Cereals like wheat, barley, maize, and oats are among the most important crops in the world. They are essential for food supplies, including human consumption and livestock feeds. There are also industrial applications for many of them. However, it can be tricky to grow them successfully. Bad weather, poor soil, disease, and pests can wreak havoc. Fertiliser is important, but can add significantly to costs. Plus, it can cause serious environmental problems. Luckily, UK cereal farmers could have a silver lining in the future with the development of a low carbon alternative. Continue reading →

The Museum of English Rural Life is one of the most important agricultural resources in the UK. Part of the University of Reading, it is a wonderful asset. Crucially, it gives people the chance to learn about our agricultural past and present, including significant developments along the way. These can provide an insight into what we could expect in the future. The best thing is The MERL has a surprisingly diverse collection, such as farm toys, clothing, community objects, records, promotional materials, and more. Continue reading →

It’s been a tough time for various animal owners, including farmers with sheep and cows, as well as horse owners. Shortages have been pushing up prices. At the same time, there are concerns about supplies. Many people can’t wait for spring to arrive so animals can go outside. It’s also a good time to look closely at feed rations and practices to see if you could save money. That is especially important with horse feed. Continue reading →