Innovative Farmers is hosting a dedicated day for agricultural innovation on Thursday 29th September 2016 between 10am – 4pm at Sheepdrove Farm, Lambourn. The ‘Farmer Innovation Day’ is a practical day packed with farmers and researchers speaking about the on-farm field labs they’ve been working on. The event will cover pioneering approaches to reduced tillage, herd health and weed control, as well as information about the funding and support which is available, and the policy support which is needed for agricultural research in the event of Brexit.
 

Liz Bowles, head of Farming at the Soil Association said; “more and more farmers are realising they need to find new techniques to protect their farm from the volatility of market prices and changing policies. This event is an opportunity to share practical information that will allow for improved farming techniques, solutions to current farming issues and introduce trialled methods for farming advancement”.

 
Speakers include Soil Farmer of the Year 2016, Clive Bailye, who will be talking about managing the transition to zero-tillage whilst improving soil health. Lynn Tatnell, Creeping thistle specialist, will be exploring non-chemical control of creeping thistle. Organic dairy farmer, Tim Downes will be discussing the benefits of trees on farms and Soil Association Scotland Agricultural Development Manager David Michie will discuss Managing rushes without chemicals.
 

Vince Gillingham, (Director of AgSpace Agriculture Ltd and AGRI-EPI) who will be discussing the UK Satellite Farms Network on the day, said; “this event provides a forum to share ideas on how new technologies combined with scientific research can directly benefit sustainable agricultural systems.”
 

There will also be a workshop to discuss how UK policy can support farming research in the event of Brexit.
 

Tickets cost £20 + vat for non-members of Innovative Farmers and £35 + vat for others. For more information including booking information, featured speakers and event programme visit the website here.