Brexit in the spotlight at farmers' event
Now in its fourth year, The Arable Event, organised by Wynnstay and GrainLink, will be held at Weston-under-Lizard on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border on June 21.
And with Brexit high on everyone's agenda, farmers will have the chance to quiz former Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, about the effects of the UK triggering Article 50.
It will feature key speakers, machinery manufacturers and dealers, a wide variety of trial plots, a moisture meter clinic and, for the first time, visitors are invited bring a soil sample along for a free PH test and recent soil sample results for an interpretation of nutrient requirements.
The free event attracted more than 1,200 farmers, contractors and other arable industry specialists from across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and beyond last year.
The 2016 Arable Event was held just the day before the EU referendum and saw lively discussion about the potential effects of such a decision on farming. Now delegates will have the chance to revisit the topic with Mr Paterson in light of the momentous result of the vote.
Other key panellists for 2017 will include Peter Fane, principal consultant of European policy consultants on agricultural and rural development, Eurinco, who has represented British agriculture in a number of roles at the European level, and Simon Ward, founder and MD of Increment Ltd and Inside Track, who has 30 years of experience in providing business and agronomy advice to farmers.
On the practical side, as well as machinery, there will be chance to look closely at extensive trial plots, including all of the important new winter wheats and winter barley varieties (and new hybrids).
Entry is free, as are refreshments, and both BASIS and NRoSO professional development points are available to attendees.
The Arable Event has proved to be a key forum for farmers in this region to get together and look at practical matters, such as crop varieties and machinery, but also to learn about and debate the bigger picture in a way that is focused on their sector.
Last year was extremely timely, with the EU referendum at the forefront of everyone’s minds. This time we have a year since that vote to reflect on and the unknowns for farming of the looming Brexit to examine. We look forward to another great event and encourage everyone who wants to be there to book soon.
Early bird bookings made by June 16 give fast-track entry on the day and the chance to win an iPad in a prize draw.
Tickets are available online now at http://www.thearableevent.co.uk
Kelly Dolphin, GrainLink
