Win free tickets for Grassland and Muck 2011

Livestock farmers who complete an online grass management survey could win a pair of tickets for Grassland and Muck 2011 and a manure analysis worth about £50.

The survey has been launched by the Royal Agricultural Society of England and Yara ahead of Grassland & Muck 2011 which will take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 18-19 May, 2011.

The aim of the survey is to gain an accurate picture of on-farm grassland practice.

The multiple-choice questionnaire, which should only take minutes to complete, aims to throw more light on a range of topics.

These include nutrient management, reseeding policy, variety choice and influences, and the effect of legislation.

“Grass management is an increasingly important topic, given rising fertiliser prices, environmental concerns and the need for bigger yields to offset the squeeze on margins,” said RASE assistant director of events, Alice Bell.

“The findings alone should make fascinating reading, but our key aim is to use the responses to tailor information during the lead up to, and at, the event so we can help farmers focus on key areas that can improve production and their bottom line.”

“There is a real need to balance the nutrients available from organic manures and the soil with the correct fertilizer from the bag, both to optimize grass production and to maximize margins,” added Yara’s marketing manager Rosie Carne.

“The prize we are offering will give farmers a valuable insight into the nutrient potential of the farm’s manure and slurry and help them use it to the best effect. We will provide a bottle/bag for the sample and a prepaid envelope to post it to the laboratory so it can be used at any time”

The survey will remain open until 18 February.

Tickets for Grassland and Muck can also be booked in advance via the website from February, and will cost £13 each for a standard adult ticket, a £3 saving on the gate price.