With a new stand layout and location, NIAB TAG will be focusing on its core crop variety and agronomy business at this year’s Cereals event.

The organisation is now alongside many of the leading plant breeding companies and agrochemical manufacturers on one of the main show aisles. The stand features a full range of winter wheat variety demonstration plots together with genetic and agronomic research displays and NIAB’s new Innovation Farm project.

“Planning your day around the Cereals Event in advance is essential to make the most of your visit so pick your top 10 stands to see and make sure NIAB TAG is top of the list,” says Simon Kerr, head of trials operations at NIAB TAG. “We have up to 40 crop plots and new individual exhibitor ‘pods’ highlighting the full range of NIAB TAG’s work from genetic research through to farmer membership services.”

NIAB TAG has moved from its traditional location alongside HGCA to be nearer to commercial companies, reflecting the organisation’s position within the crop science industry in delivering the benefits of research on to farm – through genetic improvement, new varieties, matched agronomy, husbandry advice and improvements in production systems.

“Visitors to our stand will now have exclusive access to NIAB TAG’s expert team of scientist and consultants, including leading variety specialists Clare Leaman and Simon Kightley, agronomists Ben Freer, Richard Overthrow, Neil Watson and Patrick Stephenson and pathologists Jane Thomas and Rosemary Bayles – a one-stop shop for all your cropping queries,” says Mr Kerr.

Encompassing the main exhibits will be NIAB Innovation Farm with project leader Lydia Smith and her team highlighting how technological advances in crop science, including some of the exhibits on the Cereals Event stand, may address future global challenges including food security and climate change.

The main marquee will provide a range of refreshments throughout the day, while visitors can sit down and talk to the TAG Consulting team or check out new initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence for UK Farming.

The outside exhibits include:

• Winter wheat demonstration plots featuring the latest HGCA Recommended List varieties and candidates

• Cereal plots from the pre-breeding R&D Smart Carbs project developing varieties with different starch properties to improve the nutritional content or provide new end-market opportunities

• Beans developed with desirable traits for different uses and growing conditions as part of the DEFRA-funded Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement Network (PCGIN)

Growers can also check out NIAB TAG’s latest applied research findings on grass weed control in arable rotations, including the role of cultural techniques and maximising herbicide performance through spray application technology, using the outstanding facilities and expertise at the Silsoe Spray Application Unit.

Other features available on the NIAB TAG stand include:

• Analytical Services including LabTest and Barley-id

• Variety evaluation and testing services

• Winter oilseed rape variety information

• NIAB TAG Network membership services

Cereals 2011 exhibitor information as supplied by NIAB TAG.