Agronomists' Induction 2024

The Agronomists’ Induction is a formal introduction to our resources and activities for agronomists early in their careers.

The event aims to help the agronomy industry bring benefits to AHDB levy payers and provides an opportunity to kick-start career-long networking between AHDB staff and agronomists.

If you are intrigued about the independent science behind our work and want to make the most of our outputs, this event is for you.

Encouraging learning, the event features a series of interactive workshops and seminars.

Lunch is provided on both days with representatives from BASIS, BBRO, PGRO, LEAF and the Voluntary Initiative exhibiting during lunch on the first day. There is also a networking dinner in the evening of the first day.

Programme

Day one

• 12:00pm Registration, lunch and exhibitions
• 1:00pm Welcome and icebreaker game – Ollie Johnson, Head of Engagement (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds) and Matthew Brearley, Knowledge Transfer Manager (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds)
• 1:45pm Split into groups
• 2:00pm Grouped session I
  • Varieties – Paul Gosling, Senior Crop Production Systems Scientist (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds) and Kathyrn Hales, Recommended Lists Development Manager (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds)
  • Soils – Joanna McBurnie, Environment Scientist (AHDB) and Emma Willis, Environment Specialist (AHDB)
  • Markets – Matt Darragh, Analyst (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds)
• 2:45pm Groups rotate
• 3:00pm Grouped session II
• 3:45pm Groups rotate
• 4:00pm Grouped session III
• 5:00pm Resistance management – Sacha White, Lead Crop Protection Scientist (AHDB) and Siobhan Hillman, Crop Protection Scientist (Pests, Weeds and Diseases, AHDB)
• 5:30pm Close for day one
• 7:00pm Networking dinner and after-dinner quiz

Day two

• 9:00am Biologicals – Dave Chandler (Warwick Crop Centre)
• 9:25am Knowledge exchange – Henny Lowth, Senior Knowledge Transfer Manager (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds) and Matthew Brearley, Knowledge Transfer Manager (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds)
• 9:45am Split into groups
• 10:00am Grouped session IV
  • Nutrition – Ollie Johnson, Head of Engagement (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds)
  • IPM – Georgia Hassell, Crop Protection Scientist (AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds)
  • Agricultural policy – Sarah Baker, Head of Economics (Analysis, AHDB), Amandeep Kaur, Senior Economist (AHDB) & Emma Willis, Environment Specialist (AHDB)
• 10:45am Groups rotate
• 11:00pm Grouped session V
• 11:45am Groups rotate
• 12:00pm Grouped session VI
• 1:00pm Closing remarks – Jon Bellamy (NIAB)
• 1:30pm Event closes