Triple points for Tillage 08
Efficiency, innovation and best practice are the 'take home' messages from this year's Tillage Events to be held during September in Northamptonshire and Berwickshire – and for the first time, growers attending Tillage will be able to register for three NRoSO points.
NRoSO, the professional body of sprayer operators, ensures ongoing training for members of the agricultural industry. Points are awarded following a rigorous assessment procedure, based on content and attendance. Tillage organisers have hailed the award of NRoSO points as recognition of the event's growing importance.
"Over the past 16 years the Tillage Event has attracted more and more visitors and this year should be no exception; in 2008 we have over 40 exhibitors spanning 120 acres," says Duncan Russell of the AEA. "We hope that the added bonus of NRoSO points will give growers an extra reason to come to Tillage."
Duncan believes the key to the success of the Tillage Event is in the working exhibits. "This year we have over 20 working plots, each with between two and six acres of land. At Tillage, the farmers get to see the machines in action rather than looking at a squeaky clean model on a display stand."
In addition to this farmers are given the opportunity to get 'hands-on' with the latest gadgets in electronic farming. "GPS helps farmers to use their machinery more efficiently, whether it's through yield mapping, more precise spreading or spraying, or simply improving accuracy.
"It goes without saying with fuel prices as they are, farmers are looking to cut costs wherever possible," says Duncan.
From economy to the environment: another key thread throughout Tillage this year is safe use of pesticides. Lead sponsor De Sangosse will be emphasising the importance of environmental stewardship and best practice, particularly with slug pellets. Jean-François Testut, UK Marketing Manager, is keen to emphasise these points.
"The Tillage Events take place right in the middle of the slug season, with the UK's number one arable pest at the front of every arable farmer's agenda. Our aims at Tillage will be to help farmers learn how to maximise spreading efficiency while reducing environmental impact."
The two Tillage Events take place in September: at Desborough, Northamptonshire on Thursday 11th September; and at Duns, Berwickshire on Thursday 25th September. Further information and maps are available from www.tillage.uk.com.
