Join our 'Arable Conversation' speaker sessions at Arable Scotland

Do you have any burning questions about the key issues influencing Scotland’s arable industry? Are you interested in sustainable farming practices and how best to achieve net-zero? Then why not visit Arable Scotland (Balruddery Farm near Dundee, DD2 5LL, Tuesday 5 July 2022, 10 am to 4:30 pm), Scotland's premier arable event focussing on knowledge and solutions for the arable industry and take part in this year’s Arable Conversations.

The Arable Conversation series of speaker talks seek to provide an interactive space for open and frank discussions of topical issues, enabling delegates and the panel of experts to share views and explore solutions to environmental and financial sustainability issues facing the industry. This year’s programme focuses on net-zero and includes strands on biodiversity and carbon capture, plus market updates and arable choices:

• 10:00 am - Farming for net-zero and biodiversity enhancement: How can land managers improve biodiversity while reducing carbon – are there solutions that deliver both? Chaired by Colleen McCulloch (Soil Association Scotland) and featuring Cathy Hawes (James Hutton Institute), David Aglen (Balbirnie Farms), Doug Christie (Durie Farm) and John Kerr (Scottish Government).
• 12:00 pm - Market updates and arable choices: Panelists will discuss the evidence available on global and local market and supply chain issues, the impacts on future arable planning in Scotland and the choices to be made. Featuring Megan Hesketh (AHDB), Julian Bell (SAC Consulting), Julian South MAGB and Phil Burrell (Yara).
• 1.30 pm - Carbon calculators and the journey to net-zero: Carbon calculators have their strengths and weaknesses but what will be important is that different calculators provide comparable results for farmers. Chaired by Rachael Ramsey (SAC Consulting), featuring Lewis McKerrow (Hutchinsons), John Kerr (Scottish Government) and Madeline Giles (James Hutton Institute)
• 3:00 pm – Capturing carbon in arable systems: A discussion of experiences of multiple approaches to sequestering carbon in Scotland's arable systems and the current state of play. Can better understanding help in unlocking the multiple benefits? Chaired by Jon Foot (AHDB), and featuring Iona Hyde (Woodland Trust), Chris Leslie (farmer) and Jagadeesh Yeluripati (James Hutton Institute) alongside land managers and researchers.

Dr Ken Loades, a research leader at the James Hutton Institute and SEFARI Gateway sector lead, said: “The drive for net-zero has focussed attention on innovative ways to sequester carbon. As soil is one of the largest potential stores of carbon, land management is key to Scotland’s 2045 net zero ambitions. At this year’s Arable Scotland, new low input cereal, oilseed and legume varieties will be demonstrated, along with technologies and soil management practices for improving soil health and reducing the carbon footprint of arable cropping.

“Don’t miss our series of Arable Conversations when panellists and the audience will discuss their experiences of applying different approaches to sequestering carbon in Scotland's arable systems; to understand what works and where new knowledge is needed.

“Delegates will also be able to discuss with farmers, agronomists, researchers, and policy advisors about the importance of carbon calculators on the journey to net-zero, and their accuracy and practical use.”

This year’s demonstration plots will showcase the latest research and technological advances in arable cropping, including new crops, varieties and practices for improved biodiversity, soil health, and integrated pest management. Visitors will be able to take part in plot tours during the day and speak to representatives of the companies and research organisations present at the event.

Visit arablescotland.org.uk to learn more about the event and book your free place. Six BASIS and two NRoSO points will be available to delegates.

Arable Scotland is organised and hosted by the James Hutton Institute in partnership with Scotland's Rural College and AHDB, and is supported by the Farm Advisory Service, SEFARI, Agronomist and Arable Farmer magazine and the Scottish Farmer; and sponsored by HL Hutchinson Ltd and the Scottish Society for Crop Research.

Exhibitors include Kings, Frontier Agriculture, Syngenta UK, Bayer CropScience, LG Seeds, Limagrain UK, Yara UK, SmartRural, Syngenta UK, H L Hutchinson, Rotam Europe, CPC2 Capital Park, Farming and Water Scotland, UPL, RSABI and Senova.