Arable Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: I might grow catch crop on purpose next timeAutumn is that time of year when we spend more time talking to hauliers and merchants than is probably healthy. Thankfully, everything has now been collected or delivered, although not… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: The best spring ever as the election loomsThe farm is looking a picture at present. We have had regular rainfall, mild temperatures and not too much drying nor’west wind yet. I have never seen this farm grow… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Marking a year since the loss of a loved oneWe finished sowing a week ago with the drill practically pushing the potato harvester out of the last field. We started at the end of August, so it seems we… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Driving tractors while on phone must stopTravelling across the UK in an advisory role, from the North to the South, the West to the East, I see tractor drivers concentrating more on their mobile phones, than… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: The Champions League of drilling conditionsThis autumn has been very kind so far, and near perfect for no-till drilling; the Champions League of conditions in many ways here in South Devon. In mid-September we had… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Could AI help us make more informed decisions?This autumn continues to be chilled. Not in a nippy way, but in a non-stressed way. We’ve been able to approach autumn sowing in an almost lackadaisical manner, with sunshine… 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… More articles
