AFBI-AHDB Arable Open Day
Date published:
On Tuesday 25th June AFBI Crossnacreevy will host its first Arable Open Day in collaboration with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The open day will feature representatives from the AHDB Arable Connections programme and colleagues from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) as well as AFBI’s cereals and plant scientists.
The day will include variety tours of 6 cereal crops, farmer focussed information sessions and the opportunity to meet AFBI, AHDB and CAFRE staff with expertise relating to arable cropping. Attendees will hear from Dr Lisa Black (AFBI) about some exciting new developments at AFBI Crossnacreevy as well as an update on the current programme of work which is focusing on soil health, arable weeds, cover crops and the evaluation of new crops.
In the field, there will be the opportunity to view the different varieties of wheat, barley and oats on trial in Northern Ireland and Mr Sean Burns (AHDB), alongside AFBI colleagues, will lead discussion on the differences in performance between them and provide farmers with advice on selecting the best suited varieties for their circumstances.
A hot lunch will be provided, during which there will be information sessions, delivered by CAFRE, AFBI and AHDB, on cover crops, farming without subsidy, soil health, sprayers and nozzles, and seed testing; along with advice and information on how growers can overcome technical and economic challenges to their business.