Intelligent Farming Podcast May 2025

Nick Wood and Tim Parton highlight the serious impact of prolonged dry weather on farm, noting it's unusually dry for early May. Crops like spring and winter barley are struggling, with limited growth and signs of stress. The lack of irrigation and rapid crop development, such as early flowering in oilseed rape, could lead to an early and poor harvest.

They stress the financial pressure this puts on farmers. Maintaining crop health is expensive, with foliar nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium essential but costly - especially when returns aren't guaranteed. SAP tests are proving ineffective in dry conditions, adding to the challenge. Both agree that rain is urgently needed and call for more government support, as they balance crop care with tough business decisions.