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Making sure maize plants get off to the best possible start is key to reducing damage by birds and ensuring the best results.

DNA analysis is highlighting valuable differences in soil biology under different soil management regimes, offering the opportunity to secure real and lasting improvements in crop and environmental health.

Sophie Bagley set up her business to utilise the environmentally friendly, sustainable and healthy qualities pheasant has to offer. Sarah Todd finds out more.

I think I have found a new crop this month. It’s one nearly every farmer could sell at a good profit. Like many, I am always on the lookout for new opportunities and in the past I’ve looked at and dismissed loads; canary seed, miscanthus, lupins, even daffodils.

Our industry stands on the cusp of a seismic transformation. No-one can predict the exact outcome but there is no doubt that our industry will look significantly different in 2030. A series of factors are combining to shape this process.

There is no doubt that the UK arable industry needs to scrutinise every opportunity available to it and indeed examine and lobby for steps which create new commercial opportunities.

Charlotte Garbutt, 24, from East Yorkshire, is an area manager for agrochemical company, Sygenta and is the current county vice chairwoman of Lincolnshire Young Farmers Club (YFC). She has also set up a pedigree Limousin herd on her smallholding in Billinghay, Lincolnshire.

Farmers are working 65 hours a week and struggling to recruit new staff. It’s time for industry to start collecting data on how labour shortages are affecting farmers’ mental health and wellbeing, says Cheshire dairy farmer Phil Latham.