Big names ‘flocking back’ to flagship Cereals event

Exhibitors are flocking back to the Cereals event, say organisers, who are putting the finishing touches to next month’s show.

Technology will be a key theme for this year’s flagship event, which takes place on 8-9 June at Chrishall Grange, near Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Exhibits will include new varieties in the cereal crop plots and latest agricultural drone developments.

Event director Alli McEntyre says: “There will be a wide range of technology and practical advice on offer that will help boost returns on visitors’ own farms. At a time of great change in the industry, staying ahead is increasingly important.”

Methane tractor

Big names set to return to the event include KWS, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer and Senova. Another returnee, New Holland plans to pack its stand with the latest technology including the first methane powered tractor.

“We have missed seeing our customers face to face during the pandemic years but this year blue and yellow are back and we’re excited to meet everyone in person again,” says marketing manager Mark Crosby.

There will be more than 30 new exhibitors at this year’s two-day event. They will include Nitrasol, Fisher German, Spreadwise and Limex. 

Senova will be back alongside the Just Oats stand, which covers the entire supply chain through companies like Morning Foods.

Drone applicator

“It could be the first year when people really come to shows again – last year was a bit half-and-half,” says Senova marketing manager Alison Barrow. “We are looking forward to seeing the crowds return.”

Agricultural drone company Crop Angel is exhibiting for the first time in its own right, with a new small 10 litre drone on display. There will also be a drone pellet applicator – suitable for sowing a cover crop in a standing crop of wheat, says director Chris Eglington.

The Civil Aviation Authority now permits the agricultural use of drones with a £9 licence. Spraying chemicals remains illegal but Mr Eglington says gaining permission is looking more promising than ever.

If spraying is allowed, drones could play a key role in allowing chemicals to be applied at the right timing – even though the ground may be too wet to travel, he adds.

New varieties

Crop breeding company LSPB is exhibiting for the first time. Many of its varieties – such as spring bean Lynx – are well-know among farmers. But LSPB itself is less well recognised, says product manager Michael Shuldham.

“It is an opportunity to showcase our varieties and talk to farmers directly. We have some crop plots with a wide range of varieties. We will have two clubroot resistant hybrid oilseed rape varieties and new varieties with phoma gene resistance.”

LSPB has a strong spring bean portfolio. There will also be a new LSPB spring wheat variety. Mr Shuldham says it is likely to prove popular with farmers who have blackgrass problems – or as a crop to follow sugar beet.

Getting there

When  8-9 June 2022

Where  Chrishall Grange, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, SG8 7NT

What  Situated on a working farm, Cereals aims is to equip farmers with the latest knowledge, ideas and technology to help them embrace the challenges and opportunities which will arise in the coming years.

Access and parking  There will be a forward parking area close to the visitor entrance for vehicles displaying the official blue disability badge. Please follow all ‘Cereals Visitor’ signage.

If you do not have an official blue disability badge, but have reduced mobility and need to park close to the entrance, please contact the Cereals Team in advance.

For full details and tickets  Visit
www.cerealsevent.co.uk.