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September 2026

Midland

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Woodland management: Wildfires spark demand for clearing machines

News Farm leaders seek drought crisis loans Arable How to overcome harvest challenges Crop establishment What to drill – and when – this autumn Water Reservoirs vital for food security Professional Services Farmland market remains steady Clodhopper When bigger isn’t always better

Getting the right balance: Hill sheep and environment

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Midland Farmer

OPINION Johann Tasker

EDITORIAL Editor: Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

Design: Mark Shreeve | T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

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Food security needs more than crisis management

here is something uncomfortable about describing the weather as unprecedented when farmers are increasingly accustomed to breaking records. This year’s wheat harvest has averaged 6.7t/ ha, against a 10-year average of 7.9t/ha. Spring barley has suffered more. Overall cereals and oilseeds production could fall to 19.5m tonnes, potentially making this the smallest crop on record. For individual businesses, these are not abstract statistics. Lower yields mean lower incomes. Poor grass growth means buying in feed. Bluetongue means replacing livestock. Higher fertiliser and fuel prices add another turn of the screw. Emergency loans

Midland Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the Midlands (Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) or companies supplying goods and services to the sector. 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. If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, please email your name, address and postcode as it appears on the wrapper to gemma.mathers@micropress.co.uk © Countrywide Publications 2026 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd T: 01502 725800

No wonder industry leaders are asking the government to support interest-free crisis loans to farmers. Whether the government agrees to the proposal remains to be seen. But there is merit in the idea. Fundamentally sound businesses should not be allowed to fail because an extraordinary combination of weather, disease and costs leaves them temporarily short of working capital. But loans only treat the symptoms. The bigger challenge is to make farming less vulnerable in the first place. In a year of drought and

Contents

repeated heatwaves, access to water is an obvious starting point. The government has recognised this with £15m towards on-farm reservoirs. The UK does not simply have a shortage of water – it has a shortage of infrastructure to capture water when it is plentiful and make it available when it is scarce. Long-term plan

But £15m is not cash now. And industry leaders rightly point out that it will finance only a fraction of what is required. Planning restrictions, abstraction licences and regulatory delays remain formidable obstacles. Meanwhile, banks are already reporting increased demand for overdrafts, repayment holidays and other working-capital support. Resilience must increasingly influence investment decisions alongside productivity and profitability. The lesson from 2026 must be bigger than another drought package. Emergency support will help businesses survive this autumn. But the real test is whether we use this crisis to build a farming sector better able to withstand the next one. Johann Tasker Editor

Vol 15 • No 9 • September 2026

News .................................................................... 4 Arable ...................................................................7 Crop Establishment .................................... 17 Water ................................................................. 27

Forestry ............................................................ 35 Livestock ...........................................................41 Professional Services ................................. 47 Clodhopper .................................................... 50

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 3

News Farm groups seek crisis loans as drought hits cashflow • Interest-free loan plan for farmers • Drought wipes £370m from wheat • Bluetongue adds to farm pressure

arm leaders are pressing the government to underwrite interest-free crisis loans as drought, disease and rising costs leave businesses short of the cash needed to plant crops and replace livestock. The proposed Keep Britain Growing Loan would target viable businesses hit by exceptional losses. Farm organisations say urgent support is needed to protect working capital and prevent this year’s difficulties cutting food production in 2027. NFU analysis puts the indicative gross production value lost from this year’s wheat crop at about £370m. Poor grass growth has created a potential forage shortfall of 196,300 tonnes of dry matter, with replacement feed potentially costing livestock farmers an additional £34m.

Mounting costs Higher fertiliser and fuel bills have added to the squeeze. The NFU estimates that higher nitrogen prices have increased the industry’s annual fertiliser bill by about £303m. Red diesel costs have risen by about £200m. “We’re hearing daily about the cashflow crisis facing farmers,” said NFU president Tom Bradshaw. Mr Bradshaw cited a Buckinghamshire grower whose harvest income was £220,000 below normal and a Dorset dairy farmer spending an additional £500 a day on fodder. “The balance sheets are not adding up,” he said. Banking route The Tenant Farmers Association has backed the loan proposal. It argues that using existing banking relationships could get money into businesses faster than establishing a new administrative system. 4 MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026

Government backing through the British Business Bank could unlock finance while keeping the cost to taxpayers lower, the TFA said. “This is not about propping up businesses that were already unviable,” said TFA chief executive George Dunn. “It is about preventing temporary but extreme cash-flow shocks from destroying productive farm businesses, livelihoods and food-producing capacity.”

Wider reform The industry is also seeking government help with the cost of collecting and disposing of livestock killed by bluetongue.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw: Drought threatens food production

“

The balance sheets are not adding up

But the TFA warned that emergency lending alone would not resolve underlying problems. It wants action on supply-chain fairness, trade, regulation, payments for public goods, planning and agricultural tenancies. “An interest-free crisis loan should be one piece of a much bigger jigsaw,” said Mr Dunn. The NFU is also calling for easier water transfers during drought, faster reservoir development and greater investment in climate adaptation. Immediate finance must be paired with longer-term reform to make businesses more resilient to increasingly frequent weather, disease and market shocks, it says.

Growers back emergency finance plan Potato growers have backed calls for interest-free crisis loans, warning that drought has increased costs while hitting yields and crop quality. GB Potatoes chair Alex Godfrey joined the NFU roundtable of farming organisations calling for urgent government action to ease pressure on farm businesses. “We support the principle of interest-free Farm Crisis Loans to help otherwise viable businesses withstand exceptional cash-flow pressures,” he said. The 2026 drought has left growers in affected areas facing lower yields, smaller tubers and quality pressures, as well as significantly higher irrigation costs. Mr Godfrey said any loan scheme should avoid

excessive bureaucracy, with repayment terms reflecting agricultural production cycles. But emergency finance could only provide short-term relief. “Crisis loans could help prevent a short-term shock from causing a permanent reduction in British farming’s capacity to produce domestic food – but they are not a substitute for the longterm investment in water storage that the potato industry needs.” GB Potatoes wants clearer planning and abstraction rules so growers can build on-farm reservoirs and capture water. This would enable more water to be stored during drought periods, which Mr Godfrey says are increasingly frequent.

With harvest finished it starts to get exceptionally busy for most drainage contractors.

It is the

optimum time for drainage works to avoid disruption to tilling and seeding, or if later in the season chitting crops. We are just glad to be finished at Cheltenham Racecourse in time for the rush. It is good to get the 15:15 drainer out and running

again. Even better that we still have good weather to drain in, although the ground is like concrete

its slow digging and it taking its tole on the teeth. A recent job we undertook needed a new mains where the outfall had to go through trees meaning a sealed pipe was needed. Even after all these months of dry weather we managed to find water, a lot more than anyone anticipated. It just goes to show how important drainage is, as we keep saying “drainage is an investment and

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Agricultural

6 MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026

Industrial & Construction

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Forestry

Arable

Harvest latest: Losses could reach £390m • Wheat yields fall below average • Farm revenues face £390m hit • Spring barley suffers heavily

ritain is heading for one of its worst harvests on record after drought and repeated heatwaves cut cereal yields and potentially wiped hundreds of millions of pounds from farm revenues. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) estimates that this year’s cereals and oilseeds crop could lose up to 2.5m tonnes compared with forecasts made before the summer. The resulting revenue loss could reach £390m. Latest AHDB figures reinforce the scale of the downturn. Wheat yields are averaging 6.7t/ha, against 7.9t/ha over the past 10 years. Spring barley is averaging just 4.1t/ha, compared with 5.7t/ha.

Yield pressure Wheat harvesting has moved unusually quickly because of the dry weather. Some 85% had been cut by 10 August, making it the fastest wheat harvest for more than 20 years. But performance varies sharply. Individual wheat yields reported to AHDB range from 3.9t/ha to 11.5t/ ha, reflecting differences in soil type,

Drought and repeated heatwaves have sharply reduced cereal yields.

“

I’ve never known it this dry and hot

drilling date, organic fertiliser use, cropping history and variety. Oilseed rape is the exception. Average yields stand at 3.9t/ha, above the 10-year average of 3.3t/ha. The ECIU estimates total cereals and oilseeds production could fall to about 19.5m tonnes. If realised, that would put 2026 below the previous record low in 2020. Earlier spring forecasts suggested production of between 21.4m and 22m tonnes.

Business risk Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines said crops had looked promising coming out of spring before drought and heat damaged yield prospects. “I’ve never known it this dry and hot on our farm,” he said.

High input costs are compounding the problem as growers begin making cropping decisions for next season. As autumn approaches, the immediate concern is shifting from harvest performance to working capital. Three successive difficult harvests risk weakening farm balance sheets just as businesses need to buy seed, fertiliser and other inputs for next year. ECIU analyst Tom Lancaster warned that repeated weather extremes were undermining farmers’ ability to establish subsequent crops. AHDB figures show the impact is not uniform. Winter barley is averaging 6.8t/ha, close to its 10-year average of 6.9t/ha, while oats have fallen to 4.2t/ha against 5.4t/ha.

Farmers urged to rethink grain selling

rable growers should focus on securing profitable margins rather than trying to predict market peaks, according to a new grain marketing guide. Hectare Trading says volatile markets, variable yields and rising input costs make disciplined selling increasingly important. Its Grain Marketing: The Essentials guide encourages growers to calculate costs, set realistic targets and spread sales. “Grain marketing shouldn’t be a once-a-year gamble based on where farmers think the mar-

ket might go,” said Andrew Huxham, co-founder of Hectare Trading.. The guide recommends a 24-month marketing window covering the 12 months before harvest and 12 months afterwards. This gives growers more opportunities to forward-sell and spread price risk. It also advises growers to compare potential market carry against storage costs before holding grain in expectation of higher prices. Sellers can earn up to £0.20/t on grain traded through the platform. SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 7

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Arable

Disease tolerance cuts barley risk Genetic trait protects yields but aphid pressure still a threat

enetic tolerance to barley yellow dwarf virus could become a standard feature of UK winter barley to protect yields while reducing reliance on insecticides. Strong results for new two-row winter barley LG Catapult suggest BYDV tolerance can be delivered without sacrificing yield. The trait could become increasingly important as milder winters favour aphid survival and green schemes encourage lower insecticide use. Provisional AHDB harvest results published in late July put LG Catapult at 105% of control varieties. It yielded close to conventional two-row feeds LG Capitol and LG Caravelle. It also recorded the highest yield in fungicideuntreated trials, at 116%. “Although more results are still to come in, it’s clear that LG Catapult has done really well, in what has been another challenging season,” says Limagrain Field Seeds arable technical manager Ron Granger.

Rising pressure The results follow a mild, wet winter in 2025/26, which increased aphid activity. Reports of BYDV in wheat and barley followed across the country this spring. Prolems were initially thought to be concentrated in the southeast and west. But Mr Granger believes the trial results suggest pressure may have been more widespread and sometimes went unnoticed. “I think people underestimate the impact that BYDV can have, as you only need a small amount of virus to pull yields down,” he says. “When you have a high pressure year for BYDV, such as 2026, the value of tolerance in a variety like LG Catapult really comes to the fore.”

That proposition has been tested commercially by Lincolnshire farmer Ben Bateman, of B Bush & Sons Ltd, near Boston. The 2,400ha business grew 130ha of LG Catapult this season, including 25ha for seed. The farm first tried a small area last year. This season, its main 92ha block was grown near Lincoln. Mr Bateman says neighbouring barley crops showed signs of BYDV during the spring, while LG Catapult appeared unaffected. No insecticides were applied because the land was entered into the Sustainable Farming Incentive no-insecticide option. “In this region, we used to get cold, dry winters that would kill aphids off, but that doesn’t seem to happen anymore, with mild and wet conditions increasingly becoming the norm,” he says. “That means aphids - and the associated virus risk - are becoming a bigger threat, so if we can grow a variety that has tolerance, with no yield penalty, it’s a no-brainer. It’s another tool we can use to help de-risk the business, while reducing our environmental impact.”

Farm results The commercial crop was drilled from late September into the first week of October. It followed wheat as a second cereal on average Grade 3 land. Despite the dry growing season, it yielded 8.6t/ha and produced a good grain sample. Mr Bateman believes winter barley also benefited from its earlier maturity. A second wheat crop on the same land could have senesced prematurely and produced a poorer specific weight because of the lack of rainfall, he says. Spring cropping presents another risk.

Ben Bateman: Barley grower

“With spring barley becoming more risky in dry springs, it makes sense for us to go for a high-yielding winter barley instead, especially if there’s a local demand for it nearby, as we have here.” The business also grew 14ha of Recommended List Candidate LG Caprice, another BYDV-tolerant variety. Yields approached 10t/ha. Those results mean the farm plans to continue growing BYDV-tolerant varieties next season.

Wider adoption Mr Granger believes the performance of LG Catapult demonstrates that breeders can introduce BYDV tolerance into two-row winter barley without compromising commercial performance. That matters because genetic resistance must compete with established varieties on yield and agronomic characteristics if growers are to adopt it widely. LG Catapult combines BYDV tolerance with strong disease resistance, particularly against brown rust and mildew. It has a specific weight of 70.7kg/hl and good straw strength. Its relatively early maturity is similar to LG Caravelle. The variety suits several soil types, although heavier soils are preferred. Limagrain also says its performance remains consistent in seasons when BYDV pressure is low. Mr Granger believes tolerance could become standard in UK winter barley varieties – similar to some other ountries. The economic argument will depend on varieties retaining their competitiveness in seasons when virus pressure is limited. Growers are unlikely to accept a substantial yield penalty simply to insure against BYDV.

LG Catapult New 2-row winter barley Combines BYDV tolerance with high yield potential One of the highest untreated yields on the Recommended List (90%) Strong all-round disease resistance (especially brown rust and mildew Good specific weight (70.7 kg/hl) and straw strength Consistent performance, even in seasons without BYDV Relatively early maturity (similar to LG Caravelle) Suits a range of soil types, but prefers heavier soils

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 9

Arable

Yield maps help improve poor performing fields

The best and worst underperforming areas should be identiﬁed before drilling.

Early harvest creates analysis window

armers could use the gap created by an early harvest to identify loss-making land before committing seed and inputs to another cropping season. Yield maps can reveal areas that repeatedly fail to cover costs. Analysing several seasons together can indicate whether margins could be improved by tweaking crop management, reducing inputs or use environmental options. Looking at several years of information together can distinguish persistent problems from the effects of an unusually good or bad season, says Ben Foster, RHIZA product manager at Agrii. “One of the biggest areas where I see

farms losing money is through farming unprofitable land. With harvest complete, now is the perfect time to use yield data to determine the question: should I be farming this land or not?” This year’s earlier harvest has increased the opportunity. The longer interval before autumn drilling gives growers more time to examine crop performance rather than simply moving straight into establishment. “The longer period between harvest and autumn drilling gives growers time to review which varieties were successful. As well as pinpointing areas of fields that performed well, and those that didn’t,” explains Mr Foster. Continued on p13

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Arable Continued from p10 Sam Fordham, head of technical at RHIZA, used yield maps from his own farm near Saffron Walden in Essex to assess which areas were consistently underperforming. He then calculated their financial contribution. “I stacked around eight years’ worth of yield maps on top of each other, normalising the output, to give a really well visualised map of how the field performed in each area”, says Mr Fordham. “I worked out my output over the eight years, two full rotations of farming at a year period. From there, I could calculate what my basic gross margin per hectare was for each area”. But identifying poorer land does not necessarily mean taking it out of production. Mr Fordham considered Sustainable Farming Incentive options for weaker areas but decided that continued production offered better longterm management opportunities. “By stacking SFI in-crop options, such as PRF1 variable rate, no insecticide and companion cropping, I could significantly increase gross margins in those areas without negatively impacting the positive areas of the field”, explains Mr Fordham.

Practical decisions Modern combine harvesters already collect large quantities of information. The business challenge is converting those records into decisions that improve margins, says Mr Fordham. Yield maps can be compared with soil analysis and satellite imagery to investigate why crops perform differently across a field. This can help determine whether poorer performance reflects soil characteristics, crop establishment or another constraint. Agrii’s Contour digital farming platform is one system designed to combine these datasets. “Contour is a really good way to analyse yield data against a variety of other sources of information, such as soil analysis and satellite imagery”, adds Mr Foster. Satellite information can also provide an early indication of where yield differences are likely to emerge later in the season. “Nine times out of ten, if you look at the variance in a satellite image in March or April, that variance will reflect the yield map in the summer.” The strongest evidence comes from comparing several seasons rather than relying on a single harvest. Weather, cropping and establishment can distort results in individual years, while repeated patterns point towards more persistent problems.

That makes historic combine records potentially valuable business information. Many farms already hold years of data that can be assessed without collecting anything new. The aim should be to establish why an area performs poorly before changing its management. Some land may warrant lower inputs, while other areas could justify remedial work or a different cropping approach. Environmental schemes can provide another option where the economics support them, although Mr Fordham says growers should consider

the range of measures available rather than automatically removing poorer land from production. The immediate opportunity is to use the additional time before drilling. Reviewing yield performance now gives growers the chance to make changes before another season’s costs are committed. Growers should examine crop performance, says Ben Foster

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Arable

Oat buyers demand farmlevel sustainability data • Brands seek stronger farm data • Growers join fledgling scheme • Weather fuels supply concerns

at growers are being asked to provide more detailed environmental data as processors and brands seek to strengthen supply chains following a run of weather-hit harvests. Grain trader Robin Appel Ltd has partnered with Soil Association Exchange to measure 15 supplying farms against 40 metrics. The initiative reflects growing demand from food and drink companies for evidence of how crops are produced, while giving growers independent advice to improve resilience. Each farm will establish baselines covering six areas: carbon, soil, water, biodiversity, animal

welfare and social responsibility. The approach is designed to provide a whole-farm assessment rather than focusing solely on carbon.

Buyer pressure Processors and oat drink brands supplied by Robin Appel increasingly want robust farm-level information to support sustainability claims and secure reliable British supplies. Robin Appel supplies oat groats to Somerset-based processor Framptons Ltd, which specialises in producing bases for the UK oat drinks market. Tom Wood, trading director Manufacturers of centrifugal, low volume and portable fans, air tunnels, drive over floors, grain stirrers and gas burners.

at Robin Appel, said the scheme had to deliver practical value to growers rather than simply satisfy reporting requirements. “Our growers are some of the best in the country, and this gives them the tools to prove it. There’s a lot of loose talk about sustainability in our industry, and I wasn’t interested in green window-dressing or a box-ticking exercise.” Farmers will receive one-toone support from an independent adviser to interpret their results and identify possible improvements. A workshop will allow the group to share practical experience.

Weather risk The initiative follows several difficult seasons for UK arable farming. Research by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit

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estimated three poor harvests this decade resulted in cumulative weather-related cereal losses of £2.3bn. Extreme rainfall affected harvests in 2020 and 2024, while heat and drought hit production in 2025. Oats could be particularly exposed to changing conditions because the crop performs best in cooler, wetter environments. Robin Appel expects production may have to move further west if current climate trends continue. Tom Frampton, operations manager at Wiltshire farming business J M Stratton & Co, said increasingly wet winters and dry summers were already affecting farming decisions. “For me, the value of this programme is having the data to show us how our soils are performing now, where improvements can be made, and how we can make them more resilient for whatever weather conditions we may face in the years to come.”

Practical evidence The programme will pay for soil data collection and laboratory costs. Exchange technicians will also assess measures including

plant species diversity, hedgerow quality and bird populations. Its software will combine those results with third-party information to create the 40-metric assessment.

“

I wasn’t interested in box-ticking Mike Bond, sales manager at Soil Association Exchange, said measurement could add value throughout the supply chain. “The Exchange metrics provide scientifically rigorous data, and by pairing this insight with independent expert advice for each farm, we can turn that measurement into change on the ground.” Results are already being collected and will feed into individual farm action plans as well as supply-chain reporting. For growers, that means environmental measurement is increasingly serving two purposes: identifying where businesses can withstand weather shocks and providing the evidence increasingly demanded by oat buyers.

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Completing the recycling cycle

Fibrophos PK is produced predominantly from chicken litter. The litter is combusted to generate renewable electricity for the national grid, leaving an ash containing nutrients derived from the original grain feed. This nutrient-rich ash provides the raw material for Fibrophos, creating a practical recycling route that returns valuable nutrients to agriculture.

Long-term phosphate availability

Independent and extensive trials have demonstrated the longer-term benefits of the phosphate contained in Fibrophos, particularly when applied to poorer-quality land. Results have shown not only an immediate agronomic response but also a sustained release of phosphate extending beyond the first year following application. This longer-term nutrient availability can be particularly valuable for farmers looking to build soil fertility while carefully managing input expenditure.

Convenient application

Fibrophos is supplied as a coarse powder, making contractor application the recommended method. For many farmers, this provides an additional practical benefit: the work can be completed efficiently by an experienced operator without tying up farm machinery, labour or valuable time during busy periods. With more than two million tonnes already supplied to British agriculture and a long history of use across the country, Fibrophos has established a track record as a source of phosphate, potash and trace elements. Fibrophos is available through a network of established, reputable local distributors across the UK, providing farmers with access to a locally produced fertiliser designed to combine nutrient supply, recycling and value for money.

Visit www.fibrophos.co.uk or call us on 0800 690 6209 for more info 16 MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026

Rising costs, falling prices? Here’s the smarter way to feed your soils

Crop Establishment Still time to get oilseed rape in the ground • Dry soils threaten establishment • September crops retain potential • Moisture should dictate drilling

rought-hit growers waiting for moisture before drilling oilseed rape still have time to get a crop in the ground, says a leading seed breeder. This year’s exceptionally early harvest left many growers ready to drill – but hot, dry weather has depleted soil moisture. Delaying until conditions improve could still protect establishment without sacrificing yield potential, say experts.

Moisture first “There needs to be a decent amount of rain to restore moisture levels to where they need to be to sustain a rapidly emerging rape crop,” says Florentina Petrescu, oilseed rape product manager for Limagrain UK Field Seeds. Seed needs sufficient water throughout germination. A small amount of rain can trigger the process, but seedlings can subsequently fail if soils dry out before emergence. “How often have we seen seed that has started to germinate, only for it to wither away through lack of soil moisture before completing emergence?” says Ms Petrescu.

Growers should therefore make decisions according to seedbed conditions rather than calendar date. “Holding off doesn’t compromise yield,” says Ms Petrescu. “It is possible to get good yields from later-drilled rape, when it is sown into the right conditions. In fact, later-sown crops can often outperform some of the earlier drilled crops.” Crops drilled in mid-September in the Lincolnshire Wolds have exceeded 6t/ha, demonstrating the yield potential of later establishment where conditions are suitable, says Ms Petrescu. Hybrid vigour can also support faster emergence and greater early biomass accumulation. “It is crucial to give the crop the right conditions to establish from the start, because that gives it the best chance of reaching its full yield potential.”

Benefits Rutland grower Sarah Bell saw the benefits this season from a 17ha crop of LG Armada established into a firm, moist seedbed last August. The crop followed spring barley and was grown with berseem clover as a

Sarah Bell: Strategic decision

“

Holding off doesn’t compromise yield

companion. It received 30kgN/ha in autumn and 190kgN/ha plus SO3 in two spring applications. Fungicide inputs were minimal during a low disease-pressure season. “It is a strategic decision to grow oilseed rape, based on a risk-versus-reward calculation,” says Ms Bell, “and this year it has certainly paid off.” Rainfall from April to June was about 25% below the farm average, but the crop maintained performance through the dry conditions. For growers facing similarly dry seedbeds this August, the message is straightforward: waiting for meaningful rainfall may prove less risky than drilling simply because the traditional sowing date has arrived.

Growers hedge drilling risk with linseed

rable growers are being urged to spread autumn establishment risk between oilseed rape and winter linseed as drought leaves soils too dry for reliable OSR drilling. Interest in oilseed rape has been recovering, with the crop expected to exceed 300,000ha this season. But the dry summer has stalled seed decisions because growers face a difficult choice between drilling into poor conditions and waiting for rain.

“The flea beetles are waiting for water just like everyone else,” said Premium Crops seeds and marketing manager Nigel Padbury. That creates an unusual risk. Delayed drilling could coincide with cabbage stem flea beetle activity if both crops and pests respond to the same rainfall. Premium Crops agronomist Hannah Foxall said drilling into dry soils could produce patchy emergence.

“

The flea beetles are waiting for water

That could leave crops more exposed to weeds, pigeons and subsequent flea beetle migration. “It’s worth waiting to get a decent stale seedbed and better sowing conditions,” said Ms Foxall. Winter rape can still be established during September, she added, while milder winters provide more time for crops to develop. Winter linseed provides another option because it is not a host for cabbage stem flea beetle. Its later drill- >> SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 17

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Crop Establishment

Growers hedge drilling risk with linseed >> ing window also allows growers to wait longer for moisture. In Scotland, Premium Crops advises drilling by the first week of September. But in East Anglia and the Midlands, sowing can continue until late September or even early October, depending on conditions.

Input savings The economics also differ. Winter linseed requires about 120kg/ha of nitrogen, said Ms Foxall. This is about half the requirement of rape – something that could become more significant with the carbon tax on nitrogen fertiliser due in January. Rape nevertheless retains a strong financial attraction. Premium Crops said yields have approached four tonnes/ha in some areas this season. At current prices, the best crops have generated returns exceeding £2,000/ ha. But establishment remains the gamble. “It’s still very possible to

drill rape into dry ground right now, and to be no further forward for it if the flea beetle and the drought both work against you,” said Mr Padbury.

Contract security Premium Crops is promoting winter linseed as a complementary crop rather than a replacement for rape. Its winter linseed contract fixes 50% of production at £550/t. The remaining half is priced at £25/t above rapeseed at the

Dry soils are forcing growers to reconsider autumn break crops.

time of movement. This structure has historically produced average grower returns of about £550/t. The best winter linseed crops can yield around 3t/ha – although splitting acreage between rape and linseed could spread establishment, input and market risk. “Split some ground between oilseed rape in early September and winter linseed later, and you’re hedging your bets,” said Mr Padbury.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 19

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Residues drive drill choice “Both our Sabre Tine and GD disc drill will work sowing into cover crops,” says Simon. “The Sabre Tine will manage cover crops around a foot tall, or

two feet tall where well rooted), without a problem. However, like any tine drill, heavy residues can cause wrapping around the tines. This is where a disc drill like the GD is advantageous. “If you only have a tine drill, and have particularly dense residues, a light disc cultivation can help chop and redistribute material before drilling, without fully inverting the soil. the Weaving ShortDisc can be used for just this purpose. “If you would rather leave the cover crop standing, a front linkage mounted cutting disc toolbar, like our DualDisc, will be a useful investment if your Sabre Tine is frequently drilling into cover crops.”

Minimising slug damage Slug risk is invariably higher with a large amount of cover crop residue on the surface paired with wetter autumn conditions. A higher seed rate can help compensate for potential losses, but effective slot closure is the most important factor “The unique design of the GD

The ground was then shallow cultivated with the new Weaving Raptor to incorporate the remaining organic matter into the top four inches of soil. A brown mustard cover crop was then drilled at 10 kg/ha at the end of May to add further organic matter, improve soil structure, suppress weeds and capture residual nutrients.

“Both cover crops established well following shallow preparatory cultivation, drilling with the Sabre Tine and subsequent rolling. Drilling slightly deeper also helped the plants access moisture during the dry spring.” Simon chose the Sabre Tine to drill the cover crops because he says that he was aiming to create as much tilth as possible with the tine coulter whilst the soils are at this stage in their transition. Looking towards the autumn, the plan will be to establish a Crusoe winter wheat crop with 50% of the field drilled with the GD Disc Drill and 50% with the Sabre Drill to get a side-by-side comparison, says Simon. “The aim is not to prove that one system is universally better than the other. It is to understand which approach best suits the soil conditions, residue levels and stage of transition in each part of the field. “Successful establishment comes from matching the drill and cultivation strategy to the conditions in front of you.”

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Crop Establishment

Rape revival puts grassweed control back in focus Higher prices encourage return

rowers returning to oilseed rape are being reminded to prioritise good establishment or risk storing up problems for following wheat crops. Prices approaching £500/t and two decent seasons for rape are expected to see another increase in new-season plantings. Even a modest rise would take the national crop close to twice the area grown two years ago. That expansion is likely to bring rape back into fields carrying significant blackgrass and ryegrass populations. UPL and Corteva are therefore urging growers to treat weed management as a programme rather than relying on a single herbicide application. Oilseed rape historically offered growers two important advantages: alternative chemistry and a highly competitive crop canopy, says ADAS weed scientist John Cussans. “There are two reasons for that. First, there is different chemistry available in oilseed rape, which is like gold dust. Also, the crop itself is so suppressive. “Oilseed rape was a godsend for cleaning up blackgrass at a time when rotations were very intensive. But over time, with the issues with cabbage stem flea beetle, the competitiveness of the canopy dropped away, and it exposed how important it was to get the herbicide element right.” The consequences have sometimes been serious. Rather than reducing grass weed populations, poorly established rape has left some growers facing heavily infested wheat crops the following season.

gence, which is quite unique. And then in clethodim you have a fop/ dim that you can’t bundle in with the other fop/ dims because resistance impacts it very differently.” Clethodim remains relatively unaffected by the L1781 mutation found widely in UK grass weed populations, according to crop protection specialists UPL. Studies of UK blackgrass populations found 85% of samples carried the L1781 genotype and remained susceptible to Centurion Max. Only 4% carried the R2078 mutation associated with resistance. A wider European study had also examined populations submitted because agronomists suspected resistance, says UPL technical sales manager Tom Wheelhouse. “In a UPL study from countries across Europe of populations sent to us because agronomists suspect there is some resistance, we found that Centurion Max provided 94% control of blackgrass and 97% control of Italian ryegrass. “It shows that where field performance has been an issue, it relates to factors other than resistance,” says Mr Wheelhouse. That puts greater emphasis on application.

Black grass resistance testing Picture: UPL and Stephen Moss Consulting

“

Oilseed rape was a godsend for cleaning up blackgrass

Strong establishment helps suppress damaging grass weeds.

UPL advises growers to apply Centurion Max by 15 October or when the crop reaches six leaves, whichever comes first. Blackgrass should be actively growing between the three-leaf and early tillering stages. Growers should also observe a nospray period for 10 days before and 14 days after treatment and follow restrictions on tank mixing. Water quality can also affect performance. Data gathered by independent weed specialist Stephen Moss found that including a water conditioner improved efficacy by an average 11% across six trials. UPL also argues that formulation matters. Its analysis comparing Centurion Max with generic clethodim products found differences in mixing, spreading and drying characteristics, which can influence herbicide performance.

Timing pressure The recommended strategy is to follow Centurion Max with propyzamide, giving growers different modes of action while spreading the risk associated with difficult autumn spraying Continued on p25

Chemistry options The principal herbicides available are Centurion Max, containing clethodim, and Kerb Flo 500, containing propyzamide, or AstroKerb, which combines propyzamide with aminopyralid. Both clethodim and propyzamide have unusual characteristics that make them valuable in resistance management, says Mr Cussans. “In propyzamide, you have a root uptake herbicide applied post-emerSEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 23

Sugar beet seed direct from the breeder It is a truly challenging year for sugar beet growers with later sown crops struggling to get going in spring and now most of the cropping areas being declared to be in drought. However, such challenging conditions provide vital feedback for plant breeders looking to ensure their varieties, both new and well-established are tailored to the specific needs of the UK industry. SESVANDERHAVE, now part of the UBS group, is closely monitoring the performance of crops across its extensive series of trials covering all the main sugar beet growing areas. In addition to its own trial plots, the specialist breeder is also drawing on the extensive technical data generated from commercial-scale trials conducted by more than 70 Club SV members, where early-generation material is assessed under commercial growing conditions. “Challenging growing conditions, whether driven by climate, pest or disease, can provide vital feedback to the plant breeder, ensuring the varieties we offer are all well adapted to the diverse and variable growing conditions found across the UK,” said George Hunter, who was recently appointed as SESVANDERHAVE’s UK Country Manager. Reflecting on last season’s harvest, Mr Hunter pointed out the success that growers had enjoyed: “Results from last harvest showed exceptional performance from our most popular varieties, such as Antler. Many of our customers and Club SV members recorded yields of 100 tonnes/hectare and more. With increasingly tight margins, high yields are critical to the profitability of the crop.” For sowing in 2027, SESVANDERHAVE varieties will be available direct from the breeder through its online shop at www.sesvanderhave.com/uk/news/sesvanderhave-eshop or by

TIME FO CHANG

directly contacting the company on 01522 442000. “We introduced direct sales in 2024 and it has proved popular with many growers. Selling direct to farm also gives us a much clearer understanding of seed requirements for the UK market, enabling us to maximise the availability of high-quality fresh seed each year. In addition, we now process all our seed inhouse, allowing us to draw on decades of expertise in priming, pelleting and seed treatment combinations in order to deliver the highest standards of quality and performance.” The SESVANDERHAVE offer for 2027 sowing includes proven varieties such as Antler and Gadwall together with the BCN tolerant Hoopoe. All of which have given outstanding performance and yield in both trials and commercial crops alike. For growers looking to try new varieties, SESVANDERHAVE is launching four new varieties: Mallard, Newt, Petrel and Curlew. “The introduction of four new varieties this year is a testament to the strength of our breeding programme. Drawing on global expertise in sugar beet breeding, we tailor the varieties offered in order to meet the specific needs of UK growers,” said Buy Mr Hunter. DIRECT from

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Crop Establishment Continued from p23 conditions. Growers increasingly had to balance optimum timing against the risk that suitable spraying opportunities might disappear, explains Hugh Guinan, field technical manager at Corteva. “We are getting used to using propyzamide in less than perfect conditions,” he says. “In many cases, we need to compromise between efficacy, application conditions and date. “What it means is that if conditions are suitable, we would advise getting propyzamide on, because the perfect date may never come.” The decision is complicated because propyzamide persistence increases as soils become colder, while delaying treatment allows grass weeds to become larger and potentially harder to control. “The sweet spot is usually late October to early December,” adds Mr Guinan. He recommends 850g ai/ha against high blackgrass populations, brome and ryegrass. The rate can fall to 750g ai/ha where populations are lower. “Our experience shows that a Kerb Flo 500 or Astrokerb in sequence with

Hugh Guinan: Balancing timing against risk

Centurion Max is the best combination for maximum efficacy across the programme, and also resistance management of both actives,” says Hugh.

Canopy effect Chemistry alone, however, will not restore rape’s rotational value. Crop establishment remains central to the strategy because a vigorous canopy suppresses weeds and reduces the pressure placed on herbicides. That means drilling decisions, soil conditions and management of cabbage

stem flea beetle damage all have implications beyond the rape crop itself. “One of the features of oilseed rape when it was considered a cleaning crop was just how suppressive the canopy was,” says Mr Cussans. “All of the elements involved in establishing the crop and getting it through any cabbage stem flea beetle damage, until it forms a decent canopy, are an integral part of good weed management alongside the herbicides.” The potential expansion in rape therefore presents growers with both an opportunity and a risk. Strong crops, combined with well-timed clethodim and propyzamide treatments, could again reduce difficult grass weed populations before wheat. But simply putting rape back into the rotation will not clean fields. Its value depends on establishing a competitive crop and protecting the remaining effective chemistry, says Mr Cussans. With the national area rising again, getting those decisions right could determine whether rape becomes part of the grass weed solution – or leaves an expensive problem for the crop that follows.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 25

Make Every Drop Count With water costs rising and increasingly unpredictable weather putting pressure on agriculture, making better use of the water already available on farm makes both environmental and commercial sense. Farm buildings provide substantial roof areas for collecting rainfall, yet without a suitable harvesting system, much of this valuable resource simply goes down the drain. Capturing and storing rainwater can reduce reliance on mains or abstracted water, help control costs and provide a valuable reserve when water is needed most. The importance of better water management is also being recognised through government support. Rainwater harvesting systems were specifically included in DEFRA’s 2026 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, with support for systems incorporating tanks of 5,000 litres and above. For 50,000litre systems, the specification specifically included circular galvanised steel tanks with a liner and cover. RNT Tanks & Silos supplies galvanised steel water storage tanks in a wide range of capacities, helping farms turn rainfall into a practical and sustainable resource. RNT also helps farmers extend the life of existing grain storage, supplying wall sheets, roof segments, sidewall doors, ladders and other components for many legacy silo brands, including Brice Baker, Rowlands, Simplex ‘S’ range and 1970 Spiraflite.

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Water Farmers demand faster reservoir rollout

Water storage plans need improvement

Planning barriers still frustrate

EXPERT VIEW

Farmers need fewer barriers to storing water, says Jeremy Moody.

he government must make it easier for farmers to build reservoirs and help secure the UK’s food supply, say industry leaders. The warning follows a £65m drought aid package – including £15m to build on-farm reservoirs. The funding was announced last month by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defra farm minister Stephen Morgan. Speaking on a farm visit to Cornwall, Mr Burnham said action to make it easier to build reservoirs would include reducing unnecessary barriers and updating the government’s planning guidance.

Funding gap Storing water would help farmers become more resilient to future droughts, said the Prime Minister. The Environment Agency would prioritise requests for short term variations to abstraction licences during drought conditions, he added. The government’s Water Management Grant, with up to £15m available to help farmers build on-farm reservoirs, is expected to open this autumn. The scheme will focus on supporting water storage for crop irrigation. Mr Burnham said it would help the horticulture and arable sectors adapt to climate change and improve resilience to drought. The government says it will consider additional funding if demand exceeds the grants available. The money is being reallocated from elsewhere within Defra’s farming budget. Farm leaders welcomed the move – but said a longerterm strategy was needed to ensure agriculture had access to adequate water. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "The Prime Minister was clear about the vital role

farmers play in keeping the nation fed, and their role within communities, and that today's announcement is the start, not the end, of government action. But he added: “But more detail is needed to understand how these will work in practice. Investment in water is critical, it is the lifeline of our food system, and we must ensure the process is streamlined and that grants are accessible.” Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane said the vast cost of building on-farm reservoirs would still fall on farmers. “This is a welcome and pragmatic move but little more than a temporary fix,” he added. Mr Lane said: “The £15m made available will fund a fraction of the reservoirs we need. This needs to become a sustained programme, with planning and abstraction lined up in support.”

Weather records Multiple weather records have been broken this year. England and Wales recorded their driest July on record, with Southern England seeing its driest month ever, in a series dating back to 1836. The month was also exceptionally sunny, with the UK, England and Wales recording their sunniest Julys on record, and England and Wales experiencing their sunniest calendar month ever observed. The remarkable conditions came during a summer already marked by multiple heat records. Temperatures provisionally reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, making it the 5th hottest day on record for the UK. Five heatwaves this summer means 2026 has seen the most number of days reaching or exceeding 36°C (four days) and 37°C (three days) with it also equalling 2022 for seeing two days of 38°C.

he government needs to improve its plans to make it easier for farmers to create reservoirs if it is remotely serious about food security. This year’s drought – after one of the wettest winters on record – has brought water management sharply into focus. And unhelpful legislation is preventing farmers from taking necessary action.

Drought pressure July was the driest since records started in 1836. Some places have not seen rain for 60 days. Two thirds of England and all of Wales are now under drought orders. Crops have died in the field, with yields significantly down. Meanwhile, livestock are having to be fed their winter rations, leaving a shortfall for the winter ahead. In addition, heat stress has slashed milk production, with daily temperatures exceeding 30oC for 35 days this year, and likely to increase. Having taken water for granted for so long, we should now learn from those who have always had much less and use it more carefully while still growing crops and keeping animals. We need to identify how to harvest and abstract water best, store it well and then use it most efficiently, taking advantage of when our extreme weathers bring long periods of rain instead.

Editorial credit: Kev Gregory / Shutterstock.com

Planning hurdles

England and Wales recorded their driest July on record

Despite warm words from the Government about making it easier for farmers to build reservoirs, the legislation remains restrictive. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) issues override permitted development rights (PDRs), for example. The latter also restrict development within 25m of a trunk or classified road, prevent farmers Continued on p29

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 27

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Water

Bank offers drought-hit farms financial support

rought-hit farmers are being offered repayment holidays, temporary lending and increased overdrafts as prolonged dry weather puts growing pressure on farm cashflow. Lloyds and Bank of Scotland say specialist agriculture managers are working with customers to address short-term pressures. Options include working capital facilities, overdraft support, interest rate reductions and wider lending arrangements. The move comes as dry conditions affect crop yields, grass growth, feed availability and water supplies. Those physical impacts can quickly translate into financial pressure, particularly where businesses are already facing high costs or planning investment.

Flexible finance Lloyds head of agriculture Lee Reeves said the impact varied between businesses and regions. “Prolonged dry weather is creating real challenges for many farm businesses, from pressure on yields and feed availability to water use and cashflow.” Lloyds says support will be tailored to individual circumstances rather than offered as a standard package. Tom and Samantha Summerfield, who run Keele Dairies Ltd near Newcastle-under-Lyme, have increased their cashflow facility with the bank. The additional finance gives the dairy business greater flexibility and buying power for essential inputs while maintaining investment for future growth. Livestock businesses can face higher feed bills when dry conditions restrict grass growth, while arable farms may suffer lower yields and increased pressure on irrigation and water availability. These pressures can increase working capi-

tal requirements because expenditure may rise at the same time as production or income falls, said Mr Reeves. “Our specialist managers are speaking with customers across the UK to help provide tailored support, including options to manage working capital, overdraft needs, or wider lending arrangements,”

Longer term Alongside immediate support, Lloyds is encouraging businesses to consider investment aimed at improving resilience to future weather extremes. Its Clean Growth Financing Initiative offers discounted lending for eligible investments including water management, energy efficiency, renewable energy and waste management. Agriculture Transition Finance is also available to support farmers moving towards regenerative farming practices. The bank said these longer-term measures could sit alongside short-term financial support where businesses face immediate pressure. “British agriculture is vital to food security and rural communities, and we remain committed to supporting farmers with the finance and expertise they need to grow and remain resilient,” said Mr Reeves. With prolonged dry weather putting pressure on both output and costs, farmers concerned about liquidity are being encouraged to discuss their position with lenders early rather than waiting for cashflow problems to intensify. Pressure has increased on farm cashﬂows, says Lee Reeves

Water storage plans need improvement Continued from p27 from taking any minerals extracted off site, and prohibit bringing waste materials onto the land save for providing a hard surface. The frustrating interactions with both EIAs and the abstraction rights needed to fill reservoirs require a much more serious approach by government. It needs to ease the complexity, delay and cost of processes that depend on Natural England and the Environment Agency as well as planners.

Investment incentives Accelerating the Structures and Buildings Allowance for Income and Corporation Taxes, so that it is of practical use for costs involved would also help with such substantial and

necessary investment. Alternatively, the Annual Investment Allowance could be increased and widened to cover such work. As periods of water scarcity become more frequent, increasing storage capacity and preventing wastage will become more important. That may mean protecting stored water from evaporation and moving from rain gun irrigation to more effective technology. A farm reservoir is also an on-site resource against wildfire – and of benefit to wildlife. With yet more extremes of weather to come, this is reshaping what we do and how we do it. Farmers need to futureproof their businesses and food production, and the government needs to make it easier for them to do so.

Jeremy Moody: Legislation is stiﬂing reservoir construction for little gain

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 29

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Water

Water security vital for agri future EXPERT VIEW If we’re serious about food security, we need to be serious about water security too, says James Harrison

he UK potato sector is facing one of its biggest challenges yet, as growers grapple with increasingly dry conditions and growing competition for water resources. For us, the conversation isn’t really about water at all. It’s about food. It’s about whether British growers can continue producing high-quality potatoes in a climate that has become increasingly unpredictable. This season has shown just how vulnerable our industry can be when rainfall doesn’t come, and irrigation supplies run short. That’s why securing water for agriculture must become a national priority. For me, and many growers across the country, water is the biggest issue facing our businesses right now. The fact that more than half of England and all of Wales are now officially in drought only reinforces the scale

and urgency of the challenge. Since planting here in Norfolk, we’ve had less than 50mm of rainfall, alongside repeated periods of extreme heat and drying winds. On unirrigated land, crops are stressed, while even irrigated crops are vulnerable when reservoir levels begin to fall. Potatoes are an expensive crop to grow, around £8,500 - £9,000 per hectare, and without sufficient water, the impact isn’t just on yield. Quality can suffer too, creating challenges all the way through to harvest and storage. But the issue isn’t simply about one difficult season. Across the east of England, food production is increasingly competing for water with housing, industry and environmental demands. As growers, we understand those pressures, but food production must remain part of the conversation. If we’re serious about food security, we need to be serious about water security too. There are examples of what’s possible. I’m involved with a collaborative reservoir project in Norfolk, where several farms have worked together to capture surplus winter rainfall and store it for use during the grow-

ing season. Projects like this show the value of longterm thinking and cooperation, helping growers make better use of available water and build resilience against drier years. The challenge is that reservoir projects require significant investment, lengthy planning processes and confidence that water will be available to fill them over the long term. With drought now affecting large parts of the UK, the need for immediate action has never been clearer. Growers need support to invest in water infrastructure, including reservoirs that can capture surplus winter rainfall for use during increasingly dry summers. Grant funding, which used to exist, for reservoir development, alongside a more joined-up approach to planning and water licensing, would help unlock the long-term investment needed to protect food production. Water scarcity isn’t a new issue, but seasons like this make it impossible to ignore. The risk is that once the rain returns, the urgency fades. We can’t let that happen. James Harrison is a director of GB Potatoes and co-manages E.G. Harrison & Co and HDF Farming Ltd, a multi-generational family farm based in Trimingham, Norfolk.

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Water

Drought-hit growers face smaller onion crop

ajor losses caused by drought could see onion yields 25% down this year due to extreme heat and lack of rain. Despite significant investment in infrastructure, water shortages and restrictions have prevented some growers from irrigating at key stages. As a result, crops have matured exceptionally early – some finishing a month ahead of normal. Around 90% of the British onion crop is grown in East Anglia, where the Met Office reported just 2mm of rainfall for the whole of July – approximately 96% below average. This has reduced plant populations, bulb size and marketable yields.

More support The British Onion Producers’ Association (BOPA) said more needs to be done to support growers investing in irrigation and water storage, particularly in key food-producing areas such as East Anglia. “This is the most challenging season ever encountered by the British onion

industry,” said BOPA chairman Ben Collins. “Prolonged drought, extreme heat and limited water availability has put this year’s crop under extreme pressure. Yield and bulb size will be a challenge this season, while the extreme growing conditions are also creating significant concerns around quality.”

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This is the most challenging season

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Farms urged to build drought resilience

ater-sharing agreements between neighbouring farms could also help safeguard production during times of drought, says a climate change expert. UK farming must become more resilient to increasingly frequent droughts, with better soil management and more on-farm reservoirs, according to University of East Anglia professor Neil Ward. “Agriculture and the food system are not well enough prepared for the climate change we will face over the coming decades,” said Prof Ward, from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences. “We need to build resilience into farming systems.”

Financial hit The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit has estimated a £300-£400 million financial hit for the arable sector alone. Grass and forage growth has also been impacted, meaning livestock farmers will have to buy in more animal feed. More water storage is needed to

better cope with pressures including climate change, biodiversity loss and food security – and help overcome restrictions on water abstraction for irrigation. Prof Ward’s research suggests UK agriculture needs change on a scale and at a pace not seen since the Second World War. This would include changes to production, land use and diets, he said. To adapt and mitigate climate change will require significant change across our food system, including how and what we produce, how we best use land, and what we eat. Improving soil health could help farms withstand dry periods. “This involves building up the amount of decomposed plant and animal material, which turns soil into a better ‘sponge’ that can capture and hold more water during wet periods and release it more slowly during droughts.” More storage would provide another buffer. “Farmers are calling for more flexibility in being able to build

on-farm reservoirs,” Prof Ward added. “Groups of farmers could establish or strengthen water sharing arrangements.”

Neil Ward: Building resilience into farming systems

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Forestry APF brings forestry trade to Ragley Estate • Forestry trade gathers for key show • Machinery demos are centre stage • Competitions and industry skills

ritain’s forestry and arboriculture industries will gather at the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire next month for the 50th anniversary of the APF event. The APF 2026 showcase puts machinery, technology and contracting skills at the centre of its threeday trade exhibition. Running from 24-26 September, it is expected to attract about 23,000 visitors and 320 exhibitors. Organisers say around 95% of visitors will be trade professionals, underlining its importance as a marketplace for forestry, woodland management, arboriculture, fencing and grounds maintenance businesses. More than £80m of machinery is expected to be represented, with of working equipment forming a major part of the event. Exhibitors range from machinery manufacturers and dealers to forestry organisations, equipment suppliers and professional services.

Working demonstrations Live demonstrations will give contractors and woodland owners an opportunity to compare equipment under working conditions. The programme also includes competitions designed to showcase practical skills across the industry. The UK Forwarder Driving Championships return, with competitors tackling a series of tasks using a John Deere 1110G forwarder. Drivers will have 20 minutes to complete the course and be judged on their performance. Other events include the Husqvarna World 25m Pole Climbing Championships, European Chainsaw Carving Championships and UK Open Fencing Championship. The Fencing Village will showcase materials and techniques through practical workshops. For arborists, the Arb Worker Zone will cover climbing techniques, machinery, maintenance and business is-

The APF event is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the Ragley Estate

sues. Walk-in presentations will address subjects including plant health, biosecurity and becoming an approved contractor. A separate Forest Worker Zone is aimed at contractors, tree surgeons and others working directly in woodland. Topics will include chainsaw maintenance, finance, training, health and safety and physical welfare. Traditional woodland crafts will also feature, alongside the return of axe throwing after a 22-year absence – promising to be a big draw for competitors and visitors alike. APF 2026 is open from 9am-6pm on Thursday and Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday. Advance one-day tickets cost £25, with children under 16 admitted free. Parking and show programmes are also free. For full details, visit www.apfexhibition.co.uk

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Forestry

Forestry leaders tackle timber security

ritain’s reliance on imported timber will come under scrutiny at a new series of industry debates being launched at APF 2026 next month. Talking Forestry will bring together forestry leaders, researchers and practitioners to examine timber secu-

A wide range of topics will include a discussion of the barriers to planting trees on farms.

rity, climate change, skills and public attitudes. The free programme runs throughout the three-day APF exhibition at Ragley Estate, Warwickshire, from 24-26 September. One of the main sessions will ask whether forestry should be treated as a national security issue. The UK imports about 80% of the timber it consumes, raising questions over future domestic supplies as demand for wood increases alongside environmental pressures. Forestry Commission chair Baroness Barbara Young and chief executive Richard Stanford will discuss how Britain can meet its timber requirements while balancing woodland management with recreation, net zero and nature.

Dave Colman / Shutterstock.com

Future forests Climate resilience will also feature prominently. A panel will examine which tree species should be planted now to cope with the conditions forests could face in 50 years. Speakers include David Edwards,

knowledge exchange and impact coordinator at Forest Research; Eleanor Tew, head of forest planning at Forestry England; Mark Broadmeadow, head of climate change at the Forestry Commission; and Rob MacKenna, general manager at James Jones and Sons. Farmers will also be targeted. Yorkshire farmer Rebecca Wilson will join Forestry Commission national agroforestry adviser James Ramskir-Gardiner to discuss the barriers to getting more trees established on farms. Other sessions will examine tree pests and diseases, biosecurity, workforce skills and steep-ground harvesting. The programme opens with a debate on public perceptions of commercial forestry and whether the industry needs to explain its role more effectively. Talking Forestry has been developed by Forest Research, the Forestry Commission and Forestry England, working with Confor and sponsor Tilhill Forestry. The sessions will take place in the APF Seminar Tent and are free to attend.

Partnership expands forestry and land services

night Frank has expanded its rural estate offering through a formal partnership with environmental consultancy Maydencroft as landowners face growing demand for ecology, forestry and natural capital advice. The agreement integrates Maydencroft’s specialist services into Knight Frank’s rural estate proposition. It covers forestry, arboriculture, ecology, nature recovery, landscape management and biodiversity net gain (BNG). The move formalises a relationship dating back almost 20 years. It also comes as environmental markets and regulation create new income opportunities and management requirements for farms and estates. “The rural estate sector is navigating a period of considerable change, and our clients rightly expect authoritative, integrated advice that reflects both the complexity and the opportunity that presents,” said Knight Frank natural capital consultant Mark Topliff. “Our relationship with Maydencroft has been built over many years of close working, and formalising that

into a structured partnership felt like the right step - both for the quality of service we can offer and for the longterm benefit of the estates and landowners we work with.”

Wider expertise Maydencroft began working with Knight Frank in the mid-2000s, initially providing tree safety inspections and land management consultancy in eastern England. The Hertfordshire business has since expanded to about 150 employees. Its work now includes veteran tree management, protected species surveys, invasive species control and BNG. Under the agreement, landowners will be able to access those services through Knight Frank rather than appointing separate consultants. The companies said the arrangement should also generate referrals in both directions. “What excites me most about this agreement is that it genuinely works both ways,” said Maydencroft head of consultancy Jon Collins. “We encounter clients who need

Environmental markets are seen as a growing opportunity

exactly what Knight Frank can offer, just as they encounter estates that need our technical expertise - having that formal structure in place means we can act quickly and confidently for the people we work with, knowing there is real depth on both sides.” BNG is already mandatory for most developments in England and is expected to extend to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects later this year, potentially creating further opportunities for landowners. The companies said the agreement would allow that multidisciplinary approach to be offered across Knight Frank’s national rural network. The partnership is already working on a number of projects. SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 37

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Forestry

Wildfires spark demand for mechanical clearing

ummer wildfires across the UK and Europe have sparked interest in mechanical vegetation clearance to reduce combustible material before fires start. High-profile wildfires on Dunwich Heath on the Suffolk coast; Stourbridge in the West Midlands; and South Wales – as well as Spain and France – mean more land managers are looking to manage undergrowth and create firebreaks.

Fuel management Mechanical clearing can reduce the amount of dry vegetation available to fuel a fire. Removing or shredding brush, branches and stumps can also break pathways that allow flames to spread. Compact machinery has a particular role where larger forestry equipment cannot easily operate. Smaller loaders and excavators can work between trees, along tracks and close to buildings. The approach is increasingly rele-

vant in southern Europe. Thousands of hectares were destroyed around Madrid and Bordeaux during the summer – underlining the potential cost of inadequate vegetation management. Maintaining forest tracks is another priority because emergency crews need rapid access when fires occur. Mechanical clearance can keep existing routes open and create new access where required. Machinery can also establish reduced-vegetation strips around homes, infrastructure and rural settlements. Bobcat district manager for Iberia Carlos Campos said compact equipment could carry out several of these operations. “Our machines are capable of the most demanding jobs, while remaining manoeuvrable enough for selective tree removal or brush clearing.”

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Livestock Delay grazing to help protect drought-hit swards • Patience will be key to recovery • Prioritise damaged fields first • Preserve scarce winter forage

eef and dairy farmers should resist grazing drought-hit grassland as soon as rain returns to preserve parched swards. Instead, farmers should consider keeping cows in condition by feeding conserved winter forage. Allowing recovering plants to reach the threeleaf stage before livestock return could protect weakened swards and extend autumn grazing. Much of the UK entered summer with reasonable silage and hay reserves after favourable early-season conditions. But prolonged drought and high temperatures hit grass growth hard, says James White, of grass specialists Barenbrug.

Recovery first “Despite the recent spell of hot and dry weather, the majority of livestock farms in the UK have access to decent crops of silage and hay which were safely gathered into sheds and silos during the favourable conditions at the start of summer.” The key management decisions will come when sufficient rain finally arrives. Mr White says farmers should resist the temptation to turn livestock onto fresh growth immediately. Weakened plants will need time to rebuild

Drought-hit grassland will need time to recover before grazing again

“

Grazing too soon will be counterproductive

How to improve bale safety

njury risks during silage feeding can be reduced by cutting the number of times operators leave the tractor cab to handle wrapped bales. Forage specialists say combining bale-cutting equipment with net replacement film can reduce manual handling around loaders, livestock and bales weighing up to a tonne. “Farmers handle bales all the time, but

their reserves, he adds. “Grazing too hard, too soon will be counterproductive, with future regrowth stunted resulting in less forage available later in the season.” Where grazing is particularly scarce, farmers could deliberately sacrifice selected fields while giving the remainder of the grazing platform longer to recover, says Mr White. “Forfeiting a handful of fields by grazing them hard so that the remainder of the grazing platform has longer to recover could be the best option where swards have been under severe drought stress.” Sacrificed or damaged fields can be prioritised for reseeding or overseeding. Farmers should identify those with poor plant populations, weed problems or older, less productive leys. Warm soils should encourage rap-

it’s often when people are busy and rushing ahead to the next job that complacency creeps in, increasing the risk of serious injury,” said Tanco UK and Ireland sales and support manager Michael Dollard. Traditional systems can require operators to leave the cab to cut open bales and separate netting from film for recycling. “The operator is safest in the seat of a tractor, not walking around machinery with a 600kg bale being held above them and carrying a knife to cut through the net,” said Mr Dollard. Equipment that cuts bales and clamps

id establishment, but sufficient moisture is essential. “But don’t be tempted to reseed too soon,” says Mr White. “Wait until adequate soil moisture is available.”

Feed pressure Farms already using conserved forage should reassess stocks before housing. An extended autumn grazing season would ease that pressure – but relying on favourable weather remains risky. Some established swards may recover once moisture returns without expensive renovation. Others will justify reseeding, says Mr White. After a summer dominated by scarce grass, waiting will be difficult. But allowing plants to recover before grazing could ultimately provide more forage and help protect valuable winter feed reserves.

wrapping can reduce those movements. A farmer feeding 500 bales annually could potentially avoid 1,000 climbs in and out of the tractor. Net replacement film can further simplify the job because wrapping materials can be removed together. Silotite sales director Lloyd Dawson said film-bound bales could also reduce forage waste. “Home grown forage is a precious commodity, a kilo here and there of every bale soon adds up to a tremendous amount of waste across the season.” More uniform bales can also make transport and stacking safer.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 41

Livestock

Sheep producer balances livestock and landscape PROFILE Farming with nature strengthens hill farm resilience in the Peak District

Derbyshire farmer is reshaping a traditional hill system to bring livestock, landscape and business together at the foot of Mam Tor. Third-generation farmer at Hardenclough Farm, James Metcalfe, not only has to contend with high altitude land which rises to 2,000ft above sea level, but also farming in public view at the foot of one of the Peak District’s busiest landmarks. And whether it is farming in harmony with nature or ensuring he is making proactive decisions about the role his animals play in the wider landscape, James is keen on effective partnerships and works closely with his vet to ensure his animals are fit, healthy and working in tandem with the environment. “For me, the key thing is to make farming work alongside the environment; you’ve got to do both things together,” says James, who has won the VetPartners Sustainable Farming Environmental Impact Award 2026. The farm seems to exist within its own climate, he adds, with north-facing slopes, known as the ‘Cold Side’ on the Ordnance Survey map, remaining in shade while the opposite hill is green and sunlit. “Farming in this landscape is challenging, sure, but it’s also a privilege

and really worth it.” A harsh landscape requires careful livestock selection, and James believes making breed changes has been key to his farming success. “We’re carrying the same volume of stock, but we’ve reduced the size of sheep from Swaledales and Mules, to North Country Cheviots,” he explains.

“

Farming in this landscape is challenging “The Cheviots don’t eat as much or take as much looking after in terms of additional bought-in feed, so they suit the landscape better and cost me less. “I think this is one of the biggest things we’ve done for the environment: reducing the impact on the land without affecting farm productivity.”

Conservation grazing James believes if you are going to farm with the environment, it has to stack up financially. An example is where Galloway bullocks used for conservation grazing have been replaced by a herd of pedigree Luing cows because they can provide the grazing action the habitat needs, while also producing saleable calves.

Hardenclough’s hill ground is divided by a road into two roughly 100acre blocks, known as ‘top hill’ and ‘bottom hill’. Previously, sheep grazed both hills for most of the year, sharing one with the cattle. James now allows the cattle to graze ‘top hill’ alone for six months, before the sheep return after weaning. He says: “Instead of having sheep on it for 10 months, that hill now has them for just two. Reducing the grazing pressure means the plants have a better chance to flower and seed. In the past four years the grazing quality on top hill has improved, so it’s making a difference.” James also stopped using chemical fertiliser when prices surged at the start of the Russia-Ukraine war and switched to using muck from housed cattle and finishing lambs instead. Nothing is blanket-sprayed, either. James treats problem thistles individually with a knapsack and spot sprayer, continuing what is a three-generation practice, and uses the slower process to inspect sheep at the same time. He says: “I would describe a lot of what I do as quite an old-fashioned way of farming, taking my time to do things manually. It can seem laborious, but I see it as beneficial.”

Next steps Under a new Landscape Recovery scheme across the National Trust’s High Peak estate, which comes into effect in the next year, Hardenclough will be making ongoing improvements

Sustainable farming award winner Mark Marcello (left) from Farm Vets Derbyshire nominated James for the VetPartners Sustainable Farming Environmental Impact Award. The accolade recognises farmers who are leading the way in biodiversity, emissions reduction, regenerative agriculture or sustainable land management. Mark says: “James has worked alongside the National Trust and Natural England for the past 20 years to manage land with agroecological sustainability goals in mind, resulting in a significant increase in biodiversity in key areas. “He’s also made changes to improve how the livestock system can work with nature and has managed to increase flock and herd productivity at the same time. It’s encouraging to see James’ enthusiasm for farming with nature paying off.”

42 MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026

FARM FACTS Farmer: James Metcalfe Holding: National Trust tenancy Area: 140ha plus 24ha rented Altitude: 900ft – 2,000ft Stock: 470-500 pedigree North Country Cheviots; 15 pedigree Luing cows Forage: 12ha shut up; one crop of hay or silage

for example, and plant more along the riverbank to help stabilise erosion. “We have a small herd of roe deer that comes through the farm, which I love seeing, and more trees will continue the corridor they use to get around too.”

Above: James Metcalfe:: effective partnership Below, l-r: Tree canopy cover supports the farm and the environment at the same time; the Luing cattle are grazed on ‘top hill’; North Country Cheviots are well-suited to the hill grazing

such as altering livestock numbers grazing the land, restoring hedges, planting new trees and improving manure storage.

James notes that tree canopy cover on his land is already around 18%, close to the 20% target within the scheme, and he’s keen to use every new strip of trees to solve practical and environmental challenges. “I’m happy to have more trees, but where they go needs to make sense for both the farm and the environment,” he says. “We can put a strip of trees up so the neighbour’s bull can’t see my cows,

More than farming James has embraced the volume of passing visitors, inviting conversations and encouraging school and community visits, hosting lambing sessions and Open Farm Sunday. He says: “Passers-by will chat for hours at the yard gate about what we do and why. Many ask where they can buy our meat because they want that traceability. “We have to lamb indoors as the volume of people and dogs makes it impossible otherwise, but we like to invite schools and other groups to come and see what we’re doing in the sheds.” James also hopes to make Hardenclough a centre of excellence for farming with nature and has plans for a farm classroom to support this. “Farming can be quite insular,” he says. “How can we expect people to understand what we do without telling them?” “I’ve wanted to farm sheep since I was five and now, I get to do that and work with nature at the same time. What could be better than sharing that with people?”

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 43

Livestock

Photo credit: Tim Scrivener / Agriphoto

Forage testing can identify mineral needs

Hidden cobalt shortfall ‘puts lambs at risk’

heep producers are being urged to step up forage testing ahead of tupping after research linked hidden cobalt deficiencies in ewes with poorer lamb vigour. The complex and variable nature of cobalt levels in grassland soils makes its status hard to track, says Alison Bond, of nutrient specialists Rumenco. But routine analysis can help identify deficiencies before they affect flock performance.

“Cobalt is particularly important as it is required in the synthesis of vitamin B12 by rumen microorganisms. Where vitamin B12 is deficient, sheep can suffer poor growth rates, weight loss and anaemia,” says Dr Bond. Cobalt can be difficult to manage because levels vary significantly between sites and over time. Soil acidity, organic matter, cropping and rainfall can all influence its availability. Sub-clinical deficiency presents a particu-

lar challenge because affected sheep may show no obvious symptoms. Independent research by SAC found lambs born to ewes with sub-clinical cobalt deficiency were less active during their first three days. They also explored less and nosed their mothers less frequently. Those behaviours are important because they indicate whether newborn lambs are successfully seeking the teat and consuming colostrum,” says Dr Bond. “This work shows very clearly that lambs born from ewes with sub-clinical cobalt deficiency, which is typically without symptoms and goes unnoticed, had lower levels of activity, less exploration, and fewer instances of nosing.” Dr Bond recommends soil and forage testing to establish cobalt and other mineral levels. Where availability is uncertain, supplementation should start before tupping and continue afterwards. Feed blocks or mineral buckets can provide a practical option where deficiencies are identified. Products can be selected according to whether sheep require minerals alone or additional energy and protein. Rumenco recommends its Supalyx 4-in1 mineral, vitamin and trace element bucket where no extra energy is needed. Its Rumevite Sheep Super feed block provides energy and protein alongside minerals and vitamins.

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Be ready for worm challenge after rain

ince my last article on the drought, many farms across the Midlands and East Anglia have seen very little, if any, meaningful rain, writes Nerys Wright. Grass covers are tight, feed stocks are under pressure and some sheep are being asked to do a lot on very little. Rather than dwell on that, let us think positively and plan for what happens when the rain finally arrives. This summer, many flocks have had relatively low worm burdens. Dry, hot conditions are not ideal for the development and movement of infective larvae on pasture, so faecal egg counts have generally been lower than we might expect at this time of year. However, that will not be true for everyone. Where sheep have been grazing lower into the sward, or where lambs and ewes have been under nutritional stress, immunity and resilience may be compromised.

Performance Thinner ewes, smaller lambs and groups already affected by other disease challenges may therefore still have seen higher counts or poor-

er performance. The important point is that rain will change the risk picture. Worm eggs passed out in dung develop through larval stages before reaching the infective third-stage larvae. In dry weather, development and movement onto grass can be slowed or limited, and larvae are more likely to remain protected within dung pats or close to the soil surface. When moisture returns, dung pats soften, larvae can migrate onto the herbage and sheep are more likely to pick them up while grazing. That brings a double-edged sword: much-needed grass growth, but also a possible flush of parasite challenge. Fit, well-fed adult ewes should usually cope with a moderate worm burden, but thin ewes, ewes recovering from disease or those in poorer condition following the drought may justify checking with a faecal egg count. Lambs need even closer attention. Their immunity to worms is still developing and they can be hit harder by a sudden intake of lar-

Ewes and lambs under drought stress could be at risk

vae. Remember, there can be a delay of up to three weeks between lambs eating infective larvae and eggs appearing in the dung. Performance can slip before a faecal egg count rises, so do not rely on FECs alone. Watch daily liveweight gain and overall thrift. If lambs look checked after the rain, take fresh samples, speak to your vet or adviser and treat only when the evidence supports it. The rain will be welcome when it comes. The key is to be ready for the grass and the worms that may follow it. Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. Call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.

SEPTEMBER 2026 • MIDLAND FARMER 45

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Professional Services Soil health reshapes Ag-inflation rate land values doubles since start S of Iran conflict

arm input costs have doubled in the six months since the Iran conflict – piling further pressure on producers already struggling with a challenging season. Annual ag-inflation has climbed to 8.6%, according to the latest estimates from Andersons farm business consultants. This is its highest since the post-Ukraine peak and more than double the rate immediately before the Iran conflict began in late February.

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Heat and drought With agricultural output prices still running 2.1% lower year-on-year, UK farm businesses are now navigating a damaging combination of geopolitical disruption, extreme heat and prolonged drought, all eroding margins simultaneously. “With geopolitical risk, extreme weather and structural policy change all bearing down on UK farm businesses at once, the outlook for the rest of 2026 is genuinely challenging across most sectors,” says Andersons consultant Michael Haverty. The Iran conflict continues to drive input costs higher. UK spot prices for ammonium nitrate in July stood at £520 per tonne, a £20 increase on June, and up from £390 at the same point last year. This is a 33% rise in twelve months. Tractor diesel at 97.3 pence per litre is nearly 40% above year-earlier levels, feeding directly into machinery running costs and contracting rates. For arable farmers, the cost outlook is considerably more challenging than a year ago. The UK Carbon Border Adjust-

ment Mechanism (CBAM) is due to take full effect from 2027 adding a further structural layer of cost pressure on the horizon for fertiliser – tightening budgets for the 2027 harvest The drought is also reshaping the arable outlook. UK winter wheat yields are expected to be below the five-year average, though London wheat futures for November 2026 have firmed to around £200 per tonne, as a poor harvest tightens global supplies. The summer heatwave has compounded these difficulties across livestock sectors. The dairy industry is facing pressure from two directions at once.

Winter forage Farmgate milk prices at 34.4 pence per litre in June are over 20% below yearearlier levels, while the prolonged dry spell has severely curtailed grass growth across much of Britain. Winter forage stocks are now a major concern. GB milk deliveries ran 4-5% below year-earlier levels at the peak of the hot weather, as heat-stressed cows and scorched pastures forced many producers into supplementary feeding weeks ahead of schedule. Beef and sheep producers are in a comparatively stronger position, with tight domestic supplies underpinning farmgate prices. The GB deadweight steer price has recovered to around 610p per kg, though still 34p below year-earlier levels. Finished lamb was at 806p per kg in late July well above 2025 levels, supported by a smaller lamb crop and heatwave-related finishing delays. Tankers have been targeted in the Strait of Hormuz during the conﬂict

oil health is emerging as a factor in farmland values, rents and tenancy negotiations as regenerative farming and environmental markets change the economics of land management. Agricultural valuers increasingly need to assess soil as both a productive asset and a source of environmental value, says regenerative farming adviser Harry Epsom, of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. The soil health can be Measuring and reflecting the value of soil health in professional valuations is a topic discussed by Mr Epsom in a Centenary Scholarship he has written for the CAAV. “We have been destroying our soils slowly for years; our high input, high output focus has created these problems,” he says. “But soil can be healed quite quickly, which presents us with an opportunity.”

Measuring value The challenge is establishing what healthy soil is worth. Measurements can include compaction testing, worm counts, organic matter, carbon, nutrient analysis and plant health assessments. Value also depends on who is asking. For farmers, better soil could improve profitability and resilience. A landowner might benefit from higher rents, while wider public value could include flood mitigation, biodiversity and water management. “We can’t give the right advice if we don’t understand the vision, landscape, skills, soil, climate, social, financial and regulatory context,” says Mr Epsom. The same field could therefore attract different valuations. Healthy soil might command a premium when farmland is sold because of its productive condition. But degraded land could be more attractive to an organisation seeking to sequester carbon or increase biodiversity because it offers greater potential for measurable improvement. Soil condition is also becoming more relevant to rent reviews, tenants’ improvements and dilapidations. That increases the importance of establishing a baseline before changes are made.

Contract terms Land managers will need evidence linking management decisions with subsequent soil improvements, particularly where payments or liabilities depend on environmental outcomes. Contracts should therefore establish responsibilities and rights from the outset. “What rights are you granting or reserving, and what compensation will be paid over what period of time? There’s a lot to be thought through at an early stage.” The growth of carbon credits and biodiversity net gain is adding urgency. Yet valuers are working within legislation largely written before these markets emerged. “Regenerative farming is driving changes, and farmers are now being paid to provide carbon and other ecosystem services,” says Mr Epsom. “But we’re operating within legislation written decades ago – I wanted to create a guide on soil principles and valuing soil health.” MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026 47

Professional Services

How to beat the hare-coursers EXPERT VIEW Practical steps can help combat the scourge of hare-coursing, explains Frank Cannon

JessicaGirvan / Shutterstock.com

utumn fields are ideal for hare-coursing – and each year sees a surge in incidents as the landscape opens up after harvest. It’s a tough time – especially for farms which are repeatedly targeted by coursers. While eliminating the problem can be difficult, practical steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of fields being used for this illegal “sport”. This isn't about a single fence or a single padlock. It's about building layers of resistance that turn your land from an easy target into a hard one. Hare-coursers, like most opportunists, move on when the target is harder to exploit. Almost all hare-coursers depend on a vehicle: they use it to reach the field, and then to drive across it once the dogs are slipped. Take the vehicle out of the equation, and you take the crime out of your farm.

Start with the perimeter, not the gate The boundary between a public road or green lane and your field is where the battle is won or lost. A consistent, well-maintained hedge or closely planted trees; a raised verge or high curb, robust engineered fencing; or a substantial ditch, swale, or roadside dyke that no road-going vehicle can cross – these are your first and best line of defence. Walk your boundaries with a courser's eye and ask: where would I get a car onto this field? At the obvious pinch points – junctions where a road or lane runs straight at a field entrance – an Armco-style crash barrier works well, providing road safety while physically denying access to your land. And if you're planning ditch works, look at bringing them into an SFI scheme or field margin herbal lay. It's a rare case where good countryside stewardship and crime reduction measures are compatible.

Why causing a delay can pay Every gateway you leave available is an invitation. Reduce them to the genuine minimum your operation needs, then treat what remains as proper security infrastructure rather than standard farm ironmongery. The livestock gate that's fine for keeping sheep in is nowhere near good enough here. Protect the hinge end so the gate can't simply be lifted off. On the locking end, use two or more separate locking points rather than one. Choose closed-shackle padlocks, which give a grinder disc far less to grip, and sleeve chains in cut-resistant fabric. Shroud the lock mechanism itself in a steel case so it can't be accessed directly with a cutting tool.

Fewer gateways, tougher gates It's worth being realistic about what you're up against: the vehicle involved is very likely stolen, and the occupants know it may well be abandoned by the end of the night. That means they have little reason to hold back – they'll cut, ram, or grind their way through if they think it's quick enough, and handheld battery angle grinders are common kit. This is exactly why layered defence matters. Each obstacle should cost time, and time is the one thing hare-coursers don't want to spend. A strong secondary layer, positioned on the inside of the gate, stops a vehicle simply shunt48 MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026

ing it open from the roadside even if the lock is beaten. Hinged, ground-mounted vertical poles, large tree trunks, or concrete-filled IBC containers all work well – the key is weight and awkwardness. If it can't be shifted by three determined men, it won't be shifted by a bumper.

Accept there's no silver bullet... ...then use that to your advantage No single measure will stop every attempt, and coursers are practised at finding the weak point in any defence. That's not a reason for despair; it's a reason for routine. Review your defences shortly before each coursing season, when the risk is highest and the reward for a check is greatest. The same logic applies beyond your own boundary. Coursers don't respect farm lines, so neither should your planning. Talk to your neighbours about creating ‘no-coursing zones’ together, and consider creating ditches across boundaries so there's no easy “cross-contamination” from a soft neighbouring field onto your resilient one. A patchwork of well-defended farms is far more effective than isolated fortresses. Simple signage – private property notices at junctions, gateways, and any spot a courser might eye up as a way in – reinforces the message that this land is watched and defended.

Plan the work, don't just react Map your fields by risk and commit to a fiveyear plan that tackles the worst first. Build gate and ditch inspections into your normal seasonal maintenance, so defence becomes routine rather than an emergency response after the fact. Join a Farm Watch group – collective intelligence spots patterns no single farm can see alone. And if the worst happens, the advice is unambiguous: never confront a vehicle-mounted group of hare-coursers and never attempt to block or trap a vehicle. Call 999 to report a crime in progress, let your neighbours know promptly, and have a what3words reference ready for every highrisk field entrance so police can find the exact spot in seconds, not minutes. None of this needs to be done all at once. But every hedge gap closed, every gate upgraded, and every neighbour brought on board makes your land a little less attractive. Regain control of your farm, start building your defence now. Frank Cannon is programme lead for Rural SafeGuard. For more details, call 020 7118 8870, email frank.cannon@ ruralsafeguard.comn or visit www. ruralsafeguard.com

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FINAL SAY Clodhopper

Bigger isn’t always better A challenging harvest will leave more farmers taking a different approach to machinery, says Clodhopper

Farming tradition Privately, however, quite a few farmers seem quietly satisfied. Getting them to admit it publicly is another matter. Farming tradition dictates that somebody else’s wheat always yields more and yours is barely worth combining. Quality has generally been good too – although not good enough to offset lower yields. Some bushel weights have been exceptionally high, which has helped leave milling premiums next to nothing. Attention therefore turns to price. There is plenty of hope that wheat will continue climbing. Talk of £300/t seems optimistic, but we live in a fast-changing political world and stranger things have happened. More interesting is what this harvest might mean for next year’s cropping. Oilseed rape appears firmly back on the agenda. Peas and beans have had a much more difficult time, so spring cropping looks less attractive. One crop I haven’t seen much of this year is linseed. I always enjoyed growing it. It

“

performed well for me as an alternative to late-drilled winter wheat, although watching neighbours trying to harvest the stuff could occasionally test the nerves. With decent oil prices, perhaps linseed deserves another look.

More machinery But the conversation in farmyards recently hasn’t just been about crops. It has been about machinery. Are we finally reaching the end of the relentless march towards bigger tractors and wider implements? The largest farms are still taking on more acreage and buying heavier, wider machinery to cover it. But they are increasingly the exception. Tractor sales suggest buyers are looking further down the horsepower range. Sales of machines above 320hp have fallen sharply, while the average tractor purchased is nearer 180hp. It’s difficult to know whether that represents a genuine rethink or simply reflects financial pressure. Truth be told, it’s probably a bit of both. The interesting thing is that the smaller tractors still seem perfectly capable of doing the job. Machinery manufacturers appear to have noticed. Look through their ranges and there are plenty of three- and four-metre machines being promoted again. In the right system, they can cover surprisingly large acreages without an enormous tractor in front. That matters because machinery costs have become difficult to justify. Tractor registrations slumped during 2025 to levels not seen for decades. Early 2026 has been more encouraging, with registrations recovering strongly compared with the same period last year and moving slightly above the five-year average.

Farming is learning to downsize

50 MIDLAND FARMER • SEPTEMBER 2026

Does that mean confidence is returning? Perhaps. Or perhaps some businesses are replacing machinery they simply couldn’t put off replacing any longer. For others, there may be a tax bill encouraging them to spend before the year end. Either way, farmers remain cautious. The downturn has hit machinery manufacturers hard and plenty of farms are hanging on to older tractors and implements, hoping to squeeze another season from them. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Economics matter Agriculture became accustomed to believing that increased output required increased horsepower, width and complexity. Sometimes it does. But there is little point owning enough machinery to farm 2,000ha when you have 1,500ha. The economics matter more than the badge on the bonnet. Larger businesses have another approach. One farmer explained that he finances his big machines over four years, pays off the agreement and then starts again. Millions of motorists effectively do the same thing with their cars. His reasoning was straightforward: “Why use my money when I can use somebody else’s?” There is logic in that, provided the sums stack up. And perhaps that is the real lesson from harvest 2026. Whether choosing crops, tractors or cultivators, farming is becoming less about chasing the biggest possible number and more about finding the number that actually makes money. Three-and-a-half tonnes an acre may not win many pub arguments. But neither will a 400hp tractor if you can’t afford the repayments.

Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / Shutterstock.com

n extraordinarily early cereal harvest has drawn to a close – and once again the combines have delivered rather less than we would have liked. Most farms seem to be reporting yields down by 15-20%. That sounds grim. Yet, rather like 2025, the results have perhaps been better than many feared, particularly for oilseed rape, barley and wheat. Around here, farms accustomed to wheat yields close to 10t/ha are talking about nearer 8.5t/ha. Given the season we have had, that isn’t disastrous. But prices are challenging and margins are tight.

2021

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MF 4709 M CAB

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62 Hrs, 155 HP, Tyres: 480/70R28 (100%) 580/70R38 (100%)

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£89,950 +VAT 2008

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MANITOU MLT 634

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3623 Hrs, 145 HP, 4200kg Lift, 7m Reach, Tyres: 460/70R24 (40%)

SKY X50 ECONOV SPREADER Sky 32-44 HR X50 Econov Spreader, 4200L Capacity, Isobus

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MT765D

MT765E

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9170 Hrs, 405 HP, 25’ Extreme Ag Tracks (60%), Creep Speed, Radar

3963 Hrs, 430 HP, 30’ Extreme Ag Tracks, Creep Speed, Radar

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