Orion Farming Monthly Newsletter October 2026
Updated: Oct 8
Thank you to our advertisers and to Russel Davidson for this months article on page 2.
Please note the advice from Joe Cobb, feed and livestock manager also on page 2 regarding GLW compound feed.
This months supplier spotlight is on Norton Air - page 3
Stuart Goodinson - General Manager OFG
Orion Farming Group: October 2026 Newsletter
October update
Stuart Goodinson, Orion General Manager
The only thing predictable at the moment is how unpredictable everything feels. Planning for every possibility is becoming the new strategic norm, and I take my hat off to you all for your resilience.
Drilling is under way, with more barley and oilseed rape planted than last year and a move back towards Group 3 and Group 4 wheats for higher yield potential.
Arable desk news
Chemicals
There has been an increase in the hectares of oilseed rape planted locally and nationally. This may put pressure on key OSR products, especially Falcon, Ladiva and Belkar. Book requirements as soon as you know what you need.
Seed
Arlington, Defiance, Caravelle and Graham are either very short or sold out. Please speak to the office early if you still need seed.
Fertiliser
Nitrogen continues to move upwards as high gas prices follow renewed hostilities in the Middle East. CBAM is still due to begin on 1 January. If possible, have fertiliser on farm well before then.
Member services
Private healthcare
Orion can arrange group-rate quotations for individual or family private healthcare through Bupa or Vitality. Contact Stuart through the Orion office to explore the options.
Income opportunity
Perenna Services is looking within roughly 30 miles of OX1 4XQ for a secure yard, barn, outbuilding or hardstanding for vans, trailers, machinery and materials.
Commercial rent or an agreed programme of grounds work can be discussed.
Fertiliser spreader testing
Only 22% of more than 6,500 tray tests matched manufacturers’ website settings.
A tray test shows what the machine is doing with the fertiliser on farm. Batch variation, spreader wear and set-up all affect the pattern.
Adjustment was needed in:
NS compounds: 92%
Granular urea: 83%
Granular AN: 72%
Why book early?
Wet or windy days reduce how many farms SCS can test. Once spring spreading begins, thousands of customers need checks within a short window.
If fertiliser is already on farm, arrange the test before the spring rush.
Book a test: Russ Davison on 07825 925485www.spreadcheck.com
Feed and livestock
Compound feed
During the busier winter months, GLW expects delivery lead times to increase from five to seven working days.
Standing orders
GLW calls a few days before each regular delivery to confirm the scheduled day or rearrange it.
To discuss a standing order, contact Geoff Homewood on 07974 684753.
Minerals and fats
Mineral delivery to farm is now closer to 14 working days, and Envirolac can take longer. Requested dates cannot always be guaranteed, so please plan ahead.
Farm plastic disposal
Farm XS can remove silage sheeting, bale wrap, twine and netwrap for an annual Group-discounted charge.
Contact the Orion office or email enquiries@farmxs.com.
Joe Cobb, Feed & Livestock Manager: 01865 393139
Supplier spotlight: Norton Air
Installation, servicing and repairs 24/7, backed by 40 years’ field experience.
Services include:
Flexible pipes made on site to pattern.
Leak testing.
Flushing.
Contract servicing.
Telephone: 07887 845839Website: www.nortonair.co.uk
Supplier catalogue: Quarry and aggregates
Contact suppliers directly and quote your Orion membership number, or call the office for help.
Clark Contracting Ltd
Quarrying, landfill, aggregate sales, road haulage and construction.
Sales contact: Tim ClarkTelephone: 01494 431871Website: clark-contracting.co.uk
Earthline Ltd
Full range of primary and recycled materials.
Sales contact: Adam FarleyTelephone: 01672 841389Website: earthlineltd.co.uk
Hills Quarry Products Ltd
Aggregates for a wide range of applications.
Sales contact: Matthew PopeTelephone: 01793 714999Website: hills-quarry.co.uk
H Tuckwell & Sons Ltd
Sands, aggregates and decorative materials.
Sales contact: Sales OfficeTelephone: 01235 521251Website: tuckwells.co.uk
Smiths
Producer and supplier of primary and recycled aggregates.
Sales contact: Sales OfficeTelephone: 01869 331281Website: smithsbletchington.co.uk
Member pricing and local support
Please quote your Orion membership number when contacting a supplier. The office can also help you identify the best fit for the material, delivery area and job in hand.
West Berks and Oxon Training
October 2026
Thursday 1 October: Lantra Rodent Management. 5 spaces.
Wednesday 14 October: Emergency First Aid at Work. 3 spaces.
Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 October: Two-day Chainsaw. 3 spaces.
Tuesday 27 October: Tractor Driving, ages 13–15. 4 spaces.
November 2026
Tuesday 3 November: PA1 Foundation Module. 8 spaces.
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November: Lantra Two-day Chainsaw. 4 spaces.
Thursday 12 November: PA6 Knapsack Sprayer, Training Day. 6 spaces.
Tuesday 17 November: Lantra One-day Chainsaw Refresher. 1 space.
Wednesday 25 November: PA2 Boom Sprayer, Training Day. 5 spaces.
December 2026
Wednesday 9 December: Emergency First Aid at Work. 8 spaces.
Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 December: Lantra Two-day Chainsaw. 4 spaces.
For enquiries and bookings:
Telephone: 07919 430312Email: office@wbotraining.co.ukWebsite: www.westberksandoxontraining.co.uk
