This Week in Agriculture: Grease Guns, Bluetongue Awareness, and Farming Budget Insights

Welcome to another edition of This Week in Farming, where we compile the top highlights from Farmers Weekly.

Before diving into the news, check out the latest market updates—including a pleasing decrease in red diesel prices, with cherry prices dropping nearly 38% compared to last year.

Now, let’s get into the updates.

Bluetongue Developments

This week has seen concerning developments as the bluetongue virus has disseminated further, with additional cases reported in Norfolk and Suffolk. This has resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive restricted zone, which has since been expanded to Essex.

A case of this abortion-causing disease was also identified in East Yorkshire.

In response, Defra has granted emergency authorization for a vaccine, with additional details on vaccine usage released later in the week.

Harvest Progress Report

Crops remain to be harvested, especially in Scotland and the southwest, as indicated by this week’s analysis with traders and cooperatives.

In Northern Ireland, Farmer Focus contributor Richard Orr notes a few positive developments, such as his winter oats, but encapsulates the sentiment among his fellow arable farmers as ‘poor yields, unsatisfactory prices, and challenging weather conditions’.

If you’re interested in how your chosen varieties performed compared to others, take a look at our recent maps showcasing the top yielding options for spring barley, winter barley, and winter wheat.

Incorporating the Sustainable Farming Incentive

For many farmers in England, having a Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreement is becoming a standard part of their operational plan, with others showing interest in the 2024 iteration of the program.

This week, our arable team has examined this scheme from a practical angle through three articles.

First up, a detailed breakdown of the 2024 SFI changes. Second, advice on how to implement the no-till option introduced this year.

Finally, a practical guide on maximizing the benefits of pollen and nectar flower mixes available under this scheme.

Grease Gun Innovations

Avid gadget lovers will appreciate our recent review of battery-operated grease guns, which has spurred quite a bit of discussion online.

Many have inquired about the absence of DeWalt in this test; unfortunately, they did not respond to our invitation for participation.

Additionally, there are 25 updates in this dealer notification, including dealership changes involving New Holland’s parent company, CNH, and recent developments by Ernest Doe.

Who’s Rising and Who’s Struggling?

On the rise this week are the contestants for our Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition, who will compete for trophies in just a week’s time.

Conversely, frustration is mounting among lobbyists and farmers concerned about early reports regarding potential cuts to Defra’s budget, as cautioned by NFU president Tom Bradshaw, which may further erode farmer confidence.

Don’t Miss the Podcast!

Make sure to catch this week’s FW podcast featuring Johann Tasker and guests.

You can listen to it on any podcast platform, or find it freely available on our website.