Arable Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Early end to wheat drilling and OSR failuresAt the time of writing, we have just 11ha of wheat left to drill for a neighbour, following potatoes. Our own drilling campaign came to an end on 28 September,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Drilling earlier in dry conditions saves fuelUsually I don’t even start to think about drilling winter wheat until the end of October, as the blackgrass usually likes to germinate in mid-October. This year, however, is different… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Continuing the experiment with AIAutumn cereal drilling is in full swing in mid-west Norfolk. Unseasonably dry weather is allowing swift progress and a healthier work-life balance. This year, we have cultivated some brilliant seed-beds… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Sometimes talking nonsense is just what's neededThe potatoes are slightly better than anticipated in terms of quality and yield. That’s not to say they are going to make any money, but they could definitely be worse.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: A sleepless night to get my SFI submittedThe impact of the recent spring and summer droughts on our light land was taken to a whole new level this year. There is even threat of worse weather next… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: My agronomic decisions to reduce BYDVWe have made great progress sowing our 2027 crops. With good conditions in September, everyone was itching to start. It is a balancing act, and starting early has a lot… ARABLEFarmer Focus: Government couldn’t care less about farmingIf the Sustainable Farming Incentive debacle last month proves anything, it is that this government couldn’t care less about nature, and that they care even less about farming. We were… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Drilled up in September and a change of combineA famous YouTubing farmer once said October drilling is for losers. I’m sure that’s not true. However, the fear of being caught out by weather and the fact the stale… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Crops look good after kind New Zealand winterWe had a kind winter here at Valetta, no prolonged wet spells like the last couple of winters and stock have done well. Spring growth of grass seed crops has… ARABLEFarmer Focus: Why I chose to grow oats and drill earlyDeciding what the right thing to do at this time of year is always hard. The farming press is always full of good advice, but I’ve found myself pressured in… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Pests devour OSR and SFI dayFuel prices have gone through the roof again and, locally, we are waiting to see who will be the first forecourt through the £2/litre barrier. The only upside of this… ARABLEFarmer Focus: None of us are in the same boat this harvestThe slight problem with writing a monthly article is that, once it’s in print, there’s no going back and, with honesty being the best policy, one must always come clean.… More articles
