DKB Crop protection open days prove great success
More than 400 farmers attended The-cereals event at Walworth, near Darlington organised by DKB Crop Protection (part of Crest Marketing).
Trial plots demonstrating Dow AgroSciences’ new cereal herbicide Broadway Star proved a real draw. Visitors saw the product’s activity on sterile brome, wild oats and ryegrass in winter wheat as well as its added bonus of activity against broadleaved weeds. The plots also showed how growers can achieve the best results from the new herbicide, particularly by using it as part of a programme with an autumn residual.
DKB Directors Dave Barker and Vernon Spinks have been very impressed with Broadway Star’s performance.
"We used it for the first time this spring in varying situations. Within a week, it gave very good control of rye-grass as well as tackling wild oats and brome as well as a wide range of broadleaved weeds, including cleavers," says Mr Spinks. "We have been impressed by its flexibility. It hits a lot of weeds, is safe to the crop and can be used in a range of tank-mixes. I can see a big place in the market for it as it gives growers the option of using just one product in spring."
Other farmers who had tried Broadway Star in its debut season were equally enthusiastic about its performance. David Swall from Northallerton reported excellent results on sterile, great and rye brome as well as good action against broadleaved weeds. Jamie Finch from Bishop Auckland was impressed with its activity on wild oats, saying the difference between treated and non-treated was obvious where he’d missed the odd patch with the sprayer.
Independent variety consultant Richard Fenwick was kept busy over the two days with a constant stream of farmers wanting a tour of extensive variety plots. According to Mr Fenwick the up and coming wheat varieties to look out for are Gallant, JB Diego, Scout, and Grafton. While for winter barley, Mr Fenwick recommends Cassia and Volume.
Other attractions included a busy moisture meter clinic, machinery and sprayers from local dealers Brian Robinson and Claytons and advice on NVZs and stewardship schemes by Alison Clayton.
"We were absolutely delighted with the two days," said Mr Barker. "Despite poor weather on the second day, we’ve had more people here than ever. Our aim is to demonstrate to farmers and growers in an informative way, new cereal varieties, fungicides and herbicides.
We like to think that everyone has enjoyed the casual atmosphere and look forward to coming to see us again next year.
