Extensive seminar programme aims to satisfy thirst for knowledge

• Range of keynote arable speakers

• Topics include latest Defra updates

• Private funding for green schemes

Cereals has a wealth of seminars this year – with opportunities to question politicians, environmental service providers and growers who have decided to adopt regenerative farming methods.

The main stage starts with a session looking at privately funded environment incentives, with presentations on ecosystem services that provide farmers with new income to deliver greater biodiversity, protect wildlife species or curb pollution.

Accurate and statistically robust soil carbon measurement is fundamental to the success of everyone who is

Ms Leeson will lead a seminar explaining the methods needed to implement affordable, auditable, and statistically robust on-farm carbon measurement strategies at scale.

“We need to remove uncertainty in all stages of the process, from sampling strategy to sample collection, processing and analysis. Our mission is to provide confidence in soil carbon sequestration by providing a solid foundation of evidence from the field.”

Industry leaders

Farmers also have an opportunity to quiz politicians and industry leaders – including Defra farm minister Mark Spencer and NFU president Minette Batters – on issues ranging from food security to trade deals.

These sessions are likely to cover grant schemes, new arable and farm shape opportunities and forge a better future for British growers.

Farming speakers will provide new insights and practical experience of the benefits of circular and regenerative farming methods. A seminar on ‘great soils, great crops’ will see soil scientists discuss their research.

Keynote speaker and LEAF farmer John Renner will explain how he has improved his low-grade land to such an extent that it is now part of a highyielding arable rotation.

“I tailor soil management and fertility to individual fields and rotations,” he says.

“Non-inversion tillage, added organic matter and crop selection to enhance soil structure are key.”

Defra schemes

A further session on publicly funded environmental incentives will be led by Defra future farming programme director Janet Hughes. She will provide an update on the government’s land management schemes to encourage greater on-farm biodiversity, landscape and wildlife protection.

New technology and climate change will also be key topics. A new feature for 2023 will looki at ways precision farming can pay for itself. It will explore best practice in precision farming with progressive farmers, advisers, and precision technologists.

The first session will looks at ‘mustsee machines to help you farm more precisely’, including nitrogen sensors, spray nozzles, protein monitors and variable seed rate drills.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend this year's event

Land drainage hub addresses topical issues

Now in its third year, the Land Drainage Hub – organised by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors – has proved a popular attraction at the Cereals event.

Topics this year include an overview of UK drainage. This willexamine the ongoing importance of drainage in ensuring good soil structure and farm productivitty.

A further topic will look at ways to make land drainage work in minimum tillage systems.

With the farming industry going through an unprecedented time of change, Cereals organiser Alli McEntyre says visitors to the event will find something for everyone in the seminar programme.

“We have gathered together the most knowledgeable in their field, including politicians, experts and farmers to give Cereals visitors a head-start in meeting today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Speakers will include AgAnalyst precision technologist Clive Blacker, BBLeap founder and precision spray expert Peter Millenaar and Yara head of agronomy and business development Mark Tucker.

At the new Cereals Stories stage, first-time farmers will tell their stories about how they got into the industry – and what they have contributed and continue to give back.

Speakers include Cereals host farmer Gregor Pierrepont, discussing his family connection to the Multiple System Atrophy Trust; farm contractor and influencer Olly Harrison; and NFU student and Young Farmers' ambassador Erin McNaught.

For full seminar programme details, visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk ers advice and grant support at this year’s Cereals event.

Face-to-face advice is increasingly important when it comes to ensuring farmers are best placed to deliver environmental benefits, says CSF ad- viser Mark Taylor.

“It’s a great way of meeting farmers,” Mr Taylor explains. “Previously we worked with farmers in high priority areas. But now every farmer is in a catchment of one sort or another – right across the country.”

A CSF crop plot at the Cereals event will showcase different conservation mixes – including wild bird mixes and pollen and nectar. The aim is to highlight the benefits of signing up to Countryside Stewardship, says Mr Taylor.

“Farmers will be able to come along, see what the mixes look like and get advice on how to grow them. The Defra team will be on hand to talk about the Sustainable Farming Incentive and other environmental schemes too.”

Other plots looking at soil structure and soil health. “We hope to have a living mulch crop with an understorey companion crop to the cash crop which can to help reduce inputs such as pesticides, fertilisers.”

Root systems

These plots will highlight how root systems developed by companion crops can help improve soil structure and soil health, explains Mr Taylor.

A maize plot will demonstrate the importance of crop establishment, including the practicalities and timing of under-sowing maize and how it can be managed and supported throuygh countryside strewardship.

“By doing that, farmers can reduce soil erosion and water pollution – and improve water quality. It gives the harvesting machinery something to travel on, and it’s going to provide that green cover over winter.

“Green cover rather than bare maize stumble can reduce soil erosion, improving soil health and water quality. “When it grows on and dries up a bit, it could also offer an additional income through grazing or a cut of silage,” says Mr Taylor.