Arable Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Why are CSF reports only valid for two years?The past five weeks have been productive. We have applied all the fertiliser to the winter barley and have one dose left to do on the winter wheat. Digestate spreading… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: I've never had less confidence in farm's futureWow, the daily episodes of Celebrity President USA sure are packing several plot twists into each day. We seem to live in a time in which international diplomacy is conducted… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Diesel costs pinch as spring field work beginsThe “Tango Tyrant” has thrown British agriculture – and the rest of the world – into turmoil again. Diesel costs are rising as spring field work begins in earnest, and… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Spring field work is well under waySpring can happen so fast. It’s like flipping a switch. January and February had massive amounts of rainfall. If it didn’t rain at all between now and June, we would… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Demise of tree business and Leaf frustrationWith no spring cropping to undertake, and therefore no expensive diesel required, our arable enterprise is currently in a good position. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our Sitka… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Field work and nursery pick-ups keep us busyOur spring drilling campaign began on 16 March, our earliest start in recent memory. Ground conditions have improved significantly since my last update, and any late winter ploughing has started… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Sunshine, fert spreading and photosynthesisThis is my favourite season of the year, with autumn being a close second. To see new life evolving, with the birds pairing up and the light nights returning –… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Yield will be essential for 2026 gross marginsSpring is here and it’s a joy to see. Longer days, brighter weather; the whole countryside is starting to march forward into another season. Crops have responded very well to… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: We must take resilience more seriouslyDonald Trump’s war with Iran has rocked fuel prices. The initial rises are a worry, but securing supply during peak periods is a far bigger concern. Input security costs money,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Evapotranspiration metrics are bringing me joyThe past month has been extremely busy at Shimpling Park Farm, and so has the weather. We’ve had snow, wind, rain, as well as some glorious sunshine. My favourite screen… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Having a farm secretary is so importantIn a frustrating world of politics, weather and war, the sight of sunshine and sound of songbirds is a welcome sign of positivity. I’ve done a fair bit of number crunching… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Fertiliser reshuffle and yellow rust alertWith the rain finally stopping at the end of February, we were able to get our fertiliser on. My original plan was to apply 35kg N/ha and 15kg S/ha at… More articles
