Two Agricultural Resources Events at Malvern (October 24) and Newark (November 22) will provide farmers with best-practice advice on how to manage soil and water resources, how to handle waste produced on farm, generate on-farm energy and even how to deal with fly-tipping

Waste management
All aspects of farm waste handling, disposal and management are covered by the Waste Management Regulations (2006) and, says Paul Meakin from the Environment Agency, farms have coped well with the changes since the new rules were introduced in May last year.

At the event staff will help visitors understand what hazardous waste they may be producing and whether or not they need to register as a producer and help with the paperwork this may involve.



Working with Water
One of the seminars will look at the 2003 Water Act and the changes in water extraction licences. This will include how users can demonstrate water is being used most efficiently for irrigation, along with advice on how to renew licences. There’s also further information covering water harvesting, the construction of reservoirs and infrastructure renewal.

Soil management pays dividends

Recent wet weather across much of the country has led to combines and trailers creating some fairly substantial damage to soil structure.

 It’s now important to review and amend the farm’s Soil Protection Review by December 31st to take account of any changes that will be implemented next year to rectify any damage.

Seminars at the Malvern event will look at the impact of recent flooding and offer advice on how to manage soils in a changing climate.

Energy from waste and crops

As costs rise, any opportunity to save energy will improve profits on farms. The Agricultural Resources Events will look at ways not only to reduce energy consumption but also generate power and heat from waste products by, for example, anaerobic digestion.

The market for bio-fuels is also growing rapidly. The events provide the opportunity for growers to explore the possibilities, for example growing for biodiesel customers or even producing biomass for burning as well as other environmentally-friendly fuels.

SEMINAR PROGRAMME

Malvern - 24th October
10am The New Hazardous Waste regulations – Simone Aplin, Environment Agency
10.45am On-farm advice on the New Hazardous Waste Regulations – Dave Baldwin, Recogen
11.30am  Anaerobic digestion and energy from waste – how farmers can maximise the benefits of converting their waste products into energy. Terry O’Flynn, Sustainable Process Technologies International   and the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme
12.15pm Protection of water abstraction rights – Alison Lea, Nuffield Scholar
1pm Fly tipping – effective measures to protect your land
2pm Sensible soil management for changing climate and policy – Sarah Olney, catchment sensitive farming officer for the Rivers Lugg and Wye, Natural England
2.45pm The benefits of efficient irrigation - Anthony Hopkins, Nuffield Scholar and Wroot Water Systems.

Newark - 22nd November
10am The New Hazardous Waste regulations – Simone Aplin, Environment Agency
10.45am On-farm advice on the New Hazardous Waste Regulations – Dave Baldwin, Recogen
11.30am Anaerobic digestion and energy from waste - how farmers can maximise the benefits of converting their waste products into energy. Terry O’Flynn Sustainable Process Technologies International and the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme