AHDB opens door to arable advances at CropTec show

CropTec show
CropTec show

Growers will be able to discuss arable advances with a diverse range of experts, when AHDB opens its stand’s door at the CropTec show.

Taking place on 29 to 30 November 2016 at the East of England Showground in Peterborough, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds stand (A25) has been designed to reflect the show’s main technical themes – Crop Breeding, Crop Nutrition, Crop Establishment and Crop Protection.

This year, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds is the official supporter of the Crop Breeding seminar programme.

The support sees Dr Susannah Bolton, Director of Knowledge Exchange at AHDB, chair a seminar session aimed at promoting advances in crop genetics.

Dr Bolton said: “Through pre-breeding investment, Recommended Lists trials and in-season monitoring activity, we work hard to make sure growers’ crops have the best genetic underpinning possible.

“As our latest Recommended Lists for 2017/18 will be launched online the day before the event, CropTec provides us with a timely opportunity to discuss the latest varietal developments with growers.”

On the topic of crop nutrition, Sarah Clarke and Susie Roques of ADAS, will be available to discuss AHDB’s extensive review of the Fertiliser Manual (RB209).

Many changes to RB209 have been proposed, including recommendations for additional crops and updated information on the nutrient content associated with organic materials.

Visitors to the event will be among the first to hear about these changes and plans to launch the AHDB Nutrient Management Guide in 2017.

On the topic of crop establishment, Dr Amanda Bennett, AHDB, and Dr Andy Whitmore, Rothamsted Research, will focus on soil health.

In recent years, a range of indicators for soil health has been developed.

Visitors to the stand will find out about research developing the guidance and tools needed so the indicators can be exploited by progressive arable farmers.

Soil organic matter will be a particular emphasis on the stand.