The Cereals Event and Direct Driller magazine will cohost a new event for farmers and agronomists in the summer of 2024. Taking place adjacent to the main Cereals Event on 11-12 June, DirectDriller@Cereals will tackle how regenerative farming can make large scale arable farms more commercially successful.  

Themed around regenerating farm profit, DirectDriller@Cereals will include a full conference programme featuring details on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship, alongside practical advice on elements of regenerative farming that can work on larger farms. This hands-on programme will be created and presented by the editorial team at Direct Driller Magazine.

"SFI is going to be a real step change in the growth of direct drilling and regenerative agriculture in the UK," says Clive Bailye, publisher of Direct Driller. "Additionally, the natural capital markets are probably as valuable, if not more valuable, than growing food. By engaging in regenerative farming, despite difficult years with poor weather and global prices, you can maintain a level of profitability to keep the farm business sustainable and continue to grow. The larger professional farms are the ones that stand to benefit most from this."

The conference programme will have a separate entrance ticket to Cereals, which will include VIP parking, hospitality, breakfast, lunch and a special demo viewing area.

Visitors will also be treated to a new and unique drilling and cover crop demonstration area part-sponsored by Aitchison Agri. "Aitchison Agri has supported Cereals for several years and we are really looking forward to the deep–dive into the regenerative subject matter that DirectDriller@Cereals will bring to the arable farming community," says MD Neil Ford. A wide range of companies, new and returning, will be showcasing the latest technologies and services around the demonstration area.

"For several years, Cereals' visitors have requested information on how regen can make sense within their farm budgets," says Alli McEntyre, Cereals Event director.  "We are so pleased to partner with the team at Direct Driller to provide a practical, cost-effective approach to what can often be seen as blue-sky thinking. We are sure visitors will take away a great deal of knowledge from this seminar and demonstration programme."

 

There are also wider benefits to networking with other farmers who are interested in similar subject areas, says Mr Bailye. "Regenerative farming is not black and white. Listening to different people will help you reach your own decisions on what's right for your farm."