Farming News - Innovative agronomy on display this summer at West Midlands trials site

Innovative agronomy on display this summer at West Midlands trials site

Arable farmers across the West Midlands and beyond will be able to catch up with a range of innovative agronomy developments this summer at Agrovista’s comprehensive AgX regional trials site near Pershore, Worcestershire.

Disease control in winter wheat is one of several key topics at the event, which will be held at Springfield Farm, Peopleton on 7 July.

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Several fungicide programmes are being put to the test, comparing the efficacy of commercial programmes as well as those containing new chemistry about to enter the market.

“We will also be looking at various bioscience products to help keep plants in the best health to underpin our crop protection programmes,” said Peter Dews, Peopleton trials site coordinator.

“This initiative should provide plenty of valuable take-home messages for growers looking to optimise their disease control programmes.”

22 varieties 

Visitors will also have the chance to get amongst 22 varieties at the site’s comprehensive winter wheat demonstration which features popular Recommended List stalwarts, several newcomers and some promising candidates, including those within Agrovista’s extensive portfolio.

Peter said: “The mix of old and new will enable visitors to compare and contrast pretty much any combination of varieties they may be planning to grow as well as several others that they won’t have even thought about.”

Visitors will also have an opportunity to view field-scale Mzuri-drilled plots with varying Crops, seed rates, as well as various cover crop options.

Nitrogen regimes are also coming under scrutiny. Trials are investigating replacing the final nitrogen application on part of the trials field with a foliar option applied when the crop canopy is built. Peter said: “We expect this area will attract plenty of interest, given recent dramatic increase in nitrogen prices.”

Members of Agrovista’s precision farming team will also be on hand to talk through the integration of precision farming into a farming business and how growers can benefit from the added value this technology offers, ensuring they achieve the best financial margin for each field.

In addition, Agrovista Rural Consultancy’s experienced business consultants will be available to discuss opportunities for environmental schemes in consideration of the current market and navigating the transitional period, to help farm businesses to maximise opportunities and improve efficiency.

Peter said: “We are delighted to be able to invite everyone back to our regional trials. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Martin Lole and Mzuri for providing such an excellent venue.”

The site is at Springfield Farm, Peopleton, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 2BF (what3words: candidate.also.decide). The open day takes place on 7 July between 10.30am and 3pm. The first tour starts at 11am.

All growers, whether they are Agrovista customers or not, are welcome to attend but are requested to book in advance at www.agrovista.co.uk/agx-peopleton-registration

Peopleton Trial Site

• Open day 7 July

• Soil husbandry using physical, chemical and biological processes

• Comparing the best existing and new wheat varieties

• Changing landscape of fungicides and bioscience in winter wheat

• Agrovista Precision Services

• Agrovista Rural Consultancy – environmental schemes

Free event

Lunch and refreshments provided

Basis and NRoSO points available