Arable Farmer Focus 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.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Do you re-test soil after lime application?My run of luck continues…. I have broken my leg since my last article, yet life goes on. I have a full leg cast, with a bend so I can… ARABLEFarmer Focus: It's good to be back to my sunny selfI realise most of my recent Farmer Focus columns have been rather gloomy, but with cultivations under way for harvest 2027, I am pleased to say I am back to… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: I’m in the mood for analysingThe rain has come and things have certainly perked up. The catch and cover crops are up in rows and looking reasonable. They should make a good cover before the… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: I subconsciously define myself by the businessI’m aware the stress of increased costs and two poor harvests is weighing heavily on me. Once drilling is complete, I know a thorough business review and reset is needed.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: pH drops rapidly in wet wintersI feel bad saying this after what some people around the world go through, but the rain finally arrived and we’ve planted oilseed rape and cover crops. Previously, I had… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: We became part of combine fire statisticAugust 2026 has certainly been one to remember - although that is probably the upbeat way of putting it. We often read about machinery fires in the south of the… More articles
