Growers wanted for paid trials

The search is on for forward-thinking farmers to take part in trials exploring soil health, the potential of pulses and sustainable slug control.

The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) is inviting farmers to host and run trials on their individual farms. Participants will receive full back-up and support from BOFIN and other project partners – and be paid for their involvement.

Huge success

BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens said: “We’ve had a hugely successful year across three projects. We’re looking to build on this success in 2024-25 and welcome farmers wanting to help shape the future of our industry.”

Farmer-owned BOFIN works with scientists and researchers to secure a more sustainable future for agriculture. It is looking for participants for three Defra-funded projects :

• The Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) project. Participating farmers known as Pulse Pioneers compare the effects of pulse crops on soil health and subsequent crops.

• The Thriving Roots Underpin Total soil Health (TRUTH) project. Farmers known as Root Rangers are using soil testing tools – including a novel sensor – to inform their practices and evaluate new genetics and bioproducts.

• The Strategies Leading to Improved Management and Enhanced Resilience against Slugs (SLIMERS) project. Farmers known as Slug Sleuths are trialling ‘slug resistant’ wheat and new ways of combating slugs.

Farmer-led solutions

BOFIN member and Cambridgeshire farmer Rhys Jones is a Slug Sleuth and Root Ranger.

Mr Jones said it was important that growers were part of the conversation about the industry’s future.

“Being involved with agricultural trials helps us to look at new ways of doing things and means we can influence the direction we go in,” said Mr Jones.

Kent farmer and Slug Sleuth Andrew Barr said: “There’s so much we need to learn, and farming keeps changing and evolving. I’ve been frustrated in the past that academic trials were not targeted to what farmers really need solutions for.”

Results from previous academic trials had not always been well communicated to farmers, said Mr Barr. “That’s not the case if we do the on-farm trials that we think are necessary, in conjunction with the academics.”

For full details about the projects, please visit www.bofin.org.uk

Crowds enjoy bumper day at Arable event

Farmers and industry specialists took enjoyed a sunny dayout of learning, entertainment and socialising at the 2024 Arable Event.

As well as machinery demonstrations, crop trials and trade stands, guest speakers at the 10th anniversary event included Clarkson’s Farm star and Ceres Rural farm business consultant Charlie Ireland (pictured), who updated visitors on the latest industry developments.

Event manager Kelly Dolphin said: “Once again the attendance numbers surpassed previous years. The visitors turned out and the weather was kind.”

Seed trial plots included a full complement of new and conventional winter cereals, including a wide variety of winter cereals including wheat, barley, oats, hybrid rye and triticale.

Ms Dolphin said: “It couldn’t have gone better. One of the best things for me was seeing so many people just relaxing over a drink or bite to eat with friends.”

She added: “For  farmers, it is particularly important sometimes to just step away from the stresses and anxieties of your own farm bubble. It’s great so many have made the Arable Event a can’t-miss fixture in their busy calendars.”

The Arable Event is organised by Wynnstay and Grainlink and takes place at Woodlands Farm, part of Bradford Estates, on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border

Charlie Ireland