New publication reviews research activity for cereals and oilseeds

AHDB has published the latest edition of its research review for the arable sector.

Arable Review (2022–23) provides an overview of the wide variety of AHDB research activities commissioned to benefit producers of cereals and oilseed rape.

The publication describes established and recently completed projects across several thematic sections (varieties, diseases, pests, nutrients, and soils). It provides context for the research and the latest results.

Matthew Brearley, who collated the review at AHDB, said: “Levy payers want easy-to-access facts about AHDB research investment. We published the first arable review in 2018 to put R&D information directly in the hands of farmers. With so much activity, not every project is summarised. However, the review lists all active projects (pages 22–23).”

Further details on all projects, including reports, are available from the research section of the AHDB website.

AHDB works in partnership with numerous organisations, with several of these collaborations highlighted in the review.

One example is AHDB’s work with the resistance action groups, which produce guidance on pesticide resistance issues. Hosted by AHDB, this information can be used to help protect crops and the long-term efficacy of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Another example is the net-zero partnership with BBSRC, which consisted of 10 short projects to support the transition to more sustainable farming systems. In this collaboration, BBSRC provided the funding and AHDB provided the near-market research expertise.

This edition also provides a flavour of on-farm trials in the AHDB Farm Excellence programme. It showcases how AHDB works with farmers to bring research to life at Strategic Cereal Farms and Monitor Farms across the country.

As research delivers results throughout the year, a series of web pages is regularly updated to capture the key developments as they happen. Access these pages via the above link.

In November, hard copies will be mailed out with the winter edition of Arable Focus magazine.

People can sign up to receive Arable Focus on the Keeping in touch page (see the Cereals & Oilseeds subscriptions section).