Crops & Grassland

Cornwall: More from less - making the most of your soils

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:31:50 GMT

Join Terrafarmer and renowned Cornish butcher, James Kittow, for a practical on‑farm event digging deep into soil biology.

We will assess the opportunities and potential cost saving and efficiency improvements in the latest biological fertiliser technologies.

10.30 – Arrival and refreshments

11:00 – Kilhallon Farm background and introduction

James Kittow will outline his 130‑acre suckler enterprise and butchery. He will discuss the farm’s current focus on improving productivity on a low input grass-fed system including bale grazing, herbal leys and catch crop kale.

11.30 – Terrafarmer soil biology and Kilhallon Farm analysis results

Terrafarmer will present the farm’s recent soil analysis results and outline a ‘What next?’ action plan, including:

Identifying opportunities from the soil data
Potential cost savings and efficiency gains from current biological fertiliser technologies
Approaches to nitrogen reduction and nutrient management
Strategies to support soil health improvement and long‑term farm productivity

12:15 – Lunch

12:45 – Farm walk and Q&A

The guided farm walk will provide an opportunity to see practical examples of the systems discussed, including:

Soil structure, biology and nutrient status in different fields
Establishment and performance of herbal leys and catch crops
Bale grazing sites and their impact on soil condition
Discussion around nutrient cycling, water quality and grazing management
Demonstration of Tow & Fert machinery

14:00 - Event close

This event qualifies for BASIS points

Lancashire: Squeezing value from slurry and soils

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:06:45 GMT

Your slurry and manure are valuable commodities tools that can help you grow more forage, cut fertiliser costs and improve soil health. The key is getting the timing, application and soil readiness right so that your nutrients work for you, not against you.

Join James Bretherton and Paul Hargreaves for a practical, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to maximise the value of your slurry and manure while protecting your soils. You’ll see how small, simple changes can pay back in forage yield, nutrient efficiency and long-term soil health, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

What you’ll get from the workshop:

Practical strategies for applying slurry and manure at the right time and in the right conditions
How to assess soil readiness using a soil health scorecard, so you know when soils are fit to travel and apply nutrients
A practical look at soil structure and soil biology, including live comparisons between well-managed and poorly managed soils
What earthworms tell you about soil health – and why they matter for drainage, nutrient cycling and crop growth
Tips to grow more forage, reduce fertiliser costs and protect your soil structure
Insights into how better nutrient management can reduce emissions while improving efficiency and profitability

You’ll see real, side-by-side examples as soils are dug and compared on the day, helping you clearly understand what ‘good’ soil looks like and what you can do to move your own soils in the right direction.

You’ll leave with practical actions you can apply straight away to get more from your slurry and manure, improve forage and protect your soils for years to come.

Light lunch and refreshments will be included, please include any dietary requirements on booking.

This event is part of the UK Dairy Carbon Network project, which gives you access to practical, farm-tested approaches that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving efficiency and profitability on commercial dairy farms.

Cheshire: Silage secrets and clamp confessions

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:01:23 GMT

*Sgroliwch i lawr am yr iaith Gymraeg*

Good silage isn’t a luxury – it’s one of the most cost-effective ways for you to improve milk output, cut feed bills and protect herd health. Yet many farms are still losing money through avoidable silage losses, poor fermentation and decisions that don’t stack up in the cow or the accounts.

Join Dave Davies of Silage Solutions for a practical, no-nonsense workshop that shows you why producing better silage is often cheaper than producing average or poor silage and why the payback can be huge.

You’ll learn what really delivers results on your farm: more milk from forage, less reliance on bought-in feed, fewer production-limiting diseases and a reduced carbon footprint, all while protecting or improving your margins.

What you’ll get from the workshop:

A clear understanding of how silage quality directly affects your milk yield, herd health and costs
Practical ways to increase milk from forage and reduce your reliance on purchased feed
Guidance on making silage work within your milk-from-grass system
Real-world strategies for dealing with challenging weather and stressed crops
Insight into how small, low-cost decisions can deliver big financial returns

You’ll leave with clear, practical actions you can apply straight away to help turn your silage into a profit driver, not a hidden cost.

Light lunch and refreshments will be included, please include any dietary requirements on booking.

Workshop stations

1: Milk from silage – At the feed barrier

2: Silage in a milk-from-grass system – At the clamp

3: When grass gets stressed – In the field

Swydd Gaer: Cyfrinachau’r clamp silwair

Nid moethusrwydd yw silwair da – mae’n un o’r ffyrdd mwyaf cost-effeithiol o gynhyrchu mwy o laeth, lleihau costau bwydo, a gwarchod iechyd eich buches. Eto mae nifer fawr o ffermydd yn dal i golli arian drwy golledion silwair di-angen, eplesiad gwael, a phenderfyniadau annoeth o ran y buchod a’r cyfrifon.

Ymunwch â Dave Davies, Silage Solutions, ar gyfer gweithdy ymarferol, di-ffwdan sy’n dangos ichi pam y mae cynhyrchu silwair gwell yn aml yn costio llai na chynhyrchu silwair o safon ganolig neu wael, a pham y gall hynny dalu ar ei ganfed.

Byddwch yn dysgu beth sydd wir yn gwneud gwahaniaeth ar eich fferm: mwy o laeth o borthiant, llai o ddibyniaeth ar fwyd a brynir i mewn, llai o glefydau sy’n gostwng lefelau cynhyrchu, ac ôl troed carbon is, a hynny gan gynnal neu wella eich elw ar yr un pryd.

Y budd a gewch chi o’r gweithdy:

Dealltwriaeth glir o’r ffordd y mae ansawdd silwair yn effeithio’n uniongyrchol ar y llaeth a gynhyrchir, iechyd eich buches, a chostau.
Ffyrdd ymarferol o gael mwy o laeth o borthiant a bod yn llai dibynnol ar fwyd a brynir
Arweiniad ar wneud i silwair weithio o fewn eich system llaeth-o-borthiant
Strategaethau’r byd go iawn ar gyfer delio â thywydd gwael a chnydau sy’n dioddef
Esboniad o sut y gall penderfyniadau bach, cost isel, arwain at enillion ariannol mawr

Byddwch yn gadael gyda chamau clir ac ymarferol y gallwch eu rhoi ar waith ar unwaith, i helpu i droi eich silwair yn hyrwyddwr elw yn hytrach na chost gudd.

Darperir cinio ysgafn a lluniaeth. Nodwch unrhyw ofynion deietegol wrth archebu os gwelwch yn dda.

Safleoedd gwaith y gweithdy

1: Llaeth o silwair – Wrth y bariau bwydo

2: Silwair o fewn system llaeth-o-borthiant – Wrth y clamp

3: Pan fydd glaswellt yn dioddef – yn y cae

Mae’r digwyddiad hwn yn rhan o brosiect Rhwydwaith Carbon Llaeth y DU, sy’n darparu mynediad at ddulliau ymarferol, a brofwyd ar ffermydd, sy’n helpu i leihau allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr, gan wella effeithlonrwydd a phroffidioldeb ffermydd llaeth masnachol ar yr un pryd.

Don’t guess – test: How to monitor for pesticide resistance

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:49:51 GMT

Don’t guess – test: How to monitor for pesticide resistance

Tackling Resistance - Northern Ireland Special

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 13:16:36 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 & resistance for your businesses.
How to identify resistance, interpret evidence and data
Practical on-farm solutions & what can be done to avoid or manage resistance.
Q&A opportunity with leading experts.

This event will run from 10.30 – 14.30. Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout.

BASIS and NRoSO points available.

Craig Patrick
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

Sowing winter wheat late: Understanding the risks

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:34:14 GMT

Sowing winter wheat late: Understanding the risks

Latest fungicide performance update includes new products and efficacy warnings

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:57:49 GMT

Latest fungicide performance update includes new products and efficacy warnings

Grazing for growth: sheep and arable working together

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:55:10 GMT

Join us for “Grazing for growth: sheep and arable working together” at Bryce Mackellar’s farm in Stafford.

This practical, farmer-focused event will showcase how integrating sheep into arable rotations can boost soil health, improve crop performance, and support ewe nutrition over winter. Through a guided farm walk, expert-led workshops, and plenty of networking, attendees will explore the real-world benefits of grazing cover crops, fodder beet, and early-stage cereals.

Whether you’re an arable farmer looking to enhance sustainability, a sheep farmer seeking better grazing options, or an adviser working in regenerative systems, this event offers valuable insight and collaboration opportunities. Come along to learn, share experiences, and see mixed farming in action.

What the meeting will cover

Benefits of sheep grazing on cover crops and early-stage arable crops
Impacts on tillering, weed control, and crop performance
Soil health improvements from integrating livestock
Nutritional strategies for pregnant ewes grazing stubble turnips/fodder beet
Knowledge exchange between arable and livestock farmers
Practical demonstrations during the farm walk

Speakers

Amanda Bennett – Senior Environment Manager (soil health & nutrient management)
Bek Hirstman – Agronomy & Environment Manager
Nerys Wright – Sheep consultant

Session timings

10:00 – Arrival
10:30 – Housekeeping and introductions
10:45 – Presentations – providing the context
12:00 – Lunch and networking
12:50 – Leave for farm walk
13:00 – Farm walk
15:00 – Close

Are there any points available?

BASIS

Is the event free to attend?

Yes - funded by your levy

Food available & time

Lunch provided at 12:00

The new Recommended Lists (RL) is packed full of options for multiple markets

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:57:22 GMT

The new Recommended Lists (RL) is packed full of options for multiple markets

Life cycle and symptoms of fusarium and microdochium in cereals

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:34:23 GMT

Life cycle and symptoms of fusarium and microdochium in cereals

Fusarium mycotoxins and limits in UK grain

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:52:31 GMT

Fusarium mycotoxins and limits in UK grain

FAQs for farming rules for water statutory guidance update

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:46:00 GMT

FAQs for farming rules for water statutory guidance update

Northern Ireland Monitor Farm Network - Cover crops masterclass

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:31:49 GMT

Take Cover!

AHDB are returning for the second event in the Northern Ireland Monitor Farm Network event this winter.

This session will focus on the timely and practical topic of cover crops—how to use them effectively within your rotation and the benefits they can bring to your farm business.

With recent government incentives encouraging the adoption of cover cropping across Northern Ireland, this event is designed to equip farmers with the knowledge and confidence to make the most of these opportunities.

We’re pleased to be welcoming guest speaker Chris Martin, Agronomist and Head of Soil Health at Agrovista, a leading expert in cover crop systems, who will share insights on:

Selecting the right cover crops for your system
Maximising soil health and nutrient retention
Integrating cover crops into existing rotations for long-term gain

Chris will be joined by local farmer Chris Gill of Caledon Estates, who will share his own experience and perspectives on implementing cover crops on-farm alongside other guest farmer speakers.

We will also be sharing and promoting resources such as The Cover Crops Guide, the UK’s first independent, farmer-led and scientifically supported farmers’ guide on cover crops.

Whether you're new to cover cropping or looking to refine your approach, this event offers practical advice, peer discussion, and expert guidance to help you make informed decisions for your farm.

This event is free to attend with lunch and refreshments provided; all we ask is that you pre-register your attendance as soon as possible.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Craig Patrick
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

How a vast data set guides variety recommendations

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:34:01 GMT

How a vast data set guides variety recommendations

The Smart Nutrition Roadshow - York

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:27:03 GMT

The root cause of poor crop performance is often hidden nutrient imbalances, inefficient input use, or overlooked soil health issues.

This event will show how targeted nutrition, nutrient interactions, and precision tools can unlock healthier crops and higher yields.

Join us to discuss how to identify and tackle deficiencies head-on.

Leading expert Jon Telfer (Lancrop Laboratories) will cover:

The critical role of balanced nutrition in driving crop health and yield. 
Identifying deficiencies and how they often hold back performance. 
When and how to use soil, tissue, and sap tests, and how to turn results into action. 
Crop performance depends on more than just N, P, and K, with the full spectrum of nutrients interacting with each other. 
In-season and post-harvest diagnostics will be explained, including the pros and cons of each method and what the results can and cannot reveal.

Regional practical insights will be shared by Catchment Sensitive Farming. 

Expect an update from AHDB on the latest research and knowledge exchange projects requested by levy payers, including soil health indicators and cover crops.

This event is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch. Registration is from 9:30. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot.

Craig Patrick
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

The Smart Nutrition Roadshow - Penrith Cumbria

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:11:41 GMT

The root cause of poor crop performance is often hidden nutrient imbalances, inefficient input use, or overlooked soil health issues.

This event will show how targeted nutrition, nutrient interactions, and precision tools can unlock healthier crops and higher yields.

Join us to discuss how to identify and tackle deficiencies head-on.

Leading expert Hannah Shirt (Lancrop Laboratories) will cover:

The critical role of balanced nutrition in driving crop health and yield. 
Identifying deficiencies and how they often hold back performance. 
When and how to use soil, tissue, and sap tests, and how to turn results into action. 
Crop performance depends on more than just N, P, and K, with the full spectrum of nutrients interacting with each other. 
In-season and post-harvest diagnostics will be explained, including the pros and cons of each method and what the results can and cannot reveal. 
Ben Goad, founder of Eco Prospects, will speak about his hands-on experience in soil and crop nutrition, sharing how he combines traditional practices with innovative approaches to improve soil health, enhance nutrient use efficiency, and deliver sustainable gains in farm productivity.

Regional practical insights will be shared by Ben Goad, owner of Eco Prospects

Exchange projects requested by levy payers, including soil health indicators and cover crops.

This event is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch. Registration is from 9:30. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot.

Craig Patrick
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

The Smart Nutrition Roadshow – Newport / Wales

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:10:38 GMT

The root cause of poor crop performance is often hidden nutrient imbalances, inefficient input use, or overlooked soil health issues.

This event will show how targeted nutrition, nutrient interactions, and precision tools can unlock healthier crops and higher yields.

Join us to discuss how to identify and tackle deficiencies head-on.

Leading expert Jon Telfer (Lancrop Laboratories) will cover:

The critical role of balanced nutrition in driving crop health and yield. 
Identifying deficiencies and how they often hold back performance. 
When and how to use soil, tissue, and sap tests, and how to turn results into action. 
Crop performance depends on more than just N, P, and K, with the full spectrum of nutrients interacting with each other. 
In-season and post-harvest diagnostics will be explained, including the pros and cons of each method and what the results can and cannot reveal.

Regional practical insights will be shared by Delana Davies from Farming Connect.

Expect an update from AHDB on the latest research and knowledge exchange projects requested by levy payers, including soil health indicators and cover crops.

This event is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch. Registration is from 9:30. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot.

Aaron Cantrill
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

The Smart Nutrition Roadshow – Newbury

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:10:38 GMT

The root cause of poor crop performance is often hidden nutrient imbalances, inefficient input use, or overlooked soil health issues.

This event will show how targeted nutrition, nutrient interactions, and precision tools can unlock healthier crops and higher yields.

Join us to discuss how to identify and tackle deficiencies head-on.

Leading expert Jon Telfer (Lancrop Laboratories) will cover:

The critical role of balanced nutrition in driving crop health and yield. 
Identifying deficiencies and how they often hold back performance. 
When and how to use soil, tissue, and sap tests, and how to turn results into action. 
Crop performance depends on more than just N, P, and K, with the full spectrum of nutrients interacting with each other. 
In-season and post-harvest diagnostics will be explained, including the pros and cons of each method and what the results can and cannot reveal. 
Rob Waterston, farm manager at Welford Park Estate, will share his experience in developing a sustainable no-till farming system focused on improving soil health, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, and reducing reliance on agrochemicals

Regional practical insights will be shared by Rob Waterston, farm manager for the Welford Park Estate which covers 1072ha (AHDB Monitor farm Newbury)

Expect an update from AHDB on the latest research and knowledge exchange projects requested by levy payers, including soil health indicators and cover crops.

This event is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch. Registration is from 9:30. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot.

David Hunter
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

The Smart Nutrition Roadshow – Norwich

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:10:38 GMT

The root cause of poor crop performance is often hidden nutrient imbalances, inefficient input use, or overlooked soil health issues.

This event will show how targeted nutrition, nutrient interactions, and precision tools can unlock healthier crops and higher yields.

Join us to discuss how to identify and tackle deficiencies head-on.

Leading expert Jon Telfer (Lancrop Laboratories) will cover:

The critical role of balanced nutrition in driving crop health and yield. 
Identifying deficiencies and how they often hold back performance. 
When and how to use soil, tissue, and sap tests, and how to turn results into action. 
Crop performance depends on more than just N, P, and K, with the full spectrum of nutrients interacting with each other. 
In-season and post-harvest diagnostics will be explained, including the pros and cons of each method and what the results can and cannot reveal.

Regional practical insights will be shared by David Jones (AHDB Strategic Cereal Farm East), farm manager for Morley Farms Ltd. - a commercial farming enterprise which farms the land owned by The Morley Agricultural Foundation (TMAF).

Expect an update from AHDB on the latest research and knowledge exchange projects requested by levy payers, including soil health indicators and cover crops.

This event is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch. Registration is from 9:30. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot.

Amy Catling
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

The Smart Nutrition Roadshow – Grantham

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:10:38 GMT

The root cause of poor crop performance is often hidden nutrient imbalances, inefficient input use, or overlooked soil health issues.

This event will show how targeted nutrition, nutrient interactions, and precision tools can unlock healthier crops and higher yields.

Join us to discuss how to identify and tackle deficiencies head-on.

Leading expert Jon Telfer (Lancrop Laboratories) will cover:

The critical role of balanced nutrition in driving crop health and yield. 
Identifying deficiencies and how they often hold back performance. 
When and how to use soil, tissue, and sap tests, and how to turn results into action. 
Crop performance depends on more than just N, P, and K, with the full spectrum of nutrients interacting with each other. 
In-season and post-harvest diagnostics will be explained, including the pros and cons of each method and what the results can and cannot reveal.

Regional practical insights will be shared by Joe Vickers, farm manager for 1500 ha (1200 ha arable) across four farms (AHDB Monitor farm Leverton).

Expect an update from AHDB on the latest research and knowledge exchange projects requested by levy payers, including soil health indicators and cover crops.

This event is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch. Registration is from 9:30. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot.

Molly Bampton
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds