Arable Insights at this year's CropTec November event

The first seminar session, 'Breaking Down Access to New Markets to Cultivate Business Resilience,' promises to be a highlight. It will be chaired by Rohit Kaushish, the NFU's chief economics advisor on the first day and vice president David Exwood on the second day. This session is particularly relevant due to changes in government policy and rising production costs. Mr. Exwood emphasized the need for diversified income streams to navigate a rapidly changing world.

Mr. Kaushish anticipates that this session will offer clarity on emerging support schemes, environmental markets, and policy developments. With farmers exploring new income opportunities and facing questions about the potential of environmental markets at the farm level, it's a crucial time to delve deeper into these markets.

Sir Peter Kendall, the former NFU president, will chair the second session, which delves into crop nutrition and sustainability. With agriculture's focus on achieving sustainability goals, experts will discuss the importance of low-carbon crop nutrition and the future of fertilizer policy in a changing climate. The session's panel includes Mark Tucker, business development and head of agronomy for session sponsor Yara, and independent agronomist David Boulton from Indigro.

This will be the 11th CropTec event

Given the recent fluctuations in fertilizer prices, Sir Peter emphasized the importance of carefully considering all available options for plant nutrition. He looks forward to being a part of this year's CropTec at its new location, offering an opportunity to review the previous harvest and plan for the spring season ahead.

The third session, 'Connecting Bold Thinkers in a Time of Change: Real Stories from Boots on the Ground,' sponsored by Horsch, aims to share farmer experiences and successes. Chair Andrew Francis from Team Ag expects that presentations from innovative farmers will showcase diverse approaches and commonalities.

In an era of rapid technological advancements, Andrew Williams, manager of Home Farms in Nacton, will discuss his experience with robotics in arable crops and organic vegetable production. Jack Smith, Farm Director for AG Wright & Sons, will explore the importance of data in decision making, emphasizing the need to combine insights from the office and the field.

CropTec seminars aim to help growers meet challenges and maximise opportunities

The final session of the day tackles crop protection and changing regulations, with input from agronomists and plant breeding experts. David Schaffer of RAGT will provide an overview of breeding research aimed at improving varietal resistance for UK farmers. This includes RAGT's work on barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistant wheat and new selection technologies.

James Bairstow, agronomist and associate director for Strutt & Parker, will share his expertise on Integrated Pest Management. Dave Bench, chief executive of CropLife UK, representing the plant science industry, will also provide insights.

Verity Hyland, Event Director for CropTec, expressed the importance of the event's seminar program in equipping growers with the knowledge needed to face challenges head-on and maximize opportunities. The program brings together the expertise of scientists, plant breeders, agronomists, and policy makers, along with the practical experience of some of the country's most innovative farmers.

She encourages anyone with an interest in the sector to attend, be informed, and be inspired by the unique learning opportunity that CropTec provides. The event is set to take place at Stoneleigh in November.

Tickets for CropTec 2023 are free and available for registration at croptecshow.com. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and stay at the forefront of arable farming innovation.