Author Posts: Rachel Hicks
Never underestimate the value of organic matter and sunshine
15th September 2022
Suffolk farmer Tom Jewers, of G D Jewers & Son at Wood Hall Farm in Rattlesden, experienced a better-than-expected harvest, although field variations of over 6t/h clearly showed the impact OM has on yield.
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Keep revised WRAG guidelines in mind when managing stubbles ahead of autumn drilling
13th September 2022
Farmers need to maximise efficacy and minimise resistance risks when using glyphosate to eliminate weeds ahead of drilling according to Matt Siggs of Bayer. Roundup (glyphosate) is a vital control tool on many farms, so a pro-active approach is best to ensure long-term efficacy.
Farm scale trials: Adding value financially and environmentally to the farm business
1st June 2022
Hutchinsons Helix farms provide a regional ‘test-bed’ for ideas and technologies which are generated through the national Helix programme. Rachel Hicks visited Helix East Anglia in May to discuss the current focuses, including nutrient usage efficiency, wheat blends and endophyte seed treatments.
Surge in growth of hybrid rye sees UK area increase again by 25%
22nd March 2022
Wholecrop rye for biogas production is still the biggest market, so choosing high performing AD varieties is the key for most growers, says independent agronomist Craig Green.
Krone and Lemken present autonomous system ‘Combined Powers’
17th March 2022
Combined Powers is the name of a joint Krone/Lemken project and design concept – the autonomous ‘process unit’ that consists of a drive unit and various implements. After passing trials in cultivating, ploughing, sowing, mowing, tedding and raking last year, the innovative concept will be integrated in the well-proven forage harvesting and tillage systems of the two companies.
Outdoor accommodation provider backs calls to reinstate 56-day Permitted Development ruling
16th March 2022
Pitchup.com is backing a Yorkshire MP in his quest to boost the UK’s rural economy. Earlier this week, Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, called on Housing Secretary Michael Gove to reinstate the right for farmers and landowners to operate pop-up campsites for 56 days each year without applying for planning permission.
Get the most from your OSR this spring
16th March 2022
With most OSR crops now well on their way, growers are doing all they can to ensure robust growth and higher yields. Yara agronomy operations manager, Natalie Wood, and Yara area manager, Oscar Thacker, discuss the current status of OSR crops and what steps growers can take to drive growth forwards.
Lessons learnt: The path to a regenerative farm
7th March 2022
With the agricultural industry under the spotlight due to the ‘climate crisis’, regenerative farming is a hot topic. However, the ability to be able to change your farming practices comes down to one thing – the bottom line. Rachel Hicks reports.
JAN 22
Record number of variety traits on the latest Recommended List
22nd December 2021
Launched on 29th November, the AHDB RL 2022/23 for cereals and oilseeds features improvements to cereal lodging resistance ratings and additional information on resistance to septoria in winter wheat, as well as new traits for barley (including BYDV tolerance) and an improved choice of varieties for milling, brewing and distilling. Rachel Hicks reports.
Dec 21
Looking ahead to spring cropping options
4th December 2021
Spring husbandry can provide both value and diversity within a rotation, often demonstrate lower yield variability and can show a better return than their autumn counterparts per £1 spent – although they often struggle to match the best gross margins. But which spring cropping option to choose? Rachel Hicks writes.
Sept 2021
How big is the black-grass problem and can it ever be controlled?
3rd September 2021
While ryegrass is reportedly becoming more of a problem, there’s no doubt black-grass is still the biggest weed challenge. But with so much talk about reduced tillage and a depleted chemical toolbox, are growers managing to control it and can it ever be beaten altogether? Rachel Hicks spoke to two farmers in different locations to find out their approach.
April 2021
Sprout control in potato stores: Practical solutions for getting the best out of ethylene and mint oil
14th April 2021
AHDB Potatoes recently hosted a free webinar on best practice for the current available sprout suppressants. Rachel Hicks reports.