To encourage dialogue on pressing agronomic challenges, the 2017 AHDB Agronomists’ Conference promises to be the most interactive yet. 

Taking place on 5 to 6 December 2017 at Peterborough Arena, opportunities to discuss new ways of working will be provided and speakers will showcase how research is becoming more connected – from the lab to the field.

Tim Isaac, Head of Knowledge Exchange for AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds, said: “We all have a stake in the crop production business and want to see it thrive.

“It’s really important we work together to address common challenges and AHDB’s independent position allows us to create the perfect collaborative environment.”

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 Collaborative environment

Due to the shifting nature of plant protection product availability and efficacy, a key debate will be on how to protect chemistry.

Building on papers on fungicide efficacy against potato blight on day one, a session entitled ‘fungicide futures’ on day two will explore whether the UK needs to work better together to manage product efficacy.

The session will include perspectives presented by leading fungicide experts: Fiona Burnett, SRUC and chair of the UK Fungicide Resistance Action Group, Paul Gosling, AHDB, Jonathan Blake, ADAS, Keith Norman, Velcourt and Rosie Bryson, BASF. 

Delegates will also be asked to express their thoughts on the practical constraints behind deploying resistance management in the field.

Collaboration on soil health will also be in focus, with papers on the AHDB GREATsoilsrotations and soil health partnerships. Early results from these five-year initiatives will be released, alongside information on how the industry can get involved to maximise the impact of the work.

For the first time, the AHDB Farm Excellence Platform will also feature on the conference programme. With a focus on the value of on-farm trials in the wider trials’ landscape, presenters include the first AHDB strategic arable farmer, Brian Barker.

Other partnership topics include:

• Water: Hear how farmers are working with the environment to protect water access
• Biopesticides: Discover how AHDB Horticulture is exploiting biologically based agents to control plant pests
• Potato Cyst Nematodes: Learn about experiences with monitoring and control
•  Blackleg and soft rots: Find out how agronomists can help with the management of these diseases
• Brome: Get the results from our participative survey of UK brome
•  Recommended Lists: Have your say on the future of variety recommendation

To allow delegates to network and strengthen their partnerships with industry, the conference centre will remain open at the end of the first day for around one hour. People are encouraged to arrange meetings in advance and take advantage of a relaxed environment. Refreshments will be provided.

Pricing and booking information

One-day ticket = £45+VAT

Two-day ticket = £80+VAT

Ticket prices include lunch(es), refreshments and the conference papers.

AHDB also plans to livestream the event over YouTube. BASIS and NRoSO points have also been applied for.

To book a place or for further event information, visit: cereals.ahdb.org.uk/agconf or potatoes.ahdb.org.uk/agconf 

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