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Driverless tractors cultivating fields, robots spot-treating weeds and drones flying high above fields using UV cameras to assess crops to tailor fertiliser inputs. It sounds like a science-fiction novel describing [...]

The article features the three finalists for the 2011 Arable Farmer of the Year award in Great Britain. Colin McGregor of Coldstream, Berwickshire, Scotland employs the "Three Ps" strategy, which stands for people, precision and plant, to maintain the yield and quality at their family farm. The other finalists are Ben Binder of Faversham, Kent, England, and Andrew and Richard Ramply of St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, England.

The article discusses that food barleys, white and purple wheats, special types of beans, oats for health drinks and even chickpeas are some of the novel crop options being investigated by Agrii in Great Britain.

The article focuses on several barley diseases and a later beet drilling strategy in Great Britain. It mentions that an abundance of foliar diseases is being reported in winter barley crops by agronomists and phoma is evident in many crops; and Cassia is as usual carrying a lot of rynchosporium. It also mentions that varietal resistance to septoria seems to be having little effect on stopping infection.

The article discusses the strategy of Oxfordshire, England-based farmer Piers Cowling to address bad blackgrass problem at his farm. Cowling reportedly manages a farm with variable soils in an area that is popular as a blackgrass hot spot. Cowling's strategy involves delayed drilling and using the highest capacity drill which help improve soil workability by combining controlled-traffic farming and cover crops.

The article presents the views of several oilseed rape farmers in Western Great Britain on their operations as of March 2019. These farmers include Mary Munro, Antony Wade, and Marion Self. Topics include the challenges that they are facing such as oilseed disease concerns and variable weed control, the condition of their crops, and progress in cultivations.

The article offers information on rhynchosporium commune which affects barley crops in Great Britain, highlighting several tips to treat the disease. Topics include the life cycle of rhynchosporium, ways to identify the disease, its risk factors, and how risk can be managed. Also discussed are the treatment options and how rhynchosporium affects barley.

The article reports on the use of very light aircraft in precision farming. It mentions the benefits of very light aircraft over other aerial options, the founding of Spectrum Aviation by former Royal Air Force pilot David Wright, and the efficiencies Spectrum's sensor data can bring to crop management in England.

The article presents the author's views on the condition of the farming sector in Great Britain as of February 8, 2019, with topics including the drilling of spring beans, the dependence on synthetic nitrogen, and his morning routine.

The article focuses on increase in recommendation rates for sulphur fertiliser applications and mentions that sulphur is important plant macronutrient and oilseed rape. Topics dsicussed include change in farming practice towards using straight fertilisers, prediction on decline in emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and how sulphur can affect quality in oilseed rape.

The article focuses on reports about the need for oilseed rape growers to monitor crops for signs of light leaf spot, as leaf testing has revealed the main disease epidemic has started. Other information such as a study that almost half or 45% of oilseed rape leaf samples assessed by Bayer’s SpotCheck initiative showed symptoms of the crop’s most yield-damaging disease is presented.

The article reports that metaldehyde slug pellets are to be banned across Great Britain in 2020, following advice from the Great Britain Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), because they impose considerable risk to birds and mammals. It mentions suggestions for killing slugs with ferric phosphate pellets. It states that the decision of banning slug pellets came despite efforts by the farming industry to encourage responsible use of the pesticide.

The article focuses on David McLaughlan who has not taken traditional way to management role at real estate firm Bartlow Estate in Cambridgeshire due to lack of background in agriculture. Topics discussed include business standards in management approach adopted by McLaughlan, area of crops and sugar beet which are grown on the estate and how McLaughlan has got to grips with logistics, motivation and staff management.

The article focuses on measurement of agricultural progress in India in terms of increase in productivity along with neglect of income and wellbeing of farmers. Topics discussed include government investment to achieve mechanization and efficiency in agriculture in India along with its gross domestic product (GDP), suicide committed by several farmers and ignorance of mental health of farmers.

The article reports on cultivation for the spring in various parts of Great Britain. It includes the issue of barley yellow dwarf disease and the current lack of diseases in oilseed rape in Devon, cabbage stem flea beetle infestations and the use of herbicides in Yorkshire, and the slow breakdown of straw in Sussex.

The article offers seasonal updates on the status of crops and associated pests for different regions of Great Britain. Crops discussed include oilseed rape (OSR) and winter wheat, and pests cited include aphids, slugs, and light leaf spot.

The article informs that Doug McCowan, who farms 456 hectare of arable land at Woodlands Farm on a mix of soils, ranging from very sandy to medium to heavy loam, in Great Britain, has switched from metaldehyde to ferric phosphate slug pellets without compromising slug control. It discusses how McCowan applies sludge cake in rotation to replace phosphate and apply potash variably.

The article informs that the periodical is looking for a candidate with good arable technical knowledge and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the arable sector in Great Britain. It mentions that the role involves writing for both magazine and website and interviewing a farmer, scientist or agronomist, shooting a video on farm, tweeting live from field during harvest.

The article discusses how weed control is set to be a challenge for late-drilled beet crops, tackling stubborn weeds without hitting crops in Great Britain. It mentions that weeds are waxing up and need for using products that cut through the wax to help control weeds. It also mentions need to avoid spraying in high intensity sunlight.

The article discusses the things to consider by British farmers when changing their establishment system. Topics include the high cost associated with the changes in cultivations policy, the possible impact of cultivation to soil and their structure, and the use of cultivations to disrupt the life cycle of grassweeds. Comment from Hutchinsons technical manager Dick Neale is also presented.

The article reports on brothers John and Paul Cherry of England adopting no-till farming system with healthier soils and cattle feasting on herbal leys in the arable rotation to control blackgrass. The duo is starting to reap the benefits of their no-till farming system as it is now contributing to a profitable grass-fed beef enterprise, rather than growing loss-making crops of winter wheat.

The article focuses on the Mason family, an Australian farming family breaking two world spraying records using the Agrifac Condor Endurance sprayer on a family farm in Western Australia. It states that the family sprayed 2,638 hectares in a 24-hour period without stopping. It mentions that the family sprayed several chemical applications including glyphosate, triclopyr, and ammonium sulphate.

The article reports on the AHDB Early Bird Survey of growers, which found that Great Britain's oilseed rape area has fallen for the fifth consecutive season.

The article reports that majority of growers of milling wheat samples in Great Britain are missing out on full milling wheat premiums as of May 2011. The author explains that many fail to meet the full quality specifications last season because of the protein content. The reassessment of nitrogen inputs by growers is recommended. Tips for milling wheat are also listed, including prioritizing at harvest to maintain Hagbergs.

The article announces the periodical's search for a reporter who will join its arable farming team in Great Britain.

The article offers information on the benefits of shifting to no-till from min-till for farmers. It states that the shift from min-till to no-till has helped farmers cut establishment costs by reducing the number of passes, fuel, and wearing parts. It also states that moving to controlled traffic farming and no-till helps to improve the soil quality.

The article reports on the cost of getting canopy management wrong and a higher risk of premature pod senescence and yield loss in some forward crops in Great Britain.

The article discusses challenges associated with farming of winter crops in Great Britain, citing possible impact of wet weather on crops, as of January 2016. It states that farmers may need to use extra feeds and growth regulators on winter cereals due to waterlogged fields caused by the winter rains, and mentions that the conditions are likely to reduce crops' ability to uptake nutrients. Views of crop nutrient expert Edward Downing on the same are presented.

The article focuses on the ways to control the global spread of herbicide glyphosate-resistant weeds in the U.S.. Topics discussed include decreased food production and increased chemistry costs due to glyphosate-resistant weeds; need to change farming practice in the U.S.; and sourgrass and conyza (horseweed) in farms that will increase the herbicide costs.

Reports on the nature and state of dairy farming in Australia as of May 2, 2003. Opportunities in store for dairy farmers in the country; Significance of exports to the industry; Limitations of the dairy business in the country.

Assesses farming opportunities in South Dakota as of May 2, 2003. State of the agricultural industry in South Dakota; Expansion in milk processing according to Roger Scheibe of the state department of agriculture; Financial consequences of establishing a dairy herd in the state.

The article offers information related to farms on heavy land at Ewerby Thorpe Farm, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, which produces wheat, oilseed rape and winter beans. Topics discussed include negative impact of low rainfall during the harvesting season, providing training on agricultural practical skills, and cost of agriculture.

The article reports on expectation for above-average oilseed rape yields in England as of July 2015. It presents the views of oilseed rape expert Peter Berry and Geoff Hall of plant breeder Monsanto regarding reasons for high yield, which include favorable growing conditions, short flowering period, and proper pod-set periods. Also mentioned is the forecast regarding the oilseed yields by Philip Kimber, oilseeds trading manager at crop marketing company Frontier.

The article offers news briefs related to agriculture in Great Britain as of 2015. Bean growers are being warned that bruchid beetles are present in crops which if left untreated could result in crop failing to secure valuable premiums. The researchers at the Processors and Growers Research Organisation aim to improve disease forecasting in oilseed rape (OSR).

This section offers news briefs on arable lands in England as of May 2015. It reports the monitoring of winter wheat for orange blossom midge, the growth of spring beans and the control of powdery mildew in Kent. It informs about the disease control in winter barleys, sclerotinia control in winter oilseed rape crops, and the variable winter wheat growth in Perthshire. Also noted is the prevention of the epidemic yellow rust in winter wheat and rhynchosporium in winter barley in Lincolnshire.

The article reports on the reminder on cutting and trimming hedges and trees issued by the Farming Advice Service to help farmers in England meet cross-compliance rule changes to allow them to get their full incentives under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). The rule changes cover the bird breeding season and main chick-rearing season. Exceptions to the tree cutting and trimming rules trees that overhang a highway and obstructs or interferes with the view of drivers, and orchard.

The article offers information on the MGA workshop held in Somerset, England as of January 2015 during which agronomist Simon Draper and John Morgan, of Creedy Associates, offered suggestions for reducing the risk of soil erosion. The suggestions discussed include choosing well-drained, relatively flat fields, using back fencing along watercourses, and ploughing subsoiling and sward lifting to help water to penetrate the soil.

The article presents various links located at the periodical's website www.fwi.co.uk related to livestock and farming along with a correction of an article in September 12, 2014 issue. Information on implications of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) greening on livestock farmers, methods for reduce lameness costs in sheeps, and increment in maize dry matters across Great Britain. Correction to the article related to environmental focus area is also offered.

The author investigates how DairyCo/BGS demo farmer Joe Dugdale is dealing with soil compaction for the autumn season in 2014. Topics include the plan of the Dugdale family to increase milk from grazed grass with their 400-cow herd of autumn calvers, Dugdale's plan to maximise milk from grass with the newly calved cows on the autumn grass flush, and a severe compaction problem revealed by test pits according to DairyCo extension officer Tony Hoile.

This section offers news briefs on agriculture and livestock farming as of July 18, 2014 including treating docks between silage cuts or after hay, the Bio-Sciences KTN funded project that offers inbreeding values to breeders and dairy supplier, Dairy Pro's offering of two tickets to the Farmers Weekly Awards on October 2, 2014.

The article discusses techniques on managing costs and improving herd performance after the hard winter experienced by livestock farmers in Great Britain in 2013-14. Topics discussed include the negative side-effects brought by the wet weather, as well as the benefits it offer and the advice to farmers to turn out their cows lower and earlier to maximise the quality of grass silage. Also mentioned is the use of rumen fermentable energy like molasses to drive rumen bug activity.

The article focuses on the greater interest on the use of robotic milkers among dairy farmers in Great Britain. Topics discussed include the advantages reaped by farmer Tim Gibson after adopting robotic feeding, the improvement in reducing cow stress achieved by regular feeding and milking and the efficient use of buildings through the use of robotics. Also mentioned is the proposed creation of a new association focused on robotic milkers.

The article reports on the extra 15 litres of milk produced through the use of a "film-on-film" approach to bale wrapping, which was a system created by Silotite that will be introduced at the Grassland & Muck 2014 exhibition.

The article presents a guide to identifying wheat diseases in British farms. Wheat diseases discussed include Septoria tritici, yellow rust and brown rust. Information on each wheat disease's symptoms, the crops they affect, and the resulting yield losses to crop growers in the country is also presented.

The article focuses on the use of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides to help slow the decline of triazoles. It looks at the role of triazole in fighting key wheat disease septoria. It highlights research that suggests mixing SDHIs with a triazole to help prolong the life of the fungicide, which could benefit triazoles as well by reducing selection pressure for resistance. The need for agronomists to manage SDHIs and use it with different modes of action is also emphasized.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture industry in Great Britain, particularly in the arable farming segment. It cites the warning issued to oilseed rape farmers on the possible adverse effects to young rapeseed plants in the autumn 2013 season of the late application of herbicide in the cereal crops planted during the delayed season. The opinion of Frontier agronomist Brian Ross on the developments is also cited.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture industry in Great Britain. It presents the survey by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA), which showed that such factors as timing of oilseed rape harvest and dying temperature could improve the free fatty acid content of rapeseed oil. The opinion of HGCA senior research and knowledge transfer manager Simon Oxley on the developments is also cited.

The article reports on the developments in the live monitoring sites in Great Britain for such crop pests as septoria tritici, yellow rust, and brown rust for the week starting June 24, 2013.

The article presents the opinions of several British farmers and agronomists on the issue of whether straw burning should be practiced in the arable farming sector or not. According to Yorkshire, England farmer John Porter, straw burning could help with weed control. The others who presented their opinions include Richard Cobbald of Cambridgeshire, Andrew Stirrat of Fingask Farm, and agronomist Mike Warner.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture industry, particularly in the arable farming sector. According to the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC), agronomists are pressured to protect the active ingredients available to growers through rotation, stacking of products and increased adjuvant use. The opinion of AICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sarah Cowlrick on the developments is also cited.