Cereals and oilseeds growers in Wales will get the chance to discuss ‘risk, resilience and reward’ at the Agronomy 2016 event taking place on 17 February.
This year, the annual NFU Cymru/AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds technical event in Cowbridge will explore the resilience of varieties, the value of incorporating or selling straw and the management of grain market risks/opportunities.
The event will also include perspectives from a local agronomist, as well as an overview of a broad range of AHDB activity helping businesses to become more competitive and resilient.
Perkin Evans, Chairman of NFU Cymru's Combinable Crops and Horticulture working group, said: “This is now an established event in the calendar. We work with AHDB’s regional team to handpick the topics to ensure presentations are both topical and relevant to growers in Wales.
“It is our first event since HGCA became AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds and it will provide an excellent opportunity to find out about the latest evidence-based information that could make a real difference to your farming business.”
On the programme
Ellie Marshall, AHDB, will discuss what makes a good variety and help growers interpret AHDB Recommended Lists information to make stronger variety choices. Dr Marshall will also explain the concept of ‘relative risk’ and how it is being used to develop and select varieties which perform reasonably well under variable conditions.
John Williams, ADAS, will provide an overview of the evidence on incorporating or selling straw to help growers decide which makes financial sense. Based on recent research findings, the pros and cons of each approach will be considered along with the importance of ‘local factors’.
The straw paper was requested by NFU Cymru members.
Mr Evans said: “The straw price is relatively depressed at the moment and this is leading farmers to reconsider whether it makes sense to sell it or return it to the land.
“As straw is important for the livestock industry, John will consider this and the potential role of muck-for-straw deals.
“He will also consider our relatively wet climate and tease out the implications. Storing bales being a key issue.
“As growers, we are looking for the elusive tipping point to help us confirm whether what we are doing is right or let us know that it is time for a change.”
The programme also includes a discussion on the prospects for the grain market delivered by an AHDB market analyst.
Regional experience
Richard Meredith, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Regional Manager (West), said: “We have also enlisted Stephen Harrison of South West Agronomy to add his experience to the event programme, specifically to put the key points into a local context.
“Stephen is a well-respected and knowledgeable agronomist operating in and around the South Glamorgan area.
“As he is also involved in the Monitor Farm programme, he is a perfect fit for this event.”
Mr Meredith will conclude the day with a whistle-stop tour of a broad range of AHDB activity, including lessons from the first Monitor Farm in Wales.
Including refreshments and lunch, the free-to-attend afternoon event takes place on 17 February 2016 in Cowbridge.
