Combinable crop growers are in the process of applying their final sprays of the season to ensure crops are in the optimum condition at harvest. It is also this time of year that flags up problems – like weed pressures, establishment issues or chemical efficacy – leaving growers keen to find solutions for next season.
CPM weighs up how a visit to one of Agrovista’s regional trial sites could arm growers with the answers they’re looking for.
By Charlotte Cunningham
With so much new technology, chemistry and changes to farming practices, finding a solution that actually works and benefits your business can seem like a bit of a minefield.
This means that having access to trial sites has become more important than ever, to allow growers to identify the impact that the latest research findings could have on their farm business.
Agrovista has an extensive network of trials right across the country and over the next two months will be hosting local open days. So what exactly will growers be able to see?
Project Lamport – Northampton
The widely-know Lamport trial site will be welcoming visitors in early July to showcase the most up-to-date findings of the project, which is now in its sixth year.
The day will include an insight into how long-term rotational systems can control blackgrass and improve soil health, as well as the best combination of cover crops and cultivations – delivered by soil expert, Philip Wright.
Growers will also get a chance to preview the latest findings from a replicated research project looking at the impact of cultivations, compaction and cover crops on soil structure, organic matter and microbiology.
When?
3-4 July 2019
Where?
Lamport Manor, Northampton NN6 9HF
How to do I book?
https://www.agrovista.co.uk/events/events.aspx?pname=Project-Lamport-Open-Days&eventid=3620
Kelso – Scotland
Selecting the right winter wheat, Clearfield oilseed rape and getting the best from nozzle technology will be in the spotlight at the Kelso open day.
Growers will also be able to hear about the findings from studies into companion species and the benefits to be gained, as well as the changing landscape of fungicides and bioscience in winter wheat.
When?
17 June 2019
Where?
Newton Don, Kelso, TF5 7SY
How to do I book?
https://www.agrovista.co.uk/events/events.aspx?pname=Kelso:-Regional-Open-Day&eventid=3953
Ilminster – Somerset
In addition to previewing research on fungicides in winter wheat programmes, visitors to the Ilminster regional open day will be able to explore the latest discussions around farming without chlorothalonil and epoxiconazole following their recent bans.
The Somerset-based site will also highlight the latest findings regarding new varieties, arming growers with the facts ahead of variety selection in the coming months.
When?
28 June 2019
Where?
Hurcott Farm, Ilminster, TA19 0JS
How to do I book?
https://www.agrovista.co.uk/events/events.aspx?pname=Ilminster:-Regional-Open-Day&eventid=3954
Balne – North Yorkshire
The use of cover crops is becoming an increasingly hot topic and visitors to the Balne local trial day will be able to get an insight from the experts about which cover crops fit where and why, with over 40 different species anticipated to be on display.
As well as this, growers will be able to view seven different field-scale establishment techniques ranging from min-till to direct drilling.
The programme will also look closely at practical soil health solutions covering soil physics, biology and chemistry, as well as innovative options for maximising the value of fertilisers, and a comparison of the best new and existing wheat varieties.
When?
28 June 2019
Where?
Cross Hill Farm, Balne, DN14 0ES
How to do I book?
https://www.agrovista.co.uk/events/events.aspx?pname=Yorkshire-Regional-Open-Day&eventid=3764
Framlingham – Suffolk
Held over two days in early July, visitors to Agrovista’s Framlingham trial site will get an exclusive look at how to win the battle – but not lose the war – on blackgrass control.
Soil husbandry – including physical, chemical and biological processes – and variety trials to help growers select the right winter wheat will also be in the spotlight.
Complementing the already busy programme will be an insight into choosing the right timing, method or variety for maximum crop establishment success, as well as the changing landscape of fungicides and bioscience in winter wheat.
When?
1-2 July 2019
Where?
Kettleburgh Lodge, Framlingham, IP13 9RY
How to do I book?
https://www.agrovista.co.uk/events/events.aspx?pname=Framlingham:-Regional-Open-Day&eventid=3952
