Cereals & Oilseeds

Analyst insight: Dry start to May hits UK crop conditions

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:03:15 GMT

Analyst insight: Dry start to May hits UK crop conditions

From weathering the storm to planning ahead: Turning climate challenge into on-farm action

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:24:29 GMT

From weathering the storm to planning ahead: Turning climate challenge into on-farm action

AHDB at Groundswell 2026

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:34:39 GMT

Join us at Groundswell 2026 to find out how we can support farmers in building resilient, sustainable businesses using practical data-driven insights on farm.

Our seminar programme for both days features sessions spanning arable, livestock, environment and data, alongside interactive formats designed to bring independent research and real on-farm experience to life.

Each seminar lasts around an hour, with times and locations clearly displayed at key locations across the Groundswell site.

So come and visit us at our stand and join the discussion on regenerative agriculture.

Day 1 sessions

11am–noon: Not just pretty in a plot trial

What makes a crop variety succeed with fewer inputs? This session will look at the traits that help crops perform in low and no-input systems, including better resilience and natural weed suppression.

Hear the latest insights from ongoing research, as well as practical discussion on how the Recommended Lists (RL) and wider industry projects are helping drive the shift towards varieties that work harder with less.

1:00–2:00pm: Herbs to Herd – Multi-species swards for improved performance

As our climate is changes and the pressure on livestock production increases, our approach to what we grow and why we grow it also needs to change.

We will talk to renowned farmers and industry experts who have learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to growing multi-species swards and how selecting the right species and mixes can have a major impact on a farm's ability to be more resilient to longer, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters.

We'll also explore how selecting the right multi-species swards can help to improve livestock performance and productivity. .

3:00–4:00pm: Baselining and environmental data – what is it and why should I care?

Why is everyone talking about baselining and what are the tangible benefits? We will discuss our Environment Baselining Pilot and how data can be turned into practical decisions on farm.

We will look at what the early pilot findings can tell us, how they have been used at farm level and how we can make better use of existing data to make real change.

4:30–5.30pm: Circle/Talking Leaders

Featuring respected agricultural influencers, this Circle of Influence discussion will explore key learnings, reflections and highlights from Groundswell and what people are most excited or optimistic about.

Timing tbc: Cover Crops Clinic – the good, the bad and the biological at the Earthworm Arms

An interactive workshop with a chance to drill down into the practical aspects of growing cover crops with AHDB, members of the Cover Crops Guide steering group and research partners from ADAS and PGRO.

You'll have the chance to be involved in up to two discussion groups on the real or perceived problems of growing cover crops, including practical agronomy tips and the wider benefits of growing cover crops beyond ticking the boxes.

Day 2 sessions

11am–noon: Outdoor pigs and regenerative systems

How outdoor pig systems, farmyard manure and slurry can contribute to soil health and biodiversity, and the practical challenges of scaling these models.

12.15pm–12.45pm: Sustainable Farming Network – strategic skills for risky times

The Sustainable Farm Networks initiative brings together farmers who are collectively trying out new things in response to context change and are willing to share their experience.

This session showcases previously tested resilience strategies from across the diverse membership, reflecting how these skills are relevant to current challenges of fertiliser shortage and erratic weather.

1:00–2:00pm: Rethinking nutrient applications

This panel will explore how targeted nutrient application can improve efficiency, resilience and profitability in dairy systems.

Bringing together practical farmer experience and technical insight, speakers will discuss approaches including composted manures, digestate, bio stimulants and foliar applications, alongside practices such as Tow & Fert systems, and how leaf tissue analysis and in-depth soil sampling can measure effective nutrient use.

3:00–4:00pm: Rain, heat, repeat – farming for what’s coming

From soil management and water strategies to crop planning and business adaptation, the session will highlight the tools available and the proactive steps you can take to make your farm more climate resilient.

You'll get a clearer understanding of both the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate, and that to secure our food systems, we must adapt, plan and build resilience into every part of farming.

Book tickets and find out more about this year's Groundswell

Analyst insight: UK grain supplies tightening

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:21:03 GMT

Analyst insight: UK grain supplies tightening

Guidance for buyers on reporting Corn Returns

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:24:43 GMT

Guidance for buyers on reporting Corn Returns

Summer farm walk: North Essex Monitor Farm

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:41:43 GMT

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

Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years of connecting people with farming

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:31:39 GMT

Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years of connecting people with farming

Huntingdonshire Monitor Farm

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Huntingdonshire Monitor Farm

Opportunities arise for UK food exports from UK-GCC trade deal

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:44:23 GMT

Opportunities arise for UK food exports from UK-GCC trade deal

Testing smarter nitrogen approaches at Strategic Cereal Farms

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:45:21 GMT

Testing smarter nitrogen approaches at Strategic Cereal Farms

Statement from AHDB Chair Emily Norton on the Farm Assurance Review progress report

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:30:29 GMT

Statement from AHDB Chair Emily Norton on the Farm Assurance Review progress report

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!

Management of Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) in cereals

Wed, 20 May 2026 08:21:28 GMT

Management of Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) in cereals

Put soil first to support crop protection benefits

Wed, 20 May 2026 07:39:50 GMT

Put soil first to support crop protection benefits

Fertiliser availability insights highlight pressure on supply for key products

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:09:15 GMT

Fertiliser availability insights highlight pressure on supply for key products

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)

Recommended Lists Variety Open Day Fife

Tue, 19 May 2026 07:48:48 GMT

How do AHDB Recommended Lists varieties perform in the field, and what can experts reveal about their potential?

Our Recommended Lists Variety Open Days are your chance to hear non-commercialised insights on all the AHDB Recommended Lists cereal varieties have to offer!

We will also hear brand new findings from our NUE Trials, and what lessons can be learned from disease ratings in the RL.

This event will cover:

Wheat and Barley: Mark Bollebakker and Georgia Baxter (AHDB) will share how the varieties have performed in the field this year and what is in store for RL trials in the upcoming season.

NUE Trials: Emma Willis (AHDB) will share findings from the NUE trails conducted at the site.

E&A: Siobhan Hillman (AHDB) will share a Scottish snapshot of disease. What RL disease ratings look like in Scotland.

We shall also have other companies attending this event with their trade stands, come along for a catch up and a conversation with local agricultural businesses! Scot Agri will be bringing along a selection from their range of arable machinery. Frontier will also be running a moisture meter clinic.

Don’t miss this chance to see the future of farming in action – book your space on either the morning or afternoon session now!

Please note the What 3 Words location for this event, as the trial plots are in a different area of the site to last year.

Morning session: 10am-12.30pm, lunch at the end

Book your place on the morning session

Afternoon session: 1pm-3.30pm, lunch on arrival

Book your place on the afternoon session

Lunch will be provided – please book your space to guarantee your spot.

Basis & Nroso points available

Recommended Lists Variety Open Day Cambridgeshire

Mon, 18 May 2026 13:39:43 GMT

How do AHDB Recommended Lists varieties perform in the field, and what can experts reveal about their potential?

Our Recommended Lists Variety Open Days are your chance to hear non-commercialised insights on all the AHDB Recommended Lists cereal varieties have to offer!

We will also hear brand new findings from our NUE Trials, and the Planting and Variety Survey, to hear what the 2026 harvest outlook is for your region.

This event will cover:

Winter wheat and winter barley: Mark Bollebakker and Georgia Baxter (AHDB) will share how the varieties have performed in the field this year and what is in store for RL trials in the upcoming season.

NUE Trials: Emma Willis (AHDB) will share findings from the NUE trails conducted at the site.

E&A: Helen Plant (AHDB) will share insights from our Planting and Variety Survey, what this could mean for UK grain supplies going forward and a regional outlook for this coming harvest.

We shall also have other companies attending this event with their trade stands, come along for a catch up and a conversation with local agricultural businesses!

Don’t miss this chance to see the future of farming in action – book your space on either the morning or afternoon session now!

Please note the What 3 Words location for this event, as the trial plots are in a different area of the site to last year.

Morning session: 10am-12.30pm, lunch at the end

Book your place on the morning session

Afternoon session: 1pm-3.30pm, lunch on arrival

Book your place on the afternoon session

Lunch will be provided – please book your space to guarantee your spot.

Basis & Nroso points available

AHDB and NIAB wheat variety event

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:16:24 GMT

Brought to you by AHDB and NIAB, this event gives you the chance to hear non-commercialised insights on Recommended List variety performance (winter wheat only).

What's included

Guided variety plot tours with Sean Burns (AHDB) and Steve Cook (NIAB)
A chance to see the variety blends trials for those interested

Event details

Free to attend
Lunchtime refreshments provided between the morning and afternoon sessions
Please select your preferred session when booking

Bring suitable footwear and clothing for a field walk.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available.

David Hunter
Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager – National Engagement (Cereals & Oilseeds)