All from last 24 hours CROP WATCHCrop Watch: Bank Holiday heatwave adds to crop stressThis week's sunny spell is helping boost grain fill in winter barley crops, while counties in the South and East are in need of rain to revitalise crop growth. Here's… 301-400HPFirst impressions: New 8340’s cab is a Deutz-Fahr revolutionNot for the first time, green tractors of German provenance stole the headlines at November’s Agritechnica show. Only this time, John Deere, Fendt and Claas bods were among the spectators… COMMUNITYDog training targets rise in sheep worrying casesA Bedfordshire dog trainer is offering "livestock desensitisation" clinics to help owners control their dogs around sheep, as new data reveals continued risks to flocks during and after the lambing… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Flexible grazing decisions key in dry springWith the weather this spring being remarkably similar to last year, we are extremely pleased we made the decision to shut one field up at lambing time. If it hadn’t… COMPLIANCETime to 'level the playing field' for farm-assured UK grainFarm assurance scheme operators need to step up their efforts to secure fairer treatment for home-produced grain when competing with unassured imported grain at UK feed mills. That is one… CRIMEFarmers warned rural fuel thefts soar 120%Fuel thefts from farms and rural businesses have surged across the UK, with security specialists warning that rising diesel prices are driving organised criminal activity. Crime intelligence firm DeterTech said… CRIME£22,000 mini digger vanishes in NI farm machinery scamFarm businesses are reminded to remain vigilant to online machinery scams, after a 2.5t Volvo mini excavator was stolen by fraudsters. The digger, valued at roughly £22,000, was listed for… SHEEPHow regular body condition scoring aims to improve scanningTreating only underperforming lambs for worm burdens has seen a Welsh sheep farm cut its wormer use by more than 45% while maintaining weights and performance. Montgomeryshire farmers Glyn and… POULTRYBetter planning needed to bolster domestic poultry productionPlanning delays, inconsistent local decisions and systemic barriers are putting a brake on poultry production, increasing the threat that growing consumer demand for chicken will be met by lower-standard imports.… COMMUNITYHawkstone Farmers Choir prepare for big finalFarmers will once again be in the national spotlight after the Hawkstone Farmers Choir secured a place in the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent following last Saturday’s public vote.… HEALTH AND WELLBEINGScottish 'keepy uppy in wellies' challenge goes viralA social media challenge launched by the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi) is gaining momentum across rural communities as excitement builds ahead of the charity’s first farmer football tournament.…
