Cover Crops

Huntingdonshire Monitor Farm: Launch and summer farm walk

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:21:44 GMT

There’s a new Monitor Farm in Huntingdonshire! Join us at Common Barn Farm with the team at G.T. Ramply & Son to hear about their plans as the next AHDB Monitor Farm for the area.

Farming across 3,500 acres, over varying soil types, Ramply Farms grow winter and spring cereals, oilseed rape, cover crops, and contract some lighter land out for onions.

This launch event will introduce the key challenges and objectives for the farming business, with presentations, technical discussion and a summer farm walk.

What we'll cover

AHDB cover crop trial – insights from the Bedfordshire trial comparing 2-way and 10-way cover crop mixes, and their impact on soil health, livestock and cash crop performance
Launching the Huntingdonshire Monitor Farm – meet Andrew Ramply and Joe Hicken as they introduce the farm business objectives and priorities
Crop establishment and machinery – including the interrow hoe, Horsch Avatar and changes to row spacing for improved crop establishment
Integrating livestock into the rotation – finishing store lambs on winter cover crops and exploring impacts on margins and spring crop productivity
Soil type and management demonstration – David Felce will lead an in-field demonstration exploring how varying soil types influence management decisions across the farm
In-field crop walk – including OSR after three years out of the rotation, spring cropping, varieties Vibe and Dawsum, and spring oats following grazed cover crops
East Midlands cover crop trials – plans for the new Autumn 2026 Huntingdonshire trial comparing 3-way and 6-way cover crop mixes

BASIS and NRoSO points are available for this event.

As always, food and beverages will be provided. Please sign up to attend for catering purposes.

We look forward to welcoming you to attend the next chapter of AHDB Monitor Farms in the East Midlands!

Pre-harvest Monitor Farm open evening: North West

Tue, 19 May 2026 11:59:41 GMT

Come along for a friendly Monitor Farm open evening at Gore House Farm where we’ll tour the crops, share experiences from the season, and chat openly about what’s working and what isn’t.

It’s a great chance to meet other growers, compare approaches, and pick up ideas before the combines roll. We will also discuss plans for trialling variable rate drilling for the 2027 crop.

What to expect

Tour of the farm, including a look at Cameron’s custom Typha harvester
Monitor Farm update
Harvest 2026 outlook
Application of variable rate drilling in 2027
Evening BBQ

Everyone’s welcome. Bring a neighbour and join us for an evening of practical, down-to-earth discussion.

This meeting is free to attend, but please register so we can organise catering.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending.

Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for a field walk.

Craig Patrick
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – Engagement (Cereals & Oilseeds)

Herefordshire: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:16:24 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
2:00pm 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

To be confirmed

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

South Notts Monitor Farm: Launch and summer farm walk

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:10:22 GMT

There’s a new Monitor Farm for South Notts! Join us at Smite Hill Farm to hear from Grant and Sarah Page about their plans.

As the Bingham Monitor Farm comes to the end of it’s three-year term with AHDB, Joe Fisher will share his closing remarks, learnings and plans he has for the future of Manor Farm, Saxondale.

What we'll cover

AHDB cover crop trial: Molly Bampton will share insights from the Bedfordshire cover crop trial. This trial has been looking at the benefits of a 2-way vs 10-way mix cover crop, and it’s impacts on soil health, livestock and cash crop performance
Launching South Notts: Grant and Sarah Page will introduce their farm business, including diversifications, and the challenges they hope to explore and overcome as the next AHDB Monitor Farm for the region
East Midlands cover crop trials: The South Notts Monitor Farm cover crop trial will begin in Autumn 2026, aiming to produce accurate margins for both field and financial performance when growing and grazing cover crops ahead of spring crops

Event details

Food and drinks provided
Basis and NRoSO points available
Please sign up so we can plan catering

We look forward to welcoming you to the next chapter of AHDB Monitor Farms in the East Midlands.

Molly Bampton
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Farming beef for the next generation: The Underley farm tour

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:59:38 GMT

Join Ian Farrant at Underley on the Herefordshire–Worcestershire border for the closing Monitor Farm event, showcasing lessons learned from a progressive, forage‑led beef system focused on sustainability, profitability and resilience.

Underley is a 600‑acre beef finishing farm, finishing 600 cattle a year. During the event, we'll explore system change, practical trials and honest reflections from Ian’s Monitor Farm journey.

Agenda

10:00am–10:30am Arrival, welcome, registration, tea and coffee
10:30am–11:00am Introductions and farm overview
- Ian Farrant will introduce Underley, outlining the system, challenges and motivations for joining the Monitor Farm programme
- Reflections on business resilience and system changes
11:00am Farm walk
Station 1: Defra NUE-Leg trial – clovers and legumes
- Germinal and Ian will give an overview of the NUE-Leg project and Underley’s involvement
- Open discussion on the challenges of these trials and the opportunity to reduce fertiliser use and improve nitrogen efficiency
Station 2: Establishing and growing lucerne
- Why Ian chose to trial home‑grown lucerne in a beef system
- Honest discussion on establishment challenges – including why Ian nearly gave up on the crop and the benefits seen for cattle performance and feed self‑sufficiency
12:45pm–1:30pm Lunch and networking
1:30pm–2:30pm Station 3: Calf rearing and home-grown feeding systems
- Ian will explain why he made the switch from British Blues to Aberdeen Angus‑sired dairy‑beef calves and how this fits better within his forage‑based finishing system where he has transitioned to a home‑grown TMR leading to positive financial and practical impacts
2:30pm–3:00pm Discussion and Q&A
3:00pm Close

BASIS and NRoSO CPD points will be available.

Why are high doses bad news for fungicide resistance?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:05:44 GMT

Why are high doses bad news for fungicide resistance?

Surrey: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:06:09 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.

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
1:00pm Lunch and networking
1:45pm
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
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

Ellie Roberts is NIAB’s technical expert for the National Variety and Recommended Lists for grass and clover (herbage) and maize and APHA forage crops.

Her research interests are in grassland systems, soil–plant–animal interactions and health, and the economics of forage systems.

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

Other events to follow.

Cornwall: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:11:00 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 is the best mix for your livestock system, this event is for you.

Join technical experts Ellie Roberts and John Harris at Hole Farm who will explore 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
2:00pm 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

Ellie Roberts is NIAB’s technical expert for the National Variety and Recommended Lists for grass and clover (herbage) and maize and APHA forage crops.

Her research interests are in grassland systems, soil–plant–animal interactions and health, and the economics of forage systems.

John Harris – Oliver Seeds.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

Multi-species swards – from seed to feed roadshow

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:15:00 GMT

Multi-species swards – from seed to feed roadshow

Cheshire: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:24:00 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.

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 Lunch and networking
1:00pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
3:00pm 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.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

Cotswolds: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:56:53 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.

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; Ian Wilkinson
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains; Ellie Roberts
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
2:00pm 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

Ian Wilkinson is a joint owner of Honeydale Farm and co-founder of FarmED.

Ian joined Cotswold Seeds and became MD in 1998. Since being under Ian’s direction, Cotswold Seeds built its reputation on developing forage, herbal leys, green manures and complex seed mixtures to improve soil health, sequester carbon and mitigate climate change.

Ellie Roberts is NIAB’s technical expert for the National Variety and Recommended Lists for grass and clover (herbage) and maize and APHA forage crops.

Her research interests are in grassland systems, soil–plant–animal interactions and health, and the economics of forage systems.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

We need your views on how cover crops impact weeds

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:15:08 GMT

We need your views on how cover crops impact weeds

Somerset: More from less – making the most of your soils

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:23:30 GMT

Join Terrafarmer and LEAF farmers Rob Addicott and Jeremy Padfield for a practical on‑farm event digging deep into soil biology.

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

Agenda

10:30am Arrival and refreshments

11:00am Stratton Farms background and introduction

Rob and Jeremy will outline their 2350-acre mixed farm partnership with a focus on their 440 acres of permanent pasture, red clover and herb legume leys.

They are advocates of regular testing of nutrients and organic matter in order understand their soils and to help make their businesses more resilient and sustainable.

11:30am Terrafarmer soil biology and Stratton Farms 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

12:15pm Lunch

12:45pm 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
Discussion around nutrient cycling, water quality and grazing management
Demonstration of Tow & Fert machinery

2:00pm Event close

This event qualifies for BASIS points.

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.

Agenda

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

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

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

Norwich Monitor Farm

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:05:10 GMT

Join us on farm for a practical look at soils, cover crops and autumn progress. Hear the latest from Norwich Monitor Farmer Michael Balls, gain expert agronomy insights, and see how soil health assessments translate into real farm decisions.

Hosted by Norwich Monitor Farmer Michael Balls, this meeting will offer an honest and practical update from the farm, including how harvest went and the work taking place this autumn.

We’ll be joined by an agronomist to explore cover crop performance, nutrient release, and VESS (Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure) assessments, bringing technical discussion to life in the field.

The event will include a farm walk, giving attendees the opportunity to see and discuss soil structure, cover crops and management decisions first-hand.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available

Amy Catling
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseed s

West & Wales: Chaff Chat LIVE

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:41:02 GMT

Now that the grain is in the shed, and the crops are in the ground, how do the markets lie ahead?

Join Aaron Cantrill (Regional Knowledge Exchange Manager), Helen Plant (AHDB Economics & Analysis Senior Analyst), and Regional Monitor Farmers as they share harvest insights and market outlooks.

Hear first-hand from Monitor Farmers about harvest results, lessons learned, and regional challenges.
Get the latest analysis on yields, grain market movements, and what they mean for supply, demand, and your farm business.
Join the conversation live, ask your questions, and share experiences with peers.

Can’t make it on the day? No problem! Sign up and watch the recording later, whether you’re in the tractor, workshop, or listening on the move.

Aaron Cantrill, Knowledge Exchange Manager

South: Chaff Chat LIVE

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:29:14 GMT

Now that the grain is in the shed, and the crops are in the ground, how do the markets lie ahead?

Join David Hunter & Jason Hendy (Regional Knowledge Exchange Managers), Helen Plant (AHDB Economics & Analysis Senior Analyst), and Regional Monitor Farmers as they share harvest insights and market outlooks.

Hear first-hand from Monitor Farmers about harvest results, lessons learned, and regional challenges.
Get the latest analysis on yields, grain market movements, and what they mean for supply, demand, and your farm business.
Join the conversation live, ask your questions, and share experiences with peers.

Can’t make it on the day? No problem! Sign up and watch the recording later, whether you’re in the tractor, workshop, or listening on the move.

David Hunter, Knowledge Exchange Manager (SE)

Jason Hendy, Knowledge Exchange Manager (SW)

North: Chaff Chat LIVE!

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:02:02 GMT

Now that the grain is in the shed, and the crops are in the ground, how do the markets lie ahead?

Join Craig Patrick (Regional Knowledge Exchange Manager), Millie Askew (AHDB Economics & Analysis Lead Analyst), and Regional Monitor Farmers as they share harvest insights and market outlooks.

Hear first-hand from Monitor Farmers about harvest results, lessons learned, and regional challenges.
Get the latest analysis on yields, grain market movements, and what they mean for supply, demand, and your farm business.
Join the conversation live, ask your questions, and share experiences with peers.

Can’t make it on the day? No problem! Sign up and watch the recording later, whether you’re in the tractor, workshop, or listening on the move.

Craig Patrick
Knowledge Exchange Manager - Cereals & Oilseeds