Farm Excellence

Somerset: Breeding the right cows for your farm

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:15:12 GMT

Join us to find out how making better use of your herd's genetic information can help you breed the right cows for your farming system.

Good genetics underpin herd performance, productivity and profitability. Whatever your breeding objectives, understanding the genetic tools available can help you make more informed breeding decisions and deliver lasting improvements across your herd.

AHDB Genetics Manager Dr Daniel Pitt will explain how to identify breeding goals, interpret genetic information and make the most of the tools available. You'll also hear from dairy farmers David Cotton and Keith Gue, who will share how a long-term focus on genetics has delivered measurable improvements in herd performance.

You'll leave with a better understanding of how to:

Use genetic evaluations to support breeding decisions
Define breeding goals that work for your business
Compare parent average and genomic results with confidence
Use your herd genetic report to identify opportunities for improvement
Put the latest genomic tools and indexes into practice on your farm

Whether you're just starting your genetic improvement journey or looking to make better use of the data you already have, this practical event will help you understand the options available and give you the confidence to make better breeding decisions.

To find out how genetics can help future-proof your herd and improve performance, book your place now.

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

Pilton Monitor Farm: From aphids to action – managing BYDV in cereals

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:26:01 GMT

Join AHDB and ADAS for a focused event exploring the latest approaches to managing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in cereal crops.

With ongoing challenges around aphid control, insecticide resistance and changing weather patterns, effective BYDV management remains a key priority for arable growers.

The event will bring together researchers, advisers and farmers to share the latest evidence, practical experiences and innovative tools designed to support decision-making on farm.

Attendees will hear updates on current BYDV research, learn about our new BYDV system, and gain insights into insecticide resistance monitoring and integrated management strategies.

The programme also includes practical aphid assessment training, hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to discuss real-world challenges directly with expert speakers and fellow growers.

Key learning outcomes

Understand the latest developments in BYDV management
Learn about novel approaches to reducing virus risk
Explore our new BYDV System
Gain practical skills in aphid identification and assessment
Hear first-hand experiences of managing BYDV on farm
Contribute feedback to help shape future AHDB tools and resources

This event is ideal for cereal growers, agronomists, farm managers and advisers looking to improve their understanding of BYDV and enhance crop protection decisions for the season ahead.

BASIS points are available for attending this event and lunch is included.

Other events in this series

23 September – Hereford

Zoe Kingham
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Hereford Monitor Farm: From aphids to action – managing BYDV in cereals

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:26:01 GMT

Join AHDB and ADAS for a focused event exploring the latest approaches to managing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in cereal crops.

With ongoing challenges around aphid control, insecticide resistance and changing weather patterns, effective BYDV management remains a key priority for arable growers.

The event will bring together researchers, advisers and farmers to share the latest evidence, practical experiences and innovative tools designed to support decision-making on farm.

Attendees will hear updates on current BYDV research, learn about our new BYDV and gain insights into insecticide resistance monitoring and integrated management strategies.

The programme also includes practical aphid assessment training, hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to discuss real-world challenges directly with expert speakers and fellow growers.

Key learning outcomes

Understand the latest developments in BYDV management
Learn about novel approaches to reducing virus risk
Explore our new BYDV System
Gain practical skills in aphid identification and assessment
Hear first-hand experiences of managing BYDV on farm
Contribute feedback to help shape future AHDB tools and resources

This event is ideal for cereal growers, agronomists, farm managers and advisers looking to improve their understanding of BYDV and enhance crop protection decisions for the season ahead.

BASIS points are available for attending this event and lunch is included.

Other events in this series

24 September – Pilton

Aaron Cantrill
Knowledge Exchange Manager – Cereals & Oilseeds

Ceredigion: Gweithio’n gallach ar y fferm

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:45:05 GMT

Dysgwch sut i arbed amser, gwella cysondeb a chael mwy allan o’ch tîm yn y gweithdy ymarferol hwn, lle byddwch chi’n dysgu technegau rheoli cynnil a sut y gall trefniadau gweithredu safonol wneud tasgau bob dydd ar y fferm yn haws eu rheoli.

Ymunwch â ni ar Fferm Sychpant gyda’r milfeddyg llaeth Dan Humphries i ddarganfod ffyrdd o symleiddio gweithdrefnau, lleihau amser gwastraff a chreu systemau sy’n helpu i gwblhau tasgau yn y ffordd iawn bob tro.

Wrth i fusnesau llaeth dyfu a mynd yn fwy dibynnol ar dechnoleg a staff ychwanegol, mae ffyrdd clir a chyson o weithio yn dod yn fwy a mwy pwysig. Bydd y gweithdy hwn yn eich darparu ag offer ymarferol i wella effeithlonrwydd, cefnogi’ch tîm a chynnal safonau uchel o ran lles anifeiliaid ac ansawdd llaeth.

Byddwch yn dysgu sut i:

Roi egwyddorion craidd rheoli cynnil ar waith i wella effeithlonrwydd eich busnes llaeth
Nodi a lleihau gwastraff o fewn eich gweithdrefnau dyddiol
Gwella boddhad, oriau gwaith a diogelwch staff drwy ffyrdd gwell o weithio
Datblygu trefniadau gweithredu safonol ar gyfer tasgau allweddol i helpu i sicrhau cysondeb, gan hefyd arbed amser a sicrhau ansawdd llaeth a lles anifeiliaid
Cael syniadau ymarferol y gallwch eu rhoi ar waith ar unwaith ar eich fferm chi

Byddwch hefyd yn cael taith o amgylch Fferm Sychpant i weld rheoli cynnil a threfniadau gweithredu safonol ar waith, gan gynnwys ym meysydd buchod sych a magu lloi, yn ogystal â threfn parlwr godro’r fferm, a’r rheoli o ddydd i ddydd.

Byddwch yn gadael gyda syniadau ymarferol a dulliau a brofwyd, y gallwch eu haddasu i’ch busnes eich hun, i symleiddio’r gwaith rheoli o ddydd i ddydd, gwella cysondeb ar draws eich tîm, a rhyddhau mwy o amser i ganolbwyntio ar y meysydd sy’n ychwanegu’r gwerth mwyaf at eich fferm.

Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Saesneg

Digging deeper: Strategic Farm unearths drainage solutions

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:58:11 GMT

Digging deeper: Strategic Farm unearths drainage solutions

RABDF launches dairy entrepreneurs club

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:56:56 GMT

RABDF launches dairy entrepreneurs club

US dairy farmers bring practical resilience roadshow to Britain

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:23:44 GMT

US dairy farmers bring practical resilience roadshow to Britain

Summer farm walk: North Essex Monitor Farm

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:41:43 GMT

Postponed

Please note, this event has been postponed and will not be taking place on Friday 3 July.

Look out for details of the rescheduled event.

Join us at Shore Hall Estate for a farm walk and discussion focused on the role of break crops within the rotation.

What we will cover

Take a look around the farm to assess current crop performance
Discuss the practical and financial benefits of different break crop options and explore how they can support weed, pest and disease management, soil health, and overall farm resilience
Share experiences, discuss current challenges, and hear different perspectives on making break crops work within modern arable systems

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.

Amy Catling
Interim Head of Engagement – Cereals & Oilseeds

Summer farm walk: Norwich Monitor Farm

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:01:59 GMT

Join us for a final event at Norwich Monitor Farm to reflect on the past three years of their Monitor Farm journey.

What we will cover

Discuss key learnings and challenges
Take a walk through the crops to see how the season is progressing
Hear about plans for the future.

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.

Amy Catling
Interim Head of Engagement – Cereals & Oilseeds

Making grazing pay: Practical decisions from Moorhouse Hall Farm

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:42:40 GMT

Join us at Moorhouse Hall Farm, one of our Strategic Dairy Farms, for a practical, grazing-focused farm walk. You'll explore how grazing management, infrastructure and system decisions are shaping forage utilisation and milk from forage on a commercial dairy farm.

You’ll be taken through the farm’s current grazing strategy, including paddock management, cow flow, grazing access and the practical decisions influencing performance this season.

Through field-based discussion and open farmer-to-farmer conversation, you’ll explore what's working well, the compromises involved, and the lessons being learned in real time.

A key focus of the event will be understanding how infrastructure and wider business decisions influence grazing success.

You’ll hear how the farm’s decision not to winter lambs this year is helping to prioritise spring grazing availability, protect grass covers and maximise milk from forage opportunities within the dairy system.

During the event, you'll learn about:

Their grazing strategy and how rotation management is being implemented
Grass utilisation, residuals and forage quality – what’s working in the field
The role of infrastructure, cow flow and paddock design in grazing performance
Key system decisions and trade-offs affecting milk from forage and grazing days
Practical lessons, benchmarks and open discussion on what can be applied on farm

This event is designed to be practical, honest and discussion-led, giving you the opportunity to walk the system, challenge ideas, compare approaches and take away practical actions you can apply within your own grazing system.

Whether you're already heavily focused on grazing or looking to improve grass utilisation and milk from forage within your system, this event will provide practical insight, peer-to-peer discussion and real-world decision-making from a working dairy farm.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Shropshire: Healthy starts to entering the milking herd

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:16:30 GMT

Join us at Bentley Ford Farm for an informative event focused on optimising efficiency in dairy heifer rearing, helping ensure youngstock enter the milking herd ready to achieve their full potential.

We’ll explore the key factors that influence growth, health, fertility and lifetime performance, with practical insights to support better decision-making at every stage of rearing.

The goal is simple: to help farmers rear dairy heifers that not only hit productivity targets, but go on to enjoy long, healthy and profitable careers in the herd.

At this event, we'll review youngstock performance and facilities at Bentley Ford Farm with youngstock specialist Ginny Sherwin and farm vet James Marsden.

We will cover

Utilising on-farm data to determine maximum performance
Management and environmental factors that ensure success
Youngstock housing and how this can affect your heifers

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Speaker profiles

Ginny Sherwin

Ginny Sherwin graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2011 before completing a farm animal internship at the Royal Veterinary College and moving into private practice.

She later undertook a dairy herd health residency at the University of Nottingham, becoming a European Specialist in Bovine Health Management in 2017.

Alongside starting a lecturing role in 2018, she completed a PhD in 2020, investigating the ecology of Streptococcus uberis.

She is now a Clinical Associate Professor in Farm Animal Medicine at the University of Nottingham, with research focused on practical, evidence-based approaches to improving youngstock health and performance.

James Marsden is a director and dedicated farm animal vet who has specialised in herd health, fertility, and production efficiency for nearly two decades.

James Marsden

After graduating from Bristol in 2006, he moved from mixed practice into farm-focused work, joining the team that later became Shropshire Farm Vets.

He completed a Diploma in Bovine Reproduction at the University of Liverpool in 2010, strengthening his expertise in optimising dairy and beef systems, an area he continues to be passionate about, alongside improving animal welfare and overall farm profitability.

Testing smarter nitrogen approaches at Strategic Cereal Farms

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:45:21 GMT

Testing smarter nitrogen approaches at Strategic Cereal Farms

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

Event cancelled
Come along for a friendly Monitor Farm open evening at Gore House Farm where we’ll get the latest insights from the Monitor Farm and learn about upcoming plans for variable rate drilling.

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)

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

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

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?

The AHDB and ADOPT field tested roadshow

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The AHDB and ADOPT field tested roadshow

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.

Farm Excellence

Somerset: Breeding the right cows for your farm

Join us to find out how making better use of your herd's genetic information can help you breed the right cows for your farming system.

You'll leave with a better understanding of how to:

The darkside of resistance: The fightback starts here

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

What will we cover?

Rotations beyond cover crops

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?

We will cover

Why come?

Pilton Monitor Farm: From aphids to action – managing BYDV in cereals

Join AHDB and ADAS for a focused event exploring the latest approaches to managing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in cereal crops.

Key learning outcomes

Other events in this series

Hereford Monitor Farm: From aphids to action – managing BYDV in cereals

Join AHDB and ADAS for a focused event exploring the latest approaches to managing Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in cereal crops.

Key learning outcomes

Other events in this series

Ceredigion: Gweithio’n gallach ar y fferm

Dysgwch sut i arbed amser, gwella cysondeb a chael mwy allan o’ch tîm yn y gweithdy ymarferol hwn, lle byddwch chi’n dysgu technegau rheoli cynnil a sut y gall trefniadau gweithredu safonol wneud tasgau bob dydd ar y fferm yn haws eu rheoli.

Byddwch yn dysgu sut i:

Digging deeper: Strategic Farm unearths drainage solutions

RABDF launches dairy entrepreneurs club

US dairy farmers bring practical resilience roadshow to Britain

Summer farm walk: North Essex Monitor Farm

Postponed

Please note, this event has been postponed and will not be taking place on Friday 3 July.

What we will cover

Summer farm walk: Norwich Monitor Farm

Join us for a final event at Norwich Monitor Farm to reflect on the past three years of their Monitor Farm journey.

What we will cover

Making grazing pay: Practical decisions from Moorhouse Hall Farm

Join us at Moorhouse Hall Farm, one of our Strategic Dairy Farms, for a practical, grazing-focused farm walk. You'll explore how grazing management, infrastructure and system decisions are shaping forage utilisation and milk from forage on a commercial dairy farm.

During the event, you'll learn about:

Shropshire: Healthy starts to entering the milking herd

Join us at Bentley Ford Farm for an informative event focused on optimising efficiency in dairy heifer rearing, helping ensure youngstock enter the milking herd ready to achieve their full potential.

We will cover

Speaker profiles

Ginny Sherwin

James Marsden

Testing smarter nitrogen approaches at Strategic Cereal Farms

Huntingdonshire Monitor Farm: Launch and summer farm walk

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.

What we'll cover

Pre-harvest Monitor Farm open evening: North West

Event cancelled Come along for a friendly Monitor Farm open evening at Gore House Farm where we’ll get the latest insights from the Monitor Farm and learn about upcoming plans for variable rate drilling.

What to expect

South Notts Monitor Farm: Launch and summer farm walk

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.

What we'll cover

Event details

Why are high doses bad news for fungicide resistance?

The AHDB and ADOPT field tested roadshow

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

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

Speaker profiles

Laura Tennant

Beckie Harrison

Neil Bess

Tony Evans

Event cancelled
Come along for a friendly Monitor Farm open evening at Gore House Farm where we’ll get the latest insights from the Monitor Farm and learn about upcoming plans for variable rate drilling.