It seems that even loyalty built over half a century no longer counts for very much. Maybe it is time for me to make the switch too.
Flexible finance is more important than ever “
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