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Slugs might pose a real headache this autumn thanks to wet weather during much of June and July. There are plenty of pellet options to suit every budget (see table [...]

Hybrids looked set to dominate, but conventionals are fighting back with new high-yielding varieties on the Recommended List. Paul Spackman looks at two grower approaches Conventionals mean less risk ANDREW [...]

Growing oilseed rape without neonicotinoid-based products poses real challenges for growers this season. Paul Spackmon discovers what the ban means for four farmers RICHARD COTTON, DEVON Business as usual despite [...]

* Robots close to commercial operation * Driven by improved efficiency and optimising crop growth * Automated and targeted herbicide Legions of small robots trundling across fields killing weeds with [...]

About half of the UK's breadmaking wheat receives late nitrogen as foliar urea, but with prices soaring and increasing environmental pressure on growers to justify all nitrogen inputs, accurately targeting [...]

Early sowing and relatively damp, mild weather last autumn/winter mean many crops could be at greater risk from eyespot, says Scottish Agricultural College plant pathologist, Fiona Burnett. 'There were reasonable [...]

Thirty-five EU sugar beet factories have closed or are scheduled to close due to rationalisation of the industry over recent years, yet there are a number of emerging opportunities, according [...]

Growers may have until 11 July 2008 to use up existing stocks of paraquat, but with relatively small amounts left on-farm, many will have to get to grips with the [...]

New Water Framework Directive legislation, tighter NVZ rules, climate change ... there's no getting away from the fact that pressure on water resources is getting tighter. Agriculture is the third [...]

Agriculture could significantly help government reduce C[O.sub.2] emissions, but farmers need more incentive to change or adopt more 'carbon-friendly' practices, according to the Soil Management Initiative's CEO, Vic Jordan. Speaking [...]

Potato growers will have access to one new blight fungicide and an insecticide this season, following their launch by Bayer CropScience. Infinito (fluopicolide + propamocarb) offers a unique mode of [...]

The article features several farmers who are finalists for the 2011 Green Energy Farmer of the Year award. Dumfries, Scotland-based Neil Gourlay focuses on his strategy of energy and environmental sustainability to farm beef and sheep at his 2,256 hectares (ha) (4,800 acre) farm. The other featured farmers are Peter Barfoot of Sefter Farm in West Sussex, England and John Gilliland of Northern Ireland.

The article discusses the six key areas for farmers to focus on when benchmarking arable performance as outlined by Alex Smith, rural business advisor at Sentry Farming Ltd. These areas include seed, fertiliser and sprays, total fungicide cost on a tonnage basis, and labour and machinery costs. Also included are enterprising, data trends and input balance.

The article discusses the importance for farmers and landowners in Great Britain to be carefully assess their situation when planning to install energy storage systems on their land.

The article discusses how farmers are being urged to carefully check the small print of power purchase agreements (PPAs) for hidden costs or other restrictive contractual terms.

The article presents advisory information for farmers in Great Britain in leasing out their land for the construction of generator and battery-based grid-balancing systems, so as to maximize the capacity of their land. It discusses how they should undertake feasibility studies on the land before, and the various technical differences between the two major grid-balancing systems.

The article offers the author's insights on the Feed-in Tariffs (Fits) scheme in Great Britain. Topics discussed include farm uptake of anaerobic digestion (AD), restrictions to energy crops that can be utilized by AD plants, and payments for electricity produced from renewables. Comments from Bidwells partner Cath Anthony are also presented.

The article reports on reforms of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme unveiled by the Great Britain Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in December 2016, committing to renewable heating to 2020-21. It is said that farmers planning new projects must understand these changes to ensure new investments maximize funding opportunities.

The article examines how solar panels can provide attractive returns for livestock farmers. Topics mentioned include livestock farmers with large on-site energy demand having the most to gain from solar panels being one of the simplest form of renewable energy generation, how adapting on-farm power use to maximise electricity generated rather than exporting it to the grid can maximise returns, and the potential pitfalls of solar panels.

The article reports on the financial gains from powering grain dryers with biomass fuel rather than oil or gas. Topics discussed are the cost effectiveness of installing a biomass boiler, and the improvement of the feasibility of any biomass system to spread capital cost to allow more income generated via rough the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The case of a Scottish farmer is presented to show how to benefit from a grain drying biomass boiler.

The article focuses on the availability of many opportunities for the generation of renewable energy by farmers amid cuts. It states that despite of the reduced Feed-in Tariff (FiT) aid, renewable energy schemes still exist. It adds that prices of technological devices, especially for solar arrays, have fallen since the introduction of FiTs.

The article raises the concern of farmers in Great Britain about the retail price war between the main supermarkets in the country. Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed a decline in the rate of Consumer Prices Index annual inflation and overall food prices in October 2011. Tom Hind of the National Farmers Union (NFU) notes the negative impact of squeezed margins on the poultry and horticulture sectors.

The article reports on the need for British farmers to reassess the economics of planning to install solar panels. It links the proposal to the plans of the government to slash support for the technology from later in 2011. It attributes the cuts to the need to protect the Feed-in Tariff scheme, which faced budgetary pressure. It announces the adoption of the reduced tariffs to all new solar installations that go live on or after December 12, 2011.

The article offers information on a study conducted by the British National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFC) on the use of energy crops in anaerobic digestion (AD). This research examined the attitudes of farmers towards the large-scale use of energy crops. According to the researchers, energy crops are essential to maximize the biogas output from farm-based AD.

The article details how the New Zealand-style grazing system has evolved at Tregeiriog Farm over the past years and what challenges lies ahead. It highlights farmer Aled Jones' optimism about the coming year as spring lambing gets underway at the farm. It explains the volatility of market prices and input costs and its implications for farmers. It highlights the importance of flexibility and cost control to successful farming.

The article reports on the increase in dairy prices in Great Britain as of April 2011. It discusses Tesco's decision to raise the price paid to farmers in its direct supply group on the Promar cost-tracker contract beginning April 1. It also reveals that Milk Link has increased its standard litre price for manufacturing and liquid milk by 1 pence per litre.

The article discusses the benefits of the 2011 budget released by Great Britain Chancellor George Osborne to farmers. Provisions contain in the 2011 budget include reduction in fuel duty, cancellation of duty excalator, increase in tax relief to 10 million British pounds, and extension of tax rate relief holiday by one year. Solicitor Claire Harris mentioned the support of farmers to the proposals of integrating the operation of income tax and National Insurance Contributions.

The article discusses considerations that farmers in Great Britain should keep in mind if they are planning on getting involved with large-scale solar power schemes. Farmers and landowners are being approached by companies to put solar panels on their land, which involved index-linked payments guaranteed for 25 years. Farmers are advised to make sure land use is not unnecessarily restricted during the rental period. The importance of clarifying rental structure, how often the rental agreement is reviewed and what basis it is agreed on is also discussed.

The article focuses on the market opportunity for British farmers posed by the increase in demand for venison. According to Nigel Sampson of Holme Farmed Venison, sales of venison have grown by 20 to 25% annually since 2006, at the same time, there is a shortage of domestically-reared meat. He emphasizes the need for more deer farmers to fill the gap in supply being met by imports.

The article reports on the adverse impact of the latest round of quarterly Feed-in Tariff cuts on the new wind and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) projects for farmers in Great Britain in 2016.

The article reports on the adverse impact of the latest round of quarterly Feed-in Tariff cuts on the new wind and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) projects for farmers in Great Britain in 2016.

The article discusses business rate revaluations for energy projects for farmers in Great Britain.

The article discusses the things that should be considered by farmers before purchasing a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle for their farm's operation, particularly in Great Britain. According to Neil Shotton of consultancy firm UAV Safety, farmers should first determine the use of the drone before buying one. Also cited are some possible uses of drones like field photography and weed infestation monitoring, as well as the major types of drones like the multicopter drones.

The article focuses on common employment law pitfalls that can affect farmers in the US. Topics discussed include the lack of written evidence setting out key contractual information such as exact start date, notice period, salary or holiday entitlement; how a written contract helps avoid disputes and provides certainty for employers and employees; and a fair process which include steps prior to dismissal to encourage improvement of conduct or performance.

The article reports that advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology are creating exciting opportunities for farm-based renewable energy projects in Great Britain. Topics include the biggest opportunity for farmers stated to be in generating and supplying hydrogen on long-term contracts to local authorities running fleets of fuel-cell vehicles and the Scottish Agricultural College is due to publish findings from its analysis into the economics of hydrogen production on farms in December 2015.

The article offers advice on how farmers can pass the Entry Level Scheme inspection in Great Britain from Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) environmental consultant Graham Hinton. He urges farmers to conduct accurate measurement of environmental features such as grass margins and hedgerows. He suggests that farmers should not force an option to fit in a specific situation. He recommends that management plan should be completed and kept up to date.

The article provides information on the results of a report published by the British National Audit Office on the handling of the Single Payment Scheme of the British Rural Payments Agency (RPA) that cost farmers up to £22.5 million. The report highlighted that the RPA has failed to determined that the total cost to industry and taxpayers could be close to £400 million.

Presents an interview with farmer Jim Bullock regarding direct drilling. Effect of direct drilling on soil; Factors to consider before conducting direct drilling; Fertilizer used by Bullock on his farm during autumn; Potential problem brought by slugs to direct drilling. INSET: PLANNING AHEAD.

Reports on the reasons for being optimistic about the future of farming in Great Britain according to delegates attending the 2005 Young Farmers annual convention in Torquay, England. Message sent by Prince Charles of Great Britain regarding the future of farming; Role of young people in the growth of farming; Support received by the horticulture sector.

Provides information on the National Federation of Young Farmer's Club (NFYFC) which was formed in Hemyock in Devon, England in 1921. Views of NFYFC deputy president Lord Plumb on the club; Educational and social opportunities being taught at the club, including public speaking; Challenges faced by the club.

The article reports that the rules introduced by the British Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) to increase competition among Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) could possibly help lower costs and speed up the process of electrical grid connection for businesses. Kieran Crowe of Strutt & Parker says a requirement for DNOs regarding non-contestable works may help reduce costs. He notes that farmers and landowners should have more say in where they connect to the network.

The article discusses the challenges for farmers with the British Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc)'s announcement to end the renewables obligation (RO) for solar projects by April 2016. It mentions the need for landowners to work with solar developers to complete ground and roof-mounted projects on time. It adds the warning given by Alexander Creed of real estate firm Strutt & Parker, on same.

The article presents views of environmental consultancy provider Adas renewable energy consultant Richard Sowden and Steve Milner of wind turbine supplier Earthmill regarding factors realted to viability of wind projects in Great Britain. Richard mentions about reductions in support for wind turbines and also recommends farmers who want to erect a wind turbine to focus on sites having good wind speed. Steves further reports on better efficiency of turbines that compensate for support cuts.

The article discusses the Cereals conference related to farming held in Great Britain as of June 2015. Topics include the views of William Cracroft-Eley , chairman of Terravesta, a company processing miscanthus into pellets for biomass plants, regarding signing up miscanthus growers on 10-year retail price index-linked contracts; biomass demand from large-scale power stations ; & the views of National Farmers' Union renewable energy adviser Jonathan Scurlock regarding demand of energy crops.

The article presents views of energy consultant Charlie Ward on the growing interest in private wire connections between energy generators and neighbouring businesses in Great Britain. Topics discussed include the need for farmers and landowners developing renewable energy installations to consider alternative ways of selling electricity to improve profitability, private wire agreements allowing a farmer to sell power directly through the grid, and alternative of power sleeving.

The article reports that Britishs landowners planning to install any renewable energy project should give greater consideration to the implications for future development opportunities for the farm sector. Topics mentioned include the risk of rushing to develop projects with no proper long-term business planning, a few key points to be aware of when planning projects according to Darren Hirst of renewable energy consultant Bidwells, and brief information on wind protection zones.

The article discusses how livestock farmers can make the most of their slurry storage capacity. Topics covered include the need to identify all the ways that water enters the system and where clean water can be diverted away from stores, separating slurry into solid and liquid portions to increase capacity, and how building additional storage using concrete or metal tanks is the most flexible option based on location.

The article reports developments in the arable farming sector in Great Britain as of November 2013. It features farmer Stephen Evans of Northamptonshire, England, whose rotational use of biosolids resulted in improved soil phosphate at his farm. It claims that the focus on biosolids combined with a more intensive fungicide strategy improved output by almost one-third at the farm.

The article talks about the need for investors to consider the security of feedstock supply before engaging in anaerobic digestion (AD) plants projects. The emergence of more farmers in traditional arable areas to grow maize to supply the expanding biogas sector is noted. To maximize yields, AD operators are advised to consider what maize will mean for getting fields back into production.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture sector in Great Britain. It cites the criticism made by Northamptonshire, England-based beef farmer Philip Carter against ministry officials due to the undue delay of issuing the official tuberculosis (TB) testing results. The opinion of the spokesperson for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) on the developments is also cited.