Author: Crop Protection
The UK faces the prospect of missing its legally binding target to protect biodiversity unless urgent measures are taken, according to a new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The country has committed to the international goal of conserving at least 30% of its land and sea by 2030, a pledge known as the “30×30” target, agreed at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022. However, with the UK’s biodiversity in steep decline, the government must act swiftly to avoid missing this critical deadline, the report warns. Currently, only 53% of the UK’s…
A West Wales dairy farmer, Emyr Bowen, has made it to the finals of this year’s British Farming Awards, competing for the prestigious Dairy Farmer of the Year title. Bowen, who manages Lan Farm near Carmarthen, is one of four finalists recognised for their contributions to dairy farming and sustainability. The Bowen family has a long history at Lan Farm, which will celebrate 100 years of its pedigree Holstein herd in 2024. Emyr and his father, Robert, run the farm full-time, with the support of part-time staff and contractors. This teamwork allows them to dedicate more time to managing their…
The future of the Welsh beef industry is facing a serious challenge as new data reveals a significant decline in cattle supply. Figures from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) indicate that calf registrations in Wales during the first half of 2024 have dropped by over 10,000 compared to the same period in 2023. This marks a four per cent reduction year-on-year, with only 213,200 calf registrations recorded. This latest figure is a worrying sign for the industry, representing the lowest number of half-year calf registrations seen in several years. In 2021, nearly 230,000 calves were registered during the same…
On Wednesday, September 4, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is hosting a crucial NI on-farm rush control event at Castle Archdale Country Park in Enniskillen. This event, held in collaboration with Northern Ireland Water (NI Water), aims to explore and discuss effective treatments for managing rush infestations. The event will be divided into two sessions: the afternoon session will start at 2:00 p.m., followed by an evening session at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into various methods of rush control and their implications for water quality. CAFRE highlights that traditional rush…
The UK’s first gene-edited crop trials (wheat and barley) on conventional farms are set to begin, marking a significant step in agricultural innovation. This trial is Europe’s first of its kind, focusing on testing experimental gene-edited crops in real-world conditions to evaluate their potential benefits for farmers and food production. The trials will explore how these gene-edited traits perform under various environmental conditions and how they impact farming operations. Feedback from farmers will be crucial, providing insight into the practicality and benefits of growing gene-edited crops. Additionally, the trials aim to secure enough grain for testing in food production systems.…
The UK government is considering compensating farmers who could be forced to carry out mass sheep slaughter under a no-deal Brexit scenario. With British farmers heavily reliant on European markets for their exports, there are growing concerns that a sudden break in trade with the EU could leave them with no market for their sheep meat. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay has acknowledged the potential challenges facing the farming sector if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. He stated that while the government prefers to avoid such a scenario, officials are examining measures to support farmers who may face…
Jeremy Clarkson fans have been taken by surprise after spotting what they believe to be Kaleb Cooper’s doppelgänger at his newly launched pub, The Farmer’s Dog. The buzz began when a video featuring a young woman behind the meat counter of the pub was shared on its Instagram page, prompting fans to speculate if she could be related to the Clarkson’s Farm star. “Is that girl Kaleb’s sister?” wondered one observer. Another echoed the sentiment, writing: “I thought the same thing immediately.” The resemblance sparked a flurry of comments, with some even suggesting she might be a “long-lost sibling.” In…
Oilseed rape, once a staple of UK arable farming, has seen a significant decline in plantings, potentially reaching its lowest levels in 40 years. Chris Guest, managing director of plant breeding company NPZ UK, is urging farmers to reconsider the crop’s potential, highlighting its crucial role in farming profitability and national food security. Starting off, Mr Guest explains that oilseed rape can be one of the highest gross margin break crops for UK growers, comparing favourably to other arable crops in terms of profitability. “Alongside its excellent rotational and environmental benefits, the financial rewards of oilseed rape should not be…
The UK pork sector has experienced a difficult year, with exports in the first half of 2024 reaching their lowest levels in nearly a decade. Recent analysis reveals that UK pork exports, totalling 148,200 tonnes, have declined by 2.4% compared to 2023, marking the lowest export figures since 2015. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) attributes this drop in exports to several key factors. Tight domestic pork supplies have driven up prices, making UK pork less competitive in global markets compared to other countries like Brazil and the United States. As consumers across the world grapple with higher living…