Blog
Weeds in Spring crops, April 2019
Spring barley If annual meadow-grass is a potential problem in establishing spring barley, then a residual herbicide is the best option for effective control. This is particularly relevant to reduced…
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Disease in Winter oats, April 2019
We are not seeing much in the way of mildew coming through in reports as yet and it is one of the major targets of fungicides used in winter oats.…
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Aphids in Winter cereals, April 2019
Look for aphids on leaves on warm sunny days, and consider an aphicide if aphid colonies can be found on 50% of plants. Aphids are probably not going to start…
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Possible Store Cattle Sale Declaration
The potential of a store card declaration is to help instil trust and inform buyers of the type of cattle on view, beyond what is visible to the stockpersons eye. The more information that is clear to a buyer, the likelier the premium for cattle that will perform. With finisher margins being very tight, is this time to start?
Note that it is a new idea to Scotland but is widely used (and sought after) in America and other large stock producing countries.
Looking After Young Heifers At Grass
Making use of high quality grass is very efficient for growth in youngstock if managed correctly, helping reduce rearing costs. However, ensuring that young heifers achieve the desired growth rate at grass relies on good grass management and knowing when to target supplementary feed.
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Feeding Out Multiple Forages
Fodder crops vary greatly in nutritional value. Kirsten Williams explains the benefits of grazing a variety of crops in one field.
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Hygiene At Lambing
Reducing the build up of bacteria in the shed is essential to aid lamb survival.
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Pests in oilseed rape, April 2019
With many crops already at green-yellow bud, there is a risk from pollen beetle damage to the buds, giving rise to blind-stalks with no flowers or pods forming on them.…
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Diseases in oilseed rape, April 2019
Fungicide sprays targeting light leaf spot will be imminent when conditions dry up and allow field operations again – many crops are now extending away and at green bud stages.…
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Pests in Spring barley, April 2019
Crops sown after grass will be at risk from leatherjackets. With the loss of chlorpyrifos, crops sown after grass have limited options should leatherjackets start to cause damage to emerging…
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