Spelman speech paves way for right reform on CAP, says CLA
The CLA said the speech made today (5 January) by Secretary of State Caroline Spelman at the Oxford Farming Conference paved the way for the right Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) capable of delivering enough food to feed a growing population while simultaneously protecting biodiversity and other vital natural resources. CLA President William Worsley said: In […]
NFU praises Dairy Crest Directs milk price pressure
The NFU has today praised Dairy Crest Directs (DCD) milk price target of 27ppl for the New Year. NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond said: Dairy Crest Direct is showing real leadership to the farmers it represents in publically launching a challenge to Dairy Crest and making a strong case for an immediate milk price […]
Twin-cropping strategy advice for OSR growers
Oilseed rape growers should start thinking now about moving to a twin variety strategy for their autumn rotation to minimise the risk of yield losses due to unpredictable weather and to spread the harvest workload. That is the advice of Beckii Gibbs, Seed Manager for United Oilseeds, who believes that growers who select to use […]
John Torode Supports Fresh Herb PR Campaign
The British Herb Trade Association has joined forces with top chef John Torode to launch a nationwide herb hero cookery competition. The competition, which launches in January, will have an Xfactor style theme where entrants will be asked to film themselves cooking their favourite fresh herb recipes and the public will get the chance to […]
Early adopted cereal and rape varieties
The results from a recent survey of farmers, conducted by the National Farm Research Unit (NFRU), indicate that nearly one-third of arable farmers (30%) interviewed said that they had planted a new wheat variety for the first time this year. Oilseed rape farmers interviewed also reported that they too were adopting new rape varieties with […]
MBE for FUW president
Farmers’ Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan receives the MBE in the New Year Honours List for services to agriculture. He said: “I am proud to accept this honour on behalf of all staff within the union who carry out such dedicated work. I am merely the figurehead and I must pay tribute to all […]
UK researchers contribute to sequencing strawberry genome
A consortium of researchers working across five continents, including BBSRC- funded scientists in the UK, has published the genome of the wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca). The research, published today (26/12/2010) in the journal Nature Genetics will help strawberry breeders to develop disease resistance and improve fruit quality to benefit consumers. Dr Dan Sargent, based at […]
LAA calls for uniform levy rate rises
The Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) has called on levy bodies in England, Wales and Scotland to impose a uniform increase in 2011 to make it easier for “collectors” who have to deal with animals from all three regions. “The current proposals by AHDB, HCC and QMS and the possibility that different rate may apply in […]
Fork Rent is highest bidder in online ‘Help For Heroes’ auction for JCB Union Jack digger
The hammer came down last night on an online charity auction for JCBs unique Union Jack digger with leading Ipswich-based plant hire firm Fork Rent securing the machine with the highest bid of 70,250. JCB had been staging the auction over the past two weeks as part of a Christmas fundraising initiative in support of […]
