Technical events

Strategic Farm: Heifers – to breed or to buy?

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 14:29:28 GMT

Our 2017 Strategic Farmer, Mark Jelley, from Northamptonshire, joins AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager, Sarah Pick, to discuss why he made the decision to move from buying in replacement heifers to breeding his own and the impact this change has had on his business.

Mark will also discuss how he manages the herd to optimise the lifetime performance of home-bred heifers including deciding which cows to breed from, what he looks for in a maternal sire and the importance of paying special attention to heifer management, ensuring they can calve at two and then again in 12 months’ time.

Joe Henry, from Black Sheep Farm Health, will also join Mark and Sarah to discuss the essential things to consider whether breeding or buying replacement females and how to maximise the effectiveness of the breeding technologies available to suckler producers including artificial insemination and synchronisation.

Strategic Farm: Be bold, be brave and ask 'does my business work for me?'

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 12:04:10 GMT

Our 2017 Strategic Farmer, Johnny Haimes, from Devon, joins Leah Shanks for an open and honest discussion on why he made the decision to disperse his suckler herd and begin rearing and finishing dairy-bred calves extensively.

Johnny will discuss how braving this significant change has impacted his profits and his work-life balance and how valuing his time and seizing opportunities has resulted in a complete change in system that now makes his business work for him.

Luppo Diepenbroek, Independent Grassland Consultant, will attend as Johnny’s mentor who has been present throughout his Strategic Farm journey. Luppo and Johnny have worked together through the transition to a forage-based system, establishing herbal leys and outwintering all stock whilst taking an organic approach.

This conversation will also touch on setting up good foundations with a dairy farm when looking to source dairy-bred calves as Becky Miles joins from AHDB’s Dairy Knowledge Exchange team.

We will also welcome David Pett, AHDB’s Farm Economics Knowledge Exchange Manager, to share tips on how to first navigate around your figures and then what to hone in on in order to make a profit.

Speaker biographies

Johnny Haimes buys in dairy cross calves together with store cattle and runs them on an outdoor based system, taking the majority through to finish near Plymouth, Devon. Johnny joined AHDB’s Farm Excellence Programme as a Strategic Farmer in September 2017.

Johnny runs a near organic system by not applying fertiliser or sprays and maximising the output of his forage by rotationally grazing 200 acres of herbal leys.

Luppo Diepenbroek was born in Holland and managed his own dairy herd with associated beef enterprise for over 25 years. Between 1988 and 2002, he acted as nutritionist for a farmer co-operative whilst converting the dairy herd at home into a paddock/cell grazing system. He then set up his own business providing consultancy and facilitation services to organic, dairy and beef farmers in the South West of England. The focus of his work has included ways to improve soil fertility and forage quality, how to graze effectively and efficiently, and increasing the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ – in terms of the financial, soil and environmental aspects of livestock farming.

Strategic Farm: Using your soil test results to help inform your fertiliser decisions

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:18:43 GMT

AHDB's Nicola Renison will be joined by 2019 Strategic Farmer Richard Carruthers from Shap in Cumbria, Matthew Everett from Origin Fertilisers and Jonathan Telfer from Landcrop Laboratories.

Richard has been working with Matthew and Jonathan for some years. During this event you will find out how the combination of regular soil testing and the close working relationship has resulted in increased production whilst reducing costs and looking after soil health.

Strategic Farm: the journey to rotational grazing and what’s next

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:53:35 GMT

Our 2019 Strategic Farmer, Steven Lawson, from Northumberland, will join KEM Sam Charlton to discuss the key changes that have taken place on farm during the first year of the programme.

This includes the farm's one year transition to rotational grazing, winter feed budgeting, introduction of forage crops and exciting expansion plans. We also welcome guest speaker, Dr Liz Genever, who has been working closely with Steven to implement these changes and map out what's next for the fam. Expect talk about more grass, sheep and profit!

Strategic Farm: Focusing on forage

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:37:27 GMT

Our 2019 Strategic Farmer, Neil Brown, from Shropshire, joins KEM Emma Steele to discuss why it’s so important to get the most you can from forage and how Neil is working towards that.

During the webinar he’ll speak about why he’s taking steps to reduce hard feed use, the realistic benefits he expects from improving forage use in his business and the changes he’s made so far in preparation for grazing 2021. We also welcome Marc Jones, forage specialist, who will take us through some of the theory behind the changes Neil is making on farm and some of the common challenges faced by those working to improve their forage utilisation.

Strategic Farm: Managing lameness in the flock

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 09:46:08 GMT

Our 2019 Strategic Farmers, Chris and Louise Elkington, from Lincolnshire, join KEM Sarah Pick to discuss the lameness problems they have experienced during the wet weather this autumn/winter.

During the webinar, Chris and his vet Rebecca Davenport (Farm Veterinary Solutions) will discuss the best way to manage and prevent further outbreaks within the flock. We also welcome, Hayley Marshall, who is completing a PhD, funded by AHDB, looking at the effectiveness of footbathing in controlling and preventing lameness. During the event she will discuss her findings so far.

Winter Agronomy Roadshows (Scotland) go digital

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:07:18 GMT

Winter Agronomy Roadshows (Scotland) go digital

Strategic Farm trial results - harvest 2020

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:12:00 GMT

Strategic Farm trial results - harvest 2020

Familiar face joins AHDB dairy team in Scotland

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:08:50 GMT

Familiar face joins AHDB dairy team in Scotland

How to start direct selling with Strategic Farms Dupath Farm and Chestnut Farm

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:35:51 GMT

How to start direct selling with Strategic Farms Dupath Farm and Chesnut Farm

Thursday 18 June, from 7.30pm

Join AHDB Beef & Lamb along with our Strategic Farmers Adrian Coombe from Cornwall and Chris Elkington from Lincolnshire as we review their spring progress.

During this live interactive event, Leah Shanks, Beef & Lamb Knowledge Exchange Manager and Sarah Pick, Knowledge Exchange Programme Manager will ask Adrian and Chris about the changes they’ve made to their businesses, successes achieved and any challenges they’ve encountered.

We will then discuss the direct selling opportunities that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both farms will share how they’ve adapted their businesses to continue trading during lockdown by selling their own produce including meat and potatoes and by reselling bought in crops. Both farms have seen great results and will share some tips on how to get started and add value to your offering.

We will also be joined by Karl Pendlebury, Senior Manager of Quality Schemes, who will explain the laws and logistics around selling red meat and the help and free resources available from AHDB.

AHDB Farm Excellence goes digital

Fri, 29 May 2020 16:31:55 GMT

AHDB Farm Excellence goes digital

Mole drainage and soil loosening masterclass

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

Optimising soil to get the right channels in place for roots and water is critical. Join this Strategic Farm Week webinar for practical tips and considerations on what to look for in-field, decisions on what is needed and if required, how to get mole drainage and soil loosening right this autumn on your farm.

Philip Wright, independent soils expert, along with the Strategic Farm East host, Brian Barker and AHDB’s Harry Henderson will be discussing the topic, particularly relevant following last winter’s rainfall and the current dry weather.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending these webinars. Registration of your details will be on the session.

All of the webinars are FREE to attend and resources free to download – funded by your levy.

Need more details or information? Please get in touch with Teresa Meadows, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager - teresa.meadows@ahdb.org.uk/07387 015465

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

This webinar is part of Strategic Farm Week 2020. To find out more about other activities during the week and how to get involved, visit ahdb.org.uk/sfweek2020.

NW&NI Monitor Farm summer meeting

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

This webinar will give us the chance to catch up with the current monitor farmers in the NW&NI, Bill & Joe Webb (Hale Village) and Richard Orr (Downpatrick), as well as getting an insight into the farm business of our new Monitor Farm in Cumbria.

After what has been a challenging year for growing conditions, we will talk about the crop conditions, harvest prospects and farm try out results so far.

We will also be getting a market update from AHDB's Market Intelligence Team.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

How to monitor crop development and disease

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

Join this webinar to discover how to disease score your crops and assess crop development through the season to help inform matching inputs to potential through the season and maximising yield potential.

Catherine Harries, AHDB’s Crop Health and Protection Scientist for Diseases will take you through how you can score disease levels on your crop through the season. Brian Barker, Strategic Farm East host will be discussing how you can use plant, shoot, tiller and ear counts as the crop develops alongside the AHDB Wheat Growth Guide benchmarks to manage inputs to reflect yield potential.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending these webinars. Registration of your details will be on the session.

All of the webinars are FREE to attend and resources free to download – funded by your levy.

Need more details or information? Please get in touch with Teresa Meadows, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager - teresa.meadows@ahdb.org.uk/07387 015465

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

This webinar is part of Strategic Farm Week 2020. To find out more about other activities during the week and how to get involved, visit ahdb.org.uk/sfweek2020.

Farming today - how are you coping?

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

Speakers: Martin Williams (MW Farming) & Becki Leach (Kite Consulting)

The pressures, pace and problems associated with juggling the demands of a farm business are ever growing. As farmers, you know how to take care of your crops and livestock, and take careful steps to ensure that they are healthy and safe, yet do you take the same care in managing your own mental and physical stress and fatigue?

While difficult circumstances such as coronavirus, extreme weather, market volatility, peer pressure and parental expectations are often beyond our influence, much of our stress is actually within our own control. This webinar will aim to help understand how you can take control of your stress and not add to it unwittingly.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

Ultimate guide to the barley & OSR Recommended List

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

Hosted by the RL team, this webinar will discuss the impact of what has been a challenging year for growing conditions and drilling.

They will share how the trial validation process works and what they have seen this growing season including any new and interesting varieties and results. They will also be explaining how to access and use the harvest results service and the new RL app.

There will be a Q&A session for the audience to ask any variety questions they may have, and although the focus of this session is barley and OSR, questions relating to other crops are welcome.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

This webinar is part of Arable Connections 2020. To find out more about how to get involved, visit ahdb.org.uk/ac2020.

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

East Anglia Monitor Farm summer meeting

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

In this webinar we will join East Anglia’s three monitor farmers for a look at the prospects for this harvest from Hertfordshire to Suffolk. There will also be updates on the try-outs happening with Richard Ling at Diss Monitor Farm (cover crop destruction, aka ‘the stripy field and varying N management) and Tom Mead and David Hurst from Duxford Monitor Farm (Fungicide Challenge and hybrid wheat).

You will also get an insight into the farm business of our region's new Monitor Farm on the Fens.

Additionally, Harry Henderson and Charlotte Rowley, AHDB’s machinery and pest specialists respectively, will be guest starring as part of the discussion to answer any harvest, CSFB or aphid questions you might have before the summer period with harvest and cultivations and establishment.

Grab your own coffee and piece of cake (or bacon roll!) and join the conversation.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

Pre-harvest preparations

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

With harvest just around the corner it may be obvious to focus your attention on preparing the combine and grain store, but under current restrictions we will also be looking at the implications of COVID-19 on harvest preparations. This season has been challenging, so we will also explore the implications of the weather on harvest preparations.

During this webinar we will cover:

Pre-harvest preparations
Implications of Covid-19 on harvest staff training
Grain drying and export markets
Moisture meters
Grain storage

For more information on preparing for harvest our toolkit can be found here.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

Soil health and function in arable farming systems

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

Speakers: Rick Davies (Northampton Monitor Farm) & Jamie Stotzka (Frontier Agriculture)

This session will explore the elements of soil health and their connection and influence on soil function. Particular focus areas will include the influence of farming practice on soil health as well as biological systems and, in particular, the beneficial aspects and maintenance of balanced soil microbiomes.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

How to decide when to lower inputs

Thu, 14 May 2020 13:52:24 GMT

Interested in the movement towards farming systems that use the five principles of Regenerative Agriculture?

1. To increase diversity
2. Armour the soil surface
3. Minimise soil disturbance
4. Continuous living roots
5. Livestock integration

…then join us for this evening webinar session. The aim of the event is to disseminate information on soil and plant health by providing a platform for dialogue between you, our Strategic Farmers David Aglen and Brian Barker, and leading farmers in this field, Simon Cowell and Tim Parton. This session will promote discussion towards finding practical solutions to producing nutritionally dense food whilst increasing soil organic matter and carbon sequestration and ultimately reducing reliance on plant protection products.

To book onto this webinar, please click on the booking link above.

BASIS and NRoSO points will be available for attending these webinars. Registration of your details will be on the session.

All of the webinars are FREE to attend and resources free to download – funded by your levy.

Need more details or information? Please get in touch with Chris Leslie, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager - Chris.Leslie@ahdb.org.uk/07990 442 471

Recordings of previous AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds webinars can be found here.

What is a webinar? For more information, take a look at this video.

This webinar is part of Strategic Farm Week 2020. To find out more about other activities during the week and how to get involved, visit ahdb.org.uk/sfweek2020.