Cereals 2007 takes the lead on climate change, biofuels and stewardship

At present, the UK arable sector is a dynamic place to be managing a business with a host of new opportunities and potential challenges to consider.

On 13/14 June at Vine Farm, near Royston, the Cereals Event brings together leading industry strategists to debate where the real potential and pitfalls lie for renewable energies.

For more details on the programme of events and to book advance discount tickets until 8 June 2007, go to www.cerealsevent.org.uk Here’s a taste of what will be on offer:

HSBC Forums tackle climate change drivers for UK arable production
The Cereal Event’s principle sponsor, HSBC, will be hosting a series of three stimulating forums, free of charge to all event visitors.

  • Richard Whitlock of Frontier and Graham Lacey from Centaur Grain discuss the current situation for biofuels and the decisions farmers are likely to face on issues like price, contract options and proximity to plants. What impact will the biofuels market really have on the UK cereals and oilseeds markets? Attend the forums to find out
  • Caroline Drummond from LEAF and Guy Smith will debate ‘Does it pay to be green?’ Two of the industry’s leading lights on integrating farming and the environment debate the possible changes likely to ELS/HLS schemes, practical solutions for cross compliance and the financial implications of stewardship for arable farmers
  • The third HSBC forum will tackle the challenge to all UK arable producers; the issue of Carbon Neutral farming

Growing for specific markets

  • H L Hutchinson agronomists will be offering agronomic advice to link biodiesel crop production with end-market needs; with the help of the Trident sports car which later this year will be running from London to Monte Carlo on a single tank of biofuel! (as will be profiled by BBC’s Top Gear in May)
  • Agrovista, part of the North East Biofuels consortium, will have agronomists and biofuels experts to discuss how you might be able to capitalise on this emerging market in your region
  • Growing for yield or quality, biofuels or milling premiums – go and debate your options with RAGT

Environmental Stewardship

  • Planning environmental schemes? Head to Velcourt’s stand to see green manure options (fertility builders) e.g. buckwheat; an RSPB link-up on wild bird feed crops and a wetland feature area
  • Good bugs or bad bugs? Dow Agrosciences is also teaming up with Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), on options for margin management and the ever popular “Pest Clinic” helping growers to understand how to identify both beneficial and harmful pests in their crops.

Dow Agrosciences launches new cereal herbicide

  • Dow AgroSciences will have plots which replicate national trials to give you a sneak preview of their new chemistry, pyroxsulam, for weed control in cereal crops.

Beet, oats and pulses

  • For sugar beet growers aiming to meet British Sugar’s 70t/ha yield challenge, the British Sugar/BBRO plots will demonstrate improved crop recovery, fungicide options, 2008 variety selections, crop nutrition and soil management
  • Just Oats – the quiet revolution – Senova will be demonstrating oat innovation from breeding and research through to the highly diverse and growing end-market; is this crop the answer for those seeking a low-input regime?
  • Just pulses – then head over to Wherry & Sons – they have a range of marrowfat pea and winter bean varieties being trialled along with Arthur, a new variety to be launched this autumn and trials looking at plant populations/ sowing dates/sowing rates

In line with its position as the industry’s leading arable event, attendees will earn 4 NRoSO CPD or BASIS points for attending either day of Cereals.

For further information on exhibitors attending, what is happening and how to get there, log onto the Cereals website www.cerealsevent.org.uk which is regularly updated.

Tickets can be purchased in advance until 8 June 2007, at a discounted rate via the website. Adult tickets are £12 in advance and £15 on the day. Student concessions are available; please see the website for more details.

Need a contractor?

Find one now