Oilseed rape prices significantly higher than this time last year means that heads are turning to take a fresh look at the crop, despite its many problems. With more of the crop maybe going into the ground this autumn, before making a final decision, agronomy firm, Hutchinsons, is urging growers to think carefully about how they will get crops to perform well amidst the many establishment challenges. Cabbage stem flea beetle has become the greatest concern in many areas, but seedbed moisture, slugs and pigeons remain constant threats to establishing crops successfully and building yield potential. Hutchinsons Yorkshire-based agronomist, David Stead, said the key to success is drilling crops early into good conditions to establish strong, healthy, deep-rooted plants with greater resilience.
Value of capital grants doubles in revised Countryside Stewardship
10 February 2021 |
Funding threshold for capital-only grants under CS has increased to £20,000 per funding group
Farmers can apply for a wider range of capital grants, including to help improve air quality, through the latest round of the Countryside Stewardship scheme (CS) which has now opened.
The maximum level of funding available for the different groups of capital-only grants has also risen from £10,000 to £20,000.
Defra has revealed that a key change this year is a bigger range of capital items will be offered to farmers under a new Capital Grants offer, designed to sit alongside the simplified Wildlife Offers.
Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) promises £100,000 grants for woodland, peatland and habitat restoration projects that can then harness further private investment