The Farmers Mart Oct-Nov 2018 - Issue 59 | Page 48

48 GETTING READY FOR WINTER
OCT/NOV 2018 • farmers-mart.co.uk
New flexibility secured
by Michael Gove for
farmers affected by
extreme weather
FARMERS affected by this summer’s dry
weather have been offered further assis-
tance by the UK government.
New flexibility from the EU Commission
has been secured, which will help farmers
increase the amount of feed they can grow
for their livestock.
The dry weather earlier this summer has
meant many livestock farmers have not had
enough pasture to graze their animals on,
with some having to break into their winter
feed supplies early.
Farmers will be allowed to grow grass
and other edible forage in areas that are not
usually allowed for grazing.
This is after the UK government secured
a derogation from the EU’s Ecological Focus
Area (EFA) winter crop requirements, which
‘ it is only right that
we do what we can to
support farmers who
have been placed under
the most pressure
’
stipulates that certain areas must be left
fallow or sown with crop mix that cannot
be grazed.
Secretary of State Michael Gove said: “We
have had one of the driest summers since
modern records began in 1961, and it is only
right that we do what we can to support
farmers who have been placed under the
most pressure.”
SECURITY
Improve farm security - put in a post box
Post boxes are growing in popularity in rural areas because
they help improve farm security. An effective post box protects
the mail and keeps it safe. It also ensures fewer people need to
access the farm which reduces risks in terms of:
• bio-security
• personnel safety
• protecting farm equipment from theft
Keep new-sown leys clear of weeds
for maximum grass yields next spring
MAKING sure new-sown leys are kept
weed-free this autumn will pay divi-
dends next spring, as it will allow grass to
grow to its full potential for grazing and
cutting.
“There is a lot of reseeding going on
following the wet spring and dry summer,
which highlighted the worst performing
fields and reduced overall grass growth on
many farms,” explains Andy Bailey, princi-
pal biologist for Corteva agriscience.
“Investing in a reseed is not cheap and
tackling weeds early is easier and cheaper
than waiting to do it next year.
“Weeds will germinate in almost all new
leys. Some annual weeds like fat hen may
well be killed by frost, but others such
as chickweed, mayweed and perennial
seedling docks and thistles will comfortably
survive the winter.”
Control weed seedling in new swards by
applying Envy, which can be sprayed by qual-
ified operators until the end of November.
“Young weeds are growing strongly now
as the soil is warm and moist,” adds Mr.
Bailey. “Once most of the weeds have four
to six leaves it will be a good time to spray,
as this is a good indication that most have
germinated. Ideally there should be seven
to ten days of good weather after spraying
to ensure good control.”
Autumn dock control
Autumn is also a good time to control es-
tablished docks, which having deep roots,
survived the dry summer and are now look-
ing very healthy.