Arable Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: A good job the wheat isn’t ready yetI can’t help but feel we have been left out of the early flying start to harvest. We have not started as of yet (22 July) as we don’t grow… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Revamping wheat blend to withstand septoriaAs the prolonged weather continues, the crops are ripening fast. We are certainly going to be into the wheat by the end of July – not something that happens with… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Holiday hopes to even up farmer tanWriting this article poolside on a family holiday on the Costa Blanca, looking out over the Mediterranean, offers a far more pleasant view than the one I usually have of… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Harvest is in the lap of the godsFor combinable crop farmers July is the month when we are bystanders as our senescent crops ready themselves for harvest. Our work is done, fortunes are in the lap of… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Going full regen not as easy as some make outI was back at Groundswell again this year. It’s unrecognisable from the first one in its scale and the breadth of stands and speakers, and I don’t imagine Prince William… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: No chance to rest before harvestThe lead up to harvest is meant to be a quiet time on most farms, with holidays taken in preparation for the long hours ahead. I have managed a fleeting… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Once again leaving Groundswell on a highIt was so nice to be back at Groundswell. Last year was the first time I had missed the event since it began. The positive vibe and optimism are always… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Should we plant wheat at higher seed rates?June has been a busy month, starting with a visit from 30 American and Canadian farmers on a study tour of various farmers and wheat breeders. The group visited both… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Aerial imagery reveals catastrophic viewWe ended up doing most of our combining in the second half of September in 2024. But, as we’re all aware, no two years are the same. As things stand,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: A tribute to a helpful, humble friendI’d like to open this column with a short tribute to a friend and farming neighbour who for me has been one of life’s constants. George was quiet, humble, helpful… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Crops look good, but profitability a concernI farm in the north of County Dublin and surrounding areas on a large family farm with seven brothers and their seven sons all working together in one shared business.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Maize set to be 'neck-high by 4 July'We have been lucky with rain in June, receiving 52mm. This was a little too late for the early maturing wheats, as they have gone downhill fast. The spring wheat… More articles
