Crops & Grassland

UK harvest remains challenging despite modest improvements from northern crops

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:39:53 GMT

UK harvest remains challenging despite modest improvements from northern crops

Managing autumn and winter post drought for a successful spring

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:05:13 GMT

Find out how to make informed autumn and winter management decisions that maximise grass availability, grazing opportunities and animal performance next spring.

The effects of a difficult growing season do not end when grass growth returns. Reduced forage stocks, variable forage quality and lower autumn covers can create challenges throughout the winter and affect the amount of grass available the following spring.

Join James Daniel of Precision Grazing and guest nutritionist for the second webinar in this practical series, focusing on how to manage autumn and winter for a successful start to the 2027 grazing season.

The session will explain

How to create a winter feed plan by assessing forage stocks
How to estimate likely utilisation and calculate animal intake requirements for different livestock classes
How to identify potential feed shortfalls early and assess alternative feed and forage sources

The webinar will also cover autumn grazing strategies and balancing immediate feed requirements against the need to build grass for spring 2027.

You'll leave with the tools to create a practical winter feed plan and a better understanding of the actions required to protect livestock performance and set up the farm for spring 2027.

Digging deeper: Understanding soils for crop performance and long-term resilience

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:42:58 GMT

Soil is one of the farm's most valuable assets, influencing crop performance, nutrient availability, resilience to weather extremes and long-term profitability.

Join soil specialist David Purdy for an interactive AHDB field event exploring how to:

Assess soil condition
Understand the relationship between soil chemistry and plant nutrition
Identify practical management changes that support healthier soils

Through a combination of field-based demonstrations, discussion and technical insight, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how soil structure, biology, pH and redox conditions influence nutrient cycling, root development and crop performance

Whether you are looking to improve nutrient use efficiency, build resilience into cropping systems or better understand the processes occurring beneath the soil surface, this event will provide practical take-home messages that can be applied on farm.

Key learning outcomes:

Assess soil structure and function in the field
Understand how soil conditions influence nutrient availability and uptake
Explore the role of pH and redox processes in crop nutrition
Identify practical management actions that support soil health and productivity
Improve decision-making around cultivation, nutrition and organic matter management

Please register to book your place.

A light buffet lunch will be provided at The Vine.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a field walk.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

David Hunter
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager - National Engagement - Cereals & Oilseeds

Finger on the pulse: The truth about peas, beans and other legumes

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:48:46 GMT

Finger on the pulse: The truth about peas, beans and other legumes

Recovering grassland and setting autumn priorities

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:21:08 GMT

After one of the most challenging grazing seasons in recent years, many livestock farmers are asking the same question: where do we go from here?

Join James Daniel of Precision Grazing for this practical webinar exploring the options available to livestock farmers following this season's drought conditions.

The session will cover:

The likely impact on autumn pasture growth and forage crops
How to recover drought-affected paddocks quickly when rainfall returns
Prioritising livestock groups and grazing management to set-up for a successful spring 2027

Reduced grass growth, shrinking grazing covers and increased reliance on supplementary feed have put pressure on livestock performance, body condition and farm profitability.

As conditions begin to change, the decisions made over the coming weeks will play a key role in determining how quickly grazing systems recover and how well farms are positioned for autumn and winter.

Drawing on his experience working with livestock businesses across the UK, James will discuss the impact of prolonged dry weather on grass production, animal performance and farm productivity, alongside practical management strategies to support recovery.

He will also share practical advice on avoiding common mistakes that can slow recovery and reduce grass production going into the winter months.

Innovation sites

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:38:00 GMT

Innovation sites

New BYDV tool for aphid management

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:42:19 GMT

New BYDV tool for aphid management

What do you want your soil to deliver?

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:09:21 GMT

What do you want your soil to deliver?

Peak district herbal ley silage trial

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:53:00 GMT

Peak district herbal ley silage trial

Your soil, your business, your goals

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:31:25 GMT

Learn how soil function supports business performance and decide how you want it to deliver for your business.

Every farm relies on its soil, but when was the last time you asked yourself a simple question: What do I want my soil to deliver for my business?

This first webinar in the updated GREATsoils programme will help you think differently about the role soils play in business performance.

We'll explore:

What healthy soil looks like
What healthy soil can do for your business
Why different farms need different soil outcomes
How to set clear soil-related goals

You'll hear practical examples from an experienced speaker and leave with a better understanding of how soil function can support your farm business.

We'll also share a downloadable resource toolkit and links to AHDB tools and guidance to support your soil management plans.

The webinar marks the start of a wider programme that will support farmers throughout the year.

Test farm-saved seed to avoid a false economy

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:04:57 GMT

Test farm-saved seed to avoid a false economy

Why multi-species swards matter in 2026

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:28:53 GMT

Why multi-species swards matter in 2026

The darkside of resistance: The fightback starts here

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:55:10 GMT

Resistance is one of the most significant threats to arable production.

This winter, AHDB and The Voluntary Initiative unite to deliver the latest thinking on tackling pest, weed and disease resistance – helping you drive productivity, profitability and resistance management on farm.
Hear from industry experts at SRUC, The Voluntary Initiative, AHDB and more.

What will we cover?

Gain the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to manage pest, weed and disease resistance across your whole farm business
Resistance management of pests, weeds & diseases in arable crops
What’s the purpose of resistance management
How to balance productivity, profitability, risk and resistance for your businesses
How to identify resistance, interpret evidence and data
Practical on-farm solutions and what can be done to avoid or manage resistance
Q&A opportunity with leading experts
Gain BASIS and NROSO points

This event will run from 10:30am – 2:30pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout.

Adrian James
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Rotations beyond cover crops

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:37:35 GMT

With the current pressure on growers from the climate and volatile markets to rising input costs, getting rotations correct has never been more important. But what does a profitable rotation look like on Scottish farms today?

Following the excellent discussions during our November 2026 Cover Crops meeting at The Arbroath Golf club, we are inviting you to the next stage of the conversation.

Join fellow farmers, agronomists and industry experts for a practical meeting where we will look at how to build a rotation that delivers both profitability and resilience.

We will cover

Making the most of current rotations
Alternative crop options
Where cover crops fit
Practical experiences
Real ideas you can take home and apply to your own farm

There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and speak to other farmers with similar experience whilst enjoying an excellent lunch.

Why come?

Hear practical options you can use in the coming season and beyond
Hear from leading experts and growers
Build on the discussions from last year’s cover crops meeting
Earn BASIS and NROSO points
Enjoy a great lunch while catching up with fellow growers

So, whether you’re already using cover crops or just starting to think about changing your rotation, this meeting will give you fresh ideas and practical insights to help increase the profitability of your business.

See you there!

Adrian James
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Digging deeper: Strategic Farm unearths drainage solutions

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:58:11 GMT

Digging deeper: Strategic Farm unearths drainage solutions

OSR CSFB establishment tip: ensure sufficient soil moisture

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:26:14 GMT

OSR CSFB establishment tip: ensure sufficient soil moisture

Economics of growing UK milling wheat

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:22:28 GMT

Economics of growing UK milling wheat

Crop ratings slip after dry spring, but harvest hope remains

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:13:05 GMT

Crop ratings slip after dry spring, but harvest hope remains

North Yorkshire: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:40:38 GMT

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

If you’re thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what mix will work best for your livestock system, join one of our upcoming events and we’ll help you review the options.

Your local host farmer – who’s been there, done that and seen the benefits – will share their experiences, and you’ll learn from trusted advisers and other experts who will provide an in-depth look at the value of multi-species swards and how to manage them.

What we’ll cover

How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
When to reseed or overseed
How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

10:00am Arrival and reception
10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
10:45am
- Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
1:00pm Lunch and networking
1:45pm Environment and further economics
2:15pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

James Bretherton is a grassland consultant and founder of AgScope. He specialises in soil conditions, health, biology and chemistry.

Representatives from Germinal will also be speaking at this event. Germinal is a seed specialist providing market-leading solutions for the agricultural and amenity sectors. Operating directly in Great Britain and Ireland, Germinal has working partnerships in over 25 countries.

Other events in this series

What does climate change mean for UK arable farms?

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:15:06 GMT

What does climate change mean for UK arable farms?