Anglia Farmer – February 26

Anglia Farmer

News

Court fast-tracks

inheritance hearing

Arable Prepare now for SFI reopening

Crop storage

Opportunities in a subdued market

Livestock

Professional services New body pledges louder farming voice

Fen Tiger

Why we need better farming policies

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Anglia Farmer

EDITORIAL

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Anglia Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares. Subscription is £18 a year (including postage). No responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for the opinions expressed by contributors.

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We need stability, not aimless tweaks

British farmers are being asked to perform a curious trick: invest for the long term while operating under increasingly short-term political horizons.

Recent government moves on inheritance tax show this contradiction starkly. The decision to raise the IHT threshold for farming assets to £2.5m is a tacit admission that the original policy was badly misjudged. Yet it is only a partial retreat. For many family farms has merely been softened, not removed.

This uncertainty lands at a time when margins are already under intense pressure. Grain prices remain subdued, input costs stubbornly high, and global supply plentiful. The comforting idea that farmers can simply “grow their way out” of trouble no longer holds.

Evidence from independent agronomy and benchmarking is clear: profitability today is driven less by how much is spent, and more by how precisely decisions are made. The margin for error has narrowed to a sliver.

Policy, meanwhile, continues to pull in conflicting directions. Environmental schemes promise opportunity, but funding windows are short, rules unclear, and competition fierce. Farmers are urged to plan early for schemes

that are not yet fully defined, while absorbing regulatory changes that often raise costs without addressing the reality of imported food produced to lower standards. Cheap imports remain the unspoken spoiler in almost every domestic farming reform.

Against this backdrop, it is no surprise that farmers are holding grain in store, delaying sales, or hesitating over investment. Caution is rational when signals are muddled. Yet caution alone will not secure the future of the sector.

One hopeful development is the growing push to treat agriculture as the strategic profession it has always been in practice. Moves towards chartered status recognise that farming today is not simply about production, but about managing risk, capital, data and public value in a volatile system.

If government wants resilient, productive farms, it must offer policies that reward longterm thinking rather than penalise it. Stability, consistency and respect for farming as a professional, multi-generational enterprise would be a good place to start.

Johann Tasker Editor

High Court hearing over IHT decision

• Judge to decide on inheritance tax

• Farmers claim decision 'unlawful'

• Argument focuses on consultation

The High Court has fast-tracked a judicial review of the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farming families.

It follows claims that the government acted unlawfully by introducing major reforms to long-standing tax reliefs after only a limited technical consultation – despite the wide impact on family farms and businesses.

The ruling means a high court judge will decide whether the government acted unlawfully in making changes to agricultural and business property relief without first consulting with taxpayers in line with its then-policy.

Everyone affected Cambridgeshire farmer and lead claimant Tom Martin said the case mattered to everyone affected by the proposed tax changes. “I am proud to speak for the concerns of farmers and business owners whose livelihoods would be impacted.”

He added: “The government improperly denied us the chance to influence the policy and its implementation. I look forward to taking this important case to court.”

Lawyers representing Mr Martin and other farming families will argue that the government’s decision was especially damaging given the like ly impact of the changes on farmers and the wider agricultural and com mercial sectors.

The claimants say that the lack of a more comprehensive consultation fell well short of longstanding legal standards – and breached the govern ment’s own public law duties towards them and others.

are doomed. Parliament is sovereign.”

“

I look forward to taking this case to court

James Austen, of law firm Collyer Bristow, said the claimants would be arguing that the government’s consultation exercise was inadequate and unlawful. He added: “We look forward to putting their case before the court.”

Tax experts are divided over the prospects of a ruling against the government. Dan Neidle, of Tax Policy Associates, said: “These attempts to judicially review primary tax legislation

But Stuart Maggs, tax expert with of Norwich-based Howes Percival, said the court could declare the consultation to have been insufficient in accordance with the government’s rules at the time. “It would be pressure on the government to withdraw the changes.”

The hearing will take place over two days on dates to be announced in February or March. It follows 16 months of upheaval for agriculture – and tractor protests in the heart of London –after the government imposed 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1m. A partial climbdown has since seen the government increase the inheritance tax threshold from £1m to £2.5m.

Landowners continue inheritance tax fight

The battle to overturn the government’s decision to impose inheritance tax on farming families will continue, says the Country Land and Business Association.

The fight against the policy will continue despite the government’s partial climbdown which has seen the threshold for inheritance tax increase from £1m to £2.5m, said CLA head of external affairs Jonathan Roberts.

“The threshold increase is welcome –but not enough," he said. "We fight on.”

Mr Roberts said the threshold increase – which is effectively £5m for married couples – would provide relief to many families. But he added: “Make no mistake: this fight is far from over.”

The change was of limited help for businesses with larger land holdings, di-

verse operations, or significant investment in expensive machinery and infrastructure, said Mr Roberts.

“The policy may now be slightly less dreadful, but it remains fundamentally bad and deeply damaging to the UK economy,” he said. It continued to threaten the viability of productive family businesses and undermine long-term investment in rural Britain.

Is

PLANT NEEDS

Arable

Prepare early for SFI scheme reopening

• Funding could be competitive

• Prepare for shorter deadlines

• Plan early for best opportunity

Farmers are being urged to prepare now for the launch of the revamped Sustainable Farming Incentive later this year.

It follows Defra confirmation that the SFI scheme will re-open for smaller farms and those without an existing agreement before the end of June. Other farms will be able to apply from September.

Funding outlook

Farmacy environmental services specialist Hannah Joy said SFI applications were likely to be high once scheme details are published this spring. The government has pledged £2.7bn a year for sustainable farming and nature recovery between 2026 and 2029.

The SFI closed promptly last March after running out of money. Defra secretary Emma Reynolds has confirmed it will reopen during the first half of 2026 – and hinted that it will be more focused with fewer options.

Application risk

Access to funding could be competitive and the application window could be

Funding could be capped – so be prepared, says Hannah Joy

short, said Ms Joy. Although details are scant, farmers should try to prepare now so they are ready when the scheme is relaunched.

“At the moment, we’re no clearer as to what shape SFI 2026 is going to take, but it’s likely that we could see some kind of capped funding to spread funds more equally, and potentially a short application window,” Ms Joy told an Agriculture & Water event, sponsored by Essex & Suffolk Water.

Plan now so you’re ready to go “

“Our advice is to prepare now, so that you’re ready to go as soon as more details become clear.”

Capital grants

Similar messages were delivered to farmers considering applications to Defra’s Capital Grants scheme, which supports environmental improvements such as water quality measures and natural flood management.

How to plan for revamped SFI

• Check mapping to ensure they are accurate

• Review farm practices and stewardship

• Consider any workable ‘wish list’ options

• Devise a plan for possible scheme measures

• Ensure records and evidence are in order

• Stay engaged with Defra website updates

the best chance of funding. Waiting until the grant application window opens could be too late. In 2024, the capital grant application was just one month long – too short for many farmers to meet the deadline.

Better packaging for sugar beet sprays

Sugar beet herbicides from UPL will be packaged compatible with the EasyConnect closed transfer system this spring, marking a shift towards wider adoption of the technology.

The crop protection manufacturer will introduce EasyConnect-compatible cans across its metamitron, phenmedipham and ethofumesate products, with further formulations expected to follow, says UPL head of business development James Kennedy.

Investment

“The investment is being put into our European factories to enable this. In the UK, we

wanted to begin with sugar beet herbicides because having the factory on our doorstep helps us to coordinate the rollout closely.”

The firm plans to extend closed transfer compatibility to co-formulated products such as Volcano (ethofumesate + metamitron). The move aims to break what Mr Kennedy describes as a stalemate between product availability and farm investment.

“It is a chicken and egg scenario. Farmers won’t embrace the sprayer adaptation

without the products – and manufacturers might not produce the products for Easyconnect if few sprayers are equipped. EasyConnect reduces operator exposure by about 95%, lowers the contamination risk and cuts filling time. Some non-compatible stock will remain in circulation this season. New production will carry EasyConnect-branded tape for identification.

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Specialised Kit & Non - Standard Equipment Funding including equipment from Outside the UK.

Good management key to arable profitability

Cerealmanagement will be increasingly important this season amid rising costs, volatile markets and unpredictable weather.

That was a key message at last month’s annual technical agronomy conference, held by the Association of Independent Crop Consultants at Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, in Northamptonshire.

Arable farming faces a perfect storm of flatlining yields, high input costs, reduced direct support, and exposure to global commodity markets over which growers have little control, said Dan Matthews, an agronomist with Ceres Rural.

“Profitability must come first. Without profitability, sustainability is not achievable,” said Mr Matthews. “The challenge for arable businesses today is not just about yield, but managing volatility, risk, and margins far more precisely than in the past.”

Inputs and yield

Drawing on long-term benchmarking and performance data, Mr Matthews said there was no strong correlation between expenditure on variable inputs and grain yield. Instead, yield and profitability were primarily driven by decisions at a field and crop level.

Independent agronomy was central to this process, said Mr Matthews. It

enabled growers to align inputs with real crop potential rather than historic averages, flex to seasonal conditions, and avoid over-investment driven by fear rather than evidence.

In an environment where yield po tential can deteriorate rapidly, par ticularly in challenging seasons, the financial impact of these decisions has never been greater.

Analysis of wheat crops across a broad sample of Ceres Rural farms suggests higher yields were not sim ply the result of higher spend, but of better targeting of sprays and fertil iser in response to disease pressure and yield potential.

In many cases, relatively small re ductions in input costs, when com bined with sound crop management, delivered double-digit percentage improvements in profitability.

ble farming. On a global comparison, the UK has some of the highest variable costs of wheat production, driven by climate, pest and disease pressure, and regulatory constraints.

With inflation eroding returns and input prices remaining stubbornly el-

Dan Matthews: Profitability first

Mr Matthews highlighted the structural challenges facing UK ara-

Key Points for arable profitability

• Profitability comes before sustainability

• Yield is driven by management, not spend

• Targeted inputs protect margins in volatile seasons

• Stronger returns from independent agronomy

• Helping arable farmers to invest wisely

greater use of benchmarking, data, and peer-to-peer learning.

Thhe value of technology lay in evidence-based application rather than innovation for its own sake. Independent agronomy provides the critical filter between innovation and on-farm decision-making.

“Evidence from long-term data is clear. Yield is a function of management, not inputs alone. Independent agronomy plays a vital role in helping arable businesses invest wisely, manage risk, and remain profitable in an increasingly uncertain world.”

Optimise early nutrition to strengthen rape crops

Oilseed rape growers are being urged to apply a nitrogen-sulphur combination as soon as conditions allow.

Properly nourishing rape crops at an early stage will help unlock their full potential – helping to boost spring growth and strengthen defences against pests such as cabbage stem flea beetle.”

First dose

“By getting a first dose of nitrogen and sulphur on the crop as soon as conditions allow, you ensure that the plant has the resources it needs to kickstart growth,” says agronomist and farmer Will Oliver.

“A well-nourished oilseed rape plant plant has a much better chance of withstanding any stress caused by challenging spring conditions and will be much better able to grow away from pest damage.”

Mr Oliver is growing oilseed rape for the first time in five years himself. Drilled in early-mid August, he plans to get a first dose of nitrogen and sulphur on the crop as soon as the ground is travelable and highlights the importance of timing.”

Don't delay

“The key is not to delay that first pass – you want to get it on before the crop starts to elongate too much. If you wait for perfect conditions, you could miss the window.

“By then, the crop might already be stressed, and it will be much harder for it to recover if hit by poor weather or pressure from flea beetle or other pests.”

For simpler management, OCI Global nutrition specialist Sam Leadbeater of OCI Global recommends a balanced compound fertiliser of nitrogen and sulphur.

“At this point in the growth cycle, sulphur supports healthy vegetative growth, helping the oilseed rape plant establish a strong foundation for future yield potential,” he says.

“Sulphur is also crucial for protein synthesis and oil production in rape crops, especially during the reproductive stages. It enhances nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), ensuring that nitrogen is utilised more effectively within your crop.”

With 27% nitrogen and 4% sulphur, Mer Leadbeater says OCI Dynamax is the ideal nitrogen-sulphur fertiliser for early spring rape nutrition – ensuring a balanced supply of essential nutrients to support crop growth from early spring,

Growers should consult their agronomist for specific timing to maximise nitrogen uptake, says Mr Leadbeater.

Crop

Variable-rate nitrogen offers buffer against fertiliser tax

• Reduce waste, protect margins

• Matches nitrogen to soil needs

• Time to trial before wider rollout

Adopting variable rate nitrogen application could help growers offset the cost of the UK’s new carbon border tax without sacrificing yield.

Variable rate applications can trim unnecessary spend by targeting fertiliser where crops are most likely to respond, rather than applying a flat rate across every field, say advocates.

Industry estimates suggest imported nitrogen prices are already £40/tonne higher this spring because the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is already in force on most fertiliser coming into the UK.

Cost pressure

Further increases are expected when the UK introduces its own regime next year. “It isn’t

ideal considering the current grain prices and that nitrogen is already at a high price,” says Ben Foster, product manager for digital agronomy company Rhiza.

Variable-rate application could offset much of that increase. “Although the technology has been available for a long time, some farmers have tried it and decided it wasn’t for them, while others have the required machinery but have never tried it.”

Newer digital tools have made variable rate nitrogen cheaper, easier and more accurate, explains Mr Foster.

“I’d encourage all farmers with the capability of variable rate spreading to look at the technology this season, at least in a trial area, to examine its results on their bottom line.”

Field evidence

Yield maps from combines provide a starting point, he says, particularly as more second-hand machines with mapping capability enter the market.

“I’d recommend looking at the variation in satellite imagery from a platform like Contour in March or April, and overlaying it with historical yield maps,” says Mr Foster.

“In my experience, the variation in spring satellite images will likely correlate very closely with yield data from the summer. This should give farmers the confidence to tweak late spring nitrogen applications to match field potential.”

Peter Cartwright, farms manager at the Revesby Estate in Lincolnshire, adopted variable-rate nitrogen on wheat last season after seeing it trialled through Agrii’s digital technology programme.

“In oilseed rape, it’s straightforward because it’s linked to the green area index,” says Mr Cartwright. “With wheat, we didn’t

know whether to push a backwards crop or hold back on it.

“We are still asking similar questions, but we have a better grasp of it with the information available to us. We signed up for the variable rate Sustainable Farming Incentive action and we are using it across the whole estate now.”

Changing maths

He says the economics have shifted. With nitrogen expensive and grain values lower, the risk of over-application now outweighs the potential reward. “The economic viability of that last 10% of yield has changed.”

Total nitrogen use was similar last season – but it was redistributed. Better-performing areas received more, while poorer zones received less.

Early results, particularly on lighter land in dry conditions, suggest savings are possible without compromising output.

It’s cheaper, easier and more accurate “

Tools such as Contour allow farmers to choose between strategies focused on maximising yield in stronger areas or levelling crop canopies across a field.

“There is no definitive answer to this,” says Mr Foster. “It depends on the season and the farmer’s knowledge of the field.”

With drier springs becoming more common, understanding soil type and underlying geology is increasingly important, he adds. Clay soils or chalk tend to cope better with drought and justify higher nitrogen rates than sandier ground.

For those considering a trial this season, Rhiza offers a pay-as-you-go model. Farmers can access the software across their whole farm but pay only for the area where a variable-rate plan is produced.

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How to boost your Nitrogen Use Efficiency

• Make sure soils are in top condition

• How special boost technology works

• Remember crops need sulphur too

Getting the most out of nitrogen has seldom been more important – especially given the cost of fertiliser and low commodity prices.

In simple terms, Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) describes how well available nitrogen is converted into grain yield.It's fast becoming one of the most important metrics in agriculture, says Tom Land, national fertiliser manager for Agrii.

"NUE from conventional fertiliser practices is typically in the region of 50-60% but there are many ways this can be improved with 70-80% being a realistic target on many farms."

Profund effect

In most production systems, most nitrogen taken up by crops comes from the soil – which canhave a profound effect on NUE, says Mr Land.

"Compacted soils make root development difficult, poor drainage can contribute to soil pH changes and poor overall nutrient status can interfere with the soil biome and its ability to make nitrogen available to plants.

"Increasing organic matter, for example, can have a massive effect on nutrient uptake and judicious use of organic inputs such as farmyard manure can play a leading role in this, but be mindful of the government's Farming Rules for Water."

Cover crops can help improve soil structure and rooting performance through encouraging greater root depth and mass in the short term but longer term they can add vital nitrogen fixing capability, build organic matter significantly and reduce nitrate leaching, says Mr Land.

"Paying attention to field drainage and soil pH and remedying where necessary, is also important."

Crop choice has a massive effect on fertiliser need so if reducing nitrogen requirement is a key commercial objective, it might be worth revisiting rotations to see if changes can be made to facilitate this, he points out.

"If nitrogen levels are sub-optimal, tiller loss may result which can severely compromise yields subsequently. Seed numbers can be increased to address this and Rhiza/Contour can help in determining the correct rates to use."

Root boost

"In such situations it's also worth considering root-boosting agronomic interventions such as early PGRs, foliar nutrition and the urease and nitrogen stabiliser Liqui-Safe.

"Liqui-Safe has been shown to improve NUE by 15% through reducing nitrogen losses to the air and preventing leaching. In recent trials, Liqui-Safe added nearly a tonne to winter wheat yield over UAN by itself – and produced an return on investment of over £170/ha.

"Agrii-Start Release can also improve the efficiency of your fertiliser use by helping prevent phosphate lockup and making other nutrients more available at the same time.

"Use of AgriiStart Enhance granular urea to ensure nitrogen is protected and stabilised so volatilisation, leaching and nitrification are reduced, will also help improve NUE.

"It's also important to ensure potassium is balanced with nitrogen to allow maximum affect from applied nitrogen. Sulphur is important in the NUE equation too, with polysulphate being a good source of both sulphur (48% S03) and potassium (14% K2O) alongside calcium and magnesium."

“Organic matter can have a massive effect

Strategic use of Biosolutions as part of an integrated agronomy programme can help increase NUE through enhancing the plant’s response to macro nutrition, fungicides and PGRs while enabling the plant to search out available nutrition more efficiently, adds Mr Land.

Building yield

"Biosolutions can stimulate plants to use nutrients to build yield and quality at the same time as alleviating stress responses. They can also help boost Green Area Index – trapping nitrogen reducing fertiliser requirements and boosting return on investment.

"Humic acid-based seed treatments, for example, have been shown to deliver £3 back for every £1 spent due to improved nutrient uptake, enhanced levels of chlorophyll and better tolerance to abiotic stresses.

"Nutriphite PGA and Quark also stimulate similar responses in crops along with other agronomic benefits while Physiocrop, a mineral based fertiliser based on vegetable-derived amino acids, has also proved very valuable in this regard."

Growth and health

Improving rooting is key to maximising NUE and fungicides such as strobilurins and SDHIs have a well-documented effect on plant greening, growth and health, he says.

"Pyroclostrobin is particularly effective and now Architect, for example, takes this a stage further in rape with well-researched benefits to root growth. Trials with Architect have, in fact, shown a doubling of root mass over untreated in rape crops and this has been replicated in the field with root mass and rooting depth being significantly improved.

"Early season PGR use in cereals can also improve NUE with Alatrin, with Evo showing particularly strong performance in cold conditions."

Crop nutrition

Low-carbon farming opens way to new income streams

• Food chain keen to reduce carbon emissions

• Growers offered payments for improvements

• Fertiliser efficiency increasingly important

Cereal growers can claim payments of up to £100/ha thanks to a regenerative farming scheme in conjunction with pet food manufacturer James Wellbeloved.

The company's Beloved Soil initiative makes the payments according to the sustainable farming practices carried out when growing oats and barley. It is run in partnership with Agrii and Soil Association Exchange.

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s about ensuring food security and building a resilient and profitable farming sector, says Agrii sustainability and environmental services manager Amy Hardwick.

"With the type of transition growers are now facing combined with the ongoing fluctuations in grain prices and input costs, the industry faces significant challenges," she says.

Resilience

“While nobody has all the answers for achieving long-term resilience, Agrii is exploring ways to encourage sustainable practices and offer rewards for growers starting the journey.

“Regenerative farming doesn’t work for everyone, so we are looking at programmes that embrace some of these principles while helping our producers fund the transition to more sustainable farming."

The first tier of the scheme consists of a guaranteed payment for carrying out basic practices such as an integrated pest management plan, use of cover crops, having a planned crop rotation and having an environmental baseline analysis carried out.

After that, farmers can add sup plementary practices into the mix. “The aim is to help incentivise con tinuous improvement and provide a motive for farmers to continually de velop their sustainability practices,” says Ms Hardwick.

The same principles apply to Agrii’s new wheat supply chain programme, run in collaboration with Whitworth Bros and Bunge.

“There is a set of minimum require ments as a starting point for all those taking part in the scheme, with the flexibility to implement additional op tions that suit their farm.

"While still early days, the new scheme is a very viable opportunity for growers and testimony that differ ent areas of the supply chain are collab orating to deliver positive changes."

Lower emissions

David Powlson, emeritus professor at Rothamsted Research, says modern fertiliser solutions could unlock huge potential for farmers to capitalise on these schemes while cutting input costs and slashing emissions.

“A simple change in nutrient planning alone could deliver 20% of the UK's ammonia emission reductions required to meet the 2020 Gothenburg convention ceiling,” he says.

According to a recent review, co-authored by Professor Powlson, replacing manufactured ammonium sulphate fertiliser with naturally occurring polysulphate, for example, could reduce on-farm ammonia emissions by up to 90%.

“Typical ammonium sulphate fertiliser is subject to volatilisation in soils with a pH of 6.5 or above, which account for over 60% of the UK's arable soils,” he explains.

“This loss of nitrogen as ammonia, which is as great as with uninhibited urea on high pH soils, has received hardly any attention recently, despite

Polysulphate can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

“We’re helping producers fund the transition

the concerns over ammonia emissions and efforts to improve nitrogen use efficiency.”

With 40% of UK arable soils at or above pH 7.0, and 21% between pH 6.5 and 7.0, Prof Powlson believes that replacing ammonium sulphate with polysulphate could make a major dent in emissions.

“All sources of sulphur are not the same. While ammonium sulphate is a convenient form of sulphur, it is prone to this ammonia loss so, particularly on high pH soils, polysulphate would avoid this problem.”

Nitrogen strategies

Richard Ward, technical sales manager at fertiliser supplier ICL, says polysulphate can play a pivotal role in getting the best out of low carbon nitrogen sources.

Amy Hardwick: Building resilience

“By supplying sulphur independently of nitrogen, growers can match application timing to crop demand and avoid the ammonia losses associated with ammonium sulphate,” he explains.

“This also gives greater flexibility to integrate new-generation low carbon nitrogen fertilisers into nutrient programmes without compromising yield potential.”

This separation is becoming increasingly relevant as supply chains, from milling wheat to pet food, are setting stringent sustainability targets, says Mr Ward.

“By matching nutrient strategies with the sustainability scorecard, growers can protect yields while meeting low-carbon expectations."

FARM WASTE PLASTICS RECYCLING

(Fertiliser and seed bags, all sizes & types of spray containers & cardboard collected off farm).

Collections over East Anglia, further afield on request.

For more

Katherine Smith – 07590 850307

Tom Smith – 07801 416942

Crop nutrition

New fertiliser range ‘protect yields while rebuilding soil health’

Anew range of fertilisers aims to maintain yields while rebuilding soil health, combining instant-release mineral nutrients with phased organic nutrition.

Early trial results suggest improved nutrient retention in wet conditions, alongside greater yield stability, says organic fertiliser producer SoilWorx, which is expanding beyond its Irish heartland to the UK.

SoilWorx says it will continue to support organic farmers while opening up new opportunities for UK farmers considering regenerative and hybrid approaches that blend organic and chemical inputs.

Dual approach

SoilWorx has traditionally served organic farmers with fully certified, products, but business development manager John Paul Gilroy says real benefits also exist for farmers incorporating organic nutrition into their crop plans.

Three agricultural product ranges are launching, with Organo Min-

Omex

eral Fertilisers (OMFs) at their core – products that blend instant-release mineral nutrients with the phased re lease of organic amendments.

This provides the best of both worlds, says SoilWorx – an instant hit of mineral fertiliser that’s read ily available to the crop, followed by the phased release of nutrients from the organic matter.

Core product

SoilWorx’s core product is a 4-2-3 NPK. But there are higher nitrogen options too. These include an 8-2-2 for mulation which is now available and a range of OMF products such as 121-1 and 10-4-4 in advanced stages of development.

SoilWorx says this can open up ac cess to sustainability schemes and car bon payment programmes and open up new markets to customers further along the food chain, seeking to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.

A fully automated production line can produce 500 tonnes of 5mm pellets every week to the same specification.

unveils refreshed crop nutrition range

Omex Agriculture has updated its crop nutrition and foliar fertiliser portfolio, rebranding it under the Fortiflo range as part of a wider sustainability push.

The company says the refresh is intended to align product development more closely with science-led performance and on-farm efficiency, as demand grows for lower-emission, resource-efficient inputs.

Omex has supplied crop nutrition products for almost 50 years. The revised Fortiflo range includes biostimulants and fertiliser additives aimed at improving nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

“Agriculture is at the dawn of a new sustainable era, and Fortiflo is well po-

sitioned to support farmers,” says Omex business growth director Scott Baker.

“We continually evaluate our products through trials and research partnerships to ensure they meet expectations and help farmers produce more sustainably.”

Omex managing director Sam Bell says the update reflects how the company’s sustainability considerations are being built into product design alongside agronomic performance.

“The refreshed Fortiflo range complements our sustainability strategy, ensuring the right product is available at the right time. Our in-house research and development, state-of-theart laboratories, and field validation underpin every formulation.”

Anew digital platform has been launched to help farmers and agronomists make faster, more precise crop nutrition decisions.

Called YaraPlus, the platform combines agronomic tools, expert knowledge and ordering functions in a single app, designed to simplify nitrogen planning and improve efficiency in the field.

Developed with farmers, agronomists and machinery manufacturers, the platform has been trialled in Germany for the past 18 months. It integrates directly with in-cab systems and links to ordering tools.

Bringing together all Yara tools, data, advice and local knowledge into a single platform will deliver big benefits for growers, claims Darren Glegg, commercial solutions manager at Yara UK.

Farmers and agronomists will be able to make quicker, smarter decisions using by harnessing the power of satellite imagery and advanced algorithms to create variable-rate application plans. This will save time and money, says Mr Glegg.

“Other platforms enable you to create a variable rate application map, but none will give you a target rate,” adds Mr Glegg. “YaraPlus can tell you exactly how much fertiliser a crop needs.”

Prioritise flexibility when selecting spring barley

• Focus on end market and users

• Lower area supports premiums

• Forward sales can manage risk

Growers are being advised to focus on proven varieties with strong market flexibility when selecting spring barley seed.

Uncertainty over area, premiums and end-market demand continue to shape decision-making this season, says malting barley trader Laura Jones, of Saxon Agriculture.

Premium possibilities

British farmers consistently produce some of the highest-quality barley in the world, says Ms Jones. But malting premiums have remained under pressure in recent seasons due to an oversupply of barley both domestically and across Europe, coupled with declining demand.

“

The spring barley area is forecast to be 15% down

Early indications suggest spring barley area could fall by more than 15% this year, potentially creating improved premium opportunities compared with the past two seasons.

Changes in cropping plans following recent wet winters are expected to see winter wheat area increase at the expense of winter and spring barley.

Spring barley area is forecast to be down by more than 15%, according to AHDB surveys, which could support premiums. But it is still the UK’s second-largest crop behind winter wheat and good marketing remains essential with demand significantly contracting year on year.

Market uncertainty means growers should consider how and when they market malting barley – as well as what they grow, says Ms Jones.

“In a volatile market, decent yields combined with the opportunity to lock in premiums early can make a real difference,” she adds.

“We’ve seen how quickly things can turn, and malting barley is one area where forward selling has consistently helped growers manage risk.”

Risk management

Jonathan Baxendale, Saxon Agriculture’s head of seed trading, says variety selection in malting barley should be driven by end-market access and proven performance.

“Our advice is to focus on varieties with the widest range of marketing options. Growing a new or niche variety without a contract or a clear end market at the point of drilling can significantly increase risk.”

Evidence of this approach includes continued dominance of established varieties. Dual-purpose variety Laureate, suitable for both malting and brewing, currently accounts for around 60% of the certified spring barley seed market.

“Laureate remains popular because it’s well established, widely accepted and gives growers the highest chance of finding a home if quality is achieved,” explains Mr Baxendale. Skyway, a brewing-only variety, has also gained ground, now accounting for around 14% of the English certified seed market.

It offers higher yield potential than older brewing varieties, alongside a high bushel weight and good straw characteristics.

“The key is choosing varieties that align with realistic marketing routes and having those conversations early.”

While the advice this season is to stick largely with established varieties, Mr Baxendale notes that new options are emerging.

Belter and SY Arrow are potential new dual-purpose varieties offering a yield advantage over Laureate.

Limited contracts

“There are currently limited contracts available, so growers should speak to their grain merchant before securing seed,” he advises.

Annual demand for UK malting barley has dropped from 1.9 million tonnes to 1.7million tonnes over the past two seasons – so early discussions around both variety choice and marketing strategy remain essential, explains Ms Jones.

“This is a year for realism – understanding your market, choosing varieties that offer flexibility, and using forward contracts where appropriate to protect value.”

ley yields – producing a cleaner crop and helping to optimise crop margins, say agronomists.

Growers should use pre-emergence residual herbicides to tackle expected wild oat populations before they emerge – following the same path as for winter crops, suggests Gowan herbicide technical lead Will Smith.

“Post-emergence herbicides are no longer quite as effective, whether through resistance or inconsistency around application technique or weather, making it difficult to hit the target weed with the active substance.”

Pre-emergence residual products, however, carry their own risks. Most rely on soil moisture, which is less re-

even at low levels. “They are one of the most competitive weeds and so have a more direct impact on yield in season than other weeds.”

That makes early control essential. “By removing them pre-emergence, they never have the opportunity to compete with the crop, whereas if you wait 4-6 weeks until the wild oats are 2-3 leaves, even at that young stage, our trials have shown you can be losing as much as 15% in yield.”

Avadex is particularly effective on wild oats, offering value through Avadex Excel or the liquid formulation Avadex Factor, says Dr Smith.

“Wild oat germination is notoriously unpredictable and often elongated but using Avadex at the beginning of the programme can reduce or remove the need for any follow-up treatment, which in a busy period in the season can be invaluable.”

In the field

Rutland-based independent agronomist Ben Mead of Smart-Ag typically uses pre-emergence sprays in spring barley, depending on drilling

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Right balance essential for farming future

It's vital to determine what is best for your business, says David Felce

A drone view of Midloe Grange Farm

Profile | Midloe Grange Farm

sustainability. Determining the price point at which these investments are economic can be difficult.

“If you invest in improving the soil you might see a yield increase which can be quantified but how do you quantify that the soil is working better?”

On his own farm, Mr Felce grows winter wheat, spring barley, some permanent pasture and a legume fallow with some land allocated to biodiversity net gain. This will be the last year of legume fallow – and Mr Felce says will probably return to growing oilseed rape.

Blackgrass affects both the rotation and field operations. While he will low-disturbance subsoil and disc for second wheats, he tends to plough before spring barley.

Good establishment is

If winter wheat has blackgrass, Mr Felce goes straight into a spring crop.

ical functions of soils as this is what allows crops to thrive,” says Mr Felce.

“

It is vital to determine what is best

In the past, cover crops were grown. But Mr Felce has concluded that they aren't suited to the farm. U unless you get a fine seed bed, you won’t get a good establishment, he says. On his soils with 50% silt crops have struggled to get away.

That’s because the soil goes hard, making it impossible to create a friable seedbed. “The establishment and removal costs mean the crop isn’t worth it. My focus now is looking to improve soils which are the foundation of all we do.

Organic content

Alistair Hugill: Symbiotic relationship

“Without access to organic manures, we need to understand how to manipulate the chemical, biological and phys-

“What will work on any farm will depend on the soils present as all soil types are different. The challenge is how to improve and maintain organic matter and the carbon has to be in the right form.

Straw, for example, needs to be broken down before the carbon can be utilised. “The combination of 4-6% organic matter and a healthy soil microbial population will allow soils to function most effectively.”

For the last two years, the farm has trialled a specially formulated molasses supplement, Fortis CP, to boost soil function. Adding the supplement increases the supply of readily available energy to the soil microbiome.

Mr Felce says this is an effective way to increase the activity of fungi and protozoa as well as bacteria. Additionally, increasing the supply of carbon will help to improve the soil’s physical and chemical properties.

Plants and soil

“There has always been a symbiotic relationship between plants and the soil,” explains Alistair Hugill from ED&F Man Agronomy.

“Plants provide carbohydrates and carbon to the soil in the form of root exudates, effectively a sugar/carbon solution for the microbes. In return, the microbes and organic acids increase the rate at which mineral nutrients in the soil are dissolved, increasing their availability to the plant.

“Plants produce carbohydrates via photosynthesis, and any surplus is ex-

Profile | Midloe Grange Farm

creted as root exudates to feed the soil microbiota. When performing well a plant will provide 40% of the products from photosynthesis into the soil containing carbon and sugars.

“If we feed the plant with a source of sugar and carbon, it can meet its demand for carbohydrates for growth more efficiently while still photosynthesising at the same rate.

Healthier soil

This means the production of root exudates increases.In turn, this supports a healthier soil microbial population and in turn increasing nutrient supply to the plant. ED&F Man Agronomy has a range of supplements based on sustainable molasses to boost crop performance cost-effectively.

Adding sugar-based carbon helps release the nitrogen in the soil, says Mr Felce. Providing carbohydrates as a microbial feed source increases the breakdown of straw, he adds. If soil microbes are not fed, their activity stalls and straw is not broken down.

“I was interested in using a molasses-based crop nutrient for several reasons. The science behind it was sound, it was not cost-prohibitive, using it wound not over-complicate the system and it is a natural co-product.”

Liquid fertiliser

The initial applications are applied with liquid fertiliser. Mr Felce applies 10 litres/ha with the first nitrogen application to give a large dose of nitrogen combined with a high level of carbon. A further 10 litres/ha will be applied before the end of March.

A final 5 litres/ha are applied with fungicide at T0 or T3. The molasses-based supplement is easily applied by bucket from an IBC, adds Mr Felce. It mixes easily and has meant no changes to field work.

My focus now is to improve the soil “

“By increasing the availability of soil nitrogen, it might be possible to achieve the same yields and reduce nitrogen applications," says Mr Felce. However, it might be more efficient keeping applications the same and increasing total supply to the crop.

This will improve nitrogen use efficiency and carbon capture from a larger crop.

“At present, I am happy to be investing some of the current margins in the supplement to help improve environmental impact of our system.”

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Plan early to get most out of maize

• Pre-season plan for early harvest

• Early varieties can be best option

• Growing demand for grain maize

Maize producers should start making plans now to hit the ideal harvesting window, achieve optimum yields and secure marketing opportunities.

An early season focus on key factors such as testing of soils and slurry, cultivations, drainage, weed control options and variety choice can pay significant dividends later, says Neil Groom, of Grainseed.

"The last two relatively hot and dry summers have made many producers realise how much easier their lives are if they can be harvesting their maize in September rather than later in the autumn," he says.

Nutrition plan

"While much of that is dictated by the weather, there are several key management decisions that can help load the dice in favour of an earlier harvest, but it's important to start planning early.

"As a starting point it is essential to get farmyard manure, slurry and soils tested so you know exactly what nutrients you have available and can make an appropriate crop nutrition plan to ensure plants keep growing strongly through the season.

"Maxi Maize Plus, containing nitrogen, phosphate and sulphur along-

side vital micro-nutrients, is a good way to ensure crops establish well and a late applied foliar nitrogen such as Efficient 28 can be used to give crops a boost in June/July."

Variety choice

Weed control, cultivations and variety choice are other areas requiring early consideration, says Mr Groom.

"Competition from weeds, particularly during establishment, can affect final yield potential considerably, so it's worth investing in a sound pre-emergence strategy. Dismissing this could save you around £10/ha but easily lose £250/ha of yield later.

"Appropriate cultivations to maximise seed to soil contact are also important as is addressing any drainage issues before drilling.

"Although early drilling is tempting if conditions look suitable, soil temperatures must have reached 1012?C by 9am for at least four days across the whole field.

"In terms of variety choice, it's still worth considering early and ultra early varieties. The yield difference between these and later maturing options is small and they are always going to mature more quickly and help achieve that earlier harvest.

"That not only helps with workload at harvest time but also means maize is likely to be cut in better conditions, reducing potential soil damage and allowing for better preparation and timings for follow-on crops in the rotation."

Grain maize

One of the biggest developments in end use for maize crops recently is the emergence of strong demand and contracts for grain maize, says Mr Groom.

"Obviously, maize has predominantly been grown in the UK as a forage crop for livestock feed, primarily for dairy cows, and more recently for biogas production.

"Some producers have left their maize in the field for longer, taken it to full maturity and then harvested it as grain maize. Treated with a crimp-

“testing is essential as a starting point –Neil Groom

"But with the move to more diverse rotations, the growing popularity of spring-sown crops and the quest for lower nitrogen requirements, UK-produced grain maize is in a great position to meet more of this demand."

Top performer

Anticipating this, 2024 and 2025 saw NIAB re-introducing the descriptive list for grain maize. Good grain maize variety combines a high, consistent yield of mature grain, reliable harvesting and resistance to environmental and biological stresses.

"The latest NIAB grain maize trials place the variety Crosbey as the top performer with a very strong yield of 115% of controls backed up by an excellent feature set making it a sound choice for growers wanting to take advantage of grain maize markets.

"New buy-back contracts are being launched by established buyers with East Anglia particularly well positioned for these with its growing proportion of arable farmers growing maize – but there are great opportunities for livestock farmers too.

"It's well worth sowing 10-15% more maize than you might require for your herd's needs. Not only can this help build a buffer of forage stocks for years when things do not go so well, it also opens up the possibility of selling the surplus as grain maize."

Camgrain: Investing in Efficiency, Innovation and Member Value

For added flexibility, our new Fixed Term with Option allows farmers to join for 2–3 years with full benefits and no long-term commitment.

This year we are also increasing the flexibility for members to sell feed wheat and feed barley outside of our pools to other third parties.

‘It’s the knowledge that my crop is going to be handled professionally and cost effectively, which is the overriding reason to be a member.’

John Jefferies - Farmer Member - Great Gransden

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Crop Storage & Marketing

Subdued market weighs heavily on grain prices

Tight margins remain a challenge

Growers continue to hold cereal crops in store in the hope of better prices amid a subdued grain market.

UK wheat markets remained thin during January with farmers weighing up their options. At the same time, commodity trader ADM reported limited urgency from consumers.

“In the near-term, grain markets are likely to remain choppy but capped, with wheat lacking a clear bullish catalyst amid fierce export competition and comfortable stocks,” said ADM in a market report dated 22 January.

Feed barley markets were reported as flat due to weaker export demand.

Citing a continued lack of farmer selling, ADM said many growers had been slow to re-engage after the festive period.

Export demand

Meanwhile, feed barley markets flatlined with export demand dwindling –although domestic demand remained.

Farmer selling improved on pre-Christmas levels but was slower than recent weeks with prices becoming stagnant.

Separately, grain futures came un-

der pressure after the USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and De mand Estimates report showed an in crease in global wheat supplies.

Feed wheat futures towards the end of January were trading at £167.25/ tonne for May 2026 and 171.40/t for November 2026. On the spot market, feed wheat was trading at £164/t –about £13 down on the same time last year, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

A good autumn planting season in the UK is again expected to see a larger area drilled to winter cereals compared to spring crops – the hope will be that higher yields and a decent harvest will help offset pressure on prices.

Looking at the 2026 wheat crop prospects, the AHDB says market participants are paying close attention to global weather events – including dry weather in the USA and severe frosts in parts of Ukraine.

Forecasts

Commodity experts Expana slightly increased its forecast for the EU 2026 soft wheat crop, raising it from 128.3 Mt in December to 128.6 Mt. Growing con-

crop is expected to be the largest ever

“Grain futures have come under pressure

crops across most EU countries, says the AHDB.

Looking even further ahead, analysts at the International Grains Council forecast that the 2025/26 global wheat crop will be the largest ever, with strong yields more than compensating for a modest reduction in acreage. While a repeat of such excellent results is not expected in the 2026/27 season, the IGC says increases in average yields could lift world wheat outturns to consecutive peaks in the following four years.

Constrained by soft prices, the IGC expects the world harvested area to drop slightly in 2026/27. This would mark a third successive reduction and the smallest area in seven seasons.

Plan grain marketing now for the year ahead

EXPERT VIEW

A subdued market can still offer price opportunities for strategic sellers, says Andrew Huxham

values to outperform the futures even in a broadly bearish market.

Winter is the perfect time to take stock when it comes to grain marketing. UK arable farmers have been weighing the impact of another harsh year of low prices and narrowing margins – and making plans for a potentially difficult year ahead.

For farmers carrying unsold grain from harvest 2025, this is time to be clear on an exit strategy. Meanwhile, as winter crops have become established, yield expectations are revised and many farmers are forward-selling a proportion of their new crop now to reduce market risk.

Profitability

Arable farmers struggled throughout 2025 due to consistently low grain prices. Against a backdrop of inflation and rising input costs, spot feed wheat ex-farm prices dipped to a low of £157.02/t in East Anglia and the south of England on 30 May, based on sales figures from Hectare Trading.

After a brief harvest rally, the moving averages drifted downwards again into the autumn, and some of the lowest levels of the year were seen in late December. Following a year of variable yields and prolonged uncertainty on government subsidies, farmers are now faced with a bleak picture.

Cost of living

The UK cost-of-living crisis has certainly not been driven by grain producers, as the prices farmers receive for their crop have become increasingly detached from consumer food prices.

“There are significant opportunities for strategic sellers

For example, since November 2023, milling wheat prices in East Anglia and southern England have fallen by 32%. This compares to a 5.1% rise in the price of loaf of white bread over the same period.

Strategic selling

Faced with low prices, farmers largely refrained from selling their 2025 crop forward before harvest. With few signs of improvement in the market, they have looked to forward-selling to take advantage of carry.

Hectare Trading’s detailed price analysis shows that regional dynamics of supply and demand can differ markedly from traditional grain benchmarks, offering significant price opportunities for strategic sellers.

For example, on 19 June 2025, spot feed wheat ex-farm was trading on Hectare Trading at £176.72/t in the South West, £8.28t lower than the price of the nearest ICE feed wheat contract. On 21 November, it was trading at £169.73/t, a premium over the nearest ICE feed wheat contract of £6.73/t..

Regional premiums

Comparable swings against the futures were seen in the West Midlands and north of England over the course of last year, with all three regions trading at a premium to the nearest futures contract in the fourth quarter.

While benchmark prices have been chronically weighed down by ample supplies at national and global levels heading into 2026, this indicates that price movements regionally can behave very differently – allowing cash

To capture these regional pockets of higher demand, farmers have had to innovate in their selling practices. We've seen more farmers turn to Hectare Trading as an alternative to their usual grain marketing approach. Since the start of 2024, farmers selling feed wheat on Hectare Trading have beaten the market average – the comparable AHDB corn returns price – for 77.7% of the time.

January can be a challenging month for grain sellers. It is easy to stay anchored to a previous year’s prices, particularly if selling now means accepting a loss on paper.

Old crop

For farmers holding old crop, sitting tight and waiting for a rally is still a decision – and often expensive once storage and opportunity costs are taken into account.

There are strong fundamental reasons why grain prices remain subdued in early 2026 – predominantly a global abundance of supply – and no clear signals point to a spring rally.

At Hectare Trading, we recommend that old crop decisions should not contaminate new crop thinking. Each crop faces different market conditions and should serve different strategic goals within each farming business.

For many farms, the pragmatic approach in a fl at market may be to sell some tonnage now, even if the price feels disappointing, as a way to actively secure cash flow and reduce exposure to further price drops.

Andrew Huxham is an arable farmer and co-founder of Hectare Trading. For more information, please visit wearehectare.com

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Crop Storage & Marketing

Camgrain reduces storage and handling charges

Farmer-owned Camgrain is supporting its members across East Anglia and East Midlands. We spoke to the team there to find out more.

“The catalyst for change was tackling our cost base” explains Camgrain finance director Steve Atherton.

“We had become too expensive, relying on the committed tonnage model. We took £1.9m out of the cost base in the year to 30 June 2025 and are on track to take a further £1.7m out this year.

“When you consider how inflation has impacted all of us in recent times that is a solid achievement. This has meant our storage and handling charge for the year of £9.90 p/t is 55p lower than 3 years ago.”

Camgrain also changed its charging structure for haulage, removing the flat rate £9.45 p/t each member paid for haulage and replacing it with the actual cost for the haul to the member’s closest store.

“By moving from an ‘equal’ to an ‘equitable’ structure we have removed the doughnut effect which made it unattractive for farmers closest to our stores to use us”, explains Mr Atherton.

“Since making these changes, we have sold over 8,000t of storage to new and existing members. Credit to the farmer directors on our Board who have supported these changes, moving away from a charging structure that had operated for forty years”.

Bringing benefits

The cost of buying tonnage at Camgrain has also helped. Tonnage is advertised on its website at £46 p/t. Compare that to the cost of building on farm storage, associated repair bills, the quality risks of storing on farm and

the opportunity cost of alternative uses for on farm storage, and the benefit case stands out.

Camgrain chief executive Simon Willis says pooling grain at Camgrain delivers some real benefits. “About a third of the 260,000t of member grain in our pools is Group 1 milling.

Our marketing partner has access to premium homes such as Hovis, Allied Mills and Whitworth. They value the high quality homogenous bulks we can supply in volume.

We can also blend into the Group 1 spec. to create more volume at the higher grade. Group 1 premiums have been £57 and £70 in the last two years, although I am sure they will be lower this year”.

“Last year we also paid pool members a protein bonus above 13% (50p per 0.1% above 13%) and paid the Group 1 premium, with claims, down to 11.7% protein. If you were selling this on farm, you would expect it to be low grade milling with much lower premiums”.

“The same blending benefits apply on the barley pool as we blend high and low nitrogen of malting varieties to hit a malting specification. The extra volume sold at the higher grade goes into the feed base price, ensuring all

farmer members in the pools receive a benefit”.

In November 2025 Camgrain also paid a store surplus of £1.25p/t to members for each tonne that had been sold in a Camgrain pool.

Protein sorter

Camgrain head of operations Dan Parrott says: “We are excited about a BoMill InSight Protein Sorter that will be delivered in the Spring and installed by TH White. Although there are several in other countries, this is the first one in the UK.

After seeing the kit operating in Sweden, they brought a unit to our Cambridge site to trial our own wheat and barley. An ear of wheat or barley can vary in protein content by up to 2%.

The BoMill analyses each individual kernel and using LED light can sort protein or nitrogen based on the translucency of the grain. We could extract a Group1 spec. from a low protein bulk and a malting barley spec. from a downgraded barley bulk.

This gives us an opportunity to capture more value for our members than we could have previously. The sorter can run at 15t p/h and should be commissioned in time for Harvest 2026”.

The additional premiums obtained from the protein sorter will feed into the feed base price for wheat and barley, ensuring all members who send in wheat or barley to the Camgrain pools, will benefit.

Remote system controls 16 grain stores

Grain storage specialist Robydome says its remote accessed management system can now manage up to 16 grain stores.

The modular WTM-2 system is also available with the addition of crop moisture content probes for more informed storage information. Other available sensors monitor carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature.

Temperature data and other parameters from the company’s range of LS42 and LS43 – which are located in-store – are fed back to

a WTM-2 control box, typically located in the operations room.

Information is available in real time via a secure web page allowing the user to check and implement any changes to the in-store grain temperature control at any time day or night from any location.

The WTM-2 is an intelligent, instinctive system and easy to set up with all logged history data stored in the control box for increased security. Software is described as easy to use, with the latest model boasting

faster and increased storage capacity. No desktop computer is required in the control room, eliminating any risks from dust or humidity. Instead, information is accessed via the operator’s mobile phone, tablet or office-based computer.

Detailed grain quality reports can be generated, showing readings from all in-store sensors. Fans can be automatically controlled and adjusted according to temperature and moisture parameters, helping farms maintain grain quality while saving storage costs.

Support needed to secure potato storage capacity

Residue levels of a key chemical used to maintain the quality of stored potatoes continue to fall – but more data is needed, says a cross-industry body.

The Chlorpropham Residues Monitoring Group (CRMG) submitted its second-year draft report to the Health and Safety Executive's Chemical Regulation Division towards the end of last year.

The group says the report provides new evidence on chlorpropham (CIPC) residues in potatoes stored during the 2024/25 season – helping to inform an annual review of the temporary Maximum Residue Level (tMRL), which is currently set at 0.35mg/kg.

The CRMG report is based on residue data submitted by growers, store managers and supply chain partners. It is seen as key in helping to ensure potato stores with a history of CIPC can still be used – ensuring capacity for the UK potato industry.

In total, some 156 sample results were received from potato stores with a known history of CIPC use. Of these, 21 samples (13.5%) contained detectable CIPC residues, all of which were well within the temporary maximum limit, says the CRMG.

CIPC was effectively banned as a sprout suppressant in 2020 due to toxicity concerns. While residue levels continue to decline, the provision-

Chlorpropham residues are falling – but more data is needed, says Adrian Cunnington We are watching residues come down

al data mirrors Year One patterns, reinforcing the need for the temporary limit, says the CRMG.

Without the temporary limit, many stores would exceed the standard detection threshold and be taken out of use. This would put significant pressure on the UK’s storage infrastructure and supply chain resilience.

Challenge

CRMG chairman Adrian Cunnington said: “It is hard to overstate the challenge if we lost our storage capacity – it would be devastating for the industry.

“We are watching residues come down year-on-year, but the biggest challenge remains getting enough samples. It is imperative that we continue to collect and submit residue data if we are to maintain our supply base for years to come.”

The CRMG is now calling on the industry to support a third season of sampling. It says this will help to underpin the 2025/26 submission to the Chemical Regulation Division – and help ensure storage capacity.

Vital evidence

Growers and store managers already collecting multi-residue data are urged to submit chlorpropham results from crops stored for at least 60 days. All analysis must be conducted by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

This evidence is seen vital to demonstrate the continued need for a temporary limit. Without sufficient data, stores with a CIPC history remain at risk of being taken out of use, said Mr Cunnington.

“We are asking growers to help build an accurate national picture of residue levels across stores with a CIPC history.

By contributing their data, growers will help ensure the industry can continue to use vital storage capacity safely and responsibly.”

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Crop Storage & Marketing

Farm offers grain cleaning and sorting service

Grain processing facility is helping to maximise returns from stored crops

ALincolnshire farmer is offering grain processing services to other growers and grain merchants – helping to add value to their crops.

Harry Strawson, who farms at Waterton Hall Farm, near Scunthorpe, upgraded his on-farm processing plant following problems with ergot. Now he is cleaning and sorting grain for other farmers too.

Mr Strawson initially approached grain handling and storage experts McArthur BDC about installing a colour sorter to handle just his own crop. But he soon realised that a larger sorter and a new fine cleaner would create wider benefits.

Bigger investment

Although it meant a bigger investment, Mr Strawson knew a bigger facility would let him leverage the investment in his existing drying and storage facilities – by offering contract drying, cleaning, separating and grain sorting services.

Rather than a basic processing system, Mr Strawson opted to install a JK Machinery VibroMAX vibrating sieve cleaner alongside the biggest available 10 chute Bühler Spark Pro

ately understood the need to integrate the new equipment with that already installed in the existing plant, so that I was able to maximise the return on my original investment.”

Grain is sent straight to store or transported to the previously installed Aagaard pre-cleaner and Svegma 40tph continuous flow dryer. If the Svegma is full, grain is taken to the existing storage bins until it can be fed into the dryer.

Colour sorter

Grain stored for other farmers or grain merchants goes from the intake through the Aagaard pre-cleaner into storage bins. From there, it goes to the VibroMAX vibrating sieve cleaner for fine cleaning, before being fed through the Spark Pro colour sorter.

Grain is passed through the VibroMAX before being colour sorted. this enables the Spark Pro to handle up to 50 tonnes per hour – with each of its 10 chutes able to cope with up to 5tph.

“The capacity of the Spark Pro means that we can sort grain which arrives by lorry in around 40 minutes,” explained Mr Strawson.

“The driver tips into the intake and then reverses into the bay and can then

The Spark Pro colour sorter has proved to be a good investment

rectly into the lorry and is ready to go.”

The existing Skandia Elevator grain handling equipment has been extended to include two belt and bucket elevators and one chain and flight conveyor to transport grain to and from the VibroMAX and the spark Pro.

“We can remotely access the plant’s control panel from the office and see exactly what is happening, control the route we want the grain to take and make any necessary tweaks,” said Mr Strawson.

Expertise

The McArthur BDC team and the Spark Pro colour sorter at LAMMA

“Drawing on the expertise of the McArthur BDC team means we can add real value to our own crop by fine cleaning, separating and colour sorting on farm.”

With the capacity of processing grain at up to 50tph, and having obtained TASCC assurance, Waterton Hall Farm now offers contract grain processing services to both farmers and grain merchants, through its new enterprise WHF Clean Grain.

“I can’t overestimate the importance of working with a supplier of grain processing solutions, which is much more than just a supplier,” said Mr Strawson.

“The knowledge of the McArthur BDC team and their experience was invaluable in ensuring we were able to install the equipment that met our individual requirements.”

For full details about the grain processing service, please visit www.whfcleangrain.co.uk

Livestock

Sheep carcase rules come into force

• More transparent supply chain

• Welcome from industry leaders

• Easier deadweight comparison

Sheep industry leaders have welcomed new rules that all sides hope will mean fairer prices for lamb producers.

Government rules mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases came into force last month – bringing the lamb sector in line with beef and pork. They aim to ensure farmers are paid more fairly for their livestock at slaughter.

The government brought in the rules following extensive consultation with the industry to establish a consistent and transparent system, giving producers clear information on how animals are assessed and priced at slaughter.

Farm minister Angela Eagle said standardising classification would help farmers respond more effectively to market demand and better understand the characteristics that attract premium prices – supporting a more resilient sector.

More clarity

“British lamb is rightly recognised worldwide for its exceptional flavour and production standards – and supply chain fairness is vital to ensure farmers and processors are proper-

“ Supply chain fairness is vital

ly rewarded for the quality food they produce.”

National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker described the move as a useful helpful step to simplify and give more clarity to sheep farmers over deadweight price comparisons between processors.

“It also means that for all but the smallest abattoirs we will now see sheep carcase grading come under the control of the Rural Payments Agency, bringing us in line with cattle grading.”

These improvements would build trust through the supply chain. “Farmers selling live through marts won’t be directly affected and we are in a better place with choices and greater transparency in how we choose to sell our lambs.”

Less confusion

The new pricing mechanism caters for two cutting specifications – domestic retailer and export – and uses a coefficient to standardise the price. This will help reduce confusion over carcase values cut to different trim specifications.

NSA policy manager Michael Priestley said: “Moving from a voluntary to a regulated, standardised approach will demystify the lamb market for many.”

Industry leaders say the carcase rules will mean fairer prices

The regulations came into effect in England on 12 January. A new regime for Welsh abattoirs followed on 28 January.

HEALTH PIG & POULTRY

Scanners help farmers spot fertility issues

Sheep pregnancy scanners are being asked to share fertility information – and encourage farmers to speak to their vet if scanning results are lower than expected.

Sheep Veterinary Society president Phillipa Page said pregnancy scanners were uniquely placed to flag potential issues early – and concerns around bluetongue meant early conversations mattered more than ever.

“Pregnancy scanning can reveal fertility problems before they’re obvious day-to-day on farm,” she said. “Higher barren rates, or an unusual shift towards singles, can be early indicators of an underlying issue.”

Big impact

Dr Page added: “Bluetongue serotype 3 is presenting a real challenge and, in cattle herds, we’ve seen substantial impacts on fertility. We need more evidence to understand what this could mean for sheep flocks.

“If farmers raise concerns early, vets can support them sooner and we can build a clearer picture of how significant bluetongue-related fertility impacts may be ahead of the next lambing season.”

The Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W)’s Bluetongue Working Group is producing resources specifically for sheep scanners to use to support confident, useful conversations on farm this season.

These materials are designed to help scanners understand what high barren rates might indicate, highlight common causes and support consistent messaging and mythbusting during a busy scanning period.

“Scanning is a high-pressure time,” Dr Page added. “Sometimes the explanation can be something as simple as poor ewe body condition, including the knock-on effects from last summer’s drought.”

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Lungworm threat puts focus on preturnout protection

More infections found in UK cattle

Rising infection rates in cattle are prompting a reassessment of lungworm control ahead of turnout this season.

The warning comes as lungworm –once largely confined to youngstock – is now being reported more widely across age groups, raising the stakes for herd health and productivity.

New research pointing to the reduced efficacy of macrocyclic lactones has intensified scrutiny of current parasite strategies – particularly in grazing systems that rely heavily on routine treatments.

There is also growing evidence of resistance to commonly used wormers. Macrocyclic lactones – includ

The scale of change is significant, says Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health.

“There’s been a tenfold increase in lungworm infections since the mid1990s – particularly in Scotland and northern England,” she says.

Economic case

Cases of parasitic pneumonia diagnosed and reported to the GB Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Network rose by 100% across the UK from between 2018 and 2024, says Dr Baxter-Smith.

Incidents are increasingly seen in adult cattle – not just first- or second-season grazers. Lungworm studies and reduce the animal’s ability to develop natural immunity.

“Vaccination, however, stimulates immunity through controlled exposure to irradiated larvae, offering long-lasting protection without driving resistance.”

The financial logic is clear. “Outbreaks can cost £50–£100 per affected animal, and up to £3 per head per day in lost milk yield in dairy cows, which is far more costly than vaccinating.”

Farmers are advised to review risk with their vet. “Every farm is different,” says Dr Baxter-Smith. “A vaccination plan tailored to your farm can help safeguard herd health, reduce financial losses, and protect the efficacy of the wormers we still have.”

Have your say on castration and tail-docking

text and system,” he said.

The NSA supports farmers questioning whether procedures are always necessary. But Mr Priestley says regulation risks becoming inflexible. “There is a risk that legislation can, through no fault of anyone’s, be a blunt instrument.”

“The big questions sheep farmers can ask is whether either process is necessary, what is needed up to seven days of age, and what will work beyond seven days of age in terms of managing pain and improving welfare.”

The consultation closes on 9 March. For details, visit bit.ly/lambdocking

Misuse of antibiotics lifts costs and resistance risks

• Higher disease prevalence

• Antibiotics widely misused

• Prevention better than cure

Sheep farmers may be incurring avoidable costs and adding to antibiotic resistance by inappropriately treating viral disease.

Antibiotics are still being used as a routine response to orf – a common viral disease that affects productivity and labour – despite having no effect on the virus itself, suggests a study.

Some 65% of farmers use topical antibiotic sprays to treat orf, according to a survey by the Royal Veterinary College and NoBACZ Healthcare. But this approach delivers little benefit while increasing on-farm costs, time pressures and resistance risk.

Treatment habits

One in four admitted using injectable antibiotics, even though these are not recommended unless secondary infection is present. By contrast, pain relief was used by 34% of farmers and rock salt licks by 14%.

Orf remains widespread. The disease had been seen on 73% of farms in the past year, with naturally reared lambs most affected. Half of respondents reported cases in ewes, while 11% saw infections in rams. A third of farmers contracted orf themselves.

Despite this prevalence, uptake of vaccination remains low. Only 23% of farmers surveyed were using the licensed vaccine, even though industry guidance recommends vaccination where orf is already present.

Survey will help shape antibiotic standards

The impact on flocks is huge “

Economic impact

The study found a median cost of £5 per affected lamb, driven by treatment time, medicine costs and mastitis in ewes. Poor treatment choices are adding to losses, explains study author and veterinary surgeon David Charles.

“The impact of orf on flocks is huge, and little has been done to assess treatment approaches or the economic impact of orf for over a decade,” he says. “Antibiotics are often not an appropriate choice for the management of orf.”

Clearer guidance and wider adoption of preventative tools could cut costs while supporting responsible antibiotic use across the sector. Proven antibiotic-free alternatives are a more responsible first choice, says Mr Charles.

Gel alternative

Ambugreen from NoBACZ Healthcare is one such alternative. It uses a long-lasting and durable gel to provide a physical and microbial barrier to prevent the passage of microbes, allowing for natural healing underneath.

One Welsh sheep farmer, Eleri Williams, said changing approach during lambing last year reduced losses. “In the past we would typically use antibiotic spray,” she says, adding that infection often persisted and lambs could deteriorate quickly.

Right

Ambugreen in action: "Recovery times are much quicker"

AAfter switching to the gel-based barrier treatment, Ms Williams reported fewer cases and faster recovery. “Recovery times were also much quicker, with some lambs only requiring a single treatment.”

new survey is seeking views from across the UK ruminant sector on the best ways to demonstrate responsible antibiotic use.

The exercise is the first stage of a roadmap to improve how antibiotic stewardship is measured and evidenced in cattle and sheep systems. Its aim is to support animal health and welfare while remaining practical for farms and vets.

Filling the gaps

Organisers say the survey will help identify what antibiotic use data already exists, where gaps remain, and how reporting can deliver clearer value at both farm and national level. Findings will be combined with workshops

and a summit event to develop a practical plan for change, explained Mark Jelley, who chairs of the Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group.

“Farmers are already required to record their purchase and use of veterinary medicines but turning this requirement into evidence of responsible use while also being confident that data is being used responsibly is challenging,” he said.

“Other food producing species in the UK can demonstrate their medicine use with confidence and many competitor nations are now legislating for this data collection too — the ruminant sector is at risk of being left behind.”

The survey closes on 28 February. For full details, visit bit.ly/antibiotic-roadmap

Scanning results: what they mean

and how to use them

It’s easy to glance at lambing percentages and think: “Well, there's nothing I can do about these now.”

But the real value of scanning lies not in the numbers themselves, but in what they enable us to do between scanning and lambing, writes Nerys Wright.

Scanning figures provide a snapshot of how the flock performed at tupping and, crucially, shape latepregnancy nutrition.

Used well, they help improve ewe condition, reduce feed costs, and ultimately boost lamb survival.

This year’s results are hugely variable across the country. And very high scanning percentages aren’t always a blessing. The thought of managing large numbers of triplets and the occasional quad is enough to make anyone wince.

Outcomes

Scanning outcomes are influenced by many factors: ewe condition last summer, body condition at tupping, post-tupping weather,

breed, ram performance, and any disease challenges affecting fertility.

Because of this, there is no universal “target” scanning percentage. When assessing what “good” looks like for a specific flock, I consider ewe condition, historic performance, flock age structure (ewe lambs and shearlings) and breed.

When I receive results, the first figure I look at is the number of empty ewes. In mature ewes, less than 3% empty is the ideal benchmark, alongside a target of more than 80% of ewe lambs inlamb.

Although disappointing, barren ewes offer an opportunity: removing them early reduces pressure on forage resources – and selling them before lambing is often economically sensible.

Questions

It also prompts important questions about the cause –age, condition, disease, or ram issues –helping avoid

MINIMAL DUST BEDDING

repeat losses next season. Next, I examine the balance of singles, twins, and triplets – and hopefully very few quads.

While two lambs per ewe is the sweet spot, a mix of singles and triplets can be workable if there are enough singles to foster triplet lambs onto, reducing the number of orphans and ewes rearing three.

Singles need enough energy to avoid oversized lambs; twins require a rising nutritional plane for foetal growth and colostrum; tripletbearing ewes benefit from consistent highquality forage and close monitoring.

Whatever the split, the priority now is grouping ewes correctly and feeding them according to litter size. In short, scanning isn’t the end of the story – it’s the starting point for making management decisions for a successful lambing season.

The Sheep Geeks podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.

Animal welfare strategy targets pig sector

Defra wants to end farrowing crates

Plans to ban farrowing crates and the use of high-concentration carbon dioxide to stun pigs before slaughter have been confirmed by the government.

The decisions are set out in the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy –which Defra says represents the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation. It says current practice has not kept pace with the latest evidence.

Moving away from confinement systems such as the use of pig farrowing crates will improve welfare for farmed animals, says the government. An industry consultation on the issue is expected later this year.

Flexible farrowing accounts for 8% of the indoor sow herd

Defra says it will work with the industry to explore how to “transition away” from the use of farrowing crates to alternative systems. These could include either flexible farrowing or free farrowing, suggests the strategy.

“ We want to work with the sector

Flexible farrowing is where the sow is confined for the crucial few days around farrowing. It currently accounts for about 8% of the indoor sow herd, which Defra says means

Avian vet joins poultry technical team

Specialist avian vet Tom Dutton has joined Elanco Animal Health as an additional technical consultant for poultry.

Dr Dutton has spent more than 13 years' experience working in the sector, predominantly treating pet and zoo-owned birds. But he also spending some time working with commercial poultry.

“I went down the specialist avian vet route because I’ve always been interested in birds, mainly due to being involved in falconry from a young age,” says Dr Dutton,

who will work alongside Joshua Davison.

“The poultry sector is really dynamic, progressive and self-sufficient, and the people involved in it all want the best for the industry,” says Dr Dutton. “In my role, I’ll provide technical support to vets and producers, including training support.”

“A big part of what we’re trying to do is improving intestinal integrity which in turn supports bird health and welfare and providing added value services with our technical support and advice.”

92% of indoor herds use farrowing crates. Free farrowing is where there is no confinement during farrowing or lactation.

“We want to work with the sector to move all sows out of farrowing crates over a sustainable transition period,” says the strategy.

“Removing the use of intensive confinement systems is an essential component of the government’s plan to ensure all farmed animals have a life worth living, and that as many animals as possible have a good life.”

Caution urged

Animal welfare campaigners have welcomed the decision. But industry leaders have urged caution. The National Pig Association (NPA) said a sensible timeframe would be needed towards flexible farrowing.

Early adopters of flexible farrowing must not be penalised if their systems differ from any future legislative specifications, said NPA chief policy adviser Katie Jarvis.

The decision to ban high concentration carbon dioxide follows a report by the government’s independent Animal Welfare Committee which examined potential alternative stunning methods.

Published last October, the AWC report says: “Exposure to high concentrations of CO2 in commercial systems causes pigs to suffer pain, respiratory distress and fear as demonstrated through escape behaviour, gasping and vocalisation.”

The AWC says inert gases are significantly less aversive to pigs than carbon dioxide. “Argon is the most suitable alternative for commercial use, at this time, taking all factors into consideration,” it says.

The NPA says any new approach must be commercially viable to ensure uptake, to ensure meat quality and to prevent any unintended consequences such as slowing throughput capacity, which could cause its own welfare problems.

LAMMA 2026 Review

Biggest attendance ever for LAMMA 2026 event

• Crowds flock to two-day show

• Focus fi rmly on farm efficiency

• Range of machinery launches

More than 45,000 people and over 800 exhibitors attended last month’s LAMMA event –the highest attendance in the show’s 44-year history, say organisers

A wide range of machinery launches and live demonstrations took place over the two-day event – held on 1415 January at the NEC Birmingham. New features included a Dairy & Beef Hub, Innovation Trail and the Future in Farming Zone

Next generation

Young people in agriculture were a key focus, including the launch of the 2026 Young British Farming Awards. Now in its third year, the awards celebrate emerging talent and recognise how the next generation is positively shaping British farming.

shortages in the dairy supply chain. Both were well attended by farmers and other industry stakeholders.

ways to make regenerative farming profitable; and how to solve labour

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “If we want profitable, sustainable regenerative farming in this country, we need to get young people involved. They work differently, think

differently and approach challenges in new ways.

Exhibitors included Essex-based HM Trailers, which exhibited a hooklift trailer and halfpipe body, HM336 low loader Trailer on air suspension, composite bowser trailer and a commercial dump trailer.

JF Hudson won a Bronze Innovation Award for its Ullmanna AI Inter Plant Weeder , which uses artifical intelligence to remove weeds by targeting plant roots rather than leaves.

Industry specialists Bishop Jones reported good interest and footfall on its stand – dedicated to helping machinery dealers optimise profitability and optimise their operations.

Award winners

The overall 2026 LAMMA Innovation Award, which recognises excellence on agricultural engineering, was won by Agro-Vital for its Triplex nutrient management system. It fought off stiff competition from seven other Gold Award winners.

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LAMMA 2026 Review

Triplex is an advanced system which mixes soil and sap analysis with farm-specific data to create fully tailored liquid and foliar fertilisers, providing measurable productivity and sustainability benefits.

Agro-Vital managing director and owner Andrew Sincock said: “It's a huge honour – to be recognised here in front of all of our peers is a huge achievement.”

Optimistic exhibitors

Visitors and exhibitors were largely optimistic – despite a challenging 12 months for the sector. Exhibitors reported strong footfall, good conversations and a willingness from farmers and contractors to explore new machinery and technology.

Machinery manufacturers were positive – despite a slump in tractor sales. The Agricultural Engineers Association says new tractor registrations fell to their lowest level since records began last year.

The mood, though, was upbeat.

Neil Macer, marketing manager for Case New Holland said: “LAMMA has been a successful show for CNH this year. With an almost entirely new line-

up of machines on display, the stand was busy throughout the day.”

Interest was strongest in the latest technology, said Mr Macer. “It’s been a valuable opportunity to engage directly with our customers, hear their priorities and challenges, and showcase how our innovations can support efficiency in their businesses.”

For the first time, LAMMA includ-

“It’s the place we all need to start

ed the CropTec event and Low Carbon Agriculture Show. This gave farmers and industry professionals a more connected view of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture.

The Low Carbon Agriculture Theatre hosted a series of discussions about farm fuels alongside a Q&A with Lord Bamford, which explored JCB’s investment in hydrogen technology.

LAMMA 2026 welcomes the next generation

• Young visitors explore modern farming

• Technology showcases hi-tech careers

• Skills pipeline centre stage at LAMMA

City youngsters saw the technology and talent driving farming forwards at LAMMA 2026 –and the career opportunities available in food and agriculture.

They included the inaugural cohort of AgriFuture Scholars – young people taking part in NFU Education’s scholarship programme with the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society.

Farming futureideas

For many, it was their first encounter with farming and the career possibilities on offers. They spent the first day looking at cutting-edge machinery.

On the second day, Year 9 students from local Birmingham secondary schools took part in interactive workshops and guided activities, in collaboration with organisers Agriconnect, and sponsorship from AGCO.

The visits aim to help ensure that every young person – wherever they live and whatever their background –has the chance to discover how food is produced and to see themselves as part of farming’s future.

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos told listeners: “Introducing young people from wide and diverse backgrounds to the agricultural industry is vital for its future sustainability.

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Youngsters are vital to our future

schools or scholars on our AgriFuture programme, giving them the chance to see modern farming up close helps bridge the disconnect so many feel from where their food comes from.

“Our hope is that these experiences spark ambition and show young people that farming is a dynamic, rewarding and essential industry – one that needs their talent, their ideas and their passion for the future.”

Agriconnect marketing manager Sophie Jackson-Holgate said: "We’re proud to be hosting NFU education students and scholars at LAMMA 2026 as part of the Future in Farming Zone, giving young people direct access to the industry.

Career pathways

“Many young people are unaware of the wide range of career pathways within the agriculture industry, making this a valuable opportunity to showcase the sector’s innovation and technology.

Machine of the Year: Big win for JCB

achinery giant JCB scooped the Machine of the Year award at the 2026 LAMMA show, held on 14-15 January at the NEC Birmingham.

Judges chose JCB’s all new Fastrac 6000 Series tractor above a host of new agricultural machines launched at the event. The award was presented to the JCB Agriculture team who were attending the two-day show.

JCB Agriculture managing director John Smith said: “We are delighted to be the recipient of this award, an accolade that underscores our passion for innovation in pursuit of performance, cost-efficiency and productivity from all the agricultural machines we manufacture.”

The new 284hp Fastrac 6260 and 335hp 6300 agricultural tractors expand the iconic highspeed Fastrac range and introduce numerous new features, including the ability to quickly change tyre pressures.

This is done using the iCON touch-screen control and settings display in the cab to optimise tyre performance for field work and road travel. A new high-precision guidance system helps operators achieve accurate field work with maximum productivity.

Mr Smith said: “The new Fastrac sets the highest standards for braking performance with large air-operated external disc brakes and anti-skid ABS to prevent the wheels locking up under heavy braking in low grip situations.”

The LAMMA award follows JCB’s Tractor

“By connecting students with farmers, manufacturers and industry leaders in this environment, we’re aiming to help them see the breadth of opportunities available and inspiring the next generation to build rewarding careers in agriculture."

Technology

AGCO demonstrated some of the technology, diagnostic tools and fault-finding processes its dealer technicians use every day to identify and resolve electrical issues in modern agricultural machinery.

Ash Briggs from AGCO, which runs its own NexTech Programme, said: “We firmly believe that inspiring interest in agricultural engineering at an early stage is essential to securing the long-term future of our industry."

Next year's LAMMA event will be held on 20-21 January 2027

Merlo marks 45 year anniversary by showcasing original telehandler

Alandmark moment in agricultural engi neering was revisited at LAMMA as Mer lo marked its 45th anniversary by show casing its original SM30 telehandler.

The company displayed the original SM30 alongside its latest Turbofarmer models, draw ing a direct line between the Italian company’s early innovation and modern telehandler design.

Paris 1981

The original SM30 was unveiled at the Paris Ag ricultural Show in 1981, introducing a new cat egory for Merlo. It combined lifting, reach and manoeuvrability in a single unit, replacing the need for multiple pieces of equipment.

Permanent four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and equal-sized wheels delivered traction and control that rough-terrain forklifts lacked. A hydrostatic transmission improved precision, while the telescopic boom extended reach and flexibility.

Despite being launched more than four decades ago, the SM30 continues to shape Merlo approach today’s farm equipment market.

The SM30 also reflected a different approach to design by Merlo. Compact dimensions and improved visibility focused on operator safety and efficiency, setting a template for future models.

Later Merlo developments over the years have included the company's Panoramic range, its rotating Roto machines, the popular Turbofarmer and the Multifarmer.

First fully electric ATV woos LAMMA crowds

Can-Am wooed the crowds by showcasing its first fully electric T-homologated ATV at last month’s LAMMA event.

The new ATV has been designed by BRP’s R&D team to combine the ability to easily and efficiently handle the demands of utility users and the multitude of terrains they work across with a quiet emission-free operation.

The Outlander Electric is powered by Rotax’s E-Power powerpack, which is the same as the one that powers BRP’s electric motorcycles and snowmobiles, delivering 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque and up to 80 km (50 miles) of range in optimal conditions.

It features instant throttle response, selectable ride modes (Normal, Sport, Work) and charges from 20 to 80 per cent in just 50 minutes using a Level 2 charger, so there is less down time for the machine.

Towing

In addition, it has the Can-Am DNA on full display with 830kg of towing capacity as well as the same carrying capacities of the Outlander HD5 and Outlander HD7, which are 55kg on the front and 109kg on the rear.

It also has the ability to be customised to handle numerous jobs with the

Busy time for spare parts supplier

Abusy Kramp stand took centre stage at LAMMA 2026 as a hub for its network of suppliers and Kramp-branded spare parts and products.

“This year’s LAMMA follows a record event for Kramp last year,” says Leo Copping, field sales manager for Kramp. “The stand was buzzing with farmers and dealers for the two days.”

Visitors to the stand were able to see the range of spare parts and accessories available at a typical dealer stocking the Kramp range. Proceeds were added to the company’s Cultivate a Generation grant fund.

LAMMA 2026 took place only a few months after Kramp’s acquisition of the Vapormatic brand and product

help of more than 120 accessories, which include the new LinQLite accessories, auxiliary lights with the new 10” LED bar and a complete cargo offering, to name but a few.

Can-Am’s other ATVs were headlined by the new Outlander 6x6 700 DPS T, the next evolution of the 6x6 range of ATVs. It comes with a com-

The Outlander Electric ATV has up to 50 miles of range

pletely new chassis with a 830kg capacity for towing and a 454kg capacity for its cargo bed.

It also comes with power steering as standard and the selectable 4x6 and 6x6 options enable it to easily tackle a multitude of terrains. A fhandlebar speed limiter has a programmed minimum speed of 8km per hour.

for visitors wanting to ask the team any questions about the acquisition.

Elsewhere on Kramp’s LAMMA stand, visitors were once again able to purchase clothing, Rossi boots, and Bruder toys. Last year’s hugely popular Knipex counter was also to be seen selling its tools on the stand.

A special business zone provided seating, meeting facilities and re-

stand was busy throughout the show

work. This area also featured a Kramp Workshop Solutions display. Brands such as Knipex, WD40, Rossi and Loctite were all well represented.

Farmers and dealers had the opportunity to win £3,500 of workshop racking. And a special area was dedicated to Kramp’s non-OEM private label range featuring hand tools, sprays, paint, lighting and its own label PTOs.

New body pledges stronger voice for UK agriculture

• Goal to strengthen farm influence

• Professional standards put forward

• Chartered status ambition outlined

Anew professional body bringing together farm management and consultancy experts aims give the sector a stronger voice at a time of huge economic and policy change.

Launched last month, the Society of Agriculture (SocAg) brings together the Institute of Agricultural Management and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants. It plans to help the sector adapt to volatility, regulation and environmental demands.

The new body combines expertise from farming, consultancy, rural business and environmental management, with the aim of improving standards, coordination and influence across the industry.

SocAg chairman Simon Britton said: “UK agriculture is operating in a period of profound transition. These challenges are interconnected and strategic in nature. They demand more than technical competence alone.”

SocAg argues that agriculture

must be recognised alongside other professions that shape economic and environmental outcomes. The organ isation will introduce a structured membership framework and formal continuing professional development.

The society’s stated aim is to pursue chartered status for agricultural consultancy and management.

Formal recognition

“Professions such as accountancy, surveying and environmental management have long benefited from the credibility and trust that chartership provides. Agriculture deserves the same formal recognition.”

Supporters believe a unified professional body will strengthen agriculture’s standing with government, industry and the public, while providing clearer career pathways for advisers and managers.

Mr Britton says SocAg will builds on the legacy of its founding organisations to create what it describes as a modern professional home for the

Our aim is to pursue chartered status “

land-based industries – with food production agriculture at its core.

“Agriculture has always been rooted in skill, stewardship and innovation,” Mr Britton said. “With the launch of SocAg, it will also be a profession defined by unity, visibility and confidence.”

The Institute of Agricultural Management marked its 60th anniversary last year. Since it was formed in 1965, it has served as a key catalyst for the development of the use of science and professional skill in agriculture.

The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants was regarded as the main professional home for independent farm advisers, particularly those advising on whole-farm business strategy rather than single inputs or products.

Students graduate from Harper Adams auctioneering course

Seven students have graduated and received their Certificate of Higher Education in Livestock Operations and Management.

The four-year programme aims to equip practising livestock auctioneers with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing agricultural landscape – including a strategic approach to their profession.

The course was developed by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and Harper Adams University. Now in its 15th year, the latest course

concluded with a graduation ceremony on Monday, 5 January.

Harper Adams lecturer Mark Simcock said the course had evolved over the years to reflect the impact of post-Brexit changes to farm support and their impact on the wider industry and livestock markets.

Four graduates from England included Zanna Dennis (LAA and Bentham Auction Mart); Lloyd Humphreys and Tom Pritchard (both from McCartneys); and Jack Walton (Hexham and Northern Marts).

How will you respond to drought in 2026?

Everyone needs to better manage the way we use water – including farmers.

Melvyn Kay explains why

Last year I was asking whether there was ever an ideal time to talk about water for agriculture. After last summer’s drought – and the impact on yields – means that question has been firmly answered.

Restrictions in several catchments means water availability is now a central business risk for many farms – and not just across eastern England. The question farmers are rightly asking is simple: Will there be a drought in 2026?

There is no straightforward answer. The Environment Agency has made it clear that drought-risk remains high without at least long-term average winter rainfall. Under those conditions, most on-farm irrigation reservoirs should refill.

But returning rivers to normal levels would require above-average rainfall, while chalk aquifers – so critical to water supply in eastern England – need around 120% of long-term average rainfall to recover fully.

Against this backdrop, the Met Office forecast suggests a 30% chance of a dry winter, which offers little reassurance.

Water policy

At the same time, farmers are facing a growing volume of reports, consultations and reviews related to water, climate and land management. Keeping track of these can be time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming.

But it is, of course, important that agriculture remains engaged. A lack of response can easily be interpreted as a lack of interest, at precisely the moment when water policy is being reshaped.

A steady stream of recent policy reports have addressed water for agriculture. The recent Farming Profitability Review was not specifically about water, but it included a highly relevant proposal for a ‘one-stopshop’ dashboard for business advice, grants, schemes and knowledge exchange.

Water for agriculture is currently spread across multiple agencies, plans and funding streams. Bringing these together in one place would improve clarity and access for farmers.

Assessment

Meanwhile, the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is undertaking a wide-ranging assessment of drought preparedness in the context of climate change.

Agriculture features strongly, with evi dence from the NFU and regional abstractor groups in Norfolk and Suffolk. Taken togeth er, this evidence amounts to a masterclass in the practical realities of managing irriga tion under increasing water stress.

Importantly, the conversation is not all bad news. Pressure on water resources will continue to increase, but new thinking is emerging. With limited scope for develop ing entirely new water sources, the focus is towards making better use of the water we already have.

This theme will underpin the UK Irriga tion Association conference in March.

While the case for building more on-farm reservoirs remains strong, significant ad vances in electronic sensors, telemetry and artificial intelligence are now transforming how water is managed.

Smart farming

Farmers can increasingly monitor soil moisture, crop demand, and water flows in near-real time, allowing irrigation to be applied when crops need it, rather than when water is available.

Precision irrigation, smart farming systems and managed aquifer recharge are moving from theory into practice. Equally important are new management approaches. Collaboration between farmers is becoming essential.

Water Abstractor Groups provide a practical mechanism for sharing knowledge, coordinating abstraction and engaging more effectively with regional water planners.

Linking these groups with Regional Water Resource Groups helps ensure that agriculture is properly represented within longterm water resource planning, rather than treated as an afterthought.

White Paper

At the policy level, a government White Paper on water resources is expected to be informed by the independent Cunliffe Water Commission. This signals renewed attention to long-term water planning and raises an important question: how can farming secure a meaningful seat at the table as decisions are made?

Increasingly, the emphasis is on thinking about water as part of a whole farming and regional system, rather than as a standalone issue.

ening climate resilience, supporting nature recovery and sustaining profitable local food production. In practical terms, this means farmers working together, sharing data and infrastructure, and engaging more effectively with regional water planning.

In lowlying areas of the region, such as the Fens, this joined-up approach is being tested, with farmers collaborating through transition projects supported by Water Resources East to explore how existing water resources can be managed more flexibly and efficiently to benefit both farming and the wider environment.

As the risk of drought becomes a recurring feature rather than an occasional shock, the challenge for agriculture is clear. Preparing for 2026 – and beyond – will require not only infrastructure, but better data, stronger collaboration and a more integrated approach to water management.

Melvyn Kay is executive secretary of the UK Irrigation Association. For details, visit www.ukia.org

Getting the best from available water resources

UK Irrigation Association Conference 4 March, Peterborough www.ukia.org

Farmland values remain firm – despite year of flux

• Average values soften over year

• Prices remain strong despite dip

• Best-located farms still popular

Farms and estates generally continue to hold their appeal, despite the challenges facing agriculture and the wider economy over the past 12 months.

Buyers of farmland took a measured approach in 2025, suggests an analysis of Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database. Updated on a rolling basis using sold prices, it aims to give the most accurate picture of actual market conditions possible.

The database shows the price of arable farmland in England averaged £11,000/acre in 2025, which is 2% lower than in 2024. Pasture averaged £8,600/acre – about 4% down on the previous year.

But both values remain strong by historical standards, says Sam Holt, who leads the land agent’s estates and farm agency. Arable values are 18% higher than five years ago and pasture values 15% higher.

Average values

“Our data – which is based on sold prices for farms or blocks of land bigger than 100 acres – highlights that average values have softened over the past year, but by less than anticipated,” says Mr Holt.

“When we ran the figures at the end of September, the drop in values was more significant, but the year ended strongly, which lifted average values.”

Given it is taking longer for farms to sell than it used to – with uncertain-

The year ended strongly, which lifted values “

ty also dampening activity ahead of last Autumn’s Budget – a significant number of deals did not go under offer or exchange until late in the year.

“While average prices remain high, it is important to note there can be a wide variation in the prices paid across both arable and pasture,” says Mr Holt.

Popular areas

“Demand is softer than the 2021/22 peak and so while the best-located farms are still drawing competition and achieving very good prices, other farms and estates are taking longer to find the right buyer.

Exceptional prices are still paid for some arable ground.

“In some instances, we have seen some sizeable blocks of land achieving nearly double the average at over £20,000/acre – and almost 70% of arable land is selling for £10,000/acre or more.

Some less popular areas have seen prices fall back slightly with sales split into lots to engage the widest possible pool of buyers. Demand is typically strongest for strategic land, cereal and dairy farms, with hill ground slower to sell.

Supply was down on 2024 levels, but at 92,000 acres was 13% ahead of the five-year average, says Mr Holt. But the market appears to be more certain and requests for viewings have picked up since the New Year.

Inheritance tax

The government’s widely-welcomed partial climbdown on inheritance

New head of farming at Strutt & Parker

Land agents and farm business advisors Strutt & Parker have appointed Natalie Gaibani as the firm’s new head of farming.

Ms Gaibani joins Strutt & Parker from Promar International where she was head of the Farm Business Survey team and interim managing director. She was previously chief operating officer at Farley Farms and estate in Berkshire.

Strutt & Parker head of rural Kate Moisson said: “Natalie’s experience across both hands-on farming and agri-consulting makes her exceptionally well-placed to lead our farm consultancy team.”

Ms Gaibani said she hoped to bring clients a nuanced, practical perspective, giving them clarity and confidence – especially with the industry undergoing significant structural and generational change.

“My experience with Farm Business Survey data, drawn from farms of all types and sizes, has given me a strong sense of what is working across the sector and what isn’t. I look forward to helping clients identify the best options for their future.”

dence, alongside lower interest rates, says Mr Holt.

“That said, our experience suggests the IHT reforms have had less immediate impact on transactions than perhaps some had anticipated. Demand from non-farmer buyers has remained relatively stable, while a core of expansion-minded farmers has continued to drive market activity.”

Farmers accounted for more than half of all purchases in England in 2025. But while investor buyers buy fewer farms, they do buy more acres than farmers, as they tend to acquire the larger farms.

Supply was constrained in the second half of 2025, with some vendors not marketing farms until after the Budget. While this may result in an increase in land coming to the market in Spring 2026, Mr Holt doesn’t anticipate a significant surge in supply.

“Our expectation is that the volume of land available will remain consistent with current supply levels. If this is matched by a continued improvement in buyer confidence, it is possi-

AF DIRECTORY

FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Farming needs better policies

A coherent vision is needed to secure a better future for growers and livestock producers, says Fen Tiger

Everyone has a right to change their mind – even this muddled up Labour government. But the reason for doing so should be meaningful, rather than an attempt to win votes or generate popularity.

Labour’s partial pre-Christmas climbdown on its disastrous decision to impose inheritance tax on farming families was a good start. But it only goes some way to easing the pain – and more must be done.

Threshold

Yes, increasing the £1m inheritance tax threshold to £2.5m will be enough for many families. But it does nothing to help others who still face the prospect of having to sell their farm on the death of a family member.

Of course, the government insists it is listening to farmers. Married couples will now benefit from £5m in tax relief, it adds. After that, inheritance tax will 50% of the standard rate and any monies due can be paid over a longer period, interest-free.

Farming is a costly business “

It all sounds a positive step to help farmers. But I firmly belief that it falls a long way short to the sort of deal needed for most agricultural business – particularly once all assets are valued, including machinery.

Farming is a costly business and it doesn’t take long to reach £1m when counting up the cost of machinery. It isn’t just farmers who will suffer either. Any business due to the withdrawal of business and agricultural property relief will suffer.

Regulation

It might be a backtrack but it seems Labour has other farming and rural issues in its sights too. Changes in animal welfare regulations could see farmers being under-cut by foreign competition.

All forms of livestock are affected. Beef and sheep farmers especially face changes to management practices and possible reforms on transporting livestock. The reforms claim to put animal welfare first, but they shouldn’t penalise farmers in the process.

Castration and tail docking feature high on the government list. But not doing either is worse. Castration is an important practice that prevents unwanted pregnancies. Tail-docking prevents infection.

Pigs and chickens are covered by the new regulations – and it is no surprise to see bans on cage production being mentioned for chickens and a ban on farrowing crates for pigs. It’s just a shame these bans aren’t in place elsewhere in the world.

The promise to phase-out such practices means UK producers will find it harder to sell good quality food here in the UK. Why? Because cheaper food items produced using methods that would be illegal here will still come flooding into the country.

Arguments persist over food labels as country of origin does not communicate to shoppers the animal welfare standards. The NFU has long argued for better labels that are clear and easy for consumers to understand.

But how does one define what they should say? The question of being produced in the UK can be misleading. Sometimes meat is imported into the UK only to be packaged here and labelled accordingly.

Food inflation

It has been suggested that high food inflation means many consumers still buy on price rather than country of origin or indeed welfare considerations. Maybe we should launch another campaign for the government to change its mind on that.

After all, months of NFU have already seen the government give some ground as farmers try to get things changed. After a lifetime of non-support for the NFU, maybe it’s time for me to rejoin and help steer the union in the right direction.

What direction that is, who knows? It will still be a tough year for farming – and the government should be wary of underestimating our determination. Maybe we should adopt some French farming tactics.