CropTech event to host arable leaders and innovators

The event is set to shine a light on critical industry topics, from crop protection and production to soil health, sustainable farming and diversification.

The 2024 event will host three keynote theatres focusing on Innovation, Knowledge, and Profit, where industry experts will share practical advice on navigating future challenges.

The event will shine a light on matters such as crop protection and production to soil health, sustainable farming and diversification. The Innovation Theatre will host a series of engaging seminars. One of the highlights is a panel discussion featuring award-winning arable farmers who will share the innovations they’ve implemented on their farms to boost productivity and yields. This session will offer practical insights into the challenges faced, lessons learned, and success stories, providing a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn directly from industry leaders.

Another key seminar will focus on the future of arable farming through the lens of gene-editing technology. Esteemed experts, including representatives from Defra, Rothamsted Research, and the NFU, will discuss the potential of gene-editing to enhance crop resilience, improve yields, and address future agricultural challenges. This session will explore how this cutting-edge technology could shape the future of farming and benefit UK agriculture.

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Additionally, the Innovation Theatre will feature a session on innovative systems and collaborative research and development, examining new technologies designed to support more sustainable crop production. Attendees will also gain insights into Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), an emerging method for producing crops more efficiently and sustainably. This session, led by industry experts, will take a deep dive into the potential of CEA to transform the way crops are grown. An interactive session on the future of arable farming will explore how innovation can be applied practically on farms, ensuring that technological advancements are not only cutting-edge but also accessible and usable for farmers on the ground.

At the heart of the Knowledge Theatre will be a series of discussions aimed at helping the arable sector navigate complex issues ranging from crop protection to soil health. Kicking off the sessions will be David Exwood, deputy president of the NFU, who will deliver the opening keynote address. Exwood will provide an inside look at the NFU’s priorities and objectives for the coming year, including how the organisation is working with the new Labour government to support UK farmers and growers. Following this will be the panel on Crop Protection and Production, where leading experts, including Andrew Blazey of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants and David Chandler of Warwick University’s School of Life Sciences, will address the latest opportunities and challenges in the field. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at the 2025 Descriptive List for Peas and Beans and learn strategies for optimising herbicide applications to improve crop performance.

The CropTech event will take place on November 27 and 28 at NAEC, Stoneleigh. Another compelling session, Around the World, will take visitors on a global journey exploring different farming practices. Speakers like David Tavernor, founder of Fly2Feed, and Wallace Currie, podcaster and adventurer, will share how their international experiences can benefit UK agriculture.

From black soldier fly farming to large-scale farming in Argentina, the session will provide fresh perspectives on farming innovations.

Soil health continues to be a critical topic for sustainable agriculture, and this year’s theatre will feature experts such as Jack Hannam from Cranfield University and Tim May, a regenerative farmer from Kingsclere Estate. Their talks will explore groundbreaking approaches to improving soil health, including May’s decade-long transition from conventional farming to mixed, regenerative practices.

Water management is also on the agenda, with John Gadsby from ADAS Ltd leading a discussion on innovative water efficiency strategies. Attendees will gain insights into effective drainage, irrigation, and real-world case studies that illustrate how to improve on-farm water management.

The Profit Theatre is dedicated to offering insights on how to navigate economic challenges while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. A headline session is the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) seminar, exploring the SFI’s role in shaping the future of farm businesses. With guidance from DEFRA and insights from AHDB’s Senior Economist, Amandeep Kaur Purewal, this session will offer a thorough understanding of how the SFI can be leveraged to support positive financial decision-making. Ben Taylor-Davies, a farmer from Townsend Farm, will also provide a practical, on-the-ground perspective on how SFI measures can be applied to boost farm resilience.

There is also a People and Skills seminar, focusing on the human element of farming. This session will delve into topics such as Women in Farming, future skills development, and how emerging technologies are transforming agricultural roles. Attendees will hear from industry thought leaders like Georgina Lamb from The Farming Community Network and Olly Harrison, an influential farmer who is well-known for his Olly Blogs platform. The seminar will also include a discussion on the well-being impact of Harvest ‘24 and strategies to prepare for future challenges, emphasising the need for mental resilience and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing sector.

For those looking for commercial advice, the Financial Planning seminar will offer invaluable guidance on managing finances in an increasingly volatile agricultural environment. With contributions from experts such as Rohit Kaushish, Chief Economics Adviser at the NFU, and Adam White, Head of Agriculture at Barclays Business, this seminar will cover tax planning on new machinery, practical tips for building business resilience, and financial strategies that are crucial to thriving in today’s market.

Finally, the Market Outlook seminar will provide a comprehensive analysis of market drivers, with a focus on grain pricing and post-harvest trends. Helen Plant from AHDB will offer expert insights on market conditions, while Finley Hawkins from Frontier Agriculture will explain how precision technology, digital software, and farm data can help growers optimise their businesses and manage risk more effectively.

With such a rich programme of expert-led seminars CropTec 2024 promises to equip farmers and landowners with the knowledge they need to futureproof their operations, increase profitability, and remain competitive in our agricultural landscape.

Verity Hyland, CropTec event director is keen for the event to help educate and inform those within the sector, she said: “CropTec’s purpose is to help the farming community thrive.

“By bringing together companies, visitors and industry experts, CropTec shines a light on the arable industry’s key topics, concerns and opportunities.”