News

Written by FB reporters

Sheep farmers are being encouraged to make more use of the CT scanning of live lambs, technology which researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) have been using successfully for more than two decades.

“These scans, together with growth and ultrasound images taken on farms, allow pedigree breeders to identify the best animals in a flock for breeding,” said SRUC, adding that CT (computer tomography) technology enables farmers to look at the total fat and muscle in live animals, with the ultimate goal of being able to improve lean meat yield.

“Following research analysing spine length and the number of vertebrae across and within different breeds of sheep...

GB planted potato area by variety and sector 2019

Written by JamesTaylor

The 2019 GB planted potato area is one of the lowest on record even though there is a 1% year-on-year increase. What is driving this change?

Release Date:
Thu, 09/26/2019

Continue reading more on the ADHB Potatoes Website...

Written by Matt Hopkins

A young inventor and entrepreneur from northwest Indiana thinks the future of farm tractors is smaller, lighter, and […]

The post The Future of Farming? A ‘Swarm’ of Tractors appeared first on PrecisionAg.

Continue reading on the Precision Ag Website...

Written by Rachel Martin

Aspirations to export lamb from the UK to China are a step closer after Chinese government officials arrived in the country this week on a fact-finding mission.

A delegation from the General Administrations of Customs of the People’s Republic of China arrived in the UK for a 10-day visit, which ended on Wednesday (September 25).

During the mission, they were given a tour of a sheep farm, abattoir, feed mill and attended a feed-testing workshop in a bid to better understand the disease control measures for sheep meat in the UK.

The visit forms part of ongoing work by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) alongside the Agriculture and...

Written by Agriland Team

John Deere has been making headlines this week – thanks in no small part to the public unveiling of an autonomous (driver-less) tracked tractor in Spain.

It’s not the first autonomous or semi-autonomous ‘concept’ tractor that the manufacturer has developed, but this unit is certainly attracting considerable attention.

The striking machine (pictured above and below) was reportedly shown at a John Deere dealer meeting, which took place in Valencia during recent days.


Image source: Machinisme Franc Comtois Facebook page

At this...

Written by FB reporters

The Scottish Parliament has approved a Climate Change plan which commits the country to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 with the farming side of the move being addressed by the promised setting up of an Agricultural Modernisation Fund to support investments in agricultural mitigation measures.

The Scottish Parliament decision, taken late on Wednesday, commits the country to achieving net-zero emissions five years faster than is currently set for the UK overall. In addition, it was also agreed to commit Scotland to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030.

Reacting to both targets, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick (pictured above) said: “To achieve these...

The future of farming

Written by Defra Press Office


English countryside

This morning The Financial Times speculated on how new agricultural policy could reduce support for farmers at the same time as new trade deals and tariffs might threaten the competiveness of UK agri-food products.

The journalist spoke to the National Farmers Union (NFU), which claims future policy which puts the environment at the centre of its approach to farm subsidies could make the...

Written by Agriland Team

The Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) has announced that ‘Grass & Muck’ will return to Gurteen College on May 14, 2020.

It will be the sixth such event to be held, since it was first introduced in 2010.

According to the association, this event – focused on working grassland machinery demonstrations – has proven very attractive to both exhibitors and visitors from the outset. In fact, it has grown on each occasion that it has been held.



Gary Ryan – the association’s chief executive –...

Written by Charlotte Cunningham

Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) is becoming an increasing threat to UK oilseed rape crops, so vigilance and swift action over coming weeks will be essential to minimise its impact, according to the latest advice from Bayer. Charlotte Cunningham reports. The disease, which can reduce yields by 15-30%, is spread by the peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae) and it’s thought that milder autumn weather, widespread pyrethroid resistance and the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments are contributing to the growing threat. “We’ve seen quite high infection rates in recent seasons, particularly in eastern areas, but also elsewhere in the country,” says Suffolk-based Bayer...

Written by Agriland Team

Claas will shortly introduce a new top-of-the-range (MAN-powered) 925hp Jaguar 990. It will be the most powerful self-propelled forage harvester from the manufacturer thus far.

Alongside will be a package of updates for existing Jaguar models (from the 800 and 900 ranges), as well as a new 4.5m Orbis maize header. Among the updates is a move to Stage 5 engines for Jaguar 900 series machines.

Jaguar 900 series models will also be home to a new armrest console, as well as a new touch-screen Cebis terminal.



In addition, Claas...

Impact of the CAP on developing countries

Written by Alan Matthews

The impact of the CAP on developing countries continues to be a topic of great interest to many people, particularly in the context of the EU’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Together with Rossella Soldi, I recently completed a report evaluating the impact of the EU’s current agricultural policy on the agriculture of developing countries which was commissioned by the European Committee of the Regions and which is now available on its website.

The terms of reference for the study asked for an...

90: Consumer insight: A focus on crisps and chilled potatoes

Written by AHDB

This episode looks closely at the Consumer Marketing team at AHDB - with a specific focus on the crisping and chilled potatoes sectors.

Hear Analysts, Grace Randall and Zoe Avison give their insight into sales, consumption, trends and the development of the market as the delve into the consumer end of the market.

Links will appear in due course

Continue reading more on the ADHB Website...

Written by Rachel Martin

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered how nitrogen-fixing bacteria sense iron – an essential but deadly micronutrient.

The revelation could pave the way for changes to how fertiliser is applied on UK farms in the future.

Some bacteria naturally fix nitrogen from the soil into a form that plants can use. In nature, most plants get nitrogen either from soil bacteria that do this work or from plants and microbes that die and recycle their nitrogen into the soil. In agriculture, the soil is enriched with synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.

The findings are an important piece in the puzzle of how plant life deals with iron. Virtually all life forms...

Written by Jamie Day

Grosvenor Chemicals, the UK contract agrochemical manufacturer, has been bought out of administration by an Indian business. Huddersfield-based Grosvenor was part of the Whyte Group of companies which called in the receiver last year. The group made a wide range of chemical products for the industrial and consumer markets. The business has been acquired by […]

The post Grosvenor Chemicals rescued appeared first on AgriTrade News.

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Written by Charlotte Cunningham

Harvest delays brought on by this summer’s catchy weather have underlined the importance of growing winter wheat varieties that aren’t late-maturing, according to the latest advice from Syngenta. Charlotte Cunningham reports. Opting for early maturing varieties could be a key consideration when it comes to selecting winter wheat varieties in order to minimise the risk of harvest delays, according to Syngenta’s technical manager for conventional cereals, Kathryn Hamlen. Earlier maturity could also be especially relevant if intending to delay drilling to reduce pressure from barley yellow dwarf virus, fungal diseases or grass weeds, she adds. “This summer saw reports...

Written by Agriland Team

Machinery was destroyed – along with a shed and a number of bales – in an overnight farm fire in Co. Down over the weekend – which is the latest in a series of shed fires believed to be started deliberately.

In a statement on social media, local members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed the news of the incident, which took place near Banbridge.

The incident is the latest in a string of fires believed to have been arson attacks, according to police.

In a statement regarding the fire, which took place in the early hours of yesterday morning, Sunday, September 22, the police statement said:

“It is with a heavy heart that I report another...

Corteva partners LEAF to support drive for sustainable farming

Corteva Agriscience has today announced a major new partnership with LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) which will see two farmers become industry leaders in sustainable agriculture.

The global crop protection and seed company will support the Resilient and Ready programme for three years, starting this autumn.

The initiative is an immersive, action-packed three-year programme of training, technical support and mentoring to adopt more sustainable farming and gain the skills and know-how.

Two successful candidates will go on to showcase their expertise by becoming a LEAF...

Written by Rachel Martin

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is urging sheep farmers to call out so-called ‘fake news’ and to do their part in correcting the many misleading statements made about the industry.

The association’s main concern is the popularity of alternative land management strategies and vegetarian foods as options in the mainstream media.

However, it argues that grass-based sheep production, as is common in the UK, is one of the most environmentally-friendly methods of food production and can instead be part of the global warming solution.

Despite such claims appearing increasingly across the UK, the NSA said that by eating sensible amounts of British lamb from...

Environment Secretary welcomes Landscapes Review

Written by Defra Press Office


Credit: Natural England

There was widespread positive coverage on Saturday including in The Daily Telegraph, The Sun...

Written by Jamie Day

Intellync, the data and technology business within AB Agri, is to invest in a new Agricultural Technology Centre in the south east of Ireland at Kilkenny. The move, supported by the Irish government’s IDA Ireland inward investment promotion body, will create up to 50 jobs over the next five years. Intellync was formed in early […]

The post AB Agri to create agri-tech centre in Ireland appeared first on AgriTrade News...