Arable News

The sugar beet industry has raised concerns following the release of new guidance on emergency use of neonicotinoid pesticides. 

A new initiative funded by AHDB will test whether growing a mixture of milling wheat varieties can deliver better crops.

Growers are being urged to plan integrated yellow rust management this autumn, as resistance ratings for several winter wheat varieties have fallen. 

Early harvest has created a critical window of opportunity for farmers to conduct strategic soil assessments that could significantly impact next season’s profitability.  

Arable growers should not rule out sowing oilseed rape (OSR) in September. Trials show that later drilling can achieve strong establishment and yield gains—provided the right variety and preparations are in place, said a DSV UK expert.

As much of the country receives welcome rainfall, there is an excellent opportunity to establish oilseed rape and capitalise on this potentially profitable break crop, according to Limagrain Field Seeds.

Autumn 2024 offered favourable conditions for tackling grassweeds, and many growers have already seen populations decline. However, with a legacy of weed seeds still in the soil profile, maintaining focus will be essential for sustained control.

Farms with a history of black-grass need to be aware of any unintended increase in populations that could have occurred within SFI options, says agronomy firm Hutchinsons. 

Given the season, many oilseed rape growers drilled in August, or even as early as late July. However, others are holding back, noting that later drilling into September has its advantages, said an NPZ UK expert.

The 2025 harvest has been one of the most challenging in recent memory, with significant variability in yields noticed across the country, within regions, and even between neighbouring farms, AHDB reports.  

With drought continuing to affect large areas of the UK, maize growers are closely monitoring crop development to determine optimal harvest timing. Some of them have already started harvesting.

Pea bruchid has been found in a UK-grown commercial pea crop for the first time, the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) has confirmed.