Visit the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group’s Pellets and Pelleting arena at Cereals 2010– and grasp the opportunity to earn two NRoSO points.

As part of the latest initiative from the MSG to safeguard the future of metaldehyde slug pellets, operators and growers can secure two accreditation points by completing a 10-point Farm Action Plan.

There is also the chance to win one of two NPTC training vouchers with each hourly Get Pelletwise demonstration.

“The Farm Action Plan is aimed to get visitors thinking about what they can do to help ensure metaldehyde stays out of surface waters,” explains the MSG’s Steve Higginbotham.

Highlighting the various risk stages associated with slug pelleting, the plan develops into 10 action points with practical solutions including operator training, active ingredient choice, adapted pelleting practices and more stringent handling practices.

Assisting in completion of the Farm Action Plans, there will be working demonstrations running every hour in the pelleting arena, covering all aspects of slug control from crop and field assessments, product choice, calibration and practical application.

The Pelleting arena will also feature stands from water companies, the Environment Agency, machinery manufacturers and FWAG with Dr David Glen, a leading independent authority on slug control, available to answer questions and give advice.

Following a review of the latest scientific research and building upon the MSG’s debut at Cereals last year, they are to launch revised best practice guidelines, available at Cereals.

“Our aim is to prevent metaldehyde exceedances occurring in water, particularly if the 2010 season presents unfavourable conditions and high slug pressure.

“The task ahead is very evidently a complex one,” says Mr Higginbotham. “But the success of last year’s Get Pelletwise campaign is something that shouldn’t be undervalued.

“It’s clear the messages associated with the risks of metaldehyde are being understood. Indeed the 2009/10 water company results demonstrated that raw water analysis saw a significant reduction in the levels of metaldehyde being detected compared to 2008/09.

“However, we mustn’t forget the weather conditions experienced during last year’s pelleting season will have had a part to play, significantly contributing to a reduction in pellet use.

“Sustaining the reductions in metaldehyde being detected will be the challenge ahead,” Mr Higginbotham believes.

“We mustn’t become complacent,” he urges. “We need to step it up a gear to get on top of water exceedances.

“Safeguarding the future of metaldehyde-based molluscicide products is something that everyone within the industry has a part to play in,” he adds.

So for the latest practical advice on all aspects involved in devising your slug control strategy and to get hold of the MSG’s latest best practice guidelines, head along with the operative responsible for pelleting to the Pellets and Pelleting arena.

*Cereals 2010 exhibitor information as supplied by the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group.