Farm Excellence

Derbyshire: Weaning calves to perform at grass and sustaining farm profit in volatile years

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:49:04 GMT

Join us at Rough Grounds Farm for a farmer-led workshop looking at rearing youngstock for the best possible transition into the milking herd with Laura Tennant and Beckie Harrison, Bess Neil and Tony Evans. They will also be discussing resilience with grazing systems to stay profitable during lower milk prices.

Calf growth rates can drop quite dramatically once calves are turned out, and noticeable differences are often seen between batches.

The morning session of this meeting has been set up to focus on closing that gap – supporting lower-performing calves to lift growth rates and improve consistency across the group. The aim is simple: better growth now drives better results later.

We will address:

Improving performance in calves with lower growth rates
Strengthening their development into well-grown replacements
Improving grass quality for calves to support stronger growth rates
Improving first-lactation outcomes – with the spring 2025 first-lactation heifer group performing at around 83% of the third-lactation spring calvers
Highlighting the opportunity to narrow that gap through targeted improvements at the rearing stage

Using real-life examples from the Worsey family, this meeting will help you:

Understand the hidden costs of heifer rearing
Discover the ‘true’ value of successfully transitioning your heifers to the milking herd

The afternoon session will focus on making profit in volatile years.

In today’s climate of fluctuating milk prices and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, maintaining profitability can feel like a moving target. The Worseys have continued to deliver consistent profits despite this volatility – and in this session, Tony will explore how through:

The Worseys’ approach to staying profitable through volatile milk prices
Managing risk in the face of unpredictable weather patterns
Practical decision-making that protects margin, not just output (CFP analysis)
Demonstrating the strategies behind their performance
Clear, practical techniques that you can adopt within your own system

This session is designed to provide practical insight and real figures showing how resilience and profitability can go hand in hand, even in challenging years.

Tea and coffee is served from 10:00, the meeting starts at 10:30.

Speaker profiles

Laura Tennant

Dr Laura Tennant, Young Animal Feed Technical Advisor at Trouw Nutrition GB, graduated with a PhD in ruminant nutrition in 2017. She joined Trouw Nutrition GB in 2019 and is particularly focused on improving hydration in young calves.

Beckie Harrison

Beckie, from Peakfield Farm Vets, has worked with the Worsey family for many years and helped them introduce pneumonia vaccinations and lung scanning, as a part of their healthy calf club.

Neil Bess

Neil, Pasture for Profit consultant at LIC, has spent almost 15 years helping British farmers implement sustainable, profitable grazing systems, drawing on experience gained across three continents.

Tony Evans

Tony Evans is a Partner and Head of Dairy Consultancy at Andersons, and is also a long-standing Forage for Knowledge contributor.

East Suffolk Monitor Farm: Back to basics

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:16:20 GMT

Join Dennington Hall Farms for a practical meeting focused on the core principles that drive consistent crop performance.

With ongoing pressure on margins, this session will revisit the fundamentals that underpin resilient arable systems.

Speakers and topics include:

All things soil and soil health, David Purdy
Focus on seed, genetics and plant breeding, Heather Oldfield and Phil Tailby from Limagrain
The right nutrition at the right time, Omex
A view from an independent agronomist and business consultant, Doug Inglis

The meeting will include a farm walk to look at current cropping and discuss in-field management, seasonal challenges and lessons learned.

Amy Catling
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

North Essex Monitor Farm – Ditch and drainage management

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:02:08 GMT

Join us at Shore Hall Estate for a practical, on-farm session focused on ditch and drainage management.

We will begin with breakfast before heading out into the field to look at the recent ditch and drainage work carried out across the estate. This will be an opportunity to see the work first-hand and discuss the approach taken with the contractors involved, including practical considerations, challenges and lessons learned.

While on farm, we will also take the opportunity to look at the crops and hear from the farm's agronomist about key considerations for the upcoming season.

This will be a practical, discussion-led morning with plenty of opportunity for questions and shared experiences.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for this on farm meeting.

Amy Catling
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Norwich Monitor Farm: Ditch and drain management – Practical solutions for a changing climate

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:37:40 GMT

Join us for our next Norwich Monitor Farm meeting, where we’ll take a practical, on-farm look at ditch and drain management and explore how growers can build greater resilience into their land.

We’ll begin the session out in the field, visiting an area of the host farm that has historically presented drainage challenges.

Together, we’ll discuss:

How the site has developed over time
What has contributed to the issues
Practical steps being considered to future-proof the area in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns

Back in the meeting room, we’ll continue the conversation with a focus on:

Effective ditch and drain maintenance
Management strategies
The role of good records and long-term planning in protecting soil health, crop performance and farm infrastructure

There will also be an important update on the Advanced Water Industry National Environment Programme (A-WINEP) grant scheme, which will open for applications at the end of January.

The scheme supports projects that:

Improve water quality
Reduce pollution risks
Deliver wider environmental benefits across catchments

Please arrive at 9:30am to start at 10:00am. We will finish with lunch at 1:00pm.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a farm walk.

Amy Catling
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Building resilient arable systems: Long-term no-till, biologicals and foliar nutrition in practice

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:33:07 GMT

Join us at this on-farm meeting led by Geoff Homer, George Hosier and Ben Arthur.

We will be discussing:

Long-term direct drilling – review, outcomes and lessons learned.
Integrating grazing into arable systems
Foliar nitrogen – melting urea
Soil biology, brewing biologicals and on-farm microbiology

The presentations will be insightful and backed by data, providing the opportunity to question the outcomes of their collective learnings.

The presentations will be practical and followed by a farm walk (weather permitting).

Lunch will be provided and BASIS and NRoSO points will be awarded.

David Hunter
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

Hereford Monitor Farm - SFI lesson learnt

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:33:52 GMT

Join us on farm with Chris Greenaway to look at the current SFI choices and discuss what SFI will look like in 2026 on his farm.

This event will cover:

SFI decisions made in 2025
Establishment and timing
What would be done differently
Current cover crop trials
Getting ready for SFI 2026

Presentations and lunch will follow at Herefordshire Golf Club.

Aaron Cantrill
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Growing income: Maximising land use opportunities in Bedfordshire

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:15:06 GMT

'Farmers and landowners are part of the solution.’ Yes, but what does this actually mean for your farm business? What does natural capital really mean for farming in Bedfordshire?

It doesn’t mean stop farming.

Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties are seeing significant growth and development. Alongside this comes new private and public strategies to protect, maintain, and enhance the natural environment, but can these strategies create real opportunities for farmers and landowners?

This event brings together the right people in the room to explain what natural capital means in practice, what schemes and markets are available now, and what’s coming next.

You’ll hear how natural capital can become another tool in your farming toolbox, supporting your business while keeping land in agricultural use.

Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already exploring options, this session will help you understand:

What natural capital means for Bedfordshire farms
Current and future opportunities for farmers and landowners
The latest policy and regulatory updates
How to utilise environmental strategies to fit alongside a working farm business

Join us to explore how natural capital could work for your farm, on your terms.

This event will cover

Re-cap: What is natural capital and why does it matter to you?
Jargon buster: natural Capital, ecosystem services and nature markets. Everyone from your supply chain to your bank are starting to care about natural capital, so why should you?
Making sense of all that policy: How is current policy influencing land use and farming and what’s coming down the road that you should know about?
What’s happening in Bedfordshire? Hear about the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the county, as well as existing Local Nature Partnerships, BNG agreements, grant funding and case studies on stacking options

If you want to get ahead of the environmental plans, come along and find out where your existing farm business fits into the picture.

A hot lunch will be provided. Please register to attend for catering purposes.

Basis & Nroso points available.

Speakers and topics

What is Natural Capital & can it work WITH farming?
Dr Laura James, AHDB Knowledge Transfer Manager and 2025 Nuffield Farming Scholar
Making sense of all that policy
Saskia van Dongen, AHDB Lead Environment Specialist – Policy
What does the Local Nature Recovery Strategy mean for Bedfordshire farmers?
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Bedford Borough Council
What’s already happening in the county?
Bedfordshire Local Nature Partnership
Your farm and nature: Explore diversification options with BNG
Mitchell Rae (Senior Land Manager) and Rachel Russell (Principal Ecologist), Environment Bank
Improving soil and water, and grant funding
Kim Hemmings, Anglian Water Catchment Advisor
Baselining to build soil resilience and carbon stocks
Regenerate Outcomes
Farm case study: Developing unproductive land for private nature markets
David Felce, Huntingdonshire
Panel Q&A session to answer all your questions

Molly Bampton
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

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

Leverton Monitor Farm: Managing risks in your farm business

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:33:46 GMT

Is your farm business resilient enough for the risks ahead?

Gary Markham (Land Family Business), with Monitor Farmer Joe Vickers, will be discussing how to identify and manage financial and practical risks in a real farming business, using Joe’s farm as a live case study with open discussions for the group.

This meeting will cover:

Managing tax and financial risk – upcoming changes to CGT, IHT, structures, and timing
Improving business resilience and profitability – benchmarking performance, machinery, and growth decisions
Planning for the future – succession, family governance, and practical risk-management tools

Registration and lunch will be available from 1pm, with presentations commencing at 1:30pm

This event is free to attend with BASIS and NRoSO points available. Lunch will be provided but registration is required for catering purposes.

Molly Bampton
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

Land drainage and its role in farming’s future

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:22:29 GMT

Join us for a Kent Monitor Farm meeting in association with the East Stour Farmer Group

Guest speaker, Nuffield Scholar Rob Burtonshaw

Drawing on worldwide research and practical on-farm experience, Rob will explore how effective drainage can unlock soil performance, improve yields and support targeted areas for biodiversity and integrated pest management —maximising the holistic value of the farmed environment.

The event will include a farm walk and lunch, with opportunities for discussion and questions throughout.

BASIS & NRoSO points will be available.

David Hunter
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

When the rain doesn’t come: Smart grazing in tough conditions

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:38:08 GMT

When the rain doesn’t come: Smart grazing in tough conditions

Planning ahead: Accurately budgeting feed for a successful winter

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:10:21 GMT

Planning ahead: Accurately budgeting feed for a successful winter

Bingham Monitor Farm - Sharpen your grain marketing

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:55:24 GMT

Want to make smarter grain-selling decisions by truly understanding how the markets move — and how they shape what happens on your farm?

Monitor Farmer Joe Fisher, AHDB Economics & Analysis Team and AHDB Farmbench Team will be sharing their practical insights to better your knowledge on selling your produce.

This meeting will cover:

Global and national grain-market cycles, volatility and seasonal trends — and what they mean for farm-gate prices and cashflow.
Contract types, selling systems, ex-farm pricing, and the impact of sell date, delivery date and storage costs.
Using Farmbench crop-sales data to understand performance in both good and bad years.

Come ready to ask questions, compare experiences, and take away practical ideas to boost your grain-marketing confidence.

Registration and refreshments will be available from 9:30am, with presentations commencing at 10am.

Sign up to attend now!

This event is free to attend with BASIS and NRoSO points available. Lunch will be provided but registration is required for catering purposes.

Molly Bampton
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

Camborne Monitor Farm: Making 'Sense' of NUE - act on your weights and measures

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:08:02 GMT

Join us for a winter catchup and NUE related spring plans meeting at Cornhill farm.

Hear from host Pete Olds, agronomist Andy Finnamore, Taylored Agri - showcasing the recently fitted Yara N-Sensor and Hutchinsons Foliar Nutrition and Biostimulant specialist Trevor Smith.

Regarding both novel foliar nutrition strategies and the timing and rate of more 'conventional' approaches there remains a large sentiment of many practitioners being somewhat 'wise after the event'. With margins being squeezed from seemingly every angle it has never been more important to try to increase our understanding of what to apply, how and when. How can technology and new approaches assist us in the endeavor of truly (financially and environmentally) optimised nutrition?

Specifically, what is providing the best guidance re timing and rate, how can we test this? All will be discussed with a view to finalising what we look to measure (and how) over the coming growing season - potentially using the full suite of options from the cab mounted NIRS, satellite scans, drone over flights and tissue testing methodologies.

A light buffet lunch will conclude the meeting.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a potential field walk and outside discussion.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Pembrokeshire, Wales Monitor Farm Network - Soil health with David Purdy

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:36:49 GMT

Join us at Trewarren Farm in Pembrokeshire for our second monitor farm network in Wales with Farming Connect.

We will be looking at soil health, compaction with David Purdy. As well as the Micronutrient project on farm with Farming Connect.

Main content.

Speaker David Purdy
Soil Health
Soil Compaction
Micronutrient project from Farming Connect.

The event will include a farm walk, giving attendees the opportunity see the machinery.

Please do register for us to cater accordingly.

Aaron Cantrill
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Hereford Monitor Farm Arable Outlook: Setting the course for 2026

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:13:23 GMT

Join us for the Herefordshire Monitor Farm meeting at Hereford golf club.

Looking at setting your business for 2026. Looking at grain markets, internal and internationally, fertiliser outlook and more.

With several speakers from AHDB and External.

Key topics to include:
Historical market trends
Future market update
Fungicide performance
Fertiliser outlook 2026
Machinery costings

Getting you ready for your business in 2026!

Aaron Cantrill
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

East Yorkshire Farm Network – Soils & Water

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:37:47 GMT

Join us for an insightful session focused on two critical elements of sustainable farming—soils and water.

This event brings together leading experts to share practical advice and the latest research to help you improve resilience and productivity on farm.

Key Speakers:

Dr. David Purdy – A renowned soil specialist, Dr. Purdy will explore soil health, structure, and management strategies to optimise crop performance and long-term sustainability.
Rachael Madeley-Davies – AHDB’s Head of Environment, Rachael will discuss effective water use and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate risks associated with changing weather patterns

Why Attend?

Gain actionable insights on improving soil health and water efficiency.
Network with fellow farmers and industry experts.
Learn practical steps to future-proof your business against environmental challenges.

Who Should Attend? Farmers, agronomists, and anyone interested in enhancing soil and water management practices.

This event is free to attend with refreshments served throughout. BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Craig Patrick
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

Using tech to talk to soils

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:01:45 GMT

Using tech to talk to soils

Pilton Monitor Farm - Making 'Sense' of NUE - act on your weights and measures

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:48:20 GMT

Join us for a winter catchup and NUE related spring plans meeting with the Steanbow team. Hear from arable manager Alister, agronomist Adam North, Taylored Agri - showcasing the recently fitted Yara N-Sensor and Hutchinsons Foliar Nutrition and Biostimulant specialist Rowan Duckworth.

Regarding both novel foliar nutrition strategies and the timing and rate of more 'conventional' approaches there remains are large sentiment of many practitioners being somewhat 'wise after the event'. With margins being squeezed from seemingly every angle it has never been more important to try to increase our understanding of what to apply, how and when. How can technology and new approaches assist us in the endeavorer of truly (financially and environmentally) optimised nutrition?

A light buffet lunch will conclude the meeting.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for some outside discussion around the machinery.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

Jason Hendy
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds

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