Orion Farming Monthly Newsletter July 2025
- Orion Farming Group
- Jun 24
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 30
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Orion July Update
Harvest has started. I am hearing variable reports, depending on soil types and it’s resilience to the dry conditions. It is fair to say that its unpredictable, but nothing in agriculture feels predictable at the moment. A little more surety and consistency would be nice!
The US strikes on Iran and the subsequent vote to close the Strait of Hormuz caused a sharp spike in oil, fuel, and fertiliser prices. While a ceasefire declared on 23rd June has since calmed markets, the situation remains fragile. It's a stark reminder of how quickly global events can introduce yet more volatility to our input costs.
Fertiliser
It has been a chaotic release of new season prices. In the 2nd week of June CF and Yara released prices and then withdrew them after a couple of days. Some prices were released and withdrawn almost on the same day the following week. As I write this, we still do not have a set of prices we can work with. All very frustrating for everyone. I will keep those who are interested informed as soon as we have prices.
Crop Chemicals
Fungicide demand has now reduced with a large volume of pre-harvest and post-harvest stubble cleaning Glyphosate now going out. Please see the following article from Darren at Bayer on optimal usage techniques of Glyphosate.
Shelley and I are now starting to meet manufacturers and suppliers on Autumn Season products, pricing and availability.
Zantra
Agrovista UK, has acquired the shares in Zantra Holdings Ltd, which owns Zantra Ltd.
Orion Farming have worked closely and well with Zantra over the years, and they have been consistent in their high quality of support to the group, delivering a wide range of products at good prices with efficient delivery. Murray has asked me to pass on his thanks to all the Orion members who have supported Zantra over the years.
Zantra has had a relationship with Agrovista for many years, and Zantra founder Murray Mackay says both companies share the same passion in providing independent trials, product assessment and a first-class delivery service.
Agrovista have expressed from the beginning of discussions that they want to retain all Zantra staff, in the combined business. All Zantra directors will take on senior positions within Agrovista and all managers and employees will be offered the same or similar roles going forward.
Shelley and myself will meet with them in the coming months to discuss the future and the best way of working together. In the meantime, and for the next few months Zantra say ‘it’s business as usual.
Seed
I am starting to take orders for winter cereals and oil seed rape. We have all varieties available to us so please talk to me about what you are thinking for the coming season. I predict that Group 1 wheat varieties will be in high demand and the best/new ones will sell out quick. I have already heard the KWS Vibe is already looking short.
For any information on any of the above, please get in touch with me.
Stuart Goodinson, Orion General Manager
Glyphosate Applications
Check field conditions ahead of spraying glyphosate this Autumn.
Effective weed control from glyphosate depends on suitable application conditions. Growers preparing to tidy up stubbles ahead of Autumn crops should check the situation in fields before application. There were several cases of poor performance last season due to sub optimal conditions at application. Added to that, the recent announcement of a few cases of resistance in Italian ryegrass underlines the importance of correct application and stewardship.
Firstly, make sure the rate is sufficient for the hardest to kill weed in the spectrum. If there is a delay between spray recommendation and application, double-check weed size and consider using a higher rate.
Avoid applications to stressed weeds which may not translocate glyphosate throughout the plant effectively. Stress most likely means drought at this time of year; However other conditions may affect weed growth. If a water conditioner is deemed necessary, make sure this is added to the spray tank first.
Water quality
Hard water containing high levels of calcium, magnesium and other polyvalent metal cations such as iron and aluminium can lock-up glyphosate by a process known as chelation. This effectively reduces the applied dose rate of glyphosate and is most noticeable at low application rates and high water volumes. Addition of a proprietary water conditioner, choosing a lower water volume and maintaining the correct dose rate will help to mitigate the effect where necessary.
The balance, choice and loading of surfactant in the formulation is vital to:
Enhance translocation
Maximise uptake and movement within the plant
Improve speed of activity, rainfastness and reduce cultivation intervals
Deliver the best long-term weed control
Patented surfactants are an essential component of modern Roundup® formulations, ensuring Improved spray pattern characteristics Effective spreading Efficient, non-aggressive cuticle penetration which combine to deliver a more reliable and consistent performance
Preventing weed resistance
Allowing plants that regrow to set seed is a resistance risk. The danger was underlined by the resistance announcement earlier this year found in Italian Ryegrass . Ideally, avoid regrowth situations by not applying optimum rates But, if you notice regrowth, destroy the plants, preferably with a mechanical or chemical alternative to glyphosate.” For more information, please visit https://cropscience.bayer.co.uk/
Nick Philp on tackling grass weed pressure head-on
Nick Philp, Chair of Orion Farming manages just under 3,000 acres across the family farm, contract farms and other holdings. His weed control strategy is consistent across all sites and built on years of experience, adapting to evolving pressures by investing in the most effective chemistry.
“We’ve faced all sorts of problems,” says Nick. “Black-grass has been a long-standing issue - some years worse than others - but now ryegrass is becoming a real concern. We’ve also got several types of bromes to deal with.”
To tackle the challenge, Nick relies on a mix of cultural, mechanical and chemical tools. “We give it the full works,” he says. “We direct drill, keep the ground covered wherever possible and use rotation and cultivation to disrupt weed lifecycles.”
That rotation is carefully planned. “I avoid second wheats where I can, and I’m keen to vary the cropping. We’ll go from winter wheat into oilseed rape, then wheat, followed by a legume, another wheat, and finally a non-wheat cereal like spring oats, spring wheat or winter barley. We slot in cover or catch crops during the breaks.”
In recent years, Nick has also added more mechanical methods to help tackle weeds that break through. “We still rogue where we need to,” he says, “and we’ve started using a weed collector to catch black-grass or ryegrass that’s standing up above the crop.”
The final piece of Nick’s strategy has seen the consistent performance of BASF’s Luximo result in the residual chemistry becoming central to his grass weed control “It’s done a very good job for us over the past couple of years, especially where ryegrass pressure is building. With resistance (from other chemistry) creeping in, we’re much more selective with what we use, and Luximo has definitely earned its place.”
Nick believes an effective programme within a comprehensive IPM strategy ensures he gets the most return from his investment. “Back when I started, chemistry did most of the work. Now we’re putting much more into the overall management of the field. We’re going down the non-chemical route as much as we can so the chemistry we do use can retain its efficacy and keep working for us in the years ahead.”
Supplier Promotions during June
Orion Members can use the Orion App to see all the latest Supplier Promotions.
APM Agriplant have posted new promotions with a focus on spring supplies (spray nozzles, electric fencing etc.) as well as general workshop supplies.
TVE have posted details of their latest promotions on Bobcat Servicing across all of Southern England.
Twine & Netwrap
Just a brief reminder that with harvest rapidly approaching, prices for twine and netwrap for this season are held at the office from several suppliers, so in order to purchase your requirements at the most competitive price, please ensure you place your orders through the office.
Wynngold Boost
For those members who rear beef calves rather than dairy replacements, Wynnstay can offer Wynngold Boost, a whey-based milk powder containing 20% protein, 19% oil and 500mg/kg vit. Boost is manufactured, by Volac, exclusively for Wynnstay. Boost has been formulated for optimum digestibility and to provide a cost-effective performance prominently for beef. The high vitamin E content helps supports the calf’s developing immune system especially through periods of stress.
Feed Grade Urea
In light of the continuing unrest in the Middle East, one supplier of feed grade urea has already withdrawn their price for this product, so if this is a product you take, it might be advisable to ensure you have sufficient stock, in case other suppliers find themselves in a similar position in the weeks to come.
UK Straights Feed Market: Navigating Current Volatility
The UK straights feed market is navigating a complex landscape, with several key products experiencing significant price movements and ongoing volatility. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and strategic considerations for purchasing.
What Products are Moving and Why?
While global cereal markets have seen some recent easing, UK feed wheat prices have shown limited downside. This is partly due to a weakening Sterling against the Euro, making imports less competitive, and tighter domestic supplies from a smaller UK harvest. Rapeseed meal has also seen firming, supported by constrained domestic and global oilseed rape availability. Conversely, soya meal prices are generally trending lower due to robust global soybean supplies, offering a more competitive protein alternative and potentially limiting overall feed price increases.
Outlook for Prices Over the Next Month and Key Drivers
The outlook for feed grains, particularly wheat, suggests potential for renewed upward movement in the short term. This is largely driven by a forecast global grain deficit for the 2024/25 season, coupled with slowing Black Sea exports and lingering concerns over weather conditions in major exporting countries. Domestic UK supply challenges continue to underpin local prices.
For oilseeds, the bearish sentiment for soya meal is expected to persist, influencing rapeseed meal. Key drivers influencing all straights will be currency fluctuations (Sterling's strength directly impacts import costs), the pace of new crop development both domestically and globally, and geopolitical events that could affect supply chains. Farmers should anticipate continued responsiveness to these external factors.
And finally, totally irrelevant but quite interesting facts of the month…….
Uranus is the coldest planet in the Solar System, even though it’s nearer to the Sun than Neptune and Mars has distanced itself from the deep-fried Mars bar because it goes against the company’s ‘commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles’.
For more details on any matter raised in the Feed & Livestock section, please contact Joe in the office: Joe Cobb, Feed & Livestock Manager, 01865 393 139
We believe that success next season starts now. In the spirit of making more of what you already have, cover crops are a powerful tool to lock in soil health, improve fertility, and enhance sustainability, all while making your current assets work harder.
Cover crops play a vital role in protecting and revitalising soils during the off-season. Rather than allowing valuable nutrients to leach away or the soil to dry and degrade, introducing a well-matched cover crop mix helps trap nutrients, build organic matter, and prepare the ground for a stronger, more productive start next spring. They’re a smart, long-term investment in your soil’s resilience.
Planning ahead is essential. By ordering now, you ensure your cover crops are in place when it counts, setting the stage for a successful 2026. This forward-thinking approach is especially important in a year when margins are tight, and efficiencies matter more than ever.
If you're enrolled in an SFI scheme, even better: our cover crop solutions can directly support actions such as SOH2, SOH3, and SAM2, delivering both agronomic benefits and scheme payments.
And as an Orion member, you gain access to exclusive pricing, plus we guarantee the best value and bespoke blends to suit your exact requirements. Whether you need straights, specific species, or fully bespoke mixes, we’ll deliver quality and savings you can count on.”
