Quality and efficiency key to farming/contracting business

A South Yorkshire family contracting business says investments in quality machinery has been integral to its success. Farmers Guide finds out more.

Polysulphate grassland trials show increase in forage yield and quality, according to ICL

As soil sulphur concentrations have declined, with over 90% of UK soils now deficient, awareness has grown of the need to apply this vital nutrient to grassland and forage crops.

Grazing management makes outwintering cattle possible

A change in grazing management has helped an Oxfordshire farm successfully outwinter cattle and save almost £25,000 in annual winter housing costs.

First cut silage from 2022 labelled ‘power feed’ by analysts

Due to the sunny weather experienced in spring 2022, first cut silage from this year is exceptionally high in sugar content, allowing farmers to offset the lower value of subsequent cuts throughout the coming winter.

Dairy farmers warned of increased mycotoxin risk this winter

Dairy farmers feeding maize this winter should be on high alert for signs of mycotoxin contamination in silage, to avoid toxicity and decreased milk production, agronomist warns.

AD feedstock impacted as hot dry summer hits silage volumes

Reduced crop yields due to the recent hot dry weather, combined with increased input and contractor costs, means silage grown as feedstock for anaerobic digestion (AD) plants is more valuable than ever.

Hay yields could drop by up to 50% due to climate change, analysis suggests

Spring hay yields in southern England have already reduced by more than a third due to climate change, and further declines are forecast, according to a new analysis.

Switch dry cows and youngstock to straw-based rations to preserve forage 

Farmers fearing forage shortages because of the recent dry weather could help ease the pressure by feeding a straw or wholecrop-based ration to dry cows and youngstock. According to Mole

Minimising silage losses makes increasing sense

High fertiliser and feed costs mean that making the best possible silage makes even more sense this season – especially with strong milk prices. So how could a silage additive give a return?

Surge in growth of hybrid rye sees UK area increase again by 25%

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.

HMRC scraps plans to add a £200/tonne tax to silage wrap

Farming unions and other stakeholders lobbied the UK government after recent guidance listed silage wrap as ‘packaging’ for the first time.

HMRC urged to remove silage wrap from proposed plastic tax

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging HMRC to reconsider and remove silage wrap from the plastic packaging tax due to come into force from the 1st April 2022.

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