Sell-out conference demonstrates agronomy optimism

At the recent Association of Independent Crop Consultants, (AICC), Annual Conference, held at the inspiring venue of Twickenham Stadium, levels of optimism and enthusiasm for independent agronomy were running at an all-time high.

"It’s very exciting time for independent agronomy, reflected in the highest number of attendees ever to our annual conference at 216," explains Sarah Cowlrick, CEO of the AICC. "Critically, was that at least a quarter of these were young agronomists who have recently joined the AICC; key to the long term future of independent agronomy. We were delighted that the first of the students in our joint MDS agronomy training programme, launched at Cereals just this year, were also able to attend."

Alongside this, AICC Chairman Mike Warner reminded members of the importance of collaborating with like-minded individuals and organisations in order to grow and protect market share: "This would include improved engagement with young industry entrants and better definition of what independent agronomy actually means and the benefits that distinction brings."

New format Conference

The 2012 conference saw a new format which focussed on two-days of condensed, highly-technical, unbiased and thought-provoking presentations from a range of industry experts.

With crops across the country looking lush alongside the mild conditions of the winter to date, there were warnings of early spring, high disease pressure particularly from brown rust in wheats and light leaf spot in oilseed rape. There was much emphasis on the forward care of large oilseed rape crops, with the advice focussing on precise canopy and nitrogen management.

A glimmer of optimism on the potential impact of the Water Framework Directive was offered by Jim Orson of NIAB TAG, who felt that the threat from the WFD to pesticide use and availability was not as large as initially thought. There was a ’but’ to this condition, as Mr Orson outlined the need and support of agronomists and their farmers to work closely within current legislation and adopt best practise: "in order maintain current standards avoiding any further deterioration of pesticide levels in water."

Key to this was the support of initiatives such as the Say No to Drift Chloropyrifos campaign, added Andrew Speed of Headland Chemicals. His message to the industry was clear - that unless from Jan 2012 - the UK adopted low drift nozzles and extended buffer zones (20m for boom sprayer applications and 50 m for orchard applications), we would face a future without this critically important pesticide.