FARMING in the Borders has the potential to become even more challenging if the grass weeds problems now being experienced by English growers move north – so the financial impact of these weeds in arable crops is to be the focus of a free workshop held in the area later this month.

The “Control of Arable Grass Weeds in Scotland” workshop is being run under the Scottish Government’s new Farm Advisory Service programme, delivered by specialists and local consultants from SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College.

The meeting – which is being held in the heart of the Scottish Border’s arable area Whitsome Village Hall, near Duns, on Tuesday January 24 – will look into ways farmers can tackle even the most troublesome of these grass weeds.

SAC Consulting's Donald Dunbar said: “With the increase in minimal tillage and wider use of contractors for harvest operations, we are seeing an increase in the incidence of grass weeds such as brome and blackgrass in addition to the more common annual meadow grass and rye grass.

“Early control with herbicides is crucial in preventing grass weeds from affecting crop yields and causing harvest problems – but there are also rotational and cultural controls that can provide a more integrated weed control strategy.”

The event will cover the lifecycle of problem grass weeds and the potential impact of these weeds on the farmer’s crop and the gross margin. While the meeting is free, anyone planning to attend should register in advance through the FAS website www.fas.scot/events or by contacting the SAC Consulting Edinburgh on 01835 823322 or email frbsstboswells@sac.co.uk