Cereals News

After one of the best spring planting windows in recent memory, UK farmers are now facing growing concerns over dry weather conditions that are beginning to impact crop development, the latest analysis by AHDB has revealed.

Traditional soil cultivation and mechanical weed control as practised in organic farming are becoming increasingly important as they promote soil health and fertility. At this interface, Boehlerit presents innovative solutions with its high-quality carbide tools.

Climate volatility is posing increasing risks to crop yields, soil health, and input costs in the UK. That is why this year’s Cereals Event will equip farmers, agronomists, and agri-tech professionals with the tools and knowledge to future-proof their operations, the organisers said.  

Percy Farms, a 1,800 ha arable farming business operating within Northumberland Estates near Alnwick, has recently added winter wheat varieties Bamford and Blackstone from independent breeder Elsoms Seeds to its list of first wheats drilled for crop 25, confirms assistant farm manager Tom Ziemelis.

As dry weather continues across much of the UK, Hutchinsons is warning barley growers that crops are likely to face greater pressure from stress-related diseases such as ramularia. 

Arable businesses are under increasing pressure to boost efficiency, cut input costs, and meet tightening environmental regulations. One way to do this is to adopt precision spray technology, which is firmly in the spotlight at this year’s Cereals Event.

RAGT says its new winter wheat RGT Hexton looks set to fill plenty of drills next autumn thanks to its robust credentials.

Corteva Agriscience is advising maize growers to consider adding the nitrogen stabiliser Instinct to extend the nutrient’s availability to plants while they establish.

As winter barley crops start to reach the critical T1 (growth stage 30-31) fungicide timing, growers are advised to assess disease risk carefully, as prolonged dry conditions could complicate treatment decisions.

Drilling winter wheat in three distinct autumn weather windows means Warwickshire farmer Andrew Keyte has a wide range of yield potential to manage this spring, and with the first sign of disease visible since mid-February, thoughts are rapidly turning to this year’s fungicide programme.

Growers are being encouraged to complete AHDB’s annual Planting and Variety Survey (PVS), which is set to deliver an early insight into harvest 2025.

With margins under increasing pressure, direct drilling crops is rapidly becoming essential to allow farms to operate profitably, says Hobhole Farming in Lincolnshire.