GM wheat trials to begin in UK

GM wheat trials are to begin in the UK next year, after Defra granted Rothamsted Research permission to release wheat lines genetically modified for resistance to aphids. Hertfordshire-based Rothamsted will conduct trials during 2012 and 2013, with independent expert group the Advisory Committee of Releases to the Environment (ACRE) – which evaluated its application – [...]

US maize misery to hit UK feed prices

UK poultry producers could find themselves paying more for soya bean meal as farmers in the USA plant corn instead of soya after one of the worst maize harvests in recent memory. "The biggest challenge is securing feed ingredients at a reasonable cost," said Janet Snow, chief nutritionist at Devenish Nutrition USA, at the recent [...]

Quality of UK wheat ‘makes up for’ drop in yield

Speculation of the high quality of the UK wheat crop have been confirmed by official data showing even in regions affected by the historically-dry spring achieved better results. The wheat crop in Britain – which accounts for the vast majority of the UK harvest – is proving better than last year’s on all vital signs, [...]

Fears for UK egg market as EU fails to enforce rules

AROUND one-third of EU egg production will not be compliant with new rules banning conventional laying cages creating a potential disaster for UK producers, MPs have warned. New rules stipulating laying hens can only be kept in ‘enriched cages’ providing more space, perches, a nest and litter for scratching, are due to come in across [...]

Rain dampens hopes for UK grains harvest

Rain has dampened optimism over the UK grains harvest, prompting farmers to harvest crops even consisting one-quarter of water, to avoid a late deterioration becoming evident in test results. "Frequent and often heavy rain showers" slowed harvesting to less than half the typical pace in the last week, with Scottish farmers now behind average pace [...]

Launch of UK’s first ever Potato Week

The first ever ‘Potato Week’ takes place from 1-7 October in the UK and is a chance for everyone involved in growing, supplying, retailing and serving potatoes to educate and inspire consumers. Introduced by Potato Council, the Week builds on the success of Potato Day held in 2010. This kick-started the ‘Many Faces of Potatoes’ [...]

Has the UK’s commercial wheat yield record been smashed?

Group 3 wheats are rarely promoted as potential record breakers, but a 14.3t/ha crop of Invicta, bred by Limagrain UK and harvested by David Hoyles of Monmouth House Farm, Lutton, is thought to have set a new yield record for a UK wheat. If accepted, it would surpass the 13.99t/ha set by Gordon Rennie of [...]

UK wheat quality ‘holding up’ amid rushed harvest

The UK is proving amongst the winners of mixed year for global wheat quality, with farmers rushing to harvest crop even with relatively high moisture content to avoid the threat of rain damage. Adas edged higher its forecast for the yield of the UK wheat crop, typically the European Union’s third-biggest, to 7.5-7.7 tonnes per [...]

EU pigmeat prices weaken over the summer

EU pig prices have weakened in recent weeks, suffering from poor barbecue demand at a time of high supplies. The Deadweight Average Pig Price (DAPP) fell to an EU average of €1.56/kg (136p/kg) in the week to 14 August – a drop of 1% since mid-July. This was due to poor summer weather eroding barbecue [...]

China turns to the UK for potatoes

After centuries of relying on rice and noodles to feed its hungry masses, China is now turning to a familiar British staple to meet the needs of its 1.3bn-strong population – the humble potato. Facing more frequent droughts, falling water tables and widespread soil erosion, China’s government has designated the potato as a "strategic" crop [...]

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